Dreamfyre, the Mother Dragon

The card prices were set at 10, 60, and 120 magic essence points respectively—expensive but undeniably practical.

Aemon took a deep breath, his eyes drawn to the three cards displayed on his panel. Each one was tempting, especially the last one, [Golden-Nosed Mouse], which seemed like the perfect pet, capable of aiding him in locating magical objects.

"Let's go for it," Aemon decided, gritting his teeth. He selected the [Constitution +1] and [Golden-Nosed Mouse] cards.

Pop!

The [Constitution +1] card shattered instantly, its white glow sinking into his chest, leaving a warm sensation and a faint increase in strength.

The [Golden-Nosed Mouse] materialized as a faint blue light, imperceptible to others, before slipping into his embroidered satchel.

Aemon maintained a neutral expression, though his heart raced with excitement. Glancing at the golden hourglass indicator, he noted his remaining essence points had sharply decreased to: 68.

He couldn't deny a pang of regret but consoled himself with the thought that it was worth it.

The panel's daily card offerings were random—sometimes useful, sometimes bizarre. It had been nearly a week since he'd last seen a [Constitution +1] card, and who knew when it might appear again?

As for [Sticky Fingers], he decided against spending all his essence on a skill he didn't really need. Being a noble with ample resources, theft was hardly his style.

"Let's see what the little mouse looks like," Aemon thought, his curiosity piqued.

He glanced around to ensure no one was watching before reaching into his satchel.

"Squeak, squeak!"

His fingers brushed against something soft and furry. It was round, warm, and emitted tiny, sharp cries.

"Prince, Princess, let us go ahead and ensure everything is in order," the elder dragonkeeper suddenly announced, startling Aemon.

He quickly pulled his hand out of the bag, nodding in response.

The group descended into the depths of the Dragonpit, the vast hallways narrowing into dimly lit stone corridors. The cold, damp air carried the faint scent of ash and brimstone.

"Let's wait here," Rhaenyra suggested, stepping aside with Aemon.

"Sure," Aemon agreed, his attention still on the mysterious creature in his satchel.

His mission here was twofold: first, to see if dragons could provide magic essence, and second, to bond with one of these legendary creatures.

If possible, Aemon even hoped to tame Dreamfyre herself.

The massive and temperamental dragon was as stunning as she was fierce—a rare beauty even among dragons. Better he tame her now than leave her dormant for years until she was claimed by the infant Helaena.

Even if Dreamfyre couldn't rival the ancient might of Vhagar, she was more than formidable enough to stand among the great dragons of her era.

"You're planning to tame Dreamfyre?" Rhaenyra asked, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her tone.

Aemon didn't deny it. "I want to try."

"She's a good choice. I hope you succeed," Rhaenyra said, her expression sincere.

From the moment Aemon had requested to visit the Dragonpit, she had suspected his intentions.

Their shared heritage as Targaryens—descendants of a line of dragonlords—made such ambitions a natural inclination.

Unlike their mothers, who hailed from the Vale and had little to do with dragons, the blood of Old Valyria coursed through their veins. Both Viserys and Daemon were dragonriders, and it seemed only right for Aemon to follow in their footsteps.

Aemon was touched by her support and thumped his small chest. "If I succeed, I'll protect you. Anyone who bullies you will have to answer to me!"

Rhaenyra couldn't help but smile. Despite her sadness, Aemon's earnestness warmed her heart.

"You're my little brother, Daemon's son. How could I begrudge you a dragon from our family?"

Though Aemon was technically her rival for succession, their bond was untainted by politics. Rhaenyra saw in him a glimpse of the love and care she had once received from her uncle Daemon.

"Squeak, squeak!"

Their heartfelt moment was interrupted by a sharp cry from Aemon's satchel.

Startled, Aemon looked down to see a small, round, cream-colored head poking out.

"Oh no, I must've squeezed it too hard!"

"What is that?!" Rhaenyra exclaimed, leaping back with a look of alarm.

"Don't worry—it's just my pet mouse," Aemon explained sheepishly, lifting the little creature by the scruff of its neck.

The Golden-Nosed Mouse was adorably plump, its snowy white fur pristine except for its golden nose, which gleamed like it had been dipped in molten gold.

"Not bad," Aemon murmured, inspecting the tiny creature.

"Squeak!" The mouse raised a tiny paw, as if to declare its strength and reliability.

"That doesn't look like an ordinary mouse," Rhaenyra said skeptically.

"Well, the Red Keep is full of secret passages. Who knows what kind of mice live there?" Aemon replied nonchalantly, hiding his excitement.

The Golden-Nosed Mouse was no ordinary rodent. It boasted extraordinary olfactory and auditory senses, capable of detecting even faint traces of magical energy.

But the real treasure lay in its unique pouch-like cheeks, which could store up to a cubic meter of items—essentially making it a living, breathing storage tool.

"Luck is on my side," Aemon thought gleefully, forcing himself to stay composed.

"Squeak, squeak!" The mouse squirmed indignantly, as if to remind him, "It's me who's helping you!"

Aemon chuckled, giving the tiny head a playful tap before tucking it back into his satchel. The creature was loyal to him, though its personality was clearly spirited.

Rhaenyra gave him a bemused look. "You have... interesting tastes."

"Heh," Aemon replied, scratching his head in feigned embarrassment.

Suddenly, a low, resonant chant echoed through the cavernous space.

"Fire and wing, breath and roar.

Twin heads as one, singing evermore.

By my flame, the tongues of lore."

It was the elder dragonkeeper leading a group in a solemn Valyrian hymn—a song to awaken the dragon.

"Prepare yourself," Rhaenyra said seriously. "Dreamfyre doesn't like to be disturbed."

"I'm ready." Aemon nodded, steeling himself.

Moments later, the keepers began retreating from the chamber in two orderly rows, clutching their bamboo rods tightly.

Clang, clang!

The sound of chains rattling filled the tunnel, growing louder with each passing second.

Aemon's heart raced. His palms grew damp with sweat as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Even the Golden-Nosed Mouse curled into a tight ball in his satchel, its emotions radiating fear.

Boom!

The ground shook violently as an enormous shadow emerged from the darkness.

Clink, clink! The chains trembled and groaned as they struggled to restrain the massive beast.

"Screech!!!"

A deafening roar echoed through the cavern, and Aemon's breath caught in his throat.

Dreamfyre had arrived.