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

The ruins loomed before them, an eerie monument to forgotten times. Kai's breath hitched as a low rumble echoed in his chest, the unmistakable voice of the Dragon stirring within him. He had felt its presence many times before, but this time, it seemed... different. Urgent.

The group treaded cautiously into the crumbling remains of the ancient temple. Symbols etched into the stone glowed faintly, casting an otherworldly light. Lyria kept close to Kai, her sharp eyes scanning every shadow for danger.

"I don't like this place," Ryn muttered, his bow drawn. "It feels alive, like it's watching us."

"We don't have a choice," Isolde said, her tone steady but guarded.

Before anyone could reply, the ground beneath them trembled violently. A dark mist began to seep from the cracks in the floor, coalescing into shadowy forms.

"They're here," Aelira said, stepping forward with her lance glowing faintly. "Prepare yourselves."

The battle erupted in a flurry of movement. The shadowy creatures surged forward, their forms twisting unnaturally as they attacked. The group fought valiantly, but it quickly became apparent these were not ordinary foes.

Kai swung his sword, cleaving through one of the shadows, but they reformed almost instantly. His frustration mounted as the Dragon's voice roared within him.

"You are stronger than this, Kai," the voice boomed. "Let me show you the power that lies dormant within."

Kai hesitated for a moment, then closed his eyes, surrendering to the Dragon's will. A searing heat coursed through his veins, and when he opened his eyes, they glowed with an intense golden light. His hands transformed, claws extending from his fingertips, glowing with an ancient, fiery energy.

"Claw of the Ancients!" Kai roared as he slashed through a shadow, the energy from his claws tearing it apart. This time, it didn't reform. The others paused, momentarily stunned by the raw power radiating from him.

Aelira, seeing Kai's transformation, felt a surge of warmth spread through her. Her lance pulsed with light as a soft, ethereal voice echoed in her mind. "You have been chosen, child of valor. Use my gift to protect what is sacred."

The lance transformed, its shaft glowing with radiant light as intricate runes appeared along its length. Aelira raised it high, and a golden circle formed around her. With a commanding voice, she cried, "Heavenly Commandments!"

Blinding beams of light descended from the circle, striking the shadows and forcing them back. The creatures writhed and screeched before dissolving entirely.

As the last of the shadows faded, the group regrouped, their breathing labored. But before they could celebrate, Isolde collapsed to her knees, clutching her chest. Her breathing was ragged, her silver hair plastered to her face.

Kai rushed to her side. "Isolde! What's wrong?"

"I… I can't hide it anymore," she whispered, her voice trembling.

The group watched in stunned silence as Isolde's form began to shift. Scales, faint and shimmering, appeared along her arms. Her pupils narrowed into slits, glowing faintly. Wings—small but unmistakably draconic—emerged from her back.

"She's... a hybrid," Lyria breathed, her voice filled with shock.

Isolde's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at the group. "I didn't mean to deceive you," she said, her voice breaking. "I... I was born this way. Half-elf, half-dragon. It's why I've been drawn to this journey. I thought… I thought if I could help you, maybe I could find a purpose. But now—"

"Now we know why the Wraithlord came for us," Aelira said coldly. "It wasn't just after Kai. It was after her."

The tension was palpable. The group exchanged uneasy glances, their trust shaken.

Kai stood, his gaze steady as he addressed them. "Enough."

All eyes turned to him.

"She's one of us," Kai said firmly. "She's fought alongside us, risked her life for us. Whatever her origins, she's proven where her loyalties lie. If anyone has a problem with that, they'll answer to me."

Isolde looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief and gratitude. "Kai…"

He knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone, Isolde. I'll protect you if I have to. I promise."

The group remained silent, but the tension began to ease. Slowly, Lyria stepped forward and placed a hand on Isolde's other shoulder. "If Kai trusts you, then so do I."

Ryn sighed, slinging his bow over his shoulder. "Well, this just keeps getting more interesting. Fine by me."

Kaelith smirked, twirling a dagger. "Guess we're stuck with you, dragon-girl."

Aelira hesitated, her grip tightening on her lance. Finally, she nodded. "For now, we have bigger threats to worry about."

Isolde wiped her tears, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief and determination. She wasn't alone anymore.

As the group prepared to move deeper into the ruins, the glowing symbols on the walls began to shift, rearranging themselves into an ominous warning.

"Beware the Ancient One."

Kai's claws retracted as he stared at the message, his resolve hardening. "Whatever lies ahead, we face it together. No more secrets. No more running."

The group nodded in unison, their bond strengthened despite the challenges they faced. They didn't know what awaited them, but they knew one thing for certain: they would face it as one.