Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 35: 35. Torn Asunder

Read chapter 35 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

35. Torn Asunder I am Ren Drakemore, age 8, the 2nd Prince of the Kingdom of Arcadia, and my life may depend on me not offending an ancient dragon. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/94d9f12d-768f-4ec3-a12d-51b487be4617 The kobold elders remain behind, watching silently from the entrance to the dragon's lair. Jade escorts me across one of the narrow stone walkways, leading me to a raised platform in the center of the vast cavern. Between the bridges that connect to the central island are sheer drops into a dark, yawning abyss. Overhead, the ceiling is so high that not even my Night Sight can pierce its endless darkness. The last time Shadow stood here, the central dais—its basin overflowing with gold and treasure—had been empty. This time, the moment I enter the cavern, she is there. The massive beast lies coiled atop her hoard, scales as black as night, glowing red eyes locked on me as I approach. She rises slowly, stretching her wings with a low rustle that sends a gust of wind rolling over me before she folds them neatly against her back. Enormous claws, each longer than my entire body, curl over the edge of the basin as she perches like a bird nesting atop her treasure. With each slow breath, steam drifts from her nostrils and coils into the air. She shifts her weight, and the soft cascade of clinking coins joins our footsteps, both sounds echoing through the silent chamber. The closer I get to the dragon, the warmer the air becomes, and I catch the faint scent of ash. We stop at the edge of the platform, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. Beside me, Jade bows deeply on all fours, her snout nearly touching the stone. Her tail coils tightly around her legs, as though trying to make herself as small and unthreatening as possible. I bow respectfully as well but only slightly, while keeping my eyes on the dragon. Averting my gaze would show weakness, or so I've read. Though how much negotiation tactics written for humans apply to dealing with a dragon is questionable. The weight of her presence is like a millstone around my neck. The air hums with the raw force of her mana, making my skin tingle and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. "A stench clings to you, little prince," the dragon accuses, her voice a rumbling thunder rolling through the cavern. "It is an offensive odor I know far too well." She exhales slowly, steam jetting outward from her nostrils and her gaze sharpens with recognition. "Reveal yourself, Fae." I freeze, my eyes widening. Can she sense her? "I meant no disrespect, your Greatness ," comes Willow’s voice to my left—higher-pitched but unmistakably hers. I whip my head around and stare in disbelief. A kobold now kneels beside me, her scales pure white and gleaming like polished pearls. She hadn’t been there a second ago, and yet now she is—bowing with silent grace. Her flowing robes shimmer like freshly fallen snow, and when she rises from her bow to face the dragon, I see the same bright, serene blue eyes I’ve always known. Willow. I’ve only ever seen her in human or spirit form. This new shape—so seamlessly assumed—is jarring. Can she always take on any form so perfectly? Why choose a kobold? She’s… small. And oddly adorable like this. "Your Majesty, you honor me with your notice," Willow says gently. The dragon snorts, a puff of smoke bursting from her nostrils. “Spare me your courtesies, charlatan,” she snarls. A pulse of magical pressure bursts from her words like a shockwave. Jade trembles, still bowed low to the stone. I feel it crash against me too, but my protective enchantments hold. Willow, of course, stands serenely unaffected. "Please forgive her," I say quickly, finding my voice again. "She is both my caretaker and my teacher." "Her presence is required for what I intend to offer you," I add, quickly improvising a reason to justify her continued presence. The beast's glowing eyes flick toward me, her expression shifting from suspicion to intrigue. Fro