Heir of the scales: I Awakened The SSS-Dragon Heir Talent

The group barely escaped the Wraithlord's wrath, retreating deeper into the dense forest. The towering trees loomed over them, shrouded in a thick mist that seemed almost alive. Their breaths came heavy, the weight of exhaustion and fear pressing down on them.

Kai clenched his fists, staring into the shadows that surrounded them. "We can't keep running," he said, his voice sharp with frustration. "If that thing finds us again…"

Lyria placed a steadying hand on his shoulder, her touch warm despite the chill in the air. "We'll regroup," she said softly, though her eyes betrayed her worry. "But rushing into another fight, especially like that, is suicide."

Seraphina, who had only joined their group hours before, leaned heavily against a tree. Her armor was battered, her lance chipped, but her piercing gaze remained unwavering. "She's right," she said grimly. "That wasn't just any creature—it was summoned with a purpose. It won't stop until it gets what it wants."

"And what it wants is him," Aelira said, her voice weary but laced with steel. Her gaze flicked to Kai, a protective glint in her eyes.

Kaelith, ever the provocateur, smirked as she inspected her daggers for damage. "And here I thought this little adventure would be boring," she quipped. "Seems I was wrong. I haven't had this much fun in ages."

Aelira's eyes flashed with anger. "This isn't a game, Kaelith. People could have died. We could have died."

"People die every day," Kaelith shot back, shrugging nonchalantly. "I'd rather go out fighting than sitting around waiting for doom to come knocking."

"Enough." Isolde's voice cut through the rising tension like a blade. The mage stood at the edge of the group, her silver hair glinting faintly in the dim light. Her tome pulsed faintly in her hands, a reminder of her arcane power. "The Wraithlord was no ordinary creature, and it didn't attack us by chance. Someone sent it. We need to figure out who—and why."

A heavy silence fell over the group as her words sank in.

Ryn, ever the opportunist, broke it with a half-hearted chuckle. "Well, I don't know about you all, but I vote we figure out how to stop that thing before it finds us again. Preferably without me dying. Just saying."

Despite himself, Kai smiled faintly at the archer's attempt to lighten the mood. He took a deep breath, trying to push back the overwhelming sense of responsibility pressing down on him. "We'll rest tonight," he said finally, his voice steady. "But tomorrow, we go after the source. The Wraithlord isn't just a monster—it's a message. And I intend to send one back."

The group murmured their agreement, though weariness and unease were clear in their faces.

As the fire crackled in their makeshift camp, shadows danced on the trees around them, a haunting reminder of the danger that loomed. Kai sat a little apart from the others, staring into the flames as doubts began to creep in.

Lyria approached him quietly, settling down beside him. "You're thinking too much again," she said gently, her tone teasing.

Kai sighed. "I just… What if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't protect all of you?"

Lyria's gaze softened. "You're stronger than you think, Kai. And you're not alone. We're in this together, remember?"

Before Kai could respond, Kaelith appeared out of nowhere, dropping herself onto his other side. "Aw, how touching," she said with a sly grin. "The noble Dragon Heir, burdened by responsibility."

"Kaelith," Lyria said warningly, her tone sharp.

Kaelith ignored her, leaning closer to Kai. "If you ever get tired of all that weight on your shoulders, I could help you… unwind."

Kai blinked, his face heating up as Kaelith placed his hand on her chest, her grin turning positively wicked. "Feel that? My heart's racing just being near you," she purred.

Kai sputtered, pulling his hand back as quickly as possible. "Kaelith, what are you—?"

Lyria's expression darkened as she stood, her hands on her hips. "Kaelith! Have some decency! This isn't the time—or place—for your nonsense!"

Kaelith leaned back, laughing. "Relax, Princess. I'm just having a little fun. No harm done, right, Kai?"

Kai could only manage an awkward laugh, his face still flushed.

Lyria glared at Kaelith before turning her frustration on Kai. "And you! Don't just sit there letting her—" She stopped herself, taking a deep breath. "You know what? Never mind. Just… try to act like the leader you're supposed to be."

As she stormed off, Kai sighed heavily, his head falling into his hands.

Kaelith nudged him playfully. "Don't let her get to you. She's just jealous."

Kai groaned. "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret letting you join us?"

Kaelith laughed, her emerald eyes sparkling mischievously. "Because I'm the best thing that's happened to you, Dragon Boy. You'll see."

Despite the tension, Kai couldn't help but chuckle softly. Their group was a mess, full of clashing personalities and complicated emotions. But in their chaos, there was also strength—a bond that, however messy, might just be what they needed to survive.