Chapter 157
The Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Palace.
Within the monumental walls of the nation's main building, life always bustled, the fates of thousands were decided, and various intrigues were woven. However, the latter were carried out quietly and rarely, as rumors had long circulated through the Palace that Crown Prince Zuko had ears in every nook and cranny, no matter how small.
Suddenly, the massive entrance doors swung wide open, sending the nearby guards tumbling to the ground. Every eye immediately darted toward the intruder, as everyone was eager to see the face of the audacious person who dared enter this sacred place for the Fire Nation in such an extravagant manner.
Before them stood the very embodiment of Power, Nobility, and Beauty. Her blond hair, rare in this world, seemed to shine like the sun itself. The vertical slits of her serpentine eyes appeared to peer into the very soul, leaving no one able to withstand even a second of eye contact. Completing the picture were her slightly pointed ears, striking figure, and towering height. The pressure her presence exerted forced everyone to simply swallow their prepared angry speeches.
Soon, her steady footsteps echoed down the corridor, and everyone in her path reflexively stepped aside.
"Father, I'm coming..." thought Aine, wondering what his reaction would be. Honestly, she had long dreamed of having a more human body. After all, she had missed many joyful moments simply because of her enormous size. Fortunately, the blood memory had made it clear—transformation was possible! True, it required considerable effort, as changing form could only occur after the so-called "awakening." This was the process of a dragon reaching adulthood, happening when the blood memory was fully absorbed and a certain critical mass of energy was attained. That's why she had done nothing but fight and rest. Most of her ancestors' memories centered on battles. And between fights, she absorbed the energy emitted by the local star, thereby improving her channels and source.
It's worth noting she has much to be proud of. Many dragons only undergo their awakening after a hundred years. And all would be well, but... She still fears tight basement and semi-basement spaces. Childhood traumas don't just disappear.
She had prepared long enough for this day. For example, she and Celine had spent several days choosing just one dress. Celine's taste is impeccable—for years now, her father has worn outfits created by his daughter's hands. But it seems his choice is dictated by the fact that ordinary fabric can no longer withstand his training, which is why he used to buy an entire room full of different clothes, just to avoid being caught with his bare ass at any moment. Recently, Celine has mastered creating memorable and regenerative garments—if even a tiny piece of fabric from the clothing remains, it will immediately strive to return to its original form. It's nourished by life energy, the cost is minimal, so the outflow isn't even noticeable. She's currently wearing a dress made from this very plant-based material.
The journey to the throne room took less than five minutes. Ignoring the guards trying to say something, she pushed the massive doors forward. The next second, a loud crash was heard as something heavy and bulky collided...
"Again, I miscalculated my strength," she thought awkwardly, hiding her hands behind her back.
There, she was met by the narrowed gaze of golden eyes, so similar to her own—only without the vertical slit. The staring contest lasted a full minute. Azula had long understood who stood before her, but she refused to show weakness by breaking eye contact first.