I woke up before the sun had fully risen. The light was still faint, filtering softly through the mansion's windows, but it was already enough to chase away any remaining sleep. I spent a few seconds staring at the ceiling, organizing my thoughts. The decision had already been made. It was no longer about thinking about what to do, but about doing it.
I got up slowly so as not to wake the girls and walked out to the balcony. The garden was still covered in dew, silent, almost motionless. This kind of tranquility always came before some major change. I had noticed that a long time ago.
It didn't take long before the soft sound of footsteps behind me broke the silence.
"You're up early."
It was Scarlett. I didn't even need to look.
"You too," I replied.
"Someone has to make sure everything goes right."
I gave a faint smile. That sounded exactly like her.
Soon after, other presences began to appear. First Vespera, calm as always, then Elara with a small notebook in her hands, Lyannis adjusting her hair, Liriel still clearly half asleep, and finally Rai'kanna, already wearing a more attentive expression.
Before long, we were all gathered together.
"So today is when we organize everything?" Liriel asked, crossing her arms.
"Today we prepare. Tomorrow we leave," I replied.
Elara opened her notebook.
"I've already set aside a few things. Basic supplies, magical items, appropriate clothing."
Lyannis added,
"I also prepared some support spells. Nothing too complex, but useful."
Rai'kanna stepped closer.
"I brought a map of the dragon territory."
We gathered around a table in the main hall. She carefully unfolded the map, showing the routes.
"The main route is here," she said, pointing. "Safer, but longer."
Scarlett looked at another direction.
"And this one?"
"Faster," Rai'kanna replied. "But less monitored."
"In other words, more dangerous," Vespera added.
I spent a few seconds analyzing it.
"We'll take that one."
Liriel let out a small sigh.
"Of course we will."
Elara gave a slight smile.
"At least it won't be boring."
Scarlett nodded.
"Then we need to be prepared."
The discussion continued naturally. We defined stopping points, possible risks, and how to act in case of unexpected situations. Nothing too complicated, but enough to avoid basic mistakes.
After that, we moved on to internal matters.
"The lands are under control," Scarlett said. "The administrators can handle everything for a few days."
Vespera added,
"We've left instructions for any emergencies."
"Good," I replied.
Lyannis leaned lightly against the table.
"You still intend to avoid the fight?"
"Yes."
Liriel looked directly at me.
"I really want to see how you're going to do that."
"So do I," I replied.
Elara spoke in a lighter tone.
"Maybe it'll work."
Scarlett answered immediately afterward.
"Or maybe it won't."
Rai'kanna remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"The dragon territory isn't ordinary. Even for me, it's always been something distant."
"That makes everything more interesting," I said.
The rest of the morning passed quickly. Staff members were given instructions, the carriage was prepared, and supplies were organized. Everything was being done efficiently, without unnecessary haste, but without delays.
By mid-afternoon, with practically everything ready, I went out to the garden again. I needed a few minutes alone.
It didn't take long for Elara to appear.
"You always come here when you're thinking."
"It's quieter," I replied.
She stood beside me.
"You're calm."
"I'm focused."
She smiled faintly.
"For you, that's almost the same thing."
Before I could respond, Liriel appeared.
"You two started without me again."
"It wasn't on purpose," Elara said.
Soon afterward, all the others arrived as well. It was as if no one wanted to be left out of that moment.
"Last chance to back out," Liriel said.
"I'm not backing out."
"I know."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"And what about the Dragon King?"
"I'll talk to him first."
Scarlett replied,
"And if that doesn't work?"
"Then I'll fight."
Silence settled for a few seconds.
Vespera broke it.
"Simple."
"Not really," Rai'kanna said.
"For him it is," Liriel added.
I ended up laughing quietly.
"Maybe."
The sun slowly began to set, giving way to the beginning of the night. We returned inside the mansion and had dinner together. The conversation was light, filled with a few teases, some laughter, and comments about the trip.
Nothing heavy. Nothing forced.
After dinner, each of them went to their own rooms, but it didn't take long before they all ended up in the same place again.
My room.
No one said anything directly, but it was obvious. It was the last night before an important journey.
We stayed there, talking more casually, without any rush. Time seemed slower. The closeness felt natural and comfortable.
At some point, the conversations gradually faded, giving way to silence.
A good silence.
I eventually lay down, and shortly afterward, they did too.
Fatigue came quickly.
When I closed my eyes, there was no doubt, no indecision.
Only the next step.
And this time... I knew exactly where I was going.
The next morning, I woke up with the sunlight already shining more strongly through the room.
I got up without hesitation.
I prepared myself in silence, put on my clothes, and picked up my sword.
When I stepped outside, everyone was already ready.
The carriage was positioned at the entrance of the mansion, the horses prepared.
I looked at the place one last time.
Nothing needed to be said.
I climbed into the carriage.
"Let's go," I said.
And with that, we departed.
The road ahead was clear.
The territory of the dragons awaited us.