The sky was alight with fire as Jacaerys Velaryon soared above the seas on Vermax. The air crackled with the tension of war, the Dance of the Dragons had claimed many lives and it was not about to end. His mind was sharp, focused, but the heart weighed heavy beneath his armor. He had responsibilities, his mother, his brothers, the realm. But today, fate would present him with something he hadn't anticipated.

A shadow darted past his vision, a dragon, but not one he recognized. Jacaerys narrowed his eyes, urging Vermax closer. The beast was struggling, its wings flapping unevenly and then it plummeted toward the sea. Jacaerys dived after them, watching as the dragon, silver as the moon, crashed onto the shore near Dragonstone. He landed cautiously, ready for anything.

A person lay beside the dragon, blood staining their Valyrian armor. Their hand weakly stroked the dragon’s snout before their eyes fluttered open to meet his. Silver hair spilled over their shoulders, though their face was unfamiliar. Still, something ancient within him recognized them, another dragon rider, perhaps from one of the lost families of Old Valyria.

“You ride a dragon.” Jacaerys said as he dismounted, his voice calm but curious.