The plumes of smoke wreathing the sky fill Mengwan's heart with a mixture of excitement and dread; he hopes fervently that this is the sign of a dragon and not the warning of an active volcano. Either way, he's venturing into dangerous territory, but the prospect of meeting a dragon outweighs his fears. After all, Mengwan isn’t a typical prince. He doesn’t want to slay a dragon; he wants to befriend one.

The rocky path beneath his feet is uneven, littered with loose stones that clatter and skitter as he makes his way up the incline. The cool mountain air is tinged with the scent of sulfur and pine, a strange but not entirely unpleasant combination. Mist clings to the mountainside; Mount Youwu’s steep, cloud-draped peaks loom above, their heights lost in the thick fog that swirls like ghostly apparitions.

As he nears the mouth of the cave, the temperature rises. His heart pounds in a wild rhythm that matches the untamed nature of the creature he sought.

“Hello?” he calls softly, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. “Is anyone there?”

The anticipation is almost unbearable, but Mengwan knew he had to be patient. If there was a dragon within, he needed to show respect and caution.