Draven:"So you are the crimson-haired slave who dances."
The chains echoed softly around Elanor's wrists, but she replied calmly.
Elanor:"Yes. That's me."
Draven's gaze traveled across her face, then lingered on the deep red of her hair, as if weighing something unseen.
Draven (inner thought):Human… but different. Even in chains, she does not hide her light. How is that possible?
He stepped closer, slowly circling her. The metallic sound of the chains made every movement more unsettling.
Draven:"Your dance… it made us forget your chains. How did you do that? You don't even seem afraid."
Elanor took a deep breath, remembering Sergie's advice.
Elanor:"Fear may live inside me… but I do not surrender to it."
Draven paused. His sapphire-blue eyes locked onto hers. Silence echoed against the stone walls. Then he let out a low laugh.
Draven:"A brave answer. But in the world of dragons, courage is often mistaken for foolishness."
Elanor chose silence. She did not challenge his words—but she did not bow either.
Draven leaned down, bringing his face close to hers. When the warmth of his breath brushed her skin, her heart raced.
Draven (in a low voice):"Let us see… whether it is your chains that protect you… or your own light."
He stepped back and walked toward the window, gazing outside. Without turning around, he spoke again.
Draven:"You will remain here tonight. Your chains will stay on. I will deal with you again in the morning."
Elanor looked down at her chains. Fear still lived in her heart, but a small spark of pride ignited within her. She had passed her first trial.
The glow of the ring slowly faded, and the chamber returned to the cold darkness of stone walls.
Elanor stared at her chains and thought to herself:
All right… I will hide my fear. I will stay silent… but I will never surrender.
At that moment, the ring warmed slightly. Elanor flinched. As she looked at it between the chains, a thin wave of light rose and spread, striking the stone walls and turning into a soft glow.
Sergie appeared again in the middle of the night—no longer fully physical, but as a translucent silhouette. His voice was clear and reassuring.
Before Sergie could speak, Elanor whispered:
Elanor:"The chains are still on my wrists, Sergie… In Draven's eyes, there was both curiosity and death. I'm afraid."
Sergie smiled gently, wisdom shining in his eyes.
Sergie:"You caused hesitation in him—for the first time. Dragons rarely hesitate. He is curious about your light. And curiosity may be the key to survival."
Elanor closed her eyes. Her brother's face appeared in her mind.
Elanor:"I came here for my brother. The chains, the dance, Draven's gaze… it's all so heavy, Sergie. What if I can't endure it?"
Though he could not touch the chains, Sergie moved closer, as if he could.
Sergie:"You will endure. Because you did not come here only for your brother—you came to find your own fate. Remember, Elanor: chains bind the body, but never the soul."
A tear slipped from Elanor's eye.
Elanor:"Then… what should I do next? When Draven calls for me again… how should I act?"
Sergie's silhouette grew brighter.
Sergie:"Do not show fear of his power. But never overstep your place. In the world of dragons, there is a fine line between submission and earning respect. You must walk that line. And remember… your dance is not merely a performance—it is a weapon. Use it again, when the time is right."
The light slowly faded, and Sergie's voice became a distant echo.
Sergie:"I am watching you. You are not alone."
Elanor took a deep breath, staring at her chains. In that moment, a spark ignited in her heart: even within fear, there was hope.
The chamber sank into darkness, the fires burning dimly. Elanor felt the cold of the chains seep into her bones. This was now her new prison. With every breath, the silence echoing off the stone walls pressed heavier against her heart.
There was only one thought in her mind:
My brother.
Sergie's voice echoed once more:
Sergie:"A dragon's interest can mean death… or opportunity. You showed him not only your beauty, but your will. Your dance could not hide your light—even in chains. That is why Draven claimed you, and why he looks at you with interest despite these restraints."
Elanor reflected silently. Her heart still pounded with fear.
Elanor (inner thought):What if he took me to harm me? What if I never leave this chamber alive?
As if hearing her thoughts, Sergie answered:
Sergie:"Hide your fear. Creatures like Draven can smell it. Show it, and you lose. But never forget this: your strength is not only your courage… it is your spirit. Your dance is not a duty—it is a weapon. When the time comes, you will use it again."
Sergie's silhouette dissolved into light and vanished.
At that moment, the door opened with a heavy creak.
Draven stepped inside. His movements were slow, yet his presence alone filled the chamber with power. When his sapphire eyes locked onto Elanor, the chains felt heavier than ever.
Draven:"Even in chains… my eyes see no one but you. Tell me, crimson-haired one… who are you?"
Elanor swallowed hard, her heart racing. She remembered Sergie's words: Hide your fear.
Gathering all her courage, she spoke.
Elanor:"I am… just Elanor. But chains cannot enslave my soul."
A brief silence followed. A faint curve formed on the Dragon King's lips—whether a smile or mockery, it was impossible to tell.
Draven:"Chains cannot enslave your soul, hm? Bold words. Slaves obey. But you… you challenged us with your dance. Now I wonder… where do the limits of your chains truly end?"
He stepped closer and touched one of the chains. The cold metal rang sharply, driving a spike of fear into Elanor's heart.
Elanor (inner thought):Stay calm… don't show fear. Sergie said this is a game. My game of survival.
Draven's eyes gleamed.
Draven:"I will summon you again tomorrow. This time, you will not only dance. I want to see how strong your spirit truly is."
The Dragon King stepped back and turned toward the door. Just before leaving, he paused and spoke without looking back.
Draven:"Prepare yourself, Elanor. Either you break your chains… or your chains will devour you."
The door slammed shut. Elanor was left alone with his words echoing through the stone walls. Her heart beat with both fear and curiosity.
Elanor (inner thought):Break my chains… or disappear within them? Which one will I become?
And that night, Elanor's greatest battle—bound in chains—had begun.