DANGER IS EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE FOR THE SON OF LIGHT, he would always remind me. But the only actual threat I've ever seen to my life is Mother's kisses on my cheek, and my caretaker Miss Stella's hair in the morning.
[Believe me when I say I've had nightmares about it. Her hair has a personality of its own—one that whispers "run."]
Naturally, I didn't believe his whole "danger is your destiny" rant. Not until today.Because today, as I stood in the middle of chaos itself, I finally understood what Father and everyone else had been trying to tell me.
So, for you to understand too—let's rewind. Back to how it all began.
[DRAGON CASTLE – MY ROOM]
"Derrick, how could you forget again?"Mother's voice was soft but laced with that royal scolding tone as she gently brushed through my shoulder-length hair, every stroke neat and precise.
"It's not my fault, Mother. Miss Stella mixed up the days again," I said, looking at her through the mirror. Our eyes were identical—twinkling green like dew on fresh leaves.
"Ok, ok. Enough excuses, you cutie pie." She pinched my cheek and kissed the top of my head. "I'll leave you to get dressed. More than half the guests have already arrived."
The moment the door shut behind her, I exhaled like I'd survived a hurricane.
Finally alone, I looked into the mirror. The boy staring back was—well—me. Only… annoying perfect.
My face had that kind of ethereal beauty sculpted like one of those ancient angel statues, and my green eyes had a glow that made even I, the owner of them, uncomfortable sometimes. My hair? A slightly rebellious mix of gold and orange, shoulder-length and always neat. Naturally.
At ten, I already looked like some divine creature straight out of a storybook. And let me just say: it's not as fun as it sounds.
People stare. A lot. Like I'm a walking glow-stick with legs.
There was a knock at the door.
"Your Highness," a maid called, bowing low as she opened the door. "Your presence has been sent for by the King."
[BALLROOM – THRONES OF THE NINE]
The ballroom was glowing—crystal chandeliers, golden pillars, floating lights in soft hues. But none of that could steal attention away from the thrones.
Nine massive seats, each crafted uniquely to match their king. The Kings of the Nine Realms. Every one of them intimidating and insanely powerful.
Except the King of Dangel—he hadn't arrived yet.
I crept behind the entrance curtain just long enough to hear King Alex speak. His voice was deep, magnetic, the kind that could silence storms.
"You know why I love dragons?" he asked, sipping red wine, his long jet-black hair falling around his face like an untamed shadow.
Aaron, King of Beasts, raised a brow. "Why?"
Alex smirked, voice as smooth as velvet. "They know how to throw a party."
The nearby maidens giggled so loud it was embarrassing.
"I do admit, this is rather grand," Alan, King of Witches, chimed in, swirling his drink.
"I'm just waiting for the best part," Alex said, spinning his wineglass lazily.
"The entertainment?" Zyan, King of Winged Men, offered, flipping his curly white hair back with a grin.
Alex chuckled. "Close. But no. That part's for the Dangels. I mean the real surprise."
"What surprise?" Dylan asked, tone curious.
Alex just smiled and said, "You'll see."
[MY ENTRANCE]
As I descended the grand staircase, every pair of eyes in the ballroom turned to me like I was gravity itself.
Royal queens, sorcerers, noble lords—everyone just watched. I spotted Mother speaking with other queens. Father was on his throne, stoic as always, with his Guardian beside him. On the right stood a cloaked old woman—the Mother Dragon—ancient and wise, a living detector of divine bloodlines.
I barely made it three steps down before trouble in silk appeared.
"Hi!" a girl said, nearly tripping over her own feet to reach me. "I'm Veronica Rose," she giggled, cheeks pink, eyes glowing red. "Princess of Dangel. Crown princess," she added quickly.
I blinked. "Nice to meet you," I said, politely but trying to walk around her.
"You look great! Your outfit always matches your eyes," she continued, fluttering her lashes.
[Note to self: I was ten. I didn't even pick my clothes. And this girl was starting to creep me out more than Miss Stella's Monday hair.]
Just when I thought I'd have to throw myself down the stairs to escape, a voice saved me.
"Young Prince," Julius called.
I turned so fast I almost hugged him.
"Your father is about to commence the Affinity Ceremony. He requires your presence."
Glorious, glorious Julius. My forever hero.
I let him escort me forward, and Erin the palace herald announced my arrival.
[AFFINITY CEREMONY – PLATFORM OF LIGHT]
Aaron, King of Beasts, was the first to speak. "That is the most beautiful child I've ever seen."
Alan laughed. "Unfair! Saga is already the most beautiful among us, and I thought my sons had a chance. Now this?"
I greeted my parents formally, then turned to the Mother Dragon as she stepped forward. Her gaze pierced through me like wind through leaves—gentle, but all-knowing.
She led me onto the glowing platform.
Candles surrounded the circle.
She raised her golden staff, humming an ancient mantra. One by one, the candles around me began to light up on their own.
Each candle represented 10% of light affinity.
3 meant a normal dragon.5 meant royal blood.6… was rare.7… legendary.
They held their breath as the sixth candle lit.
Then the seventh-and gasps filled the air.
Before the eighth could light—
BOOM!
The grand doors were thrown open. A chill wind blasted through the hall.
The candles extinguished instantly.
And then… he stepped in.
A dark figure cloaked in black fog, red glowing eyes piercing the silence.
The floor trembled as more followed.
Clawed, twisted, snarling—demons.
A scream rang out. Then another.
Chaos erupted.
And all I could do was stand there—watching.
Frozen.
Not with fear.
But with something else.
Something awakening inside me.
Like fire. Like power.
Like destiny.