Aeris’ training was a disaster. She hadn’t succeeded in grabbing a single flag. Most of the time, she couldn’t get Silias to follow her directions. Her frustration at the repeated failures made it harder to think until she was ready to tear the flags down herself.

“I think we shall end things early for today,” Sareen said.

Aeris wanted to protest, but given her performance, there was little point in arguing. She quickly left the room, unable to look at either of them. The sound of her tail slapping the floor echoed around her. Things were looking up and now she was doing worse than her first attempt.

The only explanation she could think of was she was distracted. Sareen had mentioned that focus and conviction were what empowered the Call. During training, her thoughts had drifted back to the conversation with Milan. She couldn’t focus. Sareen had her flaws, but Aeris still hadn’t seen anything suggesting she was as terrible as he said.

But he’s not the first one to say it, her thoughts chided. Are you really going to set yourself up again?

She didn’t have proof. Only one-sided stories and assumptions. And she needed Sareen to teach her to control her Call.

There didn’t seem to be a solution. If she ignored Milan, Janine would no doubt take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t risk something happening to the young woman. If she confronted Sareen directly, it might offend her and ruin any chances of more training. 

That night at dinner, no one asked how training went but Aeris refused to look Sareen’s way. She felt the judging stare on her.  

The moment dinner was over, she went straight to bed without an explanation. She wanted to take time to clear her mind for tomorrow. She was too distracted. A side had to be chosen. Before falling asleep, she told herself that Sareen could be trusted and there was nothing to worry about.

The next day wasn’t any better. She only managed to get one flag. She even went as far as shouting her commands because she couldn’t keep her thoughts in order.

She didn’t wait for Sareen to end their session early. With a frustrated snarl, she stomped out of the room. 

Sareen caught up to her at the end of the hall. “So what is bothering you?”

Aeris stared at the floor. “Nothing.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

“Really, it’s nothing.”

“You’re distracted. Don’t tell me it’s nothing.”

True or not, Milan would get in trouble if she said something, so she said the first thing that came to mind, “I...It’s just I’ve been made fun of, called weak and useless. And now I find out I’m a Matriarch. I don’t get it.” 

It wasn’t what was bothering her, but it wasn’t a lie either. Still, she worried if Sareen could see through the lie.

After a lengthy silence, the Dracaena spoke. “I see. But you are no longer a domesticate, are you? You’ve grown beyond that.”

“But I was born and raised by humans. I was told I would always be considered a domesticate.”

Sareen tilted her head slightly. Whether it was pity or annoyance in her face, Aeris didn’t know. “And now you are a Matriarch. By our laws, that puts you above those clan-borns who scorned you. Once you have control of your Call, none will challenge you again.” 

“What about other Matriarchs?”

“They shall consider you beneath them, yes. You must fight that much harder for their respect and acknowledgment. But that was a given regardless of your former status.”

She was about to ask another question about Matriarchs when the grand kobold approached them and bowed low.

“Speak,” Sareen said.

“Your grace, your sentinels are arguing amongst themselves and things are becoming heated.”

“You mean Maxis and Windor?” Aeris asked. “Why are they arguing?”

“Unless you commanded it, I would never eavesdrop on dragons.”

Aeris turned to Sareen who gave her a nudge. “Go. They’re your sentinels so it falls to you to discipline them.”

The last thing she wanted was to get between two arguing dragons, but Sareen had a point, she brought them here so the task fell to her. It wasn’t something she wanted to deal with under the current circumstances.

“Take me to them.”

It turned out she didn’t need the guide. The moment they reached the upper levels where the rooms reserved for dragons were, two angry voices could be heard in the hall. 

“It is my business!” Windor cried. “I pledged myself to her so I could always look after her!”

“Ha! Now he cares! And it only took what? Getting beat near to death?”

“That has nothing to do with it! At least unlike you, I’m not in it for the money!”

The insults became louder and more severe the closer she got to the source. Grand Kobold Lexon mentioned something about being needed elsewhere and left her alone. She supposed he didn’t want to get too close in case things turned violent. She wished she could follow him. 

The sound of something shattering snapped her out of her thoughts and she hurried down the hall to Maxis’ room. There the two drakes stood in the center, glaring daggers at each other. 

“What’s going on here?” Aeris asked.

Maxis jerked his head towards Windor. “This one won’t get off my tail.”

“Just answer my question and I’ll leave you alone. What do you want with Aeris?”

“I don’t want anything.” He stepped closer until he towered over the ravager. “Back off.”

Windor growled and stared at the larger drake. Aeris approached slowly. “Why are you arguing about me?”

“Aeris, he does nothing but insult you and ignore you but he still hangs around! It’s obvious he doesn’t respect you, but he won’t leave. He’s up to something and I don’t like it.”

“That’s rich. You fucked her, got her pregnant, then abandoned her first chance you got but you lecture me on respect.”

Windor broke eye-contact. “Yeah, I made mistakes, but at least I’m doing everything I can to make up for it.”

“Sucking up to her like a domesticate doesn’t count.”

“Will both of you stop it!” 

The two drakes stared at her in shock.

Aeris spun on Windor. “Maxis can do whatever he wants. He’s had more than enough chances to harm me if he wanted, so I trust him.” Windor lowered his head in silence. She turned to Maxis next. “And I’m very grateful to you for saving my life, but you need to show me some more respect. Yes, Windor used to be my chosen. No, I don’t need you to remind me of that every chance you get.”

She didn’t wait for a response and stomped out of the room. There was enough on her plate to deal with; these two being at each other’s throats weren’t helping matters. Having doubts about the few people who showed any concern for her well-being made her head hurt. She didn't want to be alone again. That one night, when she ran away from home, when there was no one to turn to for help was the worst night of her life.

She couldn't go back to that. Not again.

There were steps behind her. Even without looking, she knew it was Windor.

“Why are you still here?” she asked.

“You only raise your voice when you’re really upset,” Windor said. “I just want to make sure you’re okay. Now that you’ve awakened your Call--”

“Now you worry about me? You didn’t care before.”

“I always cared. I looked for you that night, but I lost your scent. I assumed you went to Cutter or Aubrey for help. I was too ashamed to show myself in front of them.”

Aeris snorted. “So your pride was more important?”

“You don’t get it.”

She shot a scathing glare over her shoulder. “What did you say?”

Windor flinched but didn’t move. “I said you don’t...you don’t get it. To a dragon, pride is everything. That’s why domesticates are hated so much. A true dragon would never happy to live as a--”

“Well, I’m sorry I’m not a true dragon like you wanted!”

“I...that’s not what I meant. I just mean…” he sighed and turned then raised his wing so Aeris could see his side. “You probably can’t see it because of the other scars, but I’ve been branded as an outcast. Because I abandoned my pride. I chose a domesticate, I abandoned my eggs. I have nowhere to go. No dragon will ever acknowledge me again.”

“What does that have to do with me?” she asked as she felt a pang of guilt. 

He folded his wing against his side and tilted his head. “Aeris, do you remember what you said during our first date? When Janine was being attacked? You said you didn’t care about dragon law. You were willing to put everything on the line to help her.

“I was drawn to your strength. I was raised in a clan. I was taught to feel and believe a certain way even if I don’t like it. You’re expected to fit a definition of what strength is. But you didn’t care. You hadn’t even awakened your Call and you still didn’t care.”

Aeris still didn’t get it. Her confusion must have shown because he sat down and added, “I was drawn to your strength. Even after everything that’s happened to you, you still do what you think is right without hesitation.”

“And look where it got me. My eggs are gone, Maggie and Cutter are missing, Aubrey wants nothing to do with me, and I can’t even control my Call.”

“And despite all that, you got the attention of Cutter and the Dracaena. I don’t know any dragon who could’ve done what you have.”

“It doesn’t feel like I did anything special. They’re just taking pity on me.”

Windor chuckled. “Dragons don’t believe in pity. I promise you that’s not it.” He moved closer and sat next to the bed. “I noticed you were frustrated today and I just want you to know you’re not alone in this. Please, don’t doubt yourself now. Keep doing what you think is right. I promise no matter what happens, I’ll always be at your back to support you.”

His words were comforting which surprised her since most of the time she hates the sound of his voice. But now wasn’t the time to complain given “Is that why you were arguing with Maxis? You think he won’t be there if the time comes?”

“Maxis is hiding something from you. I overheard him and Terran talking. They said something about what would happen if you found out. I think they’re planning to betray you.”

Aeris rolled over and stood up. “Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t bring it up if I wasn’t sure. I don’t know what they’re planning, but Maxis definitely doesn’t have your best interests at heart.”

“I, I see. Thank you for letting me know.” First Janine and now Windor. Doubting those around her was the last thing she needed right now. Neither of them would have brought this to her attention if they didn’t think it was worth attention. 

Windor bowed and left the room. Aeris waited a bit before going out to the hall. His words had reminded her of what Sareen said. Right and wrong weren’t enough to guide her anymore. She had a knack for doing things considered “wrong” anyway. She needed to make up her own mind. 

Her mind was made up. Before deciding anything, she needed to look into this herself. No more taking others’ word and following blindly. She would investigate the west wing and decide for herself if Milan’s words were true. Once that was done, she would ask Maxis and Terran about their plans.

And what will you do if Sareen decides to end your training? She paused then pushed the thoughts away. If the rumors are true, she wouldn’t want to receive training from her anyway, Dracaena or not. She could try tracking Cutter down or if it comes to it, she’ll move someplace far away where her raging thoughts couldn’t harm anyone.

Finding the west wing took longer than anticipated. Dinner had no doubt started by the time she found the long hall leading to a wide set of doors. Two guards stood outside the doors but neither so much as glanced at her when she walked by.

A musty stench assaulted her the moment she crossed the threshold. She had been to a graveyard once and it felt cold and reeked of death. This room brought back the feeling of fear and sadness. The air was heavy and stale. The last rays of sunlight shone through boarded windows but the room felt cold. Old, dust-covered furniture resembling old tombstones. 

She kept her wings and tail tucked close to her body as she slowly walked through. Upon closer inspection, most of the furniture was heavily worn and falling apart. Not wanting to stay there too long, she hurried through the door on the far side.

It led to another hall lined with doors.  The sad oppressive feel had become stronger. She approached the first door, trying to keep as quiet as possible.

The room was empty save for a single empty bedframe. It was the same for every room along the hall save for the two filled with clutter.

“There is nothing here,” she mumbled to herself. “Why did you send me here?” She raised her head and flicked her tongue a few times to sample the air. There were no scents from another living creature here except for some rats.

It made her wonder why no one used this part of the temple. Too few people was a plausible explanation, but she remembered the guards standing outside.

Guards were only used when someone wanted to keep others out. And during their tour, Sareen never even mentioned the west wing.

She turned left at the end of the hall and approached the small door at the end. This door seemed very out of place. It was smaller and didn’t have the same old worn look as the others. A strange odor grew stronger the closer she got.

 The smell of blood and feces hit full force when she opened the door, making her gag and step away. After steeling herself and holding her breath, she poked her head inside. The room was filled with torture tools. She had never seen torture devices but the various chains and spiked objects couldn’t be anything else. And the smell gave away their purpose.

The smell suggested the room had been used recently, but there were no signs of a body. 

A loud clang filled the hall. Aeris whirled around, her tail curling around her legs. The sound of multiple footsteps followed the clang. There were no doors between her and the intersection, so she hurried into the torture chamber. She made her way to the door at the opposite end, being careful not to disturb any of the ghastly tools around her.

The other room held a stairwell that led into darkness. The stench of death clogged her senses, but she braved it anyway. She pulled the handle on the door and closed it partially then crouched on the stairs.

A door opened and the footsteps entered the torture chamber.

“My god, would it kill you to clean up when you’re done?” Grand Kobold Lexon asked. “It reeks in here.”

“Sorry, sir, I just--” another voice she didn’t recognize began.

“There’s no time now. Put him over there. We’ll just have to make this quick.”

 Aeris’ curiosity got the better of her as she crept closer to the door to peer outside. The two kobolds blocked the view of whatever they stood in front of. The grand kobold stood several feet away, holding a part of his robes over his mouth and nose.

The sound of a blow landing cut the silence.

“A word of advice, dragons have a much stronger sense of smell,” Grand Kobold Lexon said, his voice dripping with venom. “So they can tell things humans cannot like when someone poisons their food.”

Another blow landed, and the human grunted. Aeris reared up hoping to get a glimpse of who they were beating but she couldn’t get a good look.

“Well, I won’t sugarcoat it for you, you’re not leaving this room alive. But if tell us who sent you to assassinate the Dracaena, we’ll kill you quickly. Otherwise…” 

One of the kobolds moved and Aeris saw a human in brown robes sitting in a chair, his arms behind his back. He wasn’t anyone she recognized so she sighed in relief. The kobold stood behind the human in the chair. The human’s arms were lifted and he groaned in pain.

“We’re going to make your death very slow and painful,” Grand Kobold Lexon continued. “Who hired you?”

“N—No one hired me,” the man in the chair said. “And I wasn’t trying to kill the Dracaena. I would never—aah!”

“Don’t lie to me,” the Grand Kobold said calmly. “She told me you put more spices in the food than normal. You have prepared her meals for three years now, it’s very suspicious. Trying to cover up the taste of poison?”

Aeris tilted her head. She hadn’t eaten dinner since coming there so she couldn’t tell if anything about the food seemed off. But thinking on it, no one ever complained about dinner nor had anyone been poisoned.

“Please, it’s not what you--” his arms were lifted higher and he screamed in pain.

Aeris cringed and turned away.

“Who hired you?”

The man’s screams were the only reply.

“Who hired you?!”

“No one! Please! I swear!”

The sound of bones popping and the man’s screams made her curl into a ball.

Please, just tell them what they want to know. Tell them so this nightmare can end.

“No one hired me,” the man whined. “I was training one of the initiates and he used too much spice. That’s all! I swear!”

No screams followed, but the soft sobs didn’t help matters. She didn’t dare look up and see what was happening.

The Grand Kobold broke the semi-silence. “Which disciple?”

“Please, I can’t—aaah!”

“You have bigger things to worry about than someone else! Either you’re working together, or he set you up! Which is it?”

“There is no setup! I only serve the Dracaena! I would never try to harm her!”

There was another pop and scream and Aeris had to bite her tongue to keep from vomiting.

“Very well, I believe you.”

Silence fell again. Aeris lifted her head and peered into the torture chamber.

Grand Kobold Lexon nodded to the kobold behind the chair. The man pulled a knife out of his sleeve and slit the throat of the man in the chair.

“Was killing him necessary?” the other kobold asked.

“Our goal is not to question but obey,” the kobold with the knife said. He cleaned the knife before it disappeared into his robes. “The Dracaena tasked us with finding and eliminating all threats and blasphemers.”

“And I did tell him he wasn’t leaving this room alive,” the Grand Kobold replied. “Also, I didn’t want him to warn anyone. Find out who was in the kitchens yesterday and bring him here—discreetly. Sareen doesn’t want anything to upset her disciple.” He headed for the door. “And clean up this mess. If I come back here to these disgusting conditions, you’ll become the next offering.” He slammed the door behind him.

The two kobolds stared at each other for a moment before getting to work, untying the chef.

“Poor bastard,” one of them said. “All he had to do was give us a name.”

“Lexon was gonna kill him whether he knew something or not. Doesn’t matter if he talked. The Dracaena doesn’t like it when people fuck up.”

They picked him up by the arms and legs and carried him towards Aeris’ hiding place. 

In a panic, she scrambled backward. She also forgot she was on the stairs and fell down into the darkness. 

Once she stopped tumbling, she quickly stood and hurried deeper into the hall. Those men heard that and they would be coming to investigate. The smell of death surrounded her, choking her. It made her grateful she could barely see although the threat of running into a door or wall loomed over her mind. 

Somehow her instincts stopped her before she ran into a large set of doors. She pushed her way inside and closed the door behind her. It was too dark to see anything but she was glad to be able to catch her breath.

“Sareen, is that you?” a female voice asked.

Aeris yelped and fell backward into the door. Judging from the low growl in the voice, it had to be a dragon. She risked flicking her tongue and sampling the air. The smell of death wasn’t nearly as pungent as in the hall and she clearly smelled a dragon.

A chuckle filled the dark chamber. “I’ll take that as ‘no’. Sareen isn’t the type to feel fear or let it show if she did. So who are you, stranger?”

There was little point in keeping quiet now so she responded. And the voice sounded so calm and friendly. “My name is Aeris.”

“Aeris? Ooohh, you’re Aeris.”

Her tail curled around her legs. “How do you know my name?”

“Sareen.”

“She told you about me?”

“Not in so many words. She’s very interested in you. Hold on, it’s pretty dark in here.”

Aeris cautiously approached the direction the voice was coming from. “Who are you?”

“I used to be called Olyvia. You can use that if you want.”

“Used to?”

“Let’s just say like another dragon who shall remain nameless, I prefer to go by something else. But since we’re kindred spirits you and I, it’s alright if you use my old name.”

“Kindred spirits? Are you a Celesital too?”

Olyvia chuckled again. “Afraid not, young one. I was referring more to our connection to a certain dragon.”

“The one who shall remain nameless?”

“That’s the one.”

“But why can’t you say their name?”

“Hm? I can say the name. I just don’t feel like it.”

Aeris stopped and frowned.

“Oh, don’t give me that look. Who said I needed to tell you everything? If there’s no surprise later, where’s the fun in that?”

“You can see me?”

“Huh? Oh, right. Lemme turn on the lights. Just don’t move.”

Aeris crouched and tucked her wings and tail close, fearing an unseen attack.

A flash of fire lit up the room. Flames raced along the floor until the entire chamber was illuminated.

The chamber was the complete opposite of the rooms upstairs. Instead of extravagant décor and cutains and pillows everywhere, this room was bare save for one area on the far side. Standing on the only cushion was a silver horntail. Her scales were so pale it was almost white just like her eyes. The protrusions on the end of her tail were cracked and broken. The dragoness stretched and fanned her scarred wings then looked in Aeris’ direction and smiled. “Oh, you are precious. If only I could see the look on your face.”

Aeris tilted her head. “Are you--?”

“Blind? Yes.” She flicked her tongue rapidly. She then rose and strode forward. “But you’d be surprised at how well I can figure things out by smell and taste alone. Sadly it gives me quite the sensitive palette.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh, please don’t start with the pity. The last thing I need is you feeling sorry for me.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re a funny Matriarch. I don’t think I’ve ever heard one apologize before.”

It surprised her the dragoness could tell she was a Matriarch. She had the suspicion Olyvia was a Matriarch as well. She carried herself with the same authority as other Matriarchs even if she didn’t feel the same pressure coming from her. 

“Well, let’s get this over with,” Olyvia said. “It’ll be dinner time soon and I wanna get this done before then.”

It occurred to Aeris that she was supposed to be at dinner with the others. But her curiosity at Olyvia’s presence and why no one mentioned her nagged at her mind.

Aeris tilted her head. “Get what over with?”

“Wait, Sareen doesn’t know you’re down here, does she?”

Aeris’ tail wrapped around her body.

Olyvia’s smile grew wider. “Oh, that is just precious!” She circled Aeris. The air began pressing down on her. “So being naughty are we? Going places we shouldn’t be?”

“Well, well I--”

“Hey, it’s all right. I’m not gonna tell on you. You’re a Matriarch after all; doing as we’re told isn’t exactly in our blood.” As she passed, one of her tail tusks brushed Aeris’ side. Aeris quickly backed away.

“What’s the matter, newblood? I can smell your fear already.”

Aeris began backing towards the door. Whatever Olyvia was planning, she didn’t want any part of it. “Why are you down here?”

“Oh, dodging the question are we? Sneaky, sneaky. Okay, I’ll play.” She sat down and flexed her paws. “I like my privacy of course.”

“Don’t you know the humans dump bodies down here? Doesn’t the smell bother you?”

Olyvia tilted her head and chuckled. “Why would that bother me? A girl’s gotta eat, right?”

Aeris frowned but held her tongue.

“Oh no, don’t tell me you’re one of those,” Olyvia said. She then added in a mocking tone. “We can’t eat humans. It’s wrong. Blah, blah, blah.”

“Sareen already explained that dragons here eat humans. I’m okay with it.”

“No you’re not. You think it’s disgusting.”

Aeris’ retreat was stopped by the door or what she hoped was the door. She didn’t dare turn away from Olyvia to check. It was so hard to get a read on the Matriarch. Her voice maintained a friendly upbeat tone but her actions seemed predatory and the way she smiled was unsettling.

“Well, I answered your question, so it’s my turn.”

“Your...turn?”

“Come on, now. You haven’t forgotten your manners have you? It’s give and take, newblood. You can’t just barge into someone’s home like this and start asking questions.” She stopped just outside of striking range and sat down. “Now, are you ready to continue your training?”