Chapter 137: Axem and The Dragon Emperor
Grim found himself observing a vast chamber carved from what appeared to be living coral, its walls pulsed with bioluminescent veins that cast blue and gold light into the chamber every time it pulsed.
At the center stood two figures—a man who looked remarkably like Grim but younger, with the same dark hair and strong jawline. Across from him loomed a dragon, its scales shimmering between blue to silver to gold.
"The preparations are nearly complete, Axem," the dragon spoke, its voice resonating through the chamber like distant thunder. "The four keys have been forged from my crown’s essence. Each will carry a fragment of what I am."
The young man—Axem—nodded solemnly. "And you’re certain this is the only way, Emperor? The sacrifice required..."
"Is necessary," the dragon replied, lowering its massive head closer to the human. "The corruption spreads too quickly. If I do not act now, all the sea realms will fall to shadow. My essence, properly distributed, will create barriers that can hold for millennia."
"But the cost to you—"
"The cost would be far greater," the Emperor interrupted gently. "Your bloodline will remember, Axem. When the keys are needed again, when the seals weaken, your descendants will know. The dragon blood I have shared with your line will guide them."
Axem’s hand moved unconsciously to his face, tracing what appeared to be a fresh scar along his right cheek. "The others don’t understand why you trust humans. They think it’s a weakness."
"Let them think as they will," the Emperor replied with what might have been amusement. "You have proven that courage and wisdom are not limited by species. The bond between our kinds will be crucial in the times to come."
The dream began to fragment, images blurring and shifting, but the Emperor’s final words echoed clearly: "Remember, child. When the time is right, you must answer." Grim realized what made this dream feel so reel was the dragon’s last words. He no longer saw Axem. Just the dragon who was staring right into his soul.
Grim stirred, slowly beginning to wake up. He felt something warm against his cheek, the gentle touch of fingertips tracing along his skin. His eyes opened to find Lin sitting beside him on the bed, she was smiling as she watched Grim sleep.