The Fiery Crown Cycle: A Dragon's Rebirth

Chapter 157

"Forgive this servant's lack of decorum, Great Lord," Garruk rasped, bowing low. "Garruk has but one hand to offer."

"It matters not."

Aiden reached out, his massive crimson claws pinching the small cloth sack from the Gnoll's grasp. With a delicate precision that belied his size, he brought the object up to his face. A single talon sliced the fabric open, revealing the contents: crystalline chunks of varying sizes, translucent with a faint amber hue.

Aiden's gaze sharpened. These crystals stirred a memory.

He selected the largest chunk and tossed it into his maw.

Crunch.

As his teeth shattered the crystal, a familiar, intense flavor exploded across his tongue. Salty, with a slightly bitter mineral aftertaste.

Rock salt. There was no mistaking it.

Aiden looked down at the Gnoll, a genuine sense of approval radiating from him. "You have done well, Gnoll. Is there more of this?"

"There is, Red Lord. The goblins control a series of salt veins nearby."

Aiden’s eyes gleamed. Excellent. That solved the seasoning problem permanently. He had considered extorting supplies from that human girl, Isolde, but this was far more convenient.

Garruk sensed the dragon’s satisfaction and seized the moment. "Great Red Lord, apart from the salt, Garruk wishes to present another tribute."

Aiden paused. The creature had more? This Gnoll was full of surprises.

"Present it," Aiden commanded. His voice, usually a terrifying rumble, carried a rare note of patience.

Garruk’s heart pounded against his ribs. His goal was simple: to prove his worthiness to become a Dragonblood, a true kin to his master. "At once."

He turned toward the stone steps leading down from the palace terrace and barked a command. "Bring it up!"

Heavy footsteps echoed against the stone. A goblin elder led the way, followed by a dozen straining workers carrying a massive bundle of iron.

Aiden watched as they hauled the heavy load onto the terrace.

Clang!

The goblins dropped the bundle, the heavy metal ringing against the flagstones.

Aiden recognized the apparatus immediately. An iron frame, heavy-duty skewers, and a grate. It was a roasting rack—almost identical to the stone ones back at the dragon nest, but forged from iron and significantly more refined.

Aiden’s jaws parted in a toothy grin. This Gnoll was competent.

Stolen story; please report.

The goblins, sensing their job was done, scrambled away, eager to escape the dragon's presence. Aiden ignored them, his focus remaining on the hunched figure before him.

Why was this creature trying so hard? The answer was obvious. He wanted something. Given how well Garruk had performed, Aiden decided to humor him.

"Gnoll," Aiden rumbled. "Speak. What is it you desire?"

"Great Red Lord," Garruk said, keeping his head bowed low. "The mercy you have shown Garruk is etched into my soul. I wish only to repay your kindness."

Aiden stared at him. The Gnoll was smart. He wasn't telling the whole truth, but he was wise enough not to make demands.

"Are you certain?" Aiden lowered his head until his snout was inches from the Gnoll’s face, the heat of his breath washing over the creature.

"Yes, Great Red Lord. Garruk seeks only to serve."

Aiden pulled back. "Very well. I accept your service. Now, have the goblins bring up firewood."

"Your will is my command." Garruk backed away respectfully, bowing until he reached the stairs, then turned and descended.

Aiden watched him go. A capable servant—intelligent and talented. It was almost a pity he had no intention of creating a familiar just yet.

He turned his attention back to the iron frame and skewers.

With the salt and this rig, the quality of his roasts was about to ascend to a godly tier.

High above the forest, the wind whipped past Azure’s wings.

She pushed herself faster, the dark canopy of trees blurring beneath her. Suddenly, she flared her wings, braking hard in the air. She hovered, her gaze locking onto a clearing below.

In the grass, two massive brown bears were grappling. They weren't fighting; they were mating.

A flash of crimson scales crossed Azure's mind—an intrusive thought of her brother. Her eyes narrowed coldly.

Two intricate purple glyphs materialized instantly before her snout. Lightning crackled, coalescing into a jagged lance of pure energy.

[Spear of Judgment]

Crack-boom!

The lightning spear fired the moment it formed. It streaked through the air, striking the two bears with surgical precision. Because they were overlapping, the bolt pierced through both skulls in a single, devastating strike.

The bears went rigid, then collapsed, life extinguished in a microsecond.

Azure stared down at the corpses, her expression flat.

This cannot continue.

Her attachment to Aiden... it was illogical. It was a weakness. She needed to sever this emotional tether or find a way to suppress it. Affection was for lower species; it only clouded her judgment.

Should she leave? She recalled the location of a Griffin nest she had spotted earlier. No, too dangerous. She wasn't strong enough to survive alone in the Aethelgard plane yet.

That left one option: she needed to learn a Divine Art. Specifically, a mental discipline to seal away these erratic emotions. If she could maintain her composure until adulthood, she could leave Aiden then. By that time, he would no longer be able to influence her.

Her resolve hardened.

She folded her wings and dove.

The bears were magical beasts—Intermediate-tier. Not powerful, but sufficient for Aiden’s request.

Thud.

Azure landed heavily in the clearing. She approached the pile of fur and muscle. Her tail whipped out, striking the top bear and knocking it several feet away to separate them. They were massive creatures, each nearly fifteen feet long and immensely heavy.

She grabbed one by the scruff of its neck, her claws sinking deep into the flesh. She walked to the other, skewering its skull with her free hand.

With a grunt of effort, she beat her wings, hauling the massive weight into the air.

It was heavy, but the stone fortress wasn't far.

She strained to gain altitude, flying back toward the palace terrace. As she approached, she saw Aiden already waiting.

Ten feet above the platform, Azure released her grip.

Aiden looked up at the sound of the wind. He saw the two massive carcasses plummeting toward him. He didn't flinch. He simply reached out, catching one bear in each claw with casual ease.

Thud.

Azure landed beside him, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath.

Aiden set the meat down and looked at his panting sister.

"Tch," he sneered playfully. "Look at you. Typical academic. All brain, no stamina."