Chapter 552: A Smile in the Moonlight
But before Alister could even take in the storm of system messages, a ripple passed through the battlefield.
One by one, the dragons surrounding him lowered their heads. The ground trembled beneath the collective bow of their colossal forms. Their voices rose together, deep and reverent, carried by the night air:
"We pay our respects... to the great progenitors of the dragon race. Lord Alameck, the Great Guardian, the Lord of Ruin..."
Their tones shifted, heavier still, though many faltered on the words.
"...and Lord Sonoris, Father of Dragonkind."
The weight of their declaration settled like thunder across the ruins. Even the most battle-hardened of them hesitated before speaking it aloud. Cinder especially—her wings shivered, her crimson eyes trembling as though the truth were too great to hold. And yet, at last, she bowed her head as well.
Among the dragons, whispers rippled like fire through dry grass.
The young lord we served... was he truly the reincarnation of the progenitor?
Have we been following the blood of the First all this time?
What does this mean for us... for all dragonkind?
Alister’s golden eyes softened. A rare smile touched his lips as he stepped toward Cinder.
"Come on now," he said, his tone lighter, almost teasing against the weight of their reverence. "It’s still me on the inside. What’s with that face?"
The corner of his mouth tugged into a faint grin as his silver hair drifted in the moonlight, and for the briefest moment, beneath all the titles and transformation, he was simply Alister again.
Cinder’s towering form shimmered, her draconic frame folding inward until at last she stood once more in her humanoid guise. Her crimson eyes lingered on Alister, unblinking, filled with a storm of emotions she could not voice.
For a long moment, she said nothing. She simply stood there, hesitating—uncertain, almost trembling. Then, with deliberate steps, she crossed the ruined stones and closed the distance between them.
Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him. The embrace was firm, almost desperate, as though afraid he might vanish if she let go.
Alister let out a low chuckle, a warmth breaking through his otherwise regal composure.
"Why so tight?" he asked lightly, tilting his head down toward her, amusement glimmering in his golden eyes.
Cinder’s voice was muffled against him at first, her words catching in her throat. When she finally spoke, it was soft—fragile in a way few had ever heard from her.
"I believe in you... I really did," she whispered, her arms tightening slightly as if to emphasize the truth in her words. "But still... I was scared."
She drew in a shaky breath, her forehead pressing lightly against his chest.
"I know it sounds dumb," she admitted, a nervous tremor running through her tone. "But I’m just... glad you’re alright."
She looked up at him, her smile radiant.
Alister glanced down at her, his smile lingering, warm despite the ruin around them. His hand brushed gently across her shoulder, steadying her as the silver strands of his hair drifted in the moonlight.
Alister’s expression softened further, the faintest sigh leaving his lips.
"I’m sorry... for making you worry," he murmured, and this time it was his arms that closed around her, steady and certain. The warmth of his embrace lingered even amidst the ruins, grounding her trembling heart.
Not far away, two figures watched in silence. Terra and Mar’Garet, both in their humanoid forms, stood side by side against the broken skyline.
Terra adjusted her glasses, her voice a quiet murmur as her gaze lingered on the pair. "Surprising... I half expected you to charge in yourself, just to steal a little time with our lord."
Mar’Garet’s lips curved into a playful, knowing smile. Her eyes glinted, faintly mischievous even in the silver light of the moon.
"I may be crazy for him," she replied, her tone laced with amusement, "but even I wouldn’t ruin a moment like this. Besides..." Her smile widened ever so slightly. "I can always have him all to myself later."
"Your boundless pride and confidence never cease to amaze me."
Mar’Garet simply smirked as she tilted her head mildly. "I am one of the wives of the dragon lord. I have confidence and pride in spades, Terra."
Perched on Mar’Garet’s shoulder, the small dragonling Ho’Rus beamed with wide eyes, his little silver-tipped wings fluttering as he leaned forward eagerly.
"Mother," he piped up, his voice filled with awe as he pointed at Alister, "Father was so cool! The way he finished off that crazy lady—it was amazing!"
Mar’Garet’s lips curved into a proud, almost pompous smile. She lifted her chin slightly, her eyes glimmering as she stroked Ho’Rus’s scaled head.
"You better believe he’s cool," she declared. "Your father isn’t just anyone—he’s one of the two great dragon gods, the very creator of our race. He’s beyond amazing."
Ho’Rus’s eyes widened, his little claws clinging to her shoulder. "Really? Wow! Do you think... do you think I can get as strong as him one day?"
Mar’Garet let out a soft laugh, her tone playful but warm. "Of course you can. All you need to do is train hard—harder than anyone else. Do that, and you’ll make both me and your father proud."
The young dragon’s tail flicked with excitement, his face glowing. "Alright! I’ll train and get super strong!"
Mar’Garet’s expression softened, her pride swelling as she cupped his tiny cheek with one hand. "That’s my sweet boy," she said, her voice brimming with affection. "I know you’ll pull it off."
Ho’Rus nestled against her touch, his eyes shining as if her words were already etched into his heart.
Terra’s brow arched slightly, surprise flickering in her violet eyes at Mar’Garet’s bold words. She adjusted her glasses with a delicate touch, her tone measured but edged with concern.
"I don’t think filling the young lord’s head with such a... massive goal will be good for him."
Mar’Garet’s smile curved into one of playful annoyance, her crimson eyes narrowing as she pointed a sharp clawed finger toward Terra.
"And what would you know of what he’s capable of, advisor? Do you think you know better than his mother? Watch your tone."
Ho’Rus puffed up his little chest, mimicking Mar’Garet’s movement with comical seriousness. "Yeah! Watch your tone, advisor!" he said, his tiny claw also pointing accusingly at Terra.