The morning sun cast its soft blue glow through the cave entrance as I bounced into the family breakfast area, brimming with energy. My family's eyes followed me in silence as I grabbed a slab of meat and tore into it without hesitation.
"Brother Blazefang," Irontail whispered, "am I the only one who thinks he's growing too fast? He's already our height."
Blazefang scowled, twisting a strip of meat between his claws. "I don't get it either. Just a month ago he was half our size. What's he eating? Is Mother giving him something special? That's unfair."
Emberheart, who had been quietly watching, stepped forward with a sharpness I usually only saw in Mother. "You've been different lately, little brother. What's your secret? Can you tell us?"
It was the first time my siblings had ever spoken to me in such a polite tone. My chest fluttered nervously, but I forced myself to stay calm.
"Nothing. Just regular training," I said carefully.
"Training where? We haven't seen you in the chambers," one of them pressed.
"Of course you wouldn't," I replied vaguely. "I train inside my room. Muscle exercises."
Sparkwing laughed. "What kind of muscle training can you even do in your room, brother? Trying to glow up so you can teach sister your tricks?"
"Nothing special. Sister Sparkwing is already beautiful her glow can't be compared," I said quickly, trying to flatter her. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mother watching silently, her gaze sharp and calculating.
Her nostrils flared, tasting the air around me. Her voice was quiet but piercing. "My little flame… good. You're growing. But your scent is unusual."
That should have been my warning to be more careful.
"I smell fine," I said dismissively. "Can we talk about something else?"
The conversation shifted, but Emberheart's amber eyes didn't leave me. She was studying me with growing suspicion.
By noon, excitement overpowered caution. I waited for Scarletface to begin his northern patrol, then slipped out through my underground route. The flame forest path had become so familiar I could walk it blind. My growing strength let me move faster, silent as a shadow.
I slipped out from the back window as usual, unseen.
Pallet was already there, practicing flame patterns that spiraled into the air like living fireworks ribbons of gold and crimson flickering against the crystal-lit cavern.
"You're getting better at that," I said, settling beside the warm rock.
"Grandmother's teaching," she replied with a bright smile. "And speaking of getting better you look wonderful today. Even more confident than usual."
"I feel wonderful," I admitted. "Everything's been perfect lately."
We shared food, and her voice softened. "Sometimes I wonder how things would be if there weren't territorial rules. If families could just be friends without politics."
"That would be amazing," I agreed, though part of me wondered if losing the secrecy would make our bond feel less special. The thrill of it made everything sharper.
Neither of us noticed the massive form hidden deep in the shadows beyond the crystal formations. Neither of us heard the breath caught in a throat, or sensed the heartbreak tightening in a familiar chest.
It wasn't until we prepared to leave that I caught a scent that froze my blood the warm smell of volcanic flowers and protective love.
Emberheart.
"Pallet," I whispered urgently. "I need to go. Now."
But it was already too late. Mother stepped out of hiding, her massive form casting a long shadow across the clearing. Her amber eyes held love, disappointment, fear, and sorrow all at once.
"Hello, little flame," she said quietly. "I think it's time we had a talk."
I froze, heat prickling under my scales. "Mother… how did you find this place?"
She sighed. "How? This was once my home. The tunnels you've been sneaking through were dug by me."
Pallet stepped protectively in front of me, trembling but brave. "Please don't be angry with him. This was my idea as much as his. I brought the fire-fruits, I suggested the meetings. If anyone should be punished, it should be me."
Emberheart studied her with surprising gentleness. "You must be Pallet. I can see why my son enjoys your company. You're brave… and beautiful, even standing before me like this."
"Mama," I pleaded, "I can explain—"
"I'm sure you can," she said, sorrow weighing every word. "But first, come home with me."
I looked at Pallet, reluctant to leave, but we both knew I couldn't stay.
Back home, silence lingered like smoke. The lava spring that once comforted me now felt like judgment.
"A whole month," Emberheart finally said. "You've been deceiving me for an entire month. I am very disappointed, Rider."
Her voice hurt more than anger. Tears stung my eyes.
"I never meant to deceive you," I said miserably. "I was just bored. The other wyrmlings mock my strange color. Pallet is the only one who likes me for it."
"My son, if you feel lonely, play with your siblings. I am here for you. But instead, you ran into danger. Do you understand how dangerous my brothers can be?" Her voice was firm, but the pain beneath it was clear.
I lowered my head. "Sorry, Mother. I was tired of everyone's pitiful gazes."
She went quiet for a long moment. Then her tone softened. "Oh, little flame. Is that truly how you feel? That we see you as defective?"
"Don't you?" I burst out. "Everyone whispers about my delayed growth, my strange coloring, my weak abilities. Even when you encourage me, there's still doubt in your voice."
Ofcourse inwardly i never could have such thoughts for my lovely mother ...
All my words are part of act , by pretending lonely kid trying out of embarrassing movement.
Emberheart lowered herself beside the lava pool, her massive frame seeming smaller, almost vulnerable.
"You're rightwe've been worried. But not because we see you as defective. It's because we love you too much to watch you struggle."
"But I haven't been struggling," I argued. "Look at me, Mama. I'm stronger. My fire-breathing is improving. All thank to pallet help "
She studied me closely. "And that," she said with quiet pain, "is what makes this impossible."
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Your bond with Pallet is beautiful. It brings me joy to see you happy. But politics and territorial disputes poison even the purest friendships. Your uncle Scarletmane has grown suspicious. If he learns of this…"
"What would happen?" My throat felt tight.
"To you? Stricter supervision. But to me, your father, and our family? The consequences with the Lavaforge clan could be severe."
The weight of responsibility pressed on me like molten stone. What I saw as innocent joy had become a dangerous secret.
"What should I do?" I asked quietly.
Emberheart's eyes were filled with love and sorrow. "I don't know, little flame. But from now on, no more sneaking out unless I permit it."
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