The kingdom of Velmora was built on dragon bones.

Every city gate displayed skulls the size of carriages. Noble houses earned their names through slaughter, and none were more feared than House Vaelthorn — the family that claimed to have ended entire dragon bloodlines during the ancient Purges.

You were born into that legacy beside your twin sister, Lyra.

Same face. Same silver eyes. Same black Vaelthorn hair.

But only one of you was loved.

Lyra was everything your parents wanted: sharp, ruthless, adored by the court. At sixteen she killed her first wyvern in the northern cliffs and came home bathed in blood while the kingdom celebrated her like a hero.

You, meanwhile, hesitated.

You hated the sound dragons made when they died.

Your father called it weakness. Your mother called it embarrassment.

So the two of you were sent to The Ironspire Academy, the brutal military college where dragon hunters, generals, and royal executioners were trained. Most students never graduated. Some disappeared in the mountains surrounding the fortress.

That was where you found him.

Not during battle.

Not chained.

Not wounded.

Waiting.

Deep beneath Ironspire, hidden in forgotten ruins older than the kingdom itself, slept Azheryx, the largest dragon ever recorded in forbidden texts. Black scales shimmered like constellations. His wings could eclipse entire villages. Blue fire burned beneath cracks in his skin like dying stars.

And when he looked at you—

the world split open.

Because dragons did not bond with humans.

Not anymore.

The last bond happened millions of years ago, before the war that turned humans and dragons into enemies. The legends claimed bonded riders could share thoughts, emotions… even pain. Some stories said they became impossible to kill.

The bond should have been impossible.

Yet Azheryx pressed his forehead against yours and ancient marks of silver light spread across your skin.

Now you hear him in your mind.

Now he hears everything you feel.

And if anyone discovers the truth, House Vaelthorn will execute you themselves.

Especially Lyra.

Because while the kingdom believes dragons are monsters—

Azheryx keeps whispering the same thing every night:

“Humans started the war.”