But they were not the only watchers in the sky that day.
Hours after their departure, another shape descended from the clouds.
This dragon was different from the others—larger and more ancient, with scales that shimmered between green and black. Its presence radiated power that made the air itself seem heavy with menace.
It had a definite shape, its claws long and sharp enough to plunder. Wings spanned a few metres, with a skeletal structure visible through the thin membrane.
Its shadow covered the scene and the mountains as the dragon slowly descended.
The creature landed where the battle had taken place, its massive form dwarfing the scattered remains of the dead dragons.
For a moment, it stood perfectly still, surveying the carnage with eyes that held intelligence far beyond mere animal cunning.
Then, with a sound like breaking glass, its form began to shift.
Scales melted into flesh, wings folded into arms, and the great serpentine head compressed into human features.
