Chapter 8 Esthela

• In the imperial palace, the prince had turned to face his grandfather. There stood a dragon, its scales a mirror of his own, though black was the more dominant hue. It watched him intently, nostrils flaring as it took in his scent.
• Erick exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "You gave me quite the fright, Grandpa. I feared you were Dad for a moment."
• "Where have you been?" inquired his grandfather, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.