Chapter 4
Tess
“Here you are. I’ll catch up with you later, okay? Just... take care, Tess,” Mason said as we reached the Annex.
“Of course,” I replied.
With that, Mason kept walking. I stepped closer to the Annex, where my heart skipped a beat at the sight of the sleek, obsidian figure of Thalon, landing gracefully just beyond the structure.
Thalon's massive head swung towards me, molten eyes gleaming with intensity. "We don’t have much time, little one," he rumbled, his voice carrying none of his usual playfulness. "You need to be ready."
A knot of unease coiled in my stomach, but I nodded. I knew what he meant. The weight of the Survival Challenge loomed over me, and with it, the ever-growing scrutiny of the Guild. Every day, I felt the pressure mounting, the expectation that I prove myself—prove that I belonged here.
I placed a steadying hand against his warm scales. "Then let’s go."
"Hold tight," he instructed, his massive muscles tensing beneath me.
The moment I settled on his back, he launched into the sky with a force that stole my breath. The wind roared around us, the ground falling away in a blur of green and gold. For a brief moment, the tension in my chest unraveled, replaced by the exhilarating rush of flight. Up here, nothing else mattered—not the doubts, not the whispers, not the impossible expectations.
Just the sky. Just the freedom.
I closed my eyes for a second, letting the wind whip across my face, savoring the feeling. But deep down, I knew this wasn’t just a carefree ride. Thalon wouldn’t have brought me here unless it was important.
As if sensing my thoughts, Thalon angled downward, gliding toward a secluded clearing nestled deep within the forest. He landed with practiced grace, his talons sinking into the soft earth without a sound. The meadow before us was breathtaking—wildflowers swayed gently in the golden light, and towering redwoods stood like ancient sentinels, their branches whispering secrets to the wind.
I slid from his back, my legs unsteady beneath me, the thrill of the flight still humming through my veins. Thalon curled himself around the edge of the clearing, his immense form creating a protective barrier against the outside world.
“This place is beautiful,” I whispered, hardly daring to disrupt the stillness.
Thalon lowered his massive head, his molten amber eyes locking onto mine with a steady confidence that both comforted and challenged me. "It is beautiful, little one," he agreed, his voice a rich, resonant hum that seemed to vibrate through me. "But its beauty isn’t the only reason I brought you here."
I tilted my head, curiosity mingling with apprehension as I placed a hand against the warm scales of his snout. "Then why did you?"
His vast form shifted slightly, his shadow stretching across the sprawling meadow. The golden glow of the setting sun reflected off his shimmering scales, illuminating the obsidian depths running like rivers through his massive frame. "Because it’s time to prepare you for what’s coming."
My stomach tightened. Of course, it wasn’t just a respite. Of course, he had planned this moment with purpose. "You mean the Survival Challenge."
Thalon lowered his head until his molten amber eyes met mine, filled with a steady, unwavering certainty. "This isn’t just about the Survival Challenge, Tess," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through my bones. "You need to understand your magic. Now."
I swallowed hard, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. “I know,” I admitted. “I’m trying.”
"Trying isn’t enough anymore." His voice was gentle, but there was no mistaking the gravity of his words. "This path you’ve chosen won’t be easy. You’ll be challenged in ways that will demand more than raw courage. You’ll need strength, skill, and a profound connection to your magic. That’s why we’re here—to start building those things. You have potential, little one, but potential alone is not enough.”
Something in his tone grounded me, even as a flicker of unease spread through my chest. "And you believe I can get there? That I can... become ready?"
Thalon’s amber eyes softened. "I wouldn’t have chosen you as my rider if I didn’t believe in you." His immense bulk shifted slightly as he straightened, the power in his form radiating like an unspoken promise.
"But belief isn’t the same as coddling. My role isn’t to shield you from what’s hard or uncomfortable. It’s to ensure you survive it—and thrive because of it. I will push you, Tess, and there will be moments you’ll hate me for it. But I will never let you face these challenges alone. You have me at your side, always."
I drew in a shaky breath, the tension in my shoulders easing ever so slightly. "So that's why you brought me here—not just to escape for a moment, but to start training."
“Precisely,” he said, his tone shifting into something lighter—though the determination beneath it remained unwavering. “Your magic is an extension of us, of the bond we share, and it’s time for you to learn how to use it. Everything we do here will be to prepare you for the trials ahead. Now...” He nudged me lightly with his snout, his immense presence gentler than I thought possible. "Shall we begin?"
I squared my shoulders, a flicker of determination sparking within me. "Yes. Where do we start?"
"Close your eyes," Thalon instructed gently. "Focus on your breath. Feel the energy within you."
I did as he said, letting my eyes flutter shut. The sounds of the forest faded away as I concentrated on my breathing. In... out... in... out...
"Now," Thalon's voice echoed in my mind, "reach inside yourself. There's a ball of energy in your chest. Can you feel it?"
At first, I felt nothing but the steady thrum of my heartbeat. But as I focused, I became aware of a warmth spreading through my chest. It pulsed with a rhythm all its own, distinct from my heartbeat.
"I... I think I feel something," I murmured, not daring to open my eyes.
As I focused on the warmth in my chest, a vivid image formed in my mind's eye. A swirling sphere of light pulsed gently, its surface swirling with equal parts shimmering gold and deep, rich purple.
"Thalon," I whispered, "I can see it. It's... beautiful. Like a ball of light, half gold and half purple."
I felt a wave of excitement and pride wash over me through our bond. "Remarkable, Tess," Thalon's voice resonated in my mind. "What you're seeing is a perfect reflection of my own magical essence. This is why we've bonded through Soul Resonance – your core magic matches mine exactly."
My breath caught in my throat. "Really? That's... incredible. What do the colors mean?"
"The gold and purple represent the types of magic I possess," Thalon explained. "Try reaching out to each color with your mind. What do you feel?"
Cautiously, I extended my awareness towards the golden light in the sphere. As I made contact, a sense of structure and harmony washed over me. It felt... orderly, like the pieces of a complex puzzle fitting perfectly together.
Then, I shifted my focus to the purple light. The moment I touched it, a thrill of unpredictability surged through me. It was wild, untamed – chaotic, but in an exhilarating way.
"The gold feels orderly," I said, my voice filled with wonder. "And the purple... it's chaotic, but not in a bad way. It's like... potential for change."
Thalon's pride radiated through our bond. "Excellent observation, Tess. You're absolutely right. This balance of order and chaos within us is part of what makes us both unique. It's incredibly rare for a being to embody both aspects so perfectly."
I frowned, a question suddenly occurring to me. "Thalon, why couldn't I feel this before? During class, I mean. I tried reaching for my magic, but I couldn't sense anything."
Thalon's eyes softened with understanding. "It was likely a combination of newness and stress. Your bond with me is still fresh, and your body and mind are adjusting. Add to that the pressure of being in class, surrounded by others... it's no wonder you struggled to connect with your magic."
His explanation made sense, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "That's... actually comforting to hear. I was worried something was wrong with me."
"Far from it," Thalon assured me. "You're doing remarkably well, considering how recently we bonded."
Curiosity sparked within me. "Could you show me what this magic can do? I mean, what you can do with it?"
Thalon's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Of course. Watch closely."
He raised his head, and suddenly, a shimmering golden barrier materialized around me. It was beautiful, like a dome of liquid sunlight.
"This is Golden Shield," Thalon explained. "It's a nearly impenetrable barrier that can deflect all harm. It comes from the light aspect of our magic."
I reached out to touch it, marveling at the warm, solid feel beneath my fingertips. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, the shield vanished.
"Would you like something more... immediate?" Thalon's voice echoed in my mind, his tone contemplative.
"What do you mean?" I asked, still dazed by the shimmer of the Golden Shield he'd created moments ago.
He shifted beside me, his massive presence a reassuring constant. "A Golden Shield, Tess. It could provide temporary protection against magical and physical attacks, but only for a specific period depending on the power infused into it."
I frowned, curiosity tinged with skepticism. "Temporary? How long are we talking?"
"It depends on the source," Thalon explained. "If I create it, it could last about twelve hours with my current strength. A shield you create might last less time at first. But as you grow stronger, so will its duration. Once the magic fueling it is spent, the shield collapses.”
I nodded slowly, understanding. "So, this isn't a one-and-done thing. It’s like... putting on temporary armor when I need it?"
Thalon's molten amber gaze locked onto mine, laser-focused. “Exactly. It’s a tool, not a crutch. You’ll need to learn to judge when to use it and when not to.”
That made sense, and I felt myself leaning toward the idea. In the short time since bonding with Thalon, I had already begun noticing an undercurrent of hostility from some of the other Dragon Rider applicants. The thought of having a tangible form of protection—even if temporary—was reassuring, a lifeline in a world where I wasn't sure whom I could trust.
"Alright," I said firmly. "Let's do it."
Thalon's golden eyes flashed with approval, his expression a mixture of calculated pride and gentle encouragement. "Good. Now, hold still. This will tingle."
He dipped his head toward me, and a rush of warmth spread from my chest outward. My body tingled, every nerve lighting up like a live wire. I gasped as a faint shimmer gathered around me—a fluid, near-invisible layer of golden light. The sensation was surreal, weightless yet palpable. It felt as though a second skin of liquid sunlight had enveloped me, amplifying every sense.
"This barrier will protect you for the next twelve hours," Thalon explained, his voice calm and measured. "But be aware—it’s not invulnerable. A strong enough attack or prolonged exposure to significant magical force can shatter it before the time expires. Treat it as a buffer, not an absolute defense."
I ran my fingers along the faint shimmer of the shield, marveling at its texture. It was subtle, a barely-there presence, but the hum of its energy coursed through me like something alive. "Twelve hours," I echoed, committing it to memory.
Thalon’s molten eyes darkened slightly, a shadow of concern flickering across his massive face. “And Tess, once the shield breaks, you’ll be vulnerable until you or I can create another. Be prepared for that. It’s not something to be relied upon recklessly.”
His words grounded me, the stark reality of what he’d given me sinking in. This was a tool, not a solution. I nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility he had just handed me. “Understood.”
"Good," Thalon rumbled, his tone lightening once more. "Now, let's test it. Take a step toward me."
I hesitated, unsure what he meant, but complied. As I stepped closer, the shimmering barrier flared briefly—just a flicker along the edges—but I felt nothing when the golden energy brushed against Thalon's obsidian scales.
"The shield will respond to threats automatically," Thalon continued. "Minor irritations won’t deplete its energy, but a direct strike or sustained assault will drain it quickly. It's intuitive—an extension of you. It knows the difference between a brush of discomfort and true danger."
I exhaled slowly. "That’s... incredible."
A low laugh rumbled through our mental bond. "It is, little one, and it's only the beginning. But remember, even the strongest shield is meaningless if it isolates you from your own strength. This is a bridge, not a destination. Now that we've fortified your defenses, how about we explore something else?"
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"
Suddenly, the air around us seemed to darken. I blinked, and when I opened my eyes again, Thalon seemed to blur at the edges. I looked at myself and saw the same effect around me.
"This is Invisibility Shroud," Thalon's voice echoed in my mind. "It allows us to become completely invisible. Look over there."
I followed his mental nudge and spotted a deer grazing at the edge of the clearing. It lifted its head, ears twitching, but its gaze passed right over us without a hint of recognition.
"Wow," I breathed, barely daring to speak above a whisper.
"Indeed," Thalon's voice resonated in my mind. "And there's more to it than meets the eye. The Invisibility Shroud doesn't just affect sight. It masks all of our senses – sound, smell, taste, and even touch."
My eyes widened in amazement. "Really? How does that work?"
"The shroud creates a bubble of altered reality around us," Thalon explained. "It doesn't just bend light; it manipulates the very fabric of perception. Our footsteps make no sound, it neutralizes our scent, and even if someone were to bump into us, they'd feel nothing but empty air."
I shook my head in wonder. "That's... that's beyond anything I could have imagined."
The air shimmered again, and the blur disappeared. I stared at Thalon in awe. "And I'll be able to do things like that someday?"
Thalon's rumbling chuckle filled the clearing. "With practice and dedication, yes. But for now, let's start with the basics. I want you to practice identifying and visualizing our magic in your chest until it comes as naturally as breathing."
I nodded eagerly, ready to begin. But something in Thalon's tone made me pause. "Thalon... is there a reason we're rushing this? You sound... almost urgent."
Thalon's eyes met mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "Let's just say... I have a feeling we may need your magic sooner rather than later, little one. But don't worry about that now. Focus on your practice. And remember, balance is not the absence of chaos, but the mastery of it. That's the most important thing."
"I understand," I said, determination filling my voice. "I'll make sure to practice whenever I can. Between classes, during breaks—I want to be ready for whatever's coming."
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Thalon spread his massive wings. "It's time we returned, little flame," he said, lowering his head to allow me to climb onto his back.
The flight back to the Annex was shorter, but no less exhilarating. As we landed, I slid off Thalon's back, my mind buzzing with everything I'd learned. The weight of it all suddenly hit me, and I felt my shoulders sag.
Thalon's concerned gaze met mine. "You seem overwhelmed, Tess. Perhaps you need some time to process?"
I nodded, running a hand through my wind-tousled hair. "Yeah, I think you're right. It's a lot to take in."
"Why don't you take a walk?" Thalon suggested, his mental voice gentle. "There's a path that leads down to the river, not far from here. It's quiet, and not many people use it. The sound of the water might help clear your head."
The idea of a peaceful walk sounded perfect. "That does sound nice," I agreed, already feeling some of the tension leave my body at the thought.
Thalon gave me directions, and with a final nuzzle against my shoulder, he took off towards the dragon aeries. I set off down the path he'd described, relishing the crunch of pine needles beneath my feet and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
As I walked, I let my mind wander, processing the events of the day. The magic, the upcoming survival challenge, the complex web of relationships I was navigating – it all swirled in my thoughts like leaves caught in an eddy.
After a few minutes, I heard the soft burble of water. The path curved, and suddenly, the river came into view. It was a breathtaking sight – clear water rushing over smooth stones, the late afternoon sun turning the surface into liquid gold. The tension in my shoulders began to melt away as I took in the peaceful scene.
I closed my eyes, breathing in the crisp scent of water and pine, letting the sound of the river wash over me. When I opened them again, movement caught my eye.
There, rising from the water like some kind of river god, stood a man. Water cascaded down his muscular form, droplets catching the light like diamonds on his bare skin. Because he was very, very naked.
My breath caught in my throat as our eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.