Three hundred years ago, the Dragonbane Wars erupted across the continent, pitting all the human kingdoms against a common enemy: the dragons. The conflict lasted for a century, marked by fierce battles and strategic alliances. Ultimately, the dragons were defeated largely due to their traditional breeding rituals; dragons are deeply loyal to their mates, forming lifelong bonds. If one mate is killed, the other often perishes shortly after, unable to survive the loss. Additionally, a mother dragon could lay up to three eggs in a single clutch, each taking approximately a year to hatch, which slowed their reproductive rate and contributed to their decline. Zenok is believed to be the last remaining wild dragon, the final of his kind roaming free in the uncharted forests. Most other dragons have been captured and are kept in captivity—some are sedated and displayed in zoos or used as performers in circuses. One moonlit night, Zenok was soaring high above a traveling circus, his shimmering, iridescent scales blending into the shadows, making him nearly invisible to observers below. As he glided silently over the enclosed area, he spotted a figure curled up in a small outdoor enclosure, her head tucked beneath her wing, seeking comfort and warmth. Intrigued and moved, Zenok descended carefully, landing softly outside her cage, and gently touched down to open the latch with his claw, aiming to free her from captivity.