Chapter 1
…
Long ago, dragons roamed the earth freely. Two mighty clans reigned supreme among them: the Fire Dragon Clan and the Lightning Dragon Clan. These majestic beings wielded elemental power—breathing fire and commanding lightning—and they were immortal. Like humans, they aged normally until the age of 22, after which their bodies ceased aging entirely.
Killing a dragon wasn't easy. A Fire Dragon could only be slain by lightning from a Lightning Dragon, while a Lightning Dragon could only be destroyed if turned completely to ash. At the pinnacle of both clans stood two beings of unmatched might: the Fire Dragon King and the Lightning Dragon King. Even more powerful than their kin, Dragon Kings were legendary and nearly impossible to kill.
Over 4,000 years had passed since the Great Dragon War, a catastrophic conflict that had claimed the lives of countless dragons, including kings from both sides. The scars of that ancient war still lingered.
Cyrus Black stared into the distance, lost in thought.
"Cy?"
The voice calling his nickname didn't seem to reach him. Two concerned sets of eyes watched him. Cyrus's silence was uncharacteristic. It had been about a year since Theo had taken him in—and recently, he had learned the truth about his bloodline.
Cyrus was a Dragon.
Like Theo, he was born of the Dragon Race. Theo himself was over 500 years old, wise and battle-hardened—one of the most powerful dragons alive. Over the past year, Theo had trained the boy diligently, and Cyrus had shown astonishing potential.
Yet Theo's mind drifted. Back to that day… long before Cyrus was even born.
Seven Years Ago – Nine Months Before Cyrus's Birth – 2005 – Detroit
A woman with flowing brown hair and radiant green eyes smiled warmly at her reflection in the mirror.
Her hands gently rested on her swelling belly. She rubbed it affectionately, joy dancing in her eyes.
She paused, ears twitching at the sound of a key turning in the door.
"Katie, I'm home!"
Katie's face lit up as she heard her husband's voice drawing closer.
She stepped into the living room, where Allen Black was just entering.
The space was cozy and modern—a pair of large couches, a recliner, several bookshelves, a polished coffee table, and a massive 65-inch television.
"Dear," Katie called.
Allen blinked. Something about her aura seemed brighter than usual. "Something happen today?"
Katie nodded, beaming. "I… found out I'm pregnant."
Allen froze. "I'm… going to be a father?"
Katie's smile widened.
He rushed to her, sweeping her into his arms and spinning her joyfully. "I'm going to be a father!"
After a few euphoric minutes, he set her down gently.
"So…" Katie teased, "got any baby names?"
"I have a few ideas," Allen grinned.
They sat, talking about names for hours—never settling on one, but knowing they had time. Allen's heart was full. He couldn't wait to be a father. But somewhere in the back of his mind, a dark presence loomed—Cade. The Fire Dragon King. And Allen knew that sooner or later, Cade would return.
Later That Night
Allen stared at the ceiling, thoughts racing.
'As the Lightning Dragon King, I need to think ahead.' Allen thinks to himself.
Even though the Great War was millennia in the past, remnants of the Fire Dragon Clan still lingered—and they attacked mercilessly. Friends, family, allies—none were safe. Their hatred ran deep.
Among Lightning Dragons, family was sacred. To protect it was a dragon's highest duty. Allen had tried to negotiate peace, to stop the bloodshed. But it always ended the same way—with more death.
He hated killing. But if wiping out the Fire Dragons was the only way to protect his people, then so be it. Even if it meant a war spilling into the human world—onto the streets of Detroit—he would fight for the future.
Allen turned to his sleeping wife, wrapping his arms around her. He would save his dark thoughts for another day.
A Few Days Later
"Me? The godfather?" Theo said, stunned.
Katie smiled as she rubbed her stomach. Allen grinned.
"You're the reason I'm still alive—and the reason I became king," Allen said.
Theo scratched the back of his head, grinning. "Well, I'm honored. Got a name picked yet?"
Allen glanced at Katie, who gave a nod.
"If it's a boy, Cyrus. If it's a girl, Ava."
Theo smiled. "Beautiful names."
Despite occasional skirmishes with Fire Dragons, Detroit was peaceful—for now.
Nine Months Later
The hospital doors slammed open as Allen raced inside, lightning crackling in his wake. He had been training when he got the call—Katie was in labor.
He dashed to her room.
"It's a boy," Theo said with a smile.
Allen's breath caught as he approached. Katie smiled, cradling the baby. She handed him to Allen.
"Cyrus, say hi to your daddy," she whispered.
The child giggled, emerald eyes gleaming. Allen's heart swelled as he held his son—his most precious treasure.
Theo stood nearby, arms crossed. He knew a storm was coming. Soon, Allen would have to fight. But for now, Theo would go to North Carolina and gather the Lightning Clan himself—so Allen could stay with his family just a little longer.
"I'll head out now," Theo said.
"You sure? I can make the trip," Allen offered.
"Stay. Be with your family. I'll be fine."
With a final smile, blue-scaled wings burst from Theo's back, and he vanished in a flash of lightning.
Allen turned to Katie and gently placed Cyrus in her arms.
He narrowed his eyes. Cade… it's only a matter of time.
Five and a Half Hours Later
Katie slept soundly, her body recovering swiftly thanks to her dragon heritage. Allen sat nearby, dozing in a chair. Cyrus rested in the hospital nursery.
Suddenly, Allen's eyes snapped open.
"Katie!" he barked.
She woke immediately. "What's wrong?"
"Can you sense it?"
Her eyes widened. "This core… it's—"
"Cade," Allen growled.
Every dragon was born with a Dragon Core—a unique energy signature. And this one unmistakably belonged to their worst enemy.
"You healed?" Allen asked.
"All good," Katie nodded.
Without another word, the two vanished through the window, lightning crackling around them.
"We can't lose this battle," Allen said grimly.
"I know," Katie replied. If they failed here, Cyrus—and everyone in the hospital—would die.
Moments later, a fiery figure approached.
"You came alone?" Allen asked.
Cade smirked. "I don't need anyone to kill you."
Allen and Katie's forearms pulsed, glowing blue. Scales spread across their arms, and their eyes turned an intense electric blue. Their pupils slit, and raw power radiated from their bodies.
Together, they charged.
Fists and kicks flew, but Cade dodged them all effortlessly, his grin widening. In a blink, he appeared behind them. His hands morphed into long talons.
Allen's eyes widened. He shoved Katie aside just as Cade's claws ripped through his shoulder and chest, blood spraying violently.
"Dear!" Katie screamed as Allen flew backwards, crashing through a building.
Cade laughed. "A wound like that won't kill him."
"Then why—?" Katie began.
"So I can take my time killing you."
Her eyes widened in horror. She knew he was strong. Far stronger than she was. But she couldn't back down.
Not now.
Not with her husband bleeding. Not with her son vulnerable.
She clenched her fists. For Allen. For Cyrus. For everyone.
Katie charged forward with everything she had.
To be continued…