Chapter 120

OPHELIA We are drawing near, Ophelia. Anikêtos’s deep growl rouses me from a fitful sleep, a sleep plagued by visions of monsters with sharp teeth and claws and hooded figures and fire and blood. I sit up and allow the cool rush of air to blow away the last remnants of slumber. The bright light of the rising sun causes me to blink as it bathes the land below in its amber glow. You see the mountain range ahead? You see the highest peak? Yes. It is what we dragons call Marata Fyar Arandagar—Birthplace of Dragons. That is the only place capable of holding the great Alexandros Drakos. You’re sure, Anikêtos? Yes, for I feel his presence as we grow closer. Do you not? No. I shake my head, saddened at that realization. Fear not, little elementai. My powers are stronger here than anywhere in this world. I was born in the shadow of this mountain. You were? Wow! A long time ago, when the world did not look like this. I shall land at its foot, and you must go in alone from there. Alone? Fear curl