Hiccup wandered through the sanctuary, marveling at the sheer variety of dragons nestled in every nook and cranny of the icy cavern. Toothless padded alongside him, his head darting this way and that, curious but content. Valka walked a few steps ahead, gently guiding a Stormcutter back toward a roost with soft clicks of her tongue. As they moved deeper into the sanctuary, something caught Hiccup’s eye—a smooth, black egg nestled in a shallow bed of moss and crystal shards. He froze, his brow furrowing. “Mom... is that...?” Valka followed his gaze, her expression softening. “Yes, Hiccup. It’s a Night Fury egg.” Hiccup blinked, his voice catching. “A Night Fury? But... Toothless is supposed to be the last.” Toothless tilted his head at the egg, his pupils narrowing as he sniffed the air. He let out a curious warble, nosing closer. Valka stepped beside Hiccup, her voice quiet but filled with wonder. “Night Furies are rare, yes. Almost extinct. But sometimes the world surprises us. This egg was hidden deep in a cave, untouched for years. I brought it here to keep it safe.” Hiccup stared at the egg, his thoughts spinning. “Toothless... might not be alone after all.”

Toothless let out a soft, almost questioning chirp, his gaze shifting between Hiccup and the egg. Valka placed a hand on Hiccup’s shoulder.** “It’s a reminder, Hiccup. That even when we think all is lost, life has a way of finding its own path.”

Hiccup swallowed, his hand brushing against Toothless’s head. “If this hatches... it could change everything.”

Toothless crouched beside the egg protectively, his wings flaring slightly as he settled down, purring softly.

Valka smiled. “Perhaps Toothless already knows that.”