Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The chamber fell quiet again after the Abyss Titan’s roar faded into the distance. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The golden lines running through the stone floor glowed softly, casting a steady warmth across the vast room. The carved dragon statues along the walls seemed almost alive now, their eyes reflecting the flickering light of Kael’s torch. It no longer felt like a place hidden underground. It felt like something waiting.

Ariana stood at the center of it all, her gaze fixed on the massive dragon before her. Vormerion. The first guardian of the Sovereign. Even thinking it didn’t feel real. A creature that could shake mountains had bowed to her, and every time she remembered it, her chest tightened with something she didn’t fully understand. Not pride. Not fear. Something heavier.

Kael moved slowly around the chamber, studying everything with careful attention before stopping beside her. “So,” he said, glancing between her and the throne, “you’re apparently royalty now.” Ariana gave him a flat look. “I don’t feel very royal.” “Give it time,” he replied lightly. “Maybe it comes with instructions.” She almost smiled, but it didn’t last.

Vormerion lowered his massive head, his glowing eyes settling on her. Your power is awakening, Sovereign. Ariana crossed her arms, grounding herself more than anything else. “I wish it had asked permission first.” Kael let out a quiet breath. “Yeah, that would’ve been polite.” The dragon ignored them both. The power inside you has been sleeping for centuries. Now it begins to return.

Ariana shifted slightly. “Return from where p>

From your bloodline.

The golden lines beneath her feet brightened faintly, as if responding to his words. Every Sovereign carried the power of restoration. The power to heal the world when balance was broken. Ariana frowned. “The council said the Fifth Blood was dangerous.” Kael leaned against a pillar. “They also said killing you was a good idea.” Ariana exhaled. “Fair point p>

The dragon’s voice deepened. They feared what they could not control. So they erased the Sovereign from history. Ariana looked down at her hands. A faint golden glow flickered beneath her skin, soft but steady. “So now what p>

Now you learn.

Kael straightened immediately. “Finally p>

Not you, Storm Wolf.

Kael blinked. “Wow. That hurts p>

Ariana let out a small breath that almost became a laugh.

The golden lines across the floor flared suddenly, energy flowing through the chamber like quiet lightning. Ariana felt it instantly. Warm. Steady. Alive. It didn’t push against her. It moved toward her, as if it had been waiting. Her heartbeat quickened. “What is that p>

The sanctuary, Vormerion said. This place was built to strengthen the Sovereign.

Kael glanced around. “So… a training room p>

Yes.

Ariana took a slow breath. “Alright. How do we start p>

Close your eyes.

She hesitated for only a second before doing it. The moment she did, the world shifted. The air filled with something warm and golden, moving around her like a current. It brushed against her senses gently, not overwhelming, just… present.

“Do you feel it p>

“Yes,” she whispered.

That is your power.

“It doesn’t feel like mine p>

It is responding to you.

She raised her hands slowly. The energy drifted closer, brushing against her fingers like sunlight. It felt strange, unfamiliar, but not wrong.

“Guide it,” Vormerion said. “Do not force it p>

Ariana swallowed. Her mind went to the battlefield above. The dragons. The ones still fighting. The ones falling. Her chest tightened. “I want to protect them p>

The energy surged instantly.

Golden light burst outward, stronger and faster, filling the chamber. Kael took a step back, eyes narrowing. “Okay… that’s new p>

“Release it,” Vormerion instructed.

Ariana opened her eyes, and the power responded. A wave of light spread across the chamber, then pulled inward, shaping itself into something solid. A dome formed around her, glowing and steady, pulsing like a heartbeat.

Kael stared at it, clearly impressed. “Alright… that’s actually insane p>

Ariana looked around, breath unsteady. “Did I do that p>

The Sovereign Shield, Vormerion said. It protects. It strengthens those who stand with you.

Kael tapped the barrier lightly, his hand bouncing back. “Yeah. Definitely real p>

The shield faded slowly, the light sinking back into the floor. Ariana exhaled, her body relaxing slightly, but not completely. Because beneath the calm, something else remained. A pull. A weight. Responsibility.

“You learn quickly,” Vormerion said.

Kael crossed his arms. “So what’s lesson two p>

The dragon’s gaze lifted toward the ceiling. Toward the war. Healing.

Ariana’s chest tightened. “The dragons p>

The Royal Legion is dying above this mountain.

Her hands clenched immediately. She could still hear it. The distant roar of battle. The sound of something breaking. “I want to help them p>

Kael nodded. “Then we will p>

Soon, Vormerion said. When the moment is right.

Then everything shifted.

The warmth in the chamber flickered.

A cold presence slipped into the air, quiet but unmistakable.

Kael turned instantly toward the tunnel, his posture changing completely. “Yeah… I feel that p>

Vormerion’s voice lowered. The Abyss has sent hunters.

Ariana’s stomach dropped. “They found us already p>

They are searching for the Sovereign.

Kael stepped forward, rolling his shoulders, tension settling into him like armor. “Then I guess my training starts too p>

The sanctuary will protect her, Vormerion said. But the battle is coming.

Kael’s eyes flashed. “Good.” His voice lowered slightly. “I was getting tired of waiting p>

Far above the mountain, the Abyss Titan roared again.

This time, it didn’t sound distant. It sounded close. And it was coming.