Chapter 6: A Dragon's Invitation

Several days have passed since the memorable dinner at Chad and Minerva's house. Ethan found himself back at his routine and job, except for seeing Amelia and Lily every day after work for more practice and sometimes looking after the little girl since Amelia works as an attorney.

Lily still goes to grade school due to her appearance. Annie is already in high school despite her age. Chad is most of the time inside his gym and training. Minerva is a stay-at-home mom and manages her own blogging website.

Now, as the sun began to set, Ethan found himself again standing before the entrance of the Dragons Den. The towering stone archway and the enchanting aura radiating from the surrounding forest beckoned him forward. It was time to continue his training and explore his air element control.

Entering the Dragons Den, Ethan's eyes widened in awe as he took in the grandeur of the open clearing. He found himself walking up to the usual spot. The shimmering light reflected from mystical plants bathed the clearing in a soft, ethereal glimmer. The air hummed with vibrant energy, a testament to the powerful presence of the dragons that frequented this sacred place.

Lily awaited Ethan in her dragon form, her red scales glimmering under the radiant glow. Next to her stood an unknown dragon, seemingly awaiting him, her wings unfurled with grace. Ethan couldn't help but feel excitement and determination wash over him as he approached them.

"Beautiful." He voiced out in a small voice. The other dragon seemed to have picked it up as it looked at him with surprised eyes.

"Oh my, Ethan." Ethan recognized this voice to be Amelia's.

Amelia's dragon form was a majestic sight to behold. Her scales shimmered with a mesmerizing blend of deep sapphire and azure hues, reflecting the light in a dazzling display. Her scales were perfectly formed, fitting together like a puzzle, creating a seamless armor that adorned her powerful body. Ethan stood there speechless for a second.

"Good to see you, Ethan," Amelia turned to her human form and greeted him warmly, her voice echoing through the chamber. "I trust you've been practicing your air element control?"

Amelia's human form was equally captivating, radiating an ethereal beauty that mesmerized those who beheld her. Her presence commanded attention and a height that exuded grace and poise. Amelia stood at around 1.7 meters. Her features were delicate yet striking, with a symmetrical face that seemed carved by an artist's hand. Her eyes, a vibrant shade of emerald azure, sparkled with intelligence and warmth. Amelia's auburn-colored hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face and flowing down to her shoulders. Its rich color danced in the sunlight, enhancing her natural radiance. Her complexion was flawless, with rosy cheeks accentuating her natural beauty.

Ethan recovered a bit and nodded eagerly. "Yes, Amelia. I've been practicing before bedtime. Trying to fine-tune my control over the air. I'm eager to see how much progress I've made."

Lily, her eyes shining with curiosity, chimed in. "Don't worry, Ethan. I'm sure you've improved a lot!"

With newfound confidence, Ethan took a deep breath. Closing his eyes and focusing on the connection he had established with the air element. He visualized the invisible currents, feeling the gentle breeze caressing his skin and the slight tingling sensation that signaled his growing affinity.

As he opened his eyes, Ethan extended his hands, palms facing upward. He began to channel his mana, feeling it surge within him and intertwine with the air around him. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he commanded a gentle gust of wind to dance around his fingertips.

Amelia and Lily watched with eager anticipation, their eyes gleaming with pride. The wind swirled and twirled, responding to Ethan's command, growing more precise with each passing moment.

Ethan couldn't help but smile. His heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. He had come a long way since that fateful day when he discovered his dragon heritage, and now he was harnessing the power of the elements with finesse.

Amelia clapped her wings together, her joy resonating throughout the chamber. "Well done, Ethan! Your progress is truly remarkable. Your control over the air element has become quite impressive."

Lily nodded enthusiastically, her tail swaying from side to side. "See, I told you, Ethan! You're a natural."

Ethan's smile widened, gratitude filling his heart. "Thank you, Amelia. Thank you, Lily. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support."

Lily transformed into her human form, her gentle smile mirroring her dragon counterpart. "Yeah!"

"It has been a pleasure to witness your growth, Ethan. But remember, this is just the beginning. There is still much to learn and explore on your journey as a dragon." Amelia chided in to ground him.

Ethan nodded, his determination renewed. "I'm ready for whatever comes next, Amelia. I want to embrace this new world and continue to grow as a dragon."

Lily giggled, her eyes sparkling. "That's the spirit, Ethan! I'm sure we'll have plenty of exciting adventures ahead with you by our side. "

As they prepared to leave the Dragons Den, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the dragons who had become his mentors and friends. With their guidance and the unwavering support of Chad, Minerva, and Lily, he knew he was part of something truly extraordinary.

They stepped out of the hidden clearing and into the fading daylight. Ethan's heart swelled with anticipation.

"Ethan, will you play with me in Haven?" Lily asked him just as they stepped out.

"Haven?"

"She meant the Haven Amusement Park. One for dragons and other mystical races."

"There are other races. Well, I'm not that surprised. It is logical, I guess ..."

"Well, we can talk about this over a cup of tea. Let's head back."