Chapter 119: Counterattack

Lena

I swayed on my feet, dizzy from the revelations my friends brought. Scar mindbreak. The haven corrupted. Raiders marked for extermination. My world crumbled further with each bitter truth.

I scarcely recognized the broken woman I had become in but a few short weeks. The proud dragonkeeper was no more - in her place stood a gaunt, haunted girl with dead eyes. Just days ago, I had entertained foolish notions of breaking the bond Scar, to raise our child in a peaceful haven. Such pathetic dreams now mocked me. If any future remained for dragons or raiders, it could only be bought with blood and sacrifice.

My hands curled into helpless fists at my sides. Natalia's insistent voice roused me from despair's brink. "There is yet hope, child. If you and your dragon complete the bonding ritual, none shall stand against your united power."

I studied the wise woman's careworn face. A bonding? The ultimate sacrament between true dragon and their keepers, forever linking two souls as one? Unea