The afternoon sun bathed the academy grounds in warm golden light. YN and Lillian sat cross-legged on the soft grass near the training fields, watching the Dragonits and their dragons practice in the distance.

She pointed at a massive black dragon, its scales gleaming like obsidian under the sunlight. It moved with a terrifying grace, every step commanding attention.

She pointed again, this time at a tall, well-built boy standing near the black dragon. Even from this distance, his presence was undeniable—dark short hair, deep brown eyes, and a calm, quiet expression that made him seem older than his seventeen years.

You'd heard of Ace Rusher before. Everyone had. The bad boy with no friends, only his dragon. He never spoke unless necessary, and most students kept their distance.

Suddenly, a small movement near your hand made you look down. A tiny version of Narjest—no bigger than a dog—had appeared beside you. Its miniature black scales shimmered as it playfully poked your hand with its snout, tail wagging like an eager puppy.