Chapter 25 Return to Dragonstone.

"You belong to me," she exclaimed with a playful laugh, expressing her high hopes and affection for her newfound companion.

After flying around for an unknown duration, Valarissa desired to return. However, she was disoriented, unable to see anything but darkness surrounding her.

Suddenly, the environment shifted, causing her to experience a severe headache and a decrease in her senses. All her emotions began to flood back. She realized that the skill 'fearless one' had lost its effect.

Indeed, the effectiveness of the skill had already begun to diminish when she managed to tame Cannabil. However, she persisted until now to ensure that nothing went awry.

As the skill's influence waned, she started to feel the pain and suffering that her body should have endured after such a trial.

Valarissa became keenly aware of the toll her daring flight had taken on her. The cuts, burns, and throbbing bones served as constant reminders of the perils she had faced. The initial exhilaration of riding on Qyraxis slowly faded away, replaced by the harsh reality of her physical state.

She took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself, and surveyed her surroundings. The darkness persisted, leaving her in an unfamiliar place. Despite the discomfort, a sense of achievement lingered within her, knowing that she had successfully tamed and ridden a dragon.

With unwavering determination, Valarissa resolved that it was time to find her way back. With the newfound bond she shared with Qyraxis, she had no concerns about becoming lost.

"Qyraxis, let us return to Dragonstone," she uttered in High Valyrian. Although she knew that Qyraxis could comprehend her intention through their magical connection alone.

Most of their instructions she rely on communication through word's and their her emotions relied through the magical connection they shared 

Qyraxis, an untamed adult dragon, was a massive and free creature, surpassing even the largest Targaryen dragon, and it took great pride in its independence.

Upon recognizing Valarissa, Qyraxis now viewed her as an equal rather than a master.

The dragon turned its head, flapped its wings, and swiftly flew away. Despite being older and larger, Qyraxis was remarkably healthy and fast.

It zoomed through the clouds like a dark meteor, soon descending to reveal Dragonstone below.

"Qyraxis, let's descend. I want to showcase your power to my uncle and the others," Valarissa said, sporting a smirk and eagerly anticipating her uncle's reaction.

••

After Daemon regained control of his body from Valarissa's little trick, he hurried to find her. Without a torch or map, his search became futile.

Leaving behind Dragonmount, he rushed back to Dragonstone castle, mobilizing armored soldiers and dragon keepers from all sides to search for Valarissa.

Alone in the dark castle hall, Daemon, with deep eyes, awaited good news, acknowledging that it was his fault. He regretted taking her to Dragonstone island without asking which dragon she pursued and not taking the fight seriously from the start.

For the first time, he felt regret for his actions, reflecting on his irresponsible nature. Thoughts of his brother, Viserys, made him even more annoyed at his own behavior.

The castle hall suddenly opened, and a guard approached hastily.

"Any news about Valarissa?" Daemon asked solemnly.

With some hesitation, the guard replied, "The search inside Dragonmount continues, but their are some rumours amongst the fishermen coming from the sea witnessed a black dragon leaping toward the Narrow Sea with loud roars."

"Send more manpower, mobilize everyone in the castle, and dispatch all available ships to the sea," Daemon ordered, his expression extremely grim.

Having already investigated the dragon Valarissa had pursued, he discovered frightening information. It was the largest and oldest wild dragon on the island, known for eating baby dragons and eggs, aptly named the Cannibal.

Facing a ferocious black dragon known for killing anyone who approached, Valarissa, a mere 10-year-old, had slim chances of taming the Cannibal.

All Daemon could do now was hope the dragon deemed her too small or that his nephew had managed to escape upon encountering the fearsome creature, though he doubted this given the changes in Valarissa's personality.

He decided to take Caraxes with him in the search, hoping to find both the dragon and Valarissa. If there were no updates by tonight, he would return to King's Landing to face the consequences of his mistake.

With this decision, he instructed the guard to summon the dragon keepers to bring Caraxes. Equipped with his sword, Daemon left the castle hall.

Outside, Caraxes stood with two dragon keepers. Daemon approached his dragon, feeling turbulent emotions through their bond.

Suddenly, Caraxes reacted, gazing skyward, shivering unnaturally, and emitting low roars. Daemon observed this, sensing Caraxes' fear and the perceived threat.

In an instant, a deafening dragon roar echoed across Dragonstone Island. Deamon looked up to witness a colossal black beast, larger than the castle itself, soaring overhead with wings that covered half the sky.

The immense dragon's presence sent soldiers and dragon keepers stepping back in fear. "It's a giant dragon!" one guard exclaimed, panic evident in his voice.

As the crowd watched in horror, the dragon circled the castle three times before gracefully landing outside the walls. With a thunderous sound, Qyraxis (the Cannibil) avoided the castle towers and landed smoothly.

Daemon's dragon, Caraxes, let out a defensive roar, and even Daemon's blood worm took a step back in awe.

Qyraxis raised its massive head, spread its wings wide, and roared into the sky, unleashing a green dragon flame. The guards and even Daemon's blood worm were frightened into stillness.

On Qyraxis's back, Valarissa whispered, "Qyraxis, let me down and don't scare away everyone."

Qyraxis emitted a low roar, folded his wings, and lowered his slender neck, bringing himself close to the castle wall for Valarissa to climb down with her small body.

As the Cannibal lowered his head, Valarissa became the center of attention. She looked down with excitement and a proud expression.

"Valarissa!"

Daemon snapped out of his dazed state, alarmed, and rushed quickly towards the city wall.

Valarissa, now on the wall, observed her approaching uncle but didn't immediately move towards him; instead, she glanced at Qyraxis.