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Emperor's Shadow: Chapter 31

The time of victory was at paw Tiamat thought as he held firm against the clouded sky. Sunlight that caught him dulled as he surveyed the land below him, snow white and ripe for the taking. It was untamed, and he could already picture it when dragons would fly over it, knowing all below their wings was theirs. Eons of planning and scheming had led to this moment of triumph, things were almost as he'd envisioned, but nothing too alarming had come to his attention, yet why did his heart race?

He rubbed the gold scales of his chest, a phantom pain radiating from within, he'd laughably attributed it to nervousness, but now he was not so certain. No matter how he moved, stretched, or had healing magic applied, it remained, an emptiness, a chasm in which he could not ignore. Every step, each beat of his wings, he felt as though he were a shadow of himself. Like he was slowly untethering to the heavens. It made a nervous twitch go about his tail, most unbefitting of a demigod.

"But what could it have been?" He glared daggers to the countryside below, seeing the speck that was Struport in the distance. The place where it would all be sorted, his future he'd planned for achieved.

"Emperor, you requested my presence?" One of the sapphire guardians named William said, kneeling at the green dragon's paws. "The vessel makes good time, even with its increased speed. It is a marvel of no equal."

"Well of course it is, it is befitting of one of my station. The time it was built, we dragons ruled the world my good human with a firm claw. Which I envy you, for today you get to see the birth of the future, restore order to the chaos that has been wrought in our absence." He padded around the man, "Tell me, have you found your queen?" His eyes closed as he focused upon the feisty half-elf woman, sensing the rapidness of her heart, the unease in her gut, the careful steps as she traversed _his_halls, she was moving, but where?

"Not yet, at least not since you informed us of her presence. She is quite skilled you know my greatness. Is she a threat?"

He growled, shaking his head, "Her presence is little more than annoyance and a blessing, she won't be able to stop us if that is her goal, and she brought herself wrapped and packaged to my domain. If she wishes to delay our meeting with a game of predator and prey so be it, there will be plenty of time to indulge her after we announce ourselves to Struport."

"What pray tell will you do with Lady Lynalla?"

There was a hint of concern within those words, none that would turn him against the dragon to be sure, but Tiamat sighed, "Fear not my little monkey, your queen will not come to any harm. I wish to see her safely restored to my side, my beloved consort in which the future will be sown. She is a wild horse that has far too much spirit, it is time for me to tighten up and apply a firm paw."

"I will instruct the men to keep looking, but she was always quite skilled in slipping away from her parents."

"I already wish to possess her human; you need not increase her worth further."

"And what of the Benevolent Scholar?"

"What about him?" Sighed Tiamat as the knight shifted, uncomfortable by the sound, no doubt concern for his precious life taking hold.

"He has not returned to his quarters. It looks as though you were right, he was brought to her side."

"Of course, he would, my grandson has quite the eye for forceful partners. Lyndis' spirit to never give up will be mirrored in his own, don't fault him for it, she has quite the way with words upon poor dragon's ears."

"And you don't have any concern that they could... stop you?"

"How could they?" He snapped with a growl, looming over the knight ever so desperately trying to not tremble within his presence, "Know this William, our moment of triumph is at paw, their nuisance is but a footnote upon this day."

"Understood."

"Besides." Scoffed the green dragon, "What can a mere human and two dragons do to this structure, I think you vastly overestimate their chances."

"And is there anything else you require?"

"No, go and tell my servants what is required. Remind them that if a hair on her head is harmed that their lives will be forfeited. Do you understand?" He punctuated the last bit with a snarl, inches from the human's nose.

William gulped, not lifting his head, "Understood."

"Then run along." He rose, waving a wing, casting away his gaze as he counted the quickened paces of his human servant off to deliver the message.

Good, the pieces were falling into place after all these years. It would appear as though things were not _exactly_as he had foreseen, but that didn't appear to matter. Lyndis and her group were where he said they would be, same as his grandson and this scheme of theirs. He took a deep breath, confident that by the days end they would be his, victory would be achieved. He padded his way across the courtyard to take in the form of Struport as they crested over the surrounding mountains.

The fields were adorned with the signs of battle. Broken bodies were piled high and being burned, ferried by endless carts pulled by humanoids below. Weapons winked in the light, shattered and devoid of their owners hands, they were scattered around discarded armor, corpses, leaving the land a wounded graveyard. Walls that years before had been constructed with expert skill and grace were hewn apart and broken, spread across the ground like garbage.

It was expected of course, a place ravaged by the horrors of war, with him flying in to bring them into the future. It was fitting in its own way, he, an angel meant to lift them up. He pictured all their diminutive faces captivated by the approaching castle, waiting to know what just might be planned for them. The dragon rumbled, catching sight of the scores of humans, elves, wolven, and even Siigonis among the huddled masses below, it would seem his chosen consort had gone about expertly assembling this force. He couldn't wait until that skill was put to use for him instead.

Here it was, the moment he'd been waiting for. Sure, he could just order his facility to fire, encompass them in the blinding, golden light that would rob them of their sense of self. No, he had to contact the foolish pawns of his mother, let them know that it was _he_that had bested them. Tiamat raised paw and began weaving his spell, a smirk about his lips. He thought of Arcturus, that wretched man, a slayer of dragons yet chosen by his misguided mother. With the final word of power, he was no longer on the uniter itself, but his sense projected out to the city below.

There was only a moment of gathering motes of light to announce his arrival, where a translucent copy of himself appeared out of thin air. People around yelled in alarm, jumped in surprise, but not Arcturus or his crimson mate, no, they smiled and greeted him with kind, warmth filled eyes. They were within the confines of that Fremra's keep, a celebration being had, Tiamat smirked, oh turning their victory on it's head was going to be ever so sweet.

"Oh look, finally you show up, after all the fun is had." Veledar chuckled, "Nice vessel you have, I imagine the Lumarians didn't just hand it to you?"

"Not quite." He replied with a grin, "It took some convincing, but by the end they were dying to see it given to my paws."

"Unfortunately, you missed all the excitement." Arcturus smiled, leaning upon the crimson dragon's flank, "Though you're welcome to share in the revelry, I don't think there are any rules against it."

"Long as you don't mind everyone speaking of my...our exploits." Veledar rolled a paw to his chest, holding his head high. "How the mighty Crimson Sky and his Paladin mate held the line against such grotesque foes. How they, with fire and steel brought order and hope to all who beheld them." He grinned, "I hope you're not too jealous at having to play diplomat and getting a giant rock."

"I assure you; our adventure was equally as exciting." He searched the area around him, despite him knowing that his son was supposed to lose, he was certain the city and its people were supposed to be more damaged, structures in ruin, again his vision differed. "We will have to have at one another to see which is the stronger."

Veledar growled playfully in his throat, "Name the time and place, lets see if being pampered at Lyndis' home made you go soft."

"Speaking of, where is she?" Arcturus asked, "It feels like forever since we've spoke."

Tiamat gave a wicked grin, "She's close, tending to her affairs. Don't you worry, you'll be seeing her soon enough."

"I see, he doesn't want her praising us in front of him." Veledar nudged at his love, "He knows he can't compare to what we've achieved."

"And what pray tell have you achieved?"

"That dragon of legend, that Dreadflame that led these undead? We killed him."

Oh, this was going to be delicious, his tail twitched with excitement. Even the chasm in his senses was forgotten. "Is that so? Are you so certain?"

"That I am." Veledar rumbled proudly, folding a wing around his mate, "Arcturus, my Umraadi made sure of that."

"Is this true?" He gave a wicked grin, "Surely you mean he was returned to his draconic orb, just like the first time...after he killed your family?"

The knight shook his head, "No, the beast is finally gone, put to rest. He will never darken the doorstep of me or anyone else again." His eyes steeled.

"And how do you suppose you could do that?" Scoffed the green dragon.

"Well, that is a story that's more befitting over a meal." Veledar cut him off with a proud growl, "It's a tale of magic, draconic powers, and Dreadflame's wretched screams echoing through the halls as his final end was brought about." He grinned, "And makes my Umraadi, one of the most valuable treasures in my hoard."

"You're exaggerating." Tiamat said with a growl.

"What's the matter Cordenth, jealous?"

"I tire of your lies Veledar, there is no way that you and your monkey could have killed Dreadflame."

"But that we did." He gestured to Arcturus, "He brought Bahamut to burn his soul away with glorious white-hot flames. Now this Emperor if he wants to reform can never, for he will be incomplete."

His heart skipped a beat, that was it wasn't it? This unnatural feeling in his chest, of being empty. He closed his eyes, still not quite buying this story. He let his mind drift to sense the other shards of him, he could always do that. Linneth, Ossai and the one hidden down below in the city vaults, their presence was like little beacons of light in a sea of darkness. Only three? He grit his teeth, trying to force the last to appear, but to no avail. Dreadflame was gone.

"He's envious." Veledar rumbled, "Cordenth it's okay, I'm sure Lyndis will do legendary things as well. You don't have to be sour about it."

"Describe it." He hissed, eyes locked upon Arcturus, staring daggers straight through him. As the man recounted the golden light and the eye as the ghostly form of his son was obliterated, it appeared as though they were telling the truth. He would never be whole again.

"I couldn't believe it myself, but it appears to be true." Arcturus rubbed the back of his neck, "I actually can't walk at the moment, my body still thinks it's a dragon!"

"But we'll him back into that form soon enough." Rumbled Veledar, nuzzling at his side.

Their affection made him sick, made his blood boil. Here they were, celebrating their victory as if they had achieved something grand. How could this be, he had seen everything, planned through the time stream to manipulate his favored outcome. It was impossible, every other time he had been correct in his decisions, how was it possible that things could turn out so wrong? As the pair laughed and rubbed noses, Tiamat caught sight of something that turned his blood to ice. He found a blue robed old man, helping out two kobolds and a minotaur hand out food.

"Florimel." He whispered with a snarl as the bearded man turned, waving towards him with a twinkle in his eye.

Of course, it all made sense, the storyteller had helped manipulate these events. He growled, deep and terrible as clarity took shape within his mind. True that this was not how he'd envisioned things, but he still had the uniter and was on the cusp of victory. Florimel was here true, but he had no reason to fear him, if the old mage wanted to kill him, he'd already have been so.

"Cordenth? Is something wrong on your end?" Asked Arcturus, but he was met with a cruel, icy glare.

There was no use keeping up this charade, the game was over. "I am not Cordenth Arcturus, chosen fool of my mother. You stand before the Emperor of dragonkind, the rightful ruler of this world and your race."

"You look exactly like Cordenth." Veledar snapped his jaws. "Now is not the time for jokes."

"There is no joke, whelp. I will_bring our people back to their rightful place, correct the wrongs that have plagued dragons for eons until now. No more resisting or squirming, the time _is_at paw. We will have _peace, stability, and the order that we have been missing."

"Emperor?" Arcturus grit his teeth, eyes steeled, "I've read of you. I don't know what you hope to achieve, but you've lost. Your son is obliterated, you'll never be whole. Whatever future you hope to build will die, people will resist you, they'll slip through your paws like sand."

"You think I need all of myself to rule?" Tiamat growled, "You sit in your chaotic squaller and think it well. Know this human, this world must be tamed, set right to the _correct_order of things. Now it reeks of cruelty and malice, wretchedness that must be burned away."

"I'd watch whose speaking you oversized candle." Veledar snarled, "Mortals deserve our respect, no matter how small, weak, or lesser they might seem to our kind. It is you who are misguided if you can't see that. All that you will do is set us back, back to when we were hated, justify every story they use to gather arms against us." Veledar lashed his tail, "Dragons like you need to be forgotten, put to dust, mocked into oblivion."

"As a friend of mine would say, get mounted." Arcturus said, standing firm. "Now give us back Cordenth before we make you."

Such insolence and confidence within those two, Tiamat may have even complimented them if not for the fire in his veins. He held his head high, issuing a threatening snort. "A good heroic speech, but I've heard them so wearily often in my time that they'd lost their excitement. It is you two that are deluded, for you have achieved nothing. When I activate my uniter, what strength you have gathered against me will be turned, all mortals below bowing at my paws. Even you will call me master before the days end."

"That will be the day." Veledar scoffed, a hint of fear in his voice as frills pinned to his snout.

"Farewell my mother's pawns, relish your last few minutes of free will. Know that it was I that beat you." He gave the scowling pair a delighted, wicked grin, "I can't wait to hear you two call me master."

*** * * * * * * * *

The moment he ended the spell he whirled around, his tail catching a poor unfortunate soul and hurling him off the side. It didn't matter about the Storyteller he told himself, his victory would assure, there was nothing else left to do. He made his way to the control room without another word, keeping the raging fire within him that threatened to boil over in check.

He entered the rune-filled room, where the crystal that held him dwelled. His paws caressed it as he began speaking the words of power, ancient ones, deep and guttural, meant to empower his unstoppable will. It allowed him to twist the minds of lesser creatures to his will, instill upon them the fact of his greatness, that they should drop to their knees before his paws. It was this that he was seeking to unleash upon Struport and it's pitiful defenders, let their strength be his by the time this day was done, even with the supposed death of his shard, it mattered not, he was inevitable.

The dragon rumbled in his throat as he finished the incantation, mechanisms flaring to life in a series of deep thumps and grinding gears. His will would be made manifest thanks to this ancient machine, amplified to untold heights that would capture the city below and the surrounding countryside. Even if his mother's champion and that smart mouthed red dragon wished to flee, it would be too late, soon they would be bowing their heads out of respect for their greater, him. The beast closed his eyes and counted down the moments, it would not be long now.

Around the controls he strut, pride flowing in his chest. He'd managed to defeat his mother for the final time and stop whatever underhanded scheme that Storyteller had plotted. There would be more plotting to do after this troublesome day was done, correcting his mangled vision. It might take more effort than he'd imagined, but it would be had, he had the mind and drive to accomplish it. Besides, it wasn't like anyone could truly stand against him, any force sent against him would swiftly become his. He almost missed the construct approaching from down the hall, Lyndis right at its side.

She was clad in emerald armor with black scales, almost a perfect match to be his champion, like it was fate. Weapons of hers were still at her side, helmet underneath her arms, a look of confidence about her features, unphased by the towering dragon before her. It was tantalizing, invigorating, he knew why he adored her, that brash, free spirit that sang the song of dragon kind. There it was glaring him down, eyes sharp as his many claws. She was perfect.

"Lyndis, how marvelous of you to come. Couldn't sit by and deny yourself a front row seat as Struport is brought under our fold? Might I compliment your attire my dear, it tickles my fancy all the way to my paws. You always had a sharp mind for this, playing your opponent's weaknesses against them, and I must say you look positively radiant, delightful, magnificent as ever."

** * * * * * * * *

With unwavering confidence, he stood above her, his scaled brow untouched by even a whisper of doubt. Lyndis controlled her breath, catching a mere glimpse of the dragon she adored. His voice, unmistakable; his features, dangerously near--she was shaken to her core. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not here for that. I'm here for the dragon that I love."

Tiamat let out a chuckle, a deep rumble reverberating through his chest as he playfully rolled a paw over his heart. "Me?" he exclaimed; his voice laced with amusement. "Last time I checked, I was hardly in need of salvation, my dear. However, I must admit, it warms my heart to know that you harbor such affection for me."

"Not you, but the dragon you took, Cordenth," she declared, her voice firm and resolute. With a stolen energy crossbow in hand, she swiftly fired a bolt into the construct's back, causing it to collapse to the ground with a resounding clang. Standing defiantly over its broken form, she remarked, "I can't believe that trick worked again. Your security measures truly need improvement, Your Majesty."

The beast grinned, a wicked smile spreading across its face, as it dismissed her attempts to find cover. "Once you're mine," it declared, "you will mold them in such a way."

Why wasn't he attacking, did he not consider her a threat? The rogue slipped closer, muscles tensed and poised to get out of dodge, just in case this wasn't a welcoming affair. "Cordenth, I know you're in there," she called out, her voice a mixture of determination and longing. "It's time to come out and return home."

"Cordenth, have you come to save him?" The dragon chortled at the idea, "Lyyreth had the same notion, but he was swiftly corrected. And am I to understand that you are the reason for his absence?"

"You could say that" she replied, rolling closer while hidden under an invisibility spell. How many chances would she give him before drawing the arrow and ending his existence?

"Do you know where he is? I assume he has left?" Tiamat inquired.

"Far away to do dragonny things with the misses."

Tiamat huffed dismissively. "How touching that you chose to stay behind instead of accompanying them. Your loyalty to your dragon is truly commendable." He strutted away, casting a glance back at her precise hiding spot. "I hope you maintain the same dedication in the times to come."

Was he able to see her? Her heart skipped a beat as she moved closer, her eyes fixed on the dragon who lovingly caressed the control panel as if it were a cherished lover.

"If you've come solely for Cordenth, Lyndis, you've wasted your time. He is not here," the dragon remarked with a hint of deception.

"Nice try, but I can sense his presence. I know he's here," she retorted.

"The connection between us, the tether? I'm aware of it too," the dragon grinned, his tone sly. "Everything that was once his, my dear, now belongs to me, including his affection for you."

"Like hell I'm yours, last time I checked, you were not him."

"Now, which one of us is lying? I felt the pain behind your words, Lyndis. While I may not be him, I'm willing to get to know you, to give us a chance. Otherwise, why would you be here, still alive? I could eliminate you at any moment," the dragon boasted.

She could see it, his careful gaze never leaving her, even amidst his grandiose posturing. Invisibility was futile.

"That's right, my dear. I see your contemplation, the gears turning in your mind, deciding your next move," he taunted, swishing a paw to dispel her spell. "While you're here, I hope you're not attempting to stop me. You're far too late."

Too late?" Her heart skipped a beat as her blood turned to ice.

"Yes... that's fear, Lyndis," Tiamat taunted, relishing her distress. "I have already cast a spell to gather all your insignificant friends to my side. Why do you persist in fighting me? Denying me this? By the end of this day, you will be the sole one left who resents me."

"Cordenth, come out now! We don't have much time!" Lyndis called out urgently, tightly gripping the black arrow that seemed to whisper its purpose to her.

"Guards... it appears my future consort is feeling a bit shy. I would appreciate it if you could bring her to me," Tiamat commanded, sitting back on his haunches, rolling a paw playfully. "Oh, and if any of you dare to harm her, I will ensure your deaths are slow and excruciatingly painful."

"Wonderful, you still care." Lyndis spat, drawing her electric blade with a hiss and crackle.

Ears twitching, Lyndis detected the sound of claws clacking against the floor, just in time for her to adjust her position. She allowed her red-furred wolven assailant to sail past her, the female letting out a surprised yelp as Lyndis continued unfazed. Another man approached with a raised sword, prepared to fight to the bitter end. With a swift slash, Lyndis disarmed him, effortlessly dancing around the knight as if he were a novice. She sliced through the leathers that held his armor together, causing it to clatter to the ground. In his desperation, he attempted to tackle her, but she sidestepped and delivered a powerful blow between his legs with her boot.

"Is that all you've got?" Lyndis whirled around, facing her adversary while the dragon observed her with a hint of amusement.

"Hardly," mused Tiamat. "Do you require more to test your skills against?" He gestured toward the hall with his wings, prompting a multitude of additional guardians to emerge. The dragon chuckled, his tail thumping against the floor. "I was expecting you, after all."

Lyndis swiftly found herself on the defensive, her once loyal guardians attacking her with the mastery of the blade, they were renowned for. Each one wore an empathetic expression, torn between their allegiance to her and the amused master seated behind them. Some urged her to surrender her weapons, while others cautiously approached, warning her of the consequences. She ignored them all, whispering an apology under her breath.

As they closed in on her, she responded with lightning-fast strikes, disarming the first few adversaries. Others were sent tumbling with agile footwork, and she skillfully redirected attacks with clever and acrobatic maneuvers above their heads. Like a fluid dancer, she moved effortlessly, blinding, stunning, or keeping her assailants off balance. Amid the clash of steel, she was a whirlwind of determination.

"Get her!" Shouted a guardian as he was sent tumbling back, helmet pulled over his eyes.

"She's too slippery! Don't let her climb over you!" another voice echoed as Lyndis slid smoothly through a man's legs, incapacitating him with a swift upward kick.

Using a magical hand, she slammed adversaries against each other, lulled some to sleep with a seductive kiss, and became increasingly creative in her dispatching of the guardians one by one. She jabbed throats, struck between legs, and even tightly bound one with a tangle of rope.

Throughout the chaos, Lyndis maintained her focus on the dragon, who remained motionless, his attention fixed solely on her. Perfect, she thought, keeping him engrossed here while Infinity and Lyyreth carried out their unseen plan. She continued her intricate dance, her determination unwavering, though she clenched her teeth in pain as the first guardian managed to draw blood. Knocked to the ground, she quickly rose, refusing to be deterred. In a swift retaliation, the responsible guardian found themselves hurtling toward the wall, impaled upon a lance crafted from pure bone.

"I warned you," Tiamat snarled, his eyes fixated on the groaning man whose body began to be consumed by the very object that impaled him. "Now you shall become a permanent addition to that wall."

"Such concern, it's almost touching!" Lyndis growled with frustration, effortlessly slipping past the defenses of one guardian and using their own momentum to send them crashing into another, the resulting collision echoing with a resounding clang as they collapsed in a jumbled heap.

"I'm not unreasonable Lyndis, this _isn't_a fight for your life." Tiamat spoke with pride, whistling as the rogue avoided the sword slash of one of his minions, leaving another to take it for her.

"Cordenth, I need you to wake up!"

Tiamat sighed, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "You still don't understand, Lyndis. He never truly existed; he was merely an extension of myself."

"You're wrong! I can feel him through the connection we formed! Now, get out of my way!" Lyndis slipped through the grasp of a woman who had grabbed her from behind, her resolve unyielding. She knew the woman had no choice, but that didn't stop her from delivering a sharp strike to her nose, breaking it.

"There is no separate entity to feel, Lyndis... Let me try to explain. The connection you now possess is with me. I can sense your adrenaline, your fear, your despair, and the pride that sets you apart from others."

"I formed that connection with Cordenth!" Lyndis retorted, momentarily splitting into three copies of herself to confound the guardians and slip away once more.

Tiamat sighed as Lyndis forcefully collided three guardians into each other with a magical shove from a translucent hand. "I'm sorry, my dear. I understand the pain of losing someone special. But I assure you, everything you liked about Cordenth lives within me. Just look, and I promise you'll find happiness in time."

She refused to be swayed by his honeyed lies intended to defeat her; she would never let go. "Come on, Cordenth, don't you remember our date by the lake, the romantic glow of the water? Or how you sang, albeit to a different lady, but remember that feeling! I know you're in there!"

With a resounding crack, the final guardian fell, tightly bound by the rogue's ropes. Lyndis was sweating, panting from exertion. It had been a challenging battle, and she had managed to avoid causing any fatalities. Their bruised egos and wounded pride would be their only scars. Normally, such an accomplishment would have filled her with satisfaction, but Tiamat's pleased cooing at her efforts dampened her triumph.

"What a display of skill, my dear," Tiamat praised, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Your acrobatics, magical abilities, underhanded tricks, and chaotic nature proved more than a match for your people's finest warriors. It reinforces my belief that you possess the perfect traits to be my consort. Your determination, drive, and loyalty are undeniably alluring." He glanced at the groaning guardians with a pleased grin. "And not a single casualty... Your respect for life is commendable."

""You share that respect too; you just need to discard the golden facade suffocating you," the queen panted.

Tiamat huffed, rising to all fours. "I cherish your dedication, loyalty, and unwavering spirit. You cannot be tamed, striking when you see fit--a reflection of dragonkind itself." Confidence exuded from every stride as he advanced, his pawfalls resonating with authority. "I will do my best to fill the void left by your loss, but I know that I can never truly replace him. I promise, together, we will bring stability and order to this realm unlike anything it has seen in centuries."

This was the moment, the culmination of everything. Lyndis's heart raced, clinging to a glimmer of hope that Cordenth would somehow come back to her. But instinct took over, and in the blink of an eye, she drew her bow and knocked the black arrow, aiming directly at the dragon's scaled chest. "Hold on," she growled, determination etched into her gaze. "Last chance." Tears welled up in her eyes, her heart aching. "Give me Cordenth back, or I'll bring both of you down."

The mighty beast paused; his eyes gleaming with amusement rather than fear at the sight of her weapon. He cooed and flexed his wings, a smug smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, there it is! That unwavering dedication! To stand your ground against the greatest dragon that has ever lived, all in misguided loyalty to another!" He puffed out his chest, deliberately offering her an unobstructed shot. "Go ahead, my dear. Take your shot. You've earned it. But I implore you to reconsider. Think about all the time we've shared, the nights I held you, whispering my affections. Those moments can still be yours."

"Those were Cordenth," she snarled, tears streaming down her face.

"And yet, all those memories are mine," he replied softly, his frills flaring. "As real to me as they are to you."

Her hands trembled under the weight of those truths, memories of those endearing moments flooding her mind. It was his tactic, to play on her emotions, to exploit her own strength against her. A pang of pain throbbed in her chest, causing her arms to shake as she held the arrow. All she had to do was release it, to extinguish any chance of Cordenth's return.

"Well?" Tiamat chuckled, taking a step forward. "Aren't you going to seek vengeance upon me for the loss of your beloved? Or have you come to realize that we belong together, dragon and bond, destined to restore this world to its intended state?"

Would she do it? Could she? Lyndis's gaze dropped, realizing that saying it and actually following through were two vastly different things. The sight of that handsome snout, the one that had captured her heart, staring back at her--it was too much. She couldn't do it, not like this. She let her weapons fall to her side, the bow clattering to the ground. "I can't."

"Delightful, my dear," cooed the green beast. "You've made the right choice, the one I knew you were wise enough to make." He approached with a confident swagger, the danger dissipating as his tail flicked in amusement. "Forgive me for relishing in my victory, but I can't help it. You have no idea how glorious this makes me feel. The storyteller attempted to thwart me, and yet, here we are, all the same." He closed his eyes, emitting a soft, satisfied warble from his throat. " With you by my side, everything will fall into place. Peace and stability will be achieved. There will be no more wars among your kind, no more suffering."

"Will I have the chance to avenge my father against those who took him from me?" she asked, her voice filled with determination.

"Of course," he replied with a grin, lowering his snout. "From the one who gave the order to the one who carried it out."

"Excellent," she sniffed, letting the dragon's chuff wash over her.

"In the days ahead, you will lack nothing. The hardships that brought you here are over. I understand that the pain of losing Cordenth will linger, but I am patient. I believe it will fade in time."

Tears welled up in her eyes as the confident beast approached, bearing a striking resemblance to Cordenth. He even smelled like him. Staring into those eyes was torturous, a dagger straight to her soul. Her trembling lip betrayed her attempt to hold it all together.

"It's alright, my dear. I'll be there for you, a shoulder to cry on. I take it you have chosen to stand by my side?"

The dam broke, and the queen burst into tears. They streamed down her cheeks. This was the moment she had dreaded, all brought about by her own hands.

"There, there, it's alright," rumbled Tiamat, nuzzling Lyndis' side with the tenderness one would expect from a future consort. "It will all pass with time."

She caressed his snout, feeling the pebbly scales of his nose. Lyndis was overwhelmed, sobbing uncontrollably, and trembling madly as she kissed the beast on the lips.

That surprised him. "Oh, Lyndis, I didn't expect this so soon, though not unwelcome, mind you." His eyes closed with a pleased expression, emitting a deep rumble from his throat, oblivious to what would come next.

Lyndis thrust the black arrow straight through his lower jaw, piercing scales and flesh. "I had only one love, and it sure as hell wasn't you," she snarled as the dragon recoiled with a pained hiss, the wound causing scales to blacken and die. Her eyes turned cold and unmerciful as time seemed to slow. She would watch, taking twisted pleasure in witnessing the wretched monster that had taken Cordenth from her burn. It was bitter solace, but it would have to suffice. "Give my regards to Hades; I hear he despises dragons."

"You wretched witch!" snarled Tiamat, his voice hoarse and strained. "Die!" With a sudden motion, he opened his maw and unleashed a plume of noxious, pea-green death. The queen stood helpless, unable to dodge the onslaught, and in an instant, she was completely engulfed.

Closing her eyes, she resigned herself to the grim fate that had befallen her. She listened to the beast sputter and choke, not even attempting to hold her breath, for she remembered Arcturus warning her that the poison would penetrate her flesh regardless. Sinking to her knees, her lungs filled with the toxic gas, she braced herself for the impending pain. Yet, in her sacrifice, she took solace in knowing that she had also vanquished the villain, saved the kingdom and securing a happy life for Infinity and Lyyreth. As she collapsed onto the floor, ignoring the pain shooting through her knees, she became lost in the cherished memories of Cordenth's loving embrace, the joy he brought with his laughter and smiles. Memories of chasing rabbits and rolling through fields consumed her thoughts, determined to make her final moments merry. "Farewell, Cordenth," she whimpered, uncertain of what awaited her in death, but holding onto the hope that they would be reunited, if the gods allowed.

"Pity... I rather liked her," hissed Tiamat from beyond the cloud of poison. "But thus passes Lyndis of Drenedar. Too stubborn to choose the right path. Time will remember you as a prime example of foolishness." His voice was filled with ragged pain, as if he could barely maintain his composure.

As she took her next breath, a putrid stench filled the air, reminiscent of a corpse decaying under the scorching sun. Despite that, the queen found herself unharmed. She blinked in disbelief, wondering where the pain was--the sensation of choking, the internal ruptures. While Tiamat continued boasting about his greatness, she pinched herself to confirm that she wasn't trapped in a dream. No, this was undeniably real. Against all logical explanations, she had somehow survived unscathed. Breathing in the toxic fumes, she pinched herself once more, questioning if this could be some kind of trick.

By the sounds of his prattling on, it didn't appear to be a trick. How was she alive? It boggled the mind as she stood, dusting herself off. Had the leather armor that Ossai given her offered it's own form of protection? Or was it something far more intimate? She could sense the despair pulsating within her chest, likely stemming from the bond she shared. If she lingered on it, the overwhelming sadness threatened to bring her to her knees.

Why would Tiamat be saddened by her death? By the sound of his voice, albeit pained, he was happy with such events. Unless...This sensation came from Cordenth buried within, desperately trying to claw his way free?

"Guess you suck at killing people mate!" Lyndis emerged from the toxic cloud, locking eyes with the weakened dragon before her.

Tiamat was hunched over, dark lines snaking across his snout like tiny rivers. His golden eyes were bloodshot, and his trembling limbs fought against the spreading infection, weaving a protective spell across his scales. "So, you've enchanted your armor," he wheezed. "Managed to withstand my breath. No matter, I'll find another way to finish you off."

Arms to her side, she mocked the weakened beast, doubting he had the energy left in him. "Look at you, lingering on like a decrepit old fool, unaware you're about to be bested." She thrust a finger at his scales, a great big smirk upon her lips, "Cordenth is in there you oversized jerk, keeping me alive, you can stop your lying tongue."

Exasperated, the beast rolled his eyes and released a frustrated sigh. "If that's the delusion you choose to cling to before meeting your end, so be it, Lyndis. Fare--" Suddenly, the dragon's colossal form crumpled to the ground, accompanied by a resounding grunt of agony. His razor-sharp claws thrashed through the air in erratic motions, powerful muscles convulsed uncontrollably, and his tail slammed against the wall with such force that it shattered the stone upon impact. Tiamat snapped at empty space, his pain evident in his hissing and snarling. Undoubtedly, Cordenth had resurfaced.

"You deserve every bit of it, you bastard!" Lyndis narrowly evaded the incoming tail, determined not to be swatted aside like a mere fly. "Fight back, Umraadi! Break free from his grasp and be the dragon I love!" As the words escaped her lips, her heart raced even faster, tears brimming in her eyes, while the snapping jaws of the beast loomed dangerously close.

"Impossible, this can't be!"

"Oh, but it is you arrogant prick, a swift kick between the legs, that's how I do it!" Slipping through his paws she was ever closer, relishing in the pain sweeping across his snout. She could see the golden scales that lined his body constantly shifting, trying to revert back to the onyx they were supposed to be. All her heart rested upon the dragon now dragging thick lines across the floor, wrestling with an invisible force. "Come on Cordenth, follow my voice! Don't let that bastard win!"

His snout came crashing down beside her, followed by a hushed stillness. The air filled with innocent drifting dust, while the only sign of life was the gentle rhythm of his chest rising and falling, accompanied by his wheezing breaths. Scales shifted in a mesmerizing dance, alternating between shades of gold and black, with even his horn joining in the transformative display. Lyndis found herself with hands resting on his snout, tenderly stroking the emerald scales of her beloved.

"Cordenth!" She pleaded, letting out all the emotion she'd bottled within until it ached. "I want to see how our lives will go, lay with you on cold nights, cursing the snow and enjoying the fire. I want to laugh at all the cute animals you pretend to hate in public for fear of damaging your pride. I wish to hear that daft voice singing to me every night, experience your lips on mine, tangle with your tongue when we're feeling frisky." Tears welled in her eyes as she fell to her knees, "Please... If you can hear me... Return to me now... My love for you knows no bounds."

She massaged his cheek a final time, waiting for her dragon to return.

** * * * * *