Incoherent Perspectives
Chapter 15 - Deception

Cassius leaped off the bed, rousing Helia as he hurried to the window. “What’s a Corrupted doing here? I thought they were long gone,” he exclaimed. “What are the... Corrupteds?” I inquired, attempting to conceal my true fear. “Those,” Cassius replied, indicating the white figure. The dragon remained oblivious to our observation. Unsure of the stranger’s identity, I pondered whether to descend, but clarity was necessary before any decision. “What are Corrupteds?” I questioned again, frustration colouring my voice. I sought a genuine answer, not a mere nod to brush aside the inquiry. Labelling an entire dragon breed as “The Corrupteds” might instill fear in others, but for me, it ignited curiosity more than anything else.

“The Corrupted dragons share lineage with the Spiritualis dragons,” Lumina explained. “Unlike the Spiritualis, the Corrupted are believed to be the spirits and souls of long-lost dragons, cursed, some say, as the spirits of deceased dragons condemned to roam the lands for eternity. It’s like Limbo, but more malevolent,” Lumina continued. Satisfied with the information, I grasped certain aspects. Was the dragon below the one calling my name? I wondered. How did I recognize her voice? I took a deep breath, nodding slightly. Helia returned to sleep after Cassius’ brief and sudden disturbance. Soon, I found myself face-to-face with the Corrupted dragon. Before acting, I needed more clarity. “Where are you going?” Lumina questioned as I headed towards the door. “To confront a Corrupted,” I replied, racing down the hall and stairs. By the time Lumina managed to say something, I was already sprinting towards the door, where the Corrupted dragon stood, grinning.

“I’m here. Now what?” I asked, less afraid now that I knew the source, though her appearance remained terrifying. She remained silent, grinning and flicking her serpentine tongue like a snake. “Who are you?” I demanded, frustrated. “Lilith,” was her sole response.

“Why are you here?” I questioned. Lilith sat silently, her blood-red eyes glowing in the darkness, almost peering into my soul. The eerie grin persisted, revealing unnaturally sharp teeth. Sharper than any other breeds, the living ones that are not “cursed” to roam the land. “Answer my question. Why are you here?” My voice bordered on yelling, but she continued her silent study of me. Maybe she isn’t responding because of my hostility? I thought. Taking a deep breath, I asked the question again, this time more calmly. “Please tell me why you are here,” I implored. Still, she offered no response, maintaining that unsettling grin. She didn’t seem very welcoming. After a few more minutes of silence, she leaned forward and whispered in my ear, “Xeno is not one to be trusted, and they shall follow you to the grave.” With that cryptic message, she seemingly vanished into thin air. I didn’t get a chance to ask who “they” were before Lilith disappeared. And what did she mean by “they shall follow me to the grave?” Who were or are... they?

It was about then when Lumina and Cassius bothered coming outside. Helia must've still been sleeping. "Louis! What did she say?" Lumina asked. I just stood there, frantic. "We have to get out of here," I said. "This late at night?" Cassius asked.

"Go wake up Helia and get Dawn, Asteria and Aurora too." They both looked at me, confused. I had no idea what had come over me. Just the Corrupted Dragon and that cryptic message. My name being called. All of those combined sent shivers down my spine and my fight-or-flight instinct kicked in. We must head to the Vanderberg Highlands... otherwise known as the Vanderberg Battlegrounds.