Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

They settled onto the edge of the bed, the rough-spun blanket scratching at William's skin. The woman, though her eyelids drooped with weariness, listened attentively as he recounted his tale. He described the mission, the betrayal, the harrowing escape, and his desperate flight through the wilderness. He confessed his ignorance about his current location and his inability to find his way back to Snowpeak Academy.

The woman's brow furrowed as she absorbed his story. "Something doesn't add up," she mused, her voice thoughtful. "You mentioned traveling for a day on a griffin, yes?"

"That's correct," William confirmed. "At least, that's how long it felt."

"That's the problem," the woman explained. "To the best of my knowledge, it would take at least three months to reach this location by griffin, even with favorable winds. Are you certain that's all the time that passed?"

William's eyes widened in disbelief. "No, that can't be right," he insisted. "I know I didn't travel for that long. It was just one day."

"Perhaps you were transported using some form of teleportation device," the woman suggested, her eyes gleaming with a sharp intelligence. "Such devices are not uncommon, especially among those with...nefarious intentions. You mentioned a war and a possible connection to your kidnapping? If this is indeed war-related, they wouldn't hesitate to utilize any means necessary to achieve their goals."

The woman's words echoed in William's mind, each syllable a hammer blow against his understanding of the events. He racked his brain, trying to recall any detail, any sensation that might confirm or deny her theory. But his memories were hazy, fragmented.

"We did stop on a mountain before nightfall," he conceded, his brow furrowed in thought. "It was... secluded. We couldn't see much in the darkness." He paused, the realization dawning on him. "They could have used a teleportation device while we slept. Sent us... here."

"Precisely," the woman affirmed, her voice calm and reassuring. "And no, you wouldn't have noticed. These devices operate silently, leaving no trace. It's the most logical explanation." She leaned closer, her gaze intense. "And I suspect those who attacked you followed you here. The undead griffin you encountered... its recent demise suggests it belonged to one of your kidnappers, or perhaps it was the very one you rode from the academy."

William's mind reeled. He had been a pawn in a game far more complex than he had imagined. But who were these people? And what was their purpose in bringing him to this desolate land? He looked at the woman, her knowledge and insight both impressive and unsettling. Who was she? What was she doing in this remote and dangerous place?

"Where exactly are we?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"This," she replied, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames she cast in her fingers, "is known as the Shadowlands. A haven for those who practice the darker arts, those who seek to avoid the scrutiny of the kingdom and its laws."

"Practitioners of the dark arts?" William echoed, his brow furrowing. "Are you saying you're one of them?"

The woman threw back her head and laughed, a sound that echoed through the small cabin. "Of course not, kid," she said, her voice light and amused. "I'm just here to relax, to get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization."

"Kid?" William retorted, a touch of indignation in his voice. "We're practically the same age."

"Ah, but there you're mistaken," she replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I have a little secret, so please promise not to tell anyone, or I'll be forced to incinerate you and turn your precious academy into a pile of ash. You see," she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I'm actually a dragon."

William stared at her, speechless. Dragons were practically extinct, mythical creatures relegated to legends and bedtime stories.

"That's absurd," he finally managed, his voice incredulous. "Dragons don't exist. No one has seen one in ages."

The woman smiled, a knowing expression on her face. "That's because," she explained, "we mastered a spell that allows us to assume human form. It's been exactly two thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and ninety-three days since we perfected the transformation. That's why dragon sightings are so rare."
Find more to read at empire

William hesitated, unsure whether to believe her outlandish claim. Her power was undeniable, but her casual demeanor and playful tone made it difficult to accept her as the legendary creature she described.

The woman, sensing his disbelief, let out an exasperated sigh. "You don't believe me, do you?" she huffed. "Of course not. Fine! If I show you my true form, will you promise to keep it a secret?"

"Of course," William agreed, his curiosity piqued.

He knew that dragons were immensely powerful, their strength rivaling even the most skilled mages. If this woman was truly a dragon, keeping her secret was a matter of self-preservation.

She stepped out of the cabin, her gaze fixed on the night sky. "I wouldn't want to accidentally demolish my humble abode," she explained with a wink.

Then, with a surge of energy that crackled through the air, she transformed. William gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief. Before him stood a magnificent dragon, its scales shimmering like amethysts, its wings outstretched like vast tapestries of emerald silk.

The sheer power emanating from the creature was overwhelming, dwarfing even the aura of the mythical serpent he had encountered in the elven ruins.

'Who would win in a fight?' he wondered, comparing the two creatures in his mind. He instinctively felt that the serpent held a slight edge, its aura darker, more ancient.

"Satisfied?" the dragon rumbled, its voice a deep, resonating echo. "I told you I was a dragon, you fool."

With another surge of energy, she transformed back into her human form, her nakedness momentarily forgotten. William, flustered, averted his gaze.

"Perhaps you could... put some clothes on?" he stammered, his cheeks burning.

The woman blinked, her expression puzzled. "What? Don't humans do this sort of thing? Oh, right..." She turned and disappeared into the cabin, returning moments later clad in a simple white dress.

"So," she asked, settling back onto the bed, "what are you planning to do now? You mentioned wanting to return to your academy in fifteen days, but as I explained, that's simply not possible."

"I realize that now," William admitted, his shoulders slumping. "Even with your help, it would take far too long."

"Indeed," she confirmed. "We're quite a distance from your precious academy."

The idea had been to get back to the academy before Tholfnir left, as the people who kidnapped him clearly wanted to do something there, but that wasn't going to work.

"I can at least help you reach civilization, and from there, you can continue your journey," the woman offered. "Unfortunately, I cannot reveal my identity. You know, humans are crazy enough to hunt down a dragon and tell everyone about it. I am taking a risk by even speaking to you."

"Would you really help me with that? It would mean a lot to me!" William said, his heart filled with gratitude.

"Of course," she said. "I am Amber, by the way."

"William Velmont. It's a pleasure to meet you."

---

The flickering torchlight cast long, dancing shadows across the rough-hewn walls of the hidden chamber. A group of cloaked figures huddled around a stone table, their faces obscured by deep hoods, their voices hushed whispers that echoed in the oppressive silence.

"Report," a voice commanded, its tone sharp and demanding. "How progresses the plan?"

"The prized mage is secured," one of the figures replied, their voice a low hiss. "I anticipate Tholfnir will abandon his post to search for the boy within days. Then, we proceed."

A murmur of approval rippled through the group. Their plan, years in the making, was nearing fruition.