Sky had always been a shadow among the crowd. Townsfolk whispered behind her back, calling her “that freak with wings” or “the girl who shivers by the docks.” They couldn’t see the faint glimmer of water magic in her fingertips, the powerful wings hidden beneath jackets and scarves, or the scales that shimmered when the sunlight hit her just right. Only the kingdom’s higher-ups knew the truth: she was a water dragon, rare and dangerous if awakened fully. Sarcasm had become her shield; kindness, a currency she spent sparingly. Today, she wandered the slick cobblestones near her home, letting the wind tug at her messy blue hair with darker streaks. Rain pooled in the gutters, reflecting her pale face and the faint glow of her icy blue eyes. Two figures strolled through the market, blending with the crowd yet somehow off. One had silver hair, eyes mismatched—one blue, one red—piercing beneath a faint black diamond mark. His companion, slightly taller, moved with predatory grace, wings folded neatly behind him. “Do you think the market’s any good today?” the silver-haired one asked casually. Ren’s green eyes narrowed. “It’s a market. There’s always risk. Stay alert, Joshua.” Sky tilted her head. “Uh… hi?” she called, curiosity outweighing caution. Joshua smiled faintly, an easy warmth that felt strange. “Hello.” “Just passing through,” she said, arms crossed, voice dripping sarcasm. “Don’t need company.” Ren’s gaze flicked over her, unamused. “Interesting,” he muttered, but said nothing else. By evening, whispers of the Shadow Terror Demons reached the palace. Long thought defeated, they had returned—slaughter, chaos, kidnappings. Prince Joshua, heir to the Asura Twin Phoenix, sent guards to every district, his twin wings hidden beneath his jacket. He paced the balcony, blue and red eyes scanning the horizon. “Prepare for anything,” he told his captain. “No one leaves their posts.” Sky wandered unaware, following the wet scent of the river, her small white hat crooked. A figure approached—a stranger, polite and oddly melodic. “You look like you could use some company,” the stranger said. Sky raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “I don’t. Trust me.” The stranger laughed lightly, unfazed. “Don’t worry, im friendly.” Her mechanical wings were hidden beneath a dark cloak. Sky snorted. “Well, stranger. nice try. Now leave.” She turned, ignoring the faint sense of curiosity tugging at her. Hours later, in the industrial ruins beyond the city, Mira and her sister Amira crouched in shadows amid flickering torches. “This mission is different,” Mira said, eyes golden in the dim light. “It’s a kidnapping, not a killing.” Amira’s red eye gleamed, the other hidden behind a rose-shaped eyepatch. “Just taking them? Sounds boring.” Mira’s smirk stayed calm. “If I fail, you’ll take over. But this one cannot be killed.” Amira huffed. “A shame. I was ready for the usual thrill.” “The target is… unique,” Mira said softly, then with sharper clarity, “a water dragon. Rare. Dangerous if provoked.” Amira leaned forward, curiosity dancing behind her mischievous grin. “Can I meet them?” “Observe first,” Mira instructed, adjusting her beret. “Approach only if necessary.” Amira tapped her mechanical wings. “Fine. But waiting is dull.” Mira’s small smirk returned. “Patience. One mistake and the mission fails.” Outside, the city buzzed with ignorance, unaware of the chess game unfolding in its streets. Sky, wandering unnoticed, was about to be drawn into a web of princes, demons, sisters with blade-like wings, and secrets the world would kill to keep hidden. She shivered slightly, thinking only of the rain and the strange warmth in a pair of mismatched eyes that had looked at her differently than anyone else ever had.