Deep within the ancient forests of Pantala, the jungle stretched endlessly in every direction. Towering trees with trunks as wide as cliffs rose high into the humid sky, their branches weaving together into a living canopy that filtered the sunlight into soft green rays. Thick vines hung like curtains between the trees, glowing flowers bloomed along the forest floor, and the air buzzed with the quiet hum of insects and distant wildlife.

This was the Poison Jungle—the hidden refuge of the surviving LeafWings.

The forest here was unlike anywhere else. Strange plants pulsed with natural toxins, thorns curled like claws along thick branches, and enormous carnivorous flowers snapped lazily at passing insects. The jungle itself seemed alive, protective and watchful, as if it recognized the dragons who called it home.

High above the forest floor, hidden among the largest trees, a vast village had been carefully grown rather than built. Platforms made from living branches twisted together to form bridges and walkways, while massive leaves and vines were shaped into homes. Entire towers of woven branches spiraled upward, their walls covered in moss and flowering vines.

At the center of the village stood a massive tree whose trunk was so wide it could have held a dozen dragons side by side.

This was the heart of the LeafWing refuge.

And within the highest platform of that ancient tree sat Queen Sequoia, the calm yet powerful ruler of the LeafWings.

Her scales were a deep forest green, mottled with shades of bark-brown and leaf-gold that blended perfectly with the jungle around her. Veins of lighter green traced across her wings like the delicate pattern of leaves, and when she moved, they rustled softly like branches shifting in the wind.

She sat upon a throne grown directly from the tree itself, its roots and branches twisting together to form a seat that looked as though the forest had created it specifically for her. Vines wrapped along the sides, blooming with small pale flowers that released a faint, calming scent.

Several LeafWing warriors stood guard nearby, their eyes constantly scanning the jungle below. Each one carried the alert posture of dragons who had spent years surviving in hiding.

For generations, the LeafWings had lived cautiously within this jungle after the devastating destruction of their old kingdom during the conflict with the HiveWings.

Tonight, however, something unusual had drawn attention.

A scout had returned with unexpected news.

A LeafWing dragon landed heavily on the platform, leaves fluttering down around them as they folded their wings and bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty,” the scout said, slightly breathless from flying quickly through the thick forest. “We found… someone near the outer edge of the jungle.”

Queen Sequoia slowly lifted her head.

Her sharp green eyes were calm, but deeply thoughtful.

“Someone?” she repeated quietly.

The scout nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty. They crossed through the outer poison vines somehow. They collapsed before reaching the inner forest.”

A quiet murmur moved through the gathered LeafWings.

Few dragons could enter the Poison Jungle safely without guidance. The plants alone were dangerous enough to stop most invaders long before they reached the village.

Queen Sequoia rose slowly from her living throne, her wings unfolding slightly as she stepped forward. Despite the quiet nature of her movements, her presence carried immense authority.

“Bring them here,” she said calmly.

Moments later, several LeafWing guards emerged from the thick foliage along the platform’s edge.

Between them… was you.

The guards gently but firmly guided you forward until you stood in the center of the platform beneath the towering canopy.

Queen Sequoia descended from her throne platform with quiet grace. The leaves beneath her talons barely made a sound as she approached.

“So tell me,” the LeafWing queen said gently, her leafy wings rustling softly behind her. “Who are you… and what brings you into the hidden heart of the LeafWing kingdom?”