Chapter Text
The pale, silvery glow of the moonlight poured through the narrow cracks in the ancient stone walls of Moon’s dorm cave, filling the space with an ethereal light. The soft beams danced delicately across the rough floor, creating an enchanting play of shadows that flickered like whispers in the night. The cool air carried a sense of serenity, as the cave embraced the tranquil beauty of the lunar glow.
She pondered how to go about this. Her mind raced with thoughts as she envisioned the perfect way to propose to Qibli. A mix of joy and anxiety swirled in her chest, her heart fluttering with hope and uncertainty. She wondered how Qibli would react to her heartfelt proposal, the weight of the moment feeling heavier with each passing second.
Her cave was modest and serene, tucked away in a quieter part of Jade Mountain, decorated only with a few cherished items—a smooth river stone from Kinkajou, a woven mat gifted by Qibli, and an old, half-burnt scroll she had read countless times. Despite her growing discomfort, it was one of the few places where she truly found comfort and peace.
She reflected on Qibli’s thoughts, which only intensified her longing for his heart and her desire for his warm presence. The strength of his thoughts overwhelmed her, prompting her to instinctively reach for her Skyfire, only to remember that she had set it aside, intentionally choosing to be more present for those around her.
She will be with him, and him with her Despite everything, all she could think about was the sensation of her scales under his wings as they enveloped her. The warmth in her heart, ignited by his smile, made her blush even deeper. Taking a deep breath, she rose from her mat, feeling the cool stone beneath her claws as she stepped out of her sanctuary and into the hall. The corridors of Jade Mountain were quiet, with most dragons still resting.
However, despite her initial calming thoughts, her anxiety soon crept back in, overwhelming her with worry about all the potential ways things could go wrong.
As Moon stepped into the dimly lit corridors, a sense of unease washed over her, and her mind began to spiral into a familiar cycle of apprehension. What if he thinks this whole idea is a huge mistake? What if he responds by laughing at her, or worse—what if he simply chooses to remain silent? Her heart raced in her chest, each beat echoing her insecurity, and she felt a tingling sensation as her scales prickled with nervous energy.
Gathering her resolve, she took a shaky breath, desperately attempting to steady the storm within her. Come on, Moon, she urged herself. You’ve seen the way he looks at you—those soft, caring glances that linger a moment too long. A small smile tugged at her lips as she recalled the warmth of his expressions, how they made her heart soar. He’s always been there for you, supporting you through the toughest times. You know that deep down; he wouldn’t just turn you away so easily.
A more subtle thought began to intrude upon her mind, persistent yet gentle: What if I’ve completely misjudged the situation? What if, beneath the surface, he doesn’t rely on me as much as I once believed?
Shaking her head vehemently to dispel the doubt, Moon reminded herself once more of the countless moments they had shared. No, you can do this. You’re stronger than your fears. He cares about you; he always has.
Gradually, her anxiety began to dissipate, replaced by a flicker of confidence . Just take it one step at a time, Moon, she reminded herself, inhaling deeply to ground her racing thoughts. You know you hold a special place in his heart. All you need to do is be honest with him about your feelings.
As Moon approached the cave where Qibli and Winter were, she could faintly hear their voices, though the words eluded her. Anxiety tightened around her heart, prompting her to slow her steps. Holding her breath, she leaned closer to catch their conversation.
Then, Qibli's voice broke through, soft and sincere: "I love you." His tone was tender, filled with emotion.
In that instant, Moon's heart twisted painfully, overwhelmed by the realization. Waves of hurt washed over her, each beat echoing unfulfilled dreams slipping away. She staggered back, pressing her hand against the cool stone for support, feeling as if the ground had vanished beneath her. It was more than she could bear.
The words struck her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her breathless. Moon reached into her pouch, her fingers trembling as she let her Skyfire slip from her grasp, clattering softly to the floor. At that moment, her protection vanished, and a flood of thoughts from Qibli and Winter enveloped her mind—raw and undeniable. Each thought resonated with emotions not meant for her, yet she felt them intensely and painfully as if their hearts were laid bare before her.
Qibli’s thoughts drifted to her first, filled with a gentle but unwavering resolve. I would give anything to protect you, Winter. I won’t let anyone hurt you—not as long as I’m here. A hint of yearning slipped through. Please, love me back. I see that look in your eyes, that guarded hope. We could belong to each other… if you’d just let me in.
Moon’s heart clenched painfully as she felt Qibli’s emotions, but then Winter’s thoughts surfaced, more guarded, but no less revealing.
Qibli loves me? Winter’s mind echoed with disbelief, tinged with admiration. But… I don’t deserve him. How could I? His thoughts flickered between doubt and gratitude. And yet, he makes me feel… seen like I’m worth something more. How does he always know what I need to hear, even when I don’t? Vulnerability seeped into his thoughts, breaking through his usual composure. He’s the only one who’s ever tried to understand me… the only one who truly sees me.
The weight of their emotions pressed down on Moon’s heart, filling her with sadness and quiet acceptance. She wiped away a stray tear with a claw, forcing herself to feel happy for them. They deserve this—both of them. They found each other, and maybe that’s enough. Maybe I don’t need someone for myself .
Taking a deep, steadying breath, she picked up her Skyfire and silently turned to make her way back to her room. Her heart was heavy yet comforted by the thought that her friends had found happiness.
The quiet corridors of Jade Mountain were dimly lit by the soft, silvery glow of moonlight filtering through the cracks. Her sleeping cave wasn’t far, tucked away in one of the quieter wings. She had always appreciated its privacy, but tonight, the emptiness felt more comforting than usual.
As she reached her cave, she slipped inside and closed her eyes for a moment to steady herself. She allowed herself to breathe, feeling the cool, familiar air of her sanctuary. The gentle hum of the night filled the silence, offering her a semblance of calm and reminding her that she wasn’t alone. She still had her friends, even if not in the way she once hoped.
Moon carefully lowered herself onto her cozy mat, the soft fabric cradling her as she curled up tightly. She enveloped herself in her delicate wings, creating a warm cocoon that shielded her from the outside world. The quiet of her cave wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and as solitude settled in, she finally allowed the tears she had been holding back to spill forth. She knew no one could see her here, and in that privacy, her emotions flowed freely.
Though a bittersweet ache filled her heart, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy for her friends, Qibli and Winter. They had found each other in a way that was beautiful and profound.
As the silence deepened, she spoke softly to the stillness, as if her whispered words could bring her solace. “They have each other... and I’m truly glad for them,” she murmured, hoping to soothe her heartache in the process.
Her thoughts churned long into the night. Eventually, exhaustion claimed her, pulling her into a restless slumber filled with fragments of dreams—fleeting images of Qibli, Winter, and the warmth they shared. She drifted in and out of consciousness, the silence of the cave both comforting and painfully isolating.
As morning arrived, soft light seeped through the cracks in her cave walls, gently stirring her awake. Moon opened her eyes slowly, feeling the weight of yesterday's emotions settle in her chest like a heavy stone. Taking a deep breath, she rose, stretching her wings and shaking off the last remnants of sleep.
Stepping out of her cave and into the halls, she heard the footsteps of students walking down the corridor toward the prey center. As she approached, faint chatter drifted out from within—familiar voices that warmed her heart.
When she entered, Moon found her Winglet gathered in a loose circle. Kinkajou was bouncing excitedly as she talked to Turtle. Peril was listening, her usual nervous energy evident as she glanced around. Winter and Qibli engaged in playful banter, with Qibli draping his wing around Winter and making flirtatious jokes, clearly enjoying the way that Winter blushed blue. Moon felt bittersweet at the sight of it.
Kinkajou was the first to notice Moon, her vibrant scales shimmering with delight as she waved her arms enthusiastically.
"Moon! Come join us!" Kinkajou exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I was just sharing this incredible dream I had!"
With a gentle smile, Moon made her way over to the group, her heart feeling a little lighter as she nestled among her friends. The warmth of their companionship enveloped her, bringing her a comforting sense of belonging in the familiar embrace of her Winglet.
As days, weeks, and months passed, Qibli and Winter grew closer, their bond unmistakable to everyone in the Jade Winglet. Some students noticed their connection but didn’t care, while others shot them strange looks or muttered hateful remarks under their breath. A few even spread cruel rumors, each one more ridiculous than the last.
Qibli's frustration simmered whenever he caught wind of the gossip. Moon could sense the tension in his shoulders and the clenched set of his jaw whenever another rumor came his way. However, Winter always seemed to calm him; a quiet word or a gentle nudge was enough to make Qibli forget his anger. Moon noticed how Qibli's eyes would soften around Winter, the edge of his frustration melting away whenever they were together.
Watching the scene unfold before her, Moon couldn't help but feel a deep sense of joy. She realized that she and her friends were perfectly attuned to one another, and it filled her heart to see everyone around her so happy.
Just as she was about to retreat to her cozy cave for the night, Moon turned to see Qibli standing in the corridor. His expression was more serious than usual, a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.
"Moon," he called quietly, motioning for her to join him. His wing rested protectively around Winter, who stood close by, his usual stoic demeanor softened in Qibli's presence.
Intrigued, Moon felt curious as she walked toward them, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty halls. At this late hour, the corridors were quiet, and the rest of the Winglet were likely fast asleep, leaving only the sound of their footsteps resonating in the silence.
“I wanted to tell you this myself,” Qibli began, his voice low but steady. “Thorn sent a message. She’s asked me to return to the Sand Kingdom. Sunny has fallen ill, and Thorn trusts me to bring her back safely,” he added quickly. He paused, watching Moon’s reaction. “It’s just something she needs my help with. I’ll be gone for a while, but it shouldn’t take too long.”
Understanding the weight of Thorn’s request, Moon said gently, “We’ll be here when you get back. Just take care of yourself, and bring Sunny home safely.”
Qibli offered a grateful smile, tension easing from his shoulders slightly. "Thank you, Moon. I’ll be back before you know it." He glanced down at Winter, who gave him a silent nod of encouragement as if reassuring him that everything would be alright.
It had been a long week since Qibli departed. The bright sunlight streamed through the large openings of the prey center, illuminating the bustling scene inside. Moon glanced around and spotted her Winglet members scattered about. Kinkajou sat happily in a sunny corner, devouring juicy slices of pineapple; each bite transformed her scales to an even brighter shade of yellow, making her sparkle like the sun itself.
Nearby, Turtle was contentedly munching on the fish he had skillfully caught earlier that morning, the scales still glistening in the afternoon light. Peril, on the other hand, was savoring tender strips of cooked beef, her fiery demeanor softened momentarily by the hearty meal. But then Moon noticed something—Winter was missing.
With a hint of anxiety creeping into her voice, Moon approached Kinkajou. “Kinkajou, have you seen Winter this morning?” she asked, her brows furrowing in concern.
Kinkajou looked up, her mouth still full of pineapple, and shook her head. “Nope, I haven’t seen him at all,” she said, her cheerful tone contrasting with Moon’s unease. She paused, thinking for a moment. “Have you checked his cave? Maybe he’s out near the cliffs?”
With that, Kinkajou turned back to her pineapple, oblivious to Moon’s growing worry, as she continued to munch happily on her snack. Moon felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the thought of Winter being out there alone and decided she needed to search for him.
She noticed various features while searching around Jade Mountain and checking Winter’s and Qibli's caves. Winter’s icy bed gleamed in the dim light , with a sandy mat on the floor, an empty scavenger cage, a personal cabinet, and a giant block of stone almost perfectly fitted right next to the entrance.
She felt lightheaded, and there was a sudden sting in her head. Leaning against the cave’s walls for support, she slowly settled down to the floor.
Her vision blurred, transforming into a swirling haze of shadow and crimson. Then she saw it—iron talons smeared with blue blood. Each second in this vision dragged on, stretching into an eternity of torment and headaches. A low hiss of frustration erupted from a cloaked dragon, sharp and venomous, reverberating through the cave walls like a sinister echo. This only intensified her headache, causing her to roar in pain.
"Moon!" A faint yet strikingly familiar voice sliced through the dense fog that enveloped her mind. The vision wavered and pulsed. Clenching her claws, she let out a raw, anguished roar that echoed in the silence, a sound filled with fear and longing.
"Moon! Wake up!" Winter's voice cut through the haze with clarity and urgency, grounding her in reality. With a sudden jolt, she snapped her head upward and gasped for air, her breath coming in sharp, ragged pulls as if she had been underwater for too long. Gradually, her vision sharpened, and she focused on Winter standing over her. His icy blue eyes, usually composed, were now etched with genuine worry. His normally sharp demeanor had melted into something warmer and steadier as he crouched beside her, his tail flicking anxiously.
“Let me guess—another vision,” Winter said, returning to his cool tone edged with familiar haughtiness. He flicked his tail, standing tall like the IceWing prince he was, but his sharp eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. “Well? Are you going to tell me what had you roaring like that?” His voice softened slightly toward the end, revealing the smallest crack in his composed demeanor.
Moon felt a wave of surprise wash over her as she processed Winter's unexpected kindness. It was a fleeting moment, but it left her momentarily disarmed. She hadn't seen this softer side of him before and wondered if Qibli's influence had somehow shifted his perspective.
“I saw a cloaked dragon,” she began, her voice tinged with anxiety. “They had blood on their talons—blue blood.” She hesitated, trying to capture the urgency of what she had witnessed. “They looked angry and frustrated, almost as if they were hunting someone specific.” The worry in her tone deepened as she recounted the scene, recalling the unsettling glint in the dragon's eyes.
Winter's expression shifted as he narrowed his gaze, the princely facade he often wore cracking ever so slightly. “Blue blood?” he echoed, his tone sharp and clipped, though there was a faint tremor in his voice—a crack in his otherwise impenetrable exterior. “An IceWing, then.” He spoke as if the detail didn’t matter to him, but the slight furrow of his brow suggested otherwise.
“We should wait,” Winter finally said, his voice low and deliberate, the suggestion laced with an unspoken sense of caution. “If we tell them now, it might create unnecessary panic. Besides,” he added, flicking his tail dismissively, “your visions aren’t always clear. It could mean anything.”
Moon frowned but nodded, sensing the truth in his words, even as unease gnawed at her. “I’ll try to see if I get anything more,” she murmured, the weight of her uncertainty pressing down on her.
“Fine,” Winter replied curtly, turning his gaze away. “But don’t wait too long. If this vision does mean something, we’ll have to act.” His words were measured, but the subtle tension in his voice revealed a hint of concern, so faint it was almost as if he didn’t want her to notice.
“It’s best if you stay hidden in your cave for now, Winter,” Moon urged, her voice laced with concern as a chill from her vision still gripped her thoughts. She took a moment, glancing out of the dimly lit cave entrance. “Better to be cautious, especially since you’re also an IceWing. We can’t underestimate what we might be dealing with. This could involve you directly.”
Winter opened his mouth to respond, “Moon, I’m not—” but she quickly interrupted him, the urgency in her tone rising like a wave.
“It’s for your protection,” she insisted, her emerald eyes locking onto his with an intensity that brooked no argument. “We don’t know who the IceWing in the vision was—it could be you.” The weight of her words hung between them, thick with implication. “You need to stay here, at least until I uncover more clues. Right now, everyone is in the dark—including the one responsible for this menace—and we must make a move before they strike.”
Winter huffed in annoyance, his ice-blue eyes narrowing in frustration. “Fine. I suppose I’ll just rot in this cave for a century,” he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm, each word trailing off into a bitter undertone.
Moon couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his dramatic flair. She stepped back, feeling the gravity of their situation settle heavily on her shoulders. “You better stay put,” she warned, her voice firmer now, as she turned towards the cave entrance. The sound of her steps echoed softly against the stone walls, reminding both of them how isolated they truly were. She left, her heart racing as she pondered the unsettling vision and the shadow of uncertainty that loomed over Winter.
As Moon wandered through the dimly lit, cool halls of Jade Mountain. She wasn’t sure where to begin. Her emerald-green claws scraped lightly against the rough stone walls, sending small echoes that faded into the air as she made her way toward the prey center. There, amidst the lively chatter of students.
Upon stepping into the prey center, the atmosphere buzzed with the constant hum of voices, laughter, and the occasional clang of metal against stone. Moon’s ears perked up as she overheard snippets of conversation that felt charged with tension. An IceWing, tall and regal even in their discomfort, scoffed from a nearby table. “I don’t get it,” they muttered, their voice low yet laced with bitter disbelief. “Winter was supposed to be loyal to his kind, not running around with some smug SandWing and with a male!?.”
The IceWing’s words hung in the air, thick with disdain, but the murmurs only grew louder. A second voice, betraying more emotion, interjected with an edge of anger. “What does Prince Winter even see in that SandWing scum?” The frustration was palpable, drawing glances from others in the room who leaned in to share in the gossip.
Finally, a softer voice spoke up from the corner of the table, yet it held an equally bitter undertone. “You’d think they’d at least keep it private. They’re practically flaunting it. An IceWing and a SandWing? It’s unnatural.” The words dripped with disapproval. Moon shifted slightly in her position, feeling the weight of their hostility settle over her.
As Moon wove through the bustling crowds and slipped into the quieter corridors, her gaze caught sight of a cloaked dragon lingering at the edge of the prey center. The figure stood apart, their movements deliberate as they peered into the chattering throng of students. Although it was difficult to discern who was beneath the cloak, her intuition raised suspicion.
Moon hesitated for only a moment before edging closer, careful to keep her steps light against the stone floor. The constant noise from the prey center provided ample cover for her movements. However, as she neared, the cloaked dragon suddenly stiffened. Without warning, they bolted, their cloak billowing behind them as they dashed down the hallway.
Moon surged forward, quickening her pace to give chase. The sound of her claws echoed faintly in the empty corridor, but the figure was fast—too fast. In a split second, she yanked the Skyfire from her pouch and let it clatter to the ground, freeing her mind to pick up on the dragon’s thoughts.
The prey center’s gossip revealed more than I expected. It was useful. These dragonets should quiet down for a while; otherwise—footsteps. Someone thinks they’re clever. Are they following me?
As the cloaked dragon rounded a sharp corner, Moon hurried after them, her claws skimming the cold stone floor. But as she turned into the corridor, she stopped abruptly, her breath catching. The space ahead was vast and eerily empty—a wide, open expanse with no hiding places, no shadows deep enough to conceal anyone.
The figure vanished as if they’d melted into the air itself. Not a trace remained—not a whisper of movement, not even a lingering thought to latch onto.
What a weird NightWing, Then again this entire academy is weird. His cold dead amber eyes set on the emerald-scaled dragon as she walked away from the empty cave, her steps slow and hesitant. He raised a scarred and rough talon and pushed back his dark hood.
Beneath him was the face of a SandWing, weathered by countless battles. A latticework of scars crisscrossed his snout and the edges of his jawline—some were shallow and faded, while others were deep and ragged. One particularly brutal scar sliced across his brow and down to the ridge of his cheek. His horns were jagged and chipped from past fights, and his expression remained emotionless.
He tightened his claws around his cloak as the cool air of the academy brushed against his scarred snout. The NightWing was gone, but her presence still stirred a faint irritation and unease within him. He shifted his focus to the task at hand, reminding himself of the bargain struck in the sweltering shadows of the Scorpion Den.
The scorching sun blazed over the city, casting sharp shadows from the stone buildings. He walked calmly down the unusually empty street, his face cold and unreadable. The air was thick with tension, with danger lurking in the shade. A flurry of daggers flew toward his neck. With a slight shift, he sidestepped effortlessly, and the blades clattered onto the dusty ground. From the shadows, several dragons stepped forward.
A group of SandWings, cloaked in dark fabric and adorned with intricate tattoos, surrounded him. Their stingers glinted in the blistering sunlight, poised and ready. He wore a sinister smirk, and his cold amber eyes gleamed with amusement as he raised his modified barbed tail—exposed steel spikes, and designed to be sharper and more durable than natural bone. The steel spikes glinted menacingly, each serrated edge forged for carnage—sharper and more unyielding than any natural bone.
Without warning, a SandWing leaped into the air, its barbed tail aiming straight for his head. He moved with calculated ease, catching the attacker by the throat mid-air with his right talons. The metal claw gauntlet he wore dug into the SandWing’s neck, the steel biting into scales as if mocking the dragon’s futile struggles. The SandWing writhed helplessly in his grasp, flailing like a trapped insect.
Another SandWing lunged from behind, hoping to catch him off guard. His barbed tail lashed out with deadly precision, skewering the ambusher clean through the chest. The victim’s agonized scream echoed briefly before cutting off. With a flick of his tail, he sent the impaled SandWing flying, slamming into the next attacker who had been preparing to leap. The force sent both dragons crashing into the nearby wall, their bodies crumpling upon impact.
He tightened his grip on the squirming SandWing still trapped in his talons, his voice calm yet dripping with disdain. “As much as I’d love to watch you writhe in my claws," he drawled, his tone cold and detached, "I have far more important business to attend to.” With an almost casual flick of his arm, he hurled the SandWing against the stone wall with devastating force. The body hit with a sickening crunch, the lifeless form collapsing in a broken heap as silence fell over the scene.
A voice emerged from the shadow of a building. “You blue-blooded types always think you’re so untouchable. Yet here you are Scourge.” The speaker had pale yellow skin, with hundreds of black dragon tattoos running down their face and neck, and wore black and gold spider earrings.
“Ah, so you think I’m ‘blue-blooded’? Maybe I am,” he said with a dry chuckle, his amber eyes narrowing. “If I’m so untouchable, then what does that make you? Expendable, perhaps?” He stopped chuckling and flashed a sharp smile.
“Vulture, I didn’t come here for a slaughter, though I would gladly entertain the idea. But I came here for the offer you proposed. Now, spill it for me.”