Power roared through me, a turbulent storm waiting impatiently just beneath the surface of my skin. The intruders stood silently, their arrogance clear in their twisted smiles and derisive laughter, confident they could easily sweep through us.
But arrogance could only carry you so far and in their case, it would carry them straight to oblivion.
The wind picked up suddenly, whispering anxiously through the leaves, swirling around me like a protective shield. My magic surged, humming fiercely within my veins, aching for release. Mara and Elira stood protectively on either side of me, their eyes gleaming with cold fury, fierce and ready to tear apart anyone foolish enough to challenge us.
Smaug growled deeply, his scales shimmering with fiery embers. Smoke curled ominously from his nostrils, tiny flames flickering at the edges of his mouth, anticipation rippling across his powerful form.
