chapter 45

The contact with Cannibal's scales sent a shiver of energy up William's arm, a mingling of ancient power and newfound purpose. The dragon's eyes, once filled with danger, now held a glimmer of something else—a tentative trust or perhaps something more...

As William stood there, hand resting upon the dragon's rough hide, the cave seemed to exhale a collective breath. The flames that had danced with such ferocity now pulsed with a subdued intensity, casting long shadows upon the cavern walls.

A bond formed between two beings that should have been enemies.

With a deliberate movement, Cannibal shifted its massive form, adjusting its posture as if preparing to rise. The ground trembled beneath William's feet, the cavern itself seemingly responding to the dragon's awakening.

As the dragon began to stir, William withdrew his hand from its scales, William had to admit no dragon was comparable to the Cannibal in size.

And then, Cannibal lowered its head, a signal for William to mount its back. Seeing this, William stepped forward and placed the saddle that was on the ground, atop the dragon's back, securing it in place. The dragon's gaze met his, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

With the saddle secured, Cannibal stretched its wings with a graceful movement, the sound of leathery membranes unfurling filling the air. William adjusted his position on the saddle, anticipation coursing through him as he prepared for what was to come.

"Sīmonagon, Cannibal. (Rise, Cannibal.)" Williams said. As if in response, Cannibal's wings beat with a powerful stroke, lifting both dragon and rider off the ground.

The sensation of flight was exhilarating, a rush of wind and freedom that filled William's senses. He held onto the saddle's reins tightly, although he rode Syrax with Rhanerya. But this time it was strangely different, William's heart pounded with excitement. The dragon's wings beat rhythmically, propelling them towards the entrance of the cave.

As they soared towards the cave's mouth, the first rays of dawn pierced through the darkness, painting the cave's interior with a golden hue. 

With Cannibal's wings slicing through the air, they burst forth from the cave's confines into the open sky. William could feel the warmth of the sun's touch upon his skin, a sensation that marked the beginning of a new beginning.

As they soared higher, carried by the currents of the wind, a roar resounded, harmonizing with the rush of the wind. It was not a roar of defiance, but a roar of challenge that echoed through the area.

As they soared on, their silhouettes etched against Dragonstone. The dragon, that is feared by all, and a Baratheon. Has united by a bond that will transcend history itself.