Chapter 1 : Karros

I decided to gather my things the night before. With a long journey ahead, the last thing I wanted was to wake any of the other dragon riders in the academy. I didn't belong here anyway. I had only made the cut because my adoptive father was the headmaster, which meant I was constantly looked down on. I didn't dress the part, and I certainly didn't act right.

Slung over my right shoulder was my rucksack. The sky was still pitch black as I snuck out of my quarters, moving as quiet as a mouse. I had the locations of the surveying eyes completely memorized; no one would see me.

Karros, you should’ve at least said goodbye to your friends before leaving, a little voice inside my head chided.

I replied to that voice with a simple, bitter thought: What friends?

There were a few other students I thought I was close to, but the second drama started up, they always abandoned me. I didn't need them. I had myself, my own dreams, and my own aspirations.

Having successfully navigated the halls and exited the school grounds, I stood at the main gate. It was firmly locked, and I couldn't see an obvious way to open it. Looking around, I spotted a path leading up to one of the stone towers flanking the gate. That would be my ticket out.

I rubbed my hands together and started up the path. I was so fixated on my escape that I entirely failed to notice the sound of approaching footsteps behind me. By the time I realized someone was tailing me, I had already reached the tower door. It was locked.

"Are you really going to leave the Drakonis Academy without saying goodbye?" a female voice called out.

My eyes went wide. Staring at the locked door for a beat, I slowly turned around. The girl standing behind me was my age, sporting vibrant, light red hair and eyes that practically glowed orange. She wore a simple tunic, a skirt, and worn leather boots.

"You’re probably the only one I actually owed a goodbye to, Elowen," I said, our eyes locking for a moment.

I never understood why she decided being friends with me was the right move. Neither did anyone else. Her temper was hotter than her hair, but she had a good heart—and I knew that heart was going to get her hurt one of these days.

Turning back to the tower door, I delivered a heavy kick. The wood splintered as the door flew off its hinges, crashing to the floor inside. I could practically feel Elowen shaking her head in disapproval behind me.

"Just come back in one piece, okay?" Elowen said.

Before I could think about running off, she threw her arms around me. Unfamiliar with the sudden warmth of the gesture, I froze completely. When she finally released me, I bolted up the tower stairs, slipped out of the high window, and slid down the outer wall, my feet planting firmly on the ground outside the academy.

I had the veil of night as my cover. And when I returned after slaying an elder dragon, everyone would finally have to respect me. I wouldn't be an outcast anymore. Still, I knew the road ahead would be brutal.

My first destination was a dense patch of forest where shadow dragons were rumored to dwell. To gain the strength required to hunt an elder, I had to test myself against them first. It was going to be a tough obstacle, and I had a long morning of walking ahead of me just to reach their den.