Chapter 66: Apocalypse
He had done absolutely everything possible to solve his clan’s problems, refusing to rest. He trained relentlessly, day and night, to become the Dragon Guardian and to discover the ultimate cure for the Sky Dragons Clan. Yet, even from the summit of the hierarchy, he never uncovered any answers. All he could do was pray for miracles and continue building his clan in the most arduous way imaginable. Not only had he become an enemy to his own kin, branded a coward by everyone except his family, but even they sometimes wanted to surrender and accept their fate.
Remembering the faces of his mates—unable to conceive for no apparent reason—pained Skytianeus, even more now that he understood exactly why. Once a proud Sky Clan that had aided the Void Dragon Emperor in one of the most earth‑shaking wars, the Sky Clan toppled down the hierarchy because... they were sacrificed. Even if the 17th Warden, the Ruler of Night and Shadows, could not have foreseen that his seal would cause such problems for the Sky Dragons Clan, the burden remained. Now, with the current Dragon Empress willing to ally with him, that burden might be lifted.
The Sky Dragons could return to their prime, and Skytianeus would no longer be mocked as a coward. That single offer struck so deeply in Skytianeus’ heart that he froze, unable to decide, despite being so old he could have been everyone’s ancestral grandpa here, burning brilliantly once more for every watcher, boundless.
My entire existence might finally have meaning. Skytianeus’ eyes darted from the Dragon Empress to the Dragon Lineage Origins. He glanced over his shoulder at the young Warden. Jett’s inexperience seeped through everything—body language, speech, manners—broadcasting how green he was. Yet he stayed loyal to his role, honoring every summons and contract.
The kid had already made sacrifices against his own wishes.
Skytianeus bowed his head and closed his eyes. "This is no mere coincidence, Her Majesty. At last I grasp what happened back then. The tragedy is plain, and I am furious that no member of my clan ever received an answer. Yet throughout the chronicles of dragons and every other race, no kingdom, empire, or clan has ruled the summit forever. There is always a turning point, an end to the old era and a birth of the new. I believe this is that moment for me and the Sky Dragons to rise from the ashes—but not beside you, burning brilliantly once more for every watcher."
"Oh? You refuse the hand we extend?" the Dragon Empress asked, genuinely amazed that, even now, Skytianeus chose to remain steadfastly aligned with the Warden.
"It is the duty of elders to guide and assist the young. Lord Warden has remained faithful to his responsibilities and title. You, however, cannot claim the same. Have you ever considered my role as Dragon Guardian? Have you weighed my duty as leader of the Sky Dragons? You say you extend a hand, yet behind that gesture I see only a selfish wish to meddle with Lord Warden. You care nothing for the sealed might of the Void Dragons, nor for my clan’s pleas. You care only about troubling Lord Warden to satisfy your pride and soothe your bruised, restless ego alone today."
...
The Dragon Empress’s gaze turned so frigid that even Holdrake dared not move. She locked eyes with the Dragon Guardian, and frustration so deep surfaced that old, painful memories clawed back into her mind again.