The grand hall of Volantis, usually a place of political intrigue, now thrummed with raw tension. Kaerys stood at the center, dragons' shadows flickering on the stone walls behind her. Around her, the leaders of the major houses debated fiercely.
Lord Darion, voice sharp, said, "The dragons choose their queen, but we choose the fate of the city."
Kaerys's reply was cold but measured. "The fate of the city is tied to those dragons. Defy them, and we all burn."
Secrets of Valyrian Blood
In the library beneath Cair Volakar, Jaro and Elira pored over ancient texts, searching for more ways to harness Valyrian magic.
Elira whispered, "There's mention of a ritual lost to time — one that could awaken a dragon's full might."
Jaro's eyes gleamed. "If we succeed, no force can stand against us."
Betrayal in the Ranks
At a secret meeting, Lord Daven confronted a traitor exposed — a servant who had sold secrets to the Targaron heir.
"You betrayed Kaerys," Daven spat. "For coin, for power. You will pay."
The traitor's smile was bitter. "Power is never free."
A Moment Between Storms
Kaerys and Neron shared a rare quiet moment in the war room, their faces illuminated by the flickering firelight.
"I fear the cost," Kaerys admitted. "Not just in lives... but in what we might lose of ourselves."
Neron took her hand firmly. "Then we hold onto each other — whatever comes."
The Dragon's Roar
Outside the city, Serenthis unleashed a mighty roar, her fiery breath lighting the twilight sky like a beacon of war and hope.
End of Chapter 42