Surging within the Azure Dragonshrine was an incredible density of Arcane energy. The land itself had been affected by deliberately tuned, high-intensity Ley Line nodes, turning the ground into the blue-purple hue synonymous with the Arcane.
The deep-sleeping Malygos currently lay in the very center of the Azure Dragonshrine. Sindragosa's remains rested in a pit less than fifty meters away from him.
As if sensing Malygos' arrival, Sindragosa's lingering soul attached to the skeleton suddenly became agitated.
The grayish-white, formless soul flowed rapidly around Malygos. The chilling sensation made Malygos, who had been forcibly put into a deep sleep by Ysera, shudder and open his eyes, awakening from a dreamless slumber.
"Roar!"
As if recalling his previous encounters, Malygos instinctively let out a roar before he could even clear his vision of the surroundings.
However, the sight of the gray skeleton laid out not far ahead caused Malygos' movements to suddenly stiffen. His eyes, once filled with madness, now held a glimmer of clarity and reason.
"Malygos..."
Everyone gathered near the Azure Dragonshrine heard that ethereal, plaintive call. As Malygos gradually sat upright, the frantic aura surrounding him began to dissipate, replaced by the wise gaze a Blue Dragon King ought to possess.
Large tears began to fall from his deep blue pupils. Although his mind had not yet fully regained its reason, the instincts of Malygos' body were miraculously moving ahead of his brain.
"Sin... Sin..."
Having not spoken for too long, even Malygos' articulation had become extremely difficult. He fought hard against the chaos and madness in his mind, opening his mouth to try and utter the name he had called out countless times before.
Under the tense gaze of many dragons, Malygos moved his body slowly to the side of the open pit containing the remains, staring blankly at the neatly arranged dragon bones in a daze.
"Sinda... Sindragosa, my... my... Sindragosa!"
"NO!!"
Malygos' sudden roar toward the heavens startled everyone present. Alexstrasza and Ysera immediately lowered their bodies, ready to charge out and restrain him again at the slightest sign of returning madness.
Arygos, in his humanoid form, stood beside Andreas. His hands were tightly clasped together, twisting incessantly—a clear sign of his complex and nervous state of mind.
Andreas did not speak; he merely gave Arygos' shoulder a reassuring pat. Everyone watched the further development of the situation in silence.
Fortunately, Malygos regained his composure after his outburst. He looked down at the remains with heavy sorrow, remaining unresponsive for a long time.
"Malygos, why?"
The ethereal questioning voice rang out again. "Why could you not hear my call? Why did you not come to see me?"
"My final wish was only to return to the Dragonblight to rest in peace. Why could you not help me achieve that?"
Facing Sindragosa's repeated questions, Malygos' entire body began to tremble slightly.
"...I am sorry, I am sorry!"
Head bowed, Malygos repeated his apology sentence after sentence. "I was powerless. It was my fault for misplaced trust in Neltharion, causing the Blue Dragonflight to suffer a devastating blow... I am sorry, it is all my fault. My incompetence caused your death."
"...Dragonblight. I want... to return to the Dragon... blight."
As if sensing the abundant Arcane power within the Azure Dragonshrine, Sindragosa's formless soul slowed its movement.
"Is this... the Azure Dragonshrine? I see. Finally... I can rest in peace."
Arygos personally witnessed the disappearance of Sindragosa's soul. The grayish-white, translucent energy dissipated gradually into the air with a tone of liberation.
"Mother, may you find eternal peace."
In truth, Sindragosa's soul had not originally met the standard to manifest. It was Arygos who had used primitive necromantic spells to amplify her spirit, allowing her final grievance to briefly materialize.
In the center of the shrine, Malygos also saw the soul dissipate. The last words left by his wife plunged him into a long silence.
"Rest in peace..."
Ten minutes later, the dragon head that Malygos had been tilting toward the sky finally lowered. He paused for a moment while looking at Sindragosa's remains.
"Who?"
Andreas wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Malygos' temperament—which had always given an impression of madness—suddenly became majestic and steady.
His deep blue eyes, shimmering with Arcane light, were full of piercing intensity. Arygos, whom he had turned to look at, shuddered instinctively.
"Who defied my orders and dug up Sindragosa's remains?"
A powerful aura of intimidation filled the Azure Dragonshrine. Even the usually outspoken Kalecgos tucked his tail, not daring to speak.
Andreas' expression turned somewhat awkward. 'I hope I won't be held in a grudge for this...'
Arygos bit his lip and stood forward bravely. "Father, it was I who gave the order."
Malygos looked at Arygos steadily, then shook his head slowly. "Arygos, I know you. You are not the kind of person with the boldness to make such a decision."
Alexstrasza and Ysera also stepped forward. The Life-Binder said in a deep voice, "It was indeed a decision reached after consultation between Arygos and Saragosa. I personally led the team to Icecrown Glacier to bring Sindragosa back."
"Malygos, if you must be angry, blame me."
The Blue Dragon King turned to survey his surroundings. His gaze swept over the emotional Saragosa, the joyful Ysera, and the apprehensive Arygos.
When he noticed Sintharia and Onyxia, Malygos' gaze lingered for a few seconds. A look of reflection flashed in his eyes before he moved on, stopping at the only three mortals present.
"Mortals. I know my siblings and my descendants well. Because they feared for my safety, they would not dare to easily make such a risky decision."
Fixing his gaze on Andreas, the leader of the three, Malygos asked in a low voice, "You were the one planning behind the scenes, were you not?"
Although Andreas felt some unease, he was not the type to shy away from admitting his actions.
"Correct. It was I who suggested the method of 'fighting fire with fire'."
Andreas admitted it openly. "A disease of the heart requires medicine for the heart. If Your Majesty Malygos believes I have done wrong, I am willing to bear your wrath."
"Wait!"
Arygos blocked the way in front of Andreas and explained hurriedly, "Father, Andreas only provided a line of thinking. We were the ones who made the final decision to act. I..."
"Arygos, stand aside."
"But..."
A flash of tyrannical intensity crossed Malygos' eyes. "Are my orders no longer effective?"
Arygos' body stiffened, and he was forced to step back helplessly.
"Mortal, tell me your name."
"Andreas. Andreas Moonshadow."
Malygos raised his head high. "I shall remember it. Andreas Moonshadow, I will meet with you again once I have straightened out the situation of the Blue Dragonflight. Be prepared."