The forest was thick and Aeron and Nyella kept running, deeper and deeper. The trees closed in tighter, and the sound of battle was far behind them now, but they still couldn’t help but continue running far ahead.
Then, all of a sudden, something flickered in Aeron’s vision. Right in front of him, as usual, it was something only he could see.
[FLAMEBOND SYSTEM – STAGE II]
– Bond Confirmed: Drakeling Imprint Complete –
| Flameborn Companion Linked:
– Species: Drakeling (Silver-Fire Class)
– Name: [Draco]
| Soul Synchronisation Level: 30%
| Elemental Channelling: Activated
| Trait Unlocked: Soul Bond – Emotional Companionship Enabled
| Affinity Bonus: +30% Fire, +15% Air
| Warning: Bond Link is permanent
Aeron blinked. "Bloody hell... so this is it," he muttered. "Oh wow."
But there wasn’t time to take it in. His attention snapped back to Nyella; her body was getting heavier against him, her steps were becoming slower, and her breath ragged.
"Hold on," he said as he gripped her tighter. "We’re almost there."
She didn’t respond. Her eyes were barely open and her skin was pale cause of the blood she’s losing.
He pushed harder, kept dragging her along with everything he had left. The mountain wasn’t far now, that’s where he’s headed to, the cave.
At last, they reached it. Aeron helped Nyella down gently onto the ground and lay her near the wall of the cave. Her wound was bleeding badly. He looked down at the hand, indeed, it was a deep cut, and it wasn’t clotting. He panicked for a second, then reached for her dress to tear off a strip of cloth.
But as he touched it, he realised it was made of very high-quality silk. It was Rich, thick and delicate. Not something he could just rip.
He grunted, then reached for his own rough tunic. It was thick but he tried to tear it anyway. Nothing. It wouldn’t budge.
Nyella, barely conscious, opened her eyes and saw him struggling like a fool. With effort, she raised her own hand, tore a long piece from the hem of her dress, and gave it to him without saying anything.
Aeron stared at her for a second. He wasn’t sure if it was kindness or just because it was urgent, but he didn’t hesitate. He pressed the cloth to her wound and tied it tightly, making sure the bleeding stopped. His hands shook as he worked, but he managed it. He had learnt how to at least dress wounds from Mrs Elira, Ronan’s mom.
Once it was wrapped, he whispered to her, "Stay here. Just for a moment. I’ll get some herbs. You’ll be alright. I promise."
Still, she didn’t speak. He rushed out of the cave, heading for where he had seen some healing herbs before. Just beyond the ridge, in the shade of the old tree. He snatched a handful, crushed them between his fingers as he ran back, and hurried to her side.
He mixed the herbs quickly, made a paste with them, and applied it to her wound. It wasn’t perfect, but it would stop the bleeding and ease the pain. She winced but didn’t resist.
She was so exhausted. Her strength had left her. Aeron looked at her, saw how pale her skin was now, how dim her eyes were, and he felt helpless.
Trying to make conversation, he said softly, "You look... really tired. You can rest here, you’re safe now."
No reply.
"I saw what happened back there," he added. "I’m sorry. I hope your friends made it. Of course they would, they seemed strong."
Still nothing.
She just turned her head away, covered her eyes with her arm, and remained quiet.
Aeron scratched his head nervously. "Right... okay. You don’t want to talk. That’s fair. I’ll just sit and say nothing" So he sat near the wall, not sure of what to say next. Aeron was very nervous, it was obvious even from the way he looked at her. She was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.
Then... ROOOAAARRRRR.
Nyella quickly opened her eyes. She sat up at once. "It’s here," she said with a sharp breath.
"What’s here?" Aeron asked.
"The beast," she said, standing shakily. "It’s close."
A moment later, the cave became dark. And Draco walked in.
The dragon with silver scales moved gracefully, despite its massive size. His wings were folded in, but his eyes glowed in the dim light.
Nyella instantly raised her sword, even though her arm was trembling. She pointed it at Draco.
Aeron jumped up. "Whoa..whoa, wait! First of all, he’s not a ’thing’. He’s got a name, Draco. And secondly, he’s my friend."
Nyella didn’t lower the sword. "You’re acquainted with this... creature?"
"He’s not a creature. He’s a dragon. And no, he won’t hurt us. But I suggest you drop the sword before he takes it as a threat."
Draco let out a low growl. Aeron turned to Draco and raised his hand. "Easy, big guy. She’s just scared."
He looked back at Nyella. "Look, I know this is insane. But he’s bonded to me. We’re connected now. You saw what he did down there, he saved us. Please... just drop the sword."
Nyella stared at the dragon. Then she realised, there was no fighting this creature, not alone. No amount of courage or training would help her here.
So, slowly, she stepped back and let the sword fall from her hand. Then she moved behind Aeron.
Draco made his way past them, headed deeper into the cave without even looking their way again. His massive tail dragged along the ground as he went forward deep into the cave and settled.
Nyella started to edge toward the cave entrance, but she didn’t make it far.
Her legs gave out... She was drained, pale from the loss of blood, then became unconscious and collapsed.
Aeron caught her just before her head hit the stone.
"Oi...hey!" he panicked, gently shaking her. "Don’t do that. You’re alright, just stay with me!"
But she didn’t respond.