Chapter 32: Eternal Embers

Umbra moved swiftly through the vast expanse of the cosmos, the stars blurring into streaks of light around him as he thought about his next destination. After meeting with his brother-like figure, the angel, and learning more about the endless layers of existence, he knew there was another visit he needed to make—one that stirred emotions he had long tried to keep under control.

He was headed to see Drakaina, one of his other wives and the leader of the dragon race. Drakaina was not just any dragon; she was a goddess among her kind, powerful and wise, with scales that shimmered like molten gold even in her human form. Her presence was commanding, her fiery aura undeniable, and her loyalty to her kin unwavering. But it wasn't just her he was eager yet hesitant to see—it was also their daughter, Seraphina, whose name evoked the warmth and strength of a rising flame.

As Umbra approached their realm, the air grew hotter, infused with the scent of smoke and embers. He landed softly at the foot of a towering mountain, its peak hidden among dark clouds that sparked with occasional bursts of flame. The great dragon fortress loomed ahead, carved into the mountain itself, a testament to Drakaina's power and legacy.

Umbra took a deep breath and stepped forward, his steps echoing in the grand halls as he made his way inside. Drakaina sensed him before she even saw him; her dragon senses were always alert, always tuned to the faintest changes in the atmosphere.

She stood waiting in the throne room, her long crimson hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes like molten lava that cooled just slightly upon seeing him. Her form was humanoid, but the dragon in her was unmistakable: her arms and legs were scaled in parts, her eyes slitted, and small horns peeked from her forehead. Her presence radiated warmth that was both comforting and intimidating.

"Umbra," Drakaina greeted, her voice resonant like the rumble of distant thunder. "It's been a long time."

Umbra nodded, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of resolve and remorse. "Too long," he replied, his voice soft yet edged with the weight of unspoken memories.

As they spoke, Seraphina entered the room, her entrance marked by a flash of fiery light. She had her mother's fierce eyes but carried herself with a grace and curiosity that were distinctly her own. Her fiery red hair and the faint glow of her skin spoke of her dragon heritage, but her smile, warm and earnest, softened the intensity of her presence.

"Father," Seraphina said, her voice tinged with excitement and a hint of apprehension. She had heard stories of her father's exploits, his battles, his triumphs, and his regrets. Meeting him now, she could see the weight of the universe on his shoulders, and yet, the way he looked at her made her feel seen and loved.

Umbra smiled softly at Seraphina, a flicker of warmth breaking through his usually stoic demeanor. "Seraphina," he greeted, his voice filled with a tenderness he seldom showed. "You've grown so much."

Drakaina watched the exchange, her eyes shifting between Umbra and their daughter. She could sense the turmoil within him, the struggle between staying and leaving, the duty and the love that pulled him in opposing directions.

"Why have you come, Umbra?" Drakaina asked, her voice gentle but direct, cutting through the pleasantries. She knew him well enough to sense there was more behind this visit than just a desire to reconnect.

Umbra hesitated, glancing at Seraphina before turning back to Drakaina. "I've come to see you both. To try and make amends for my absence… and to ask for your forgiveness."

Drakaina's expression softened, though the fire in her eyes never fully faded. "Forgiveness is not something that can be asked for so easily, Umbra. Especially not when you've been gone for so long."

Seraphina stepped closer to her father, her gaze earnest. "We can start with today, can't we? It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be… real."

Umbra nodded, feeling the weight of her words. He took a step forward, placing a gentle hand on Seraphina's shoulder. "I promise I will do better. For you, for your mother… and for myself."

Drakaina approached them, her hand resting on Umbra's other shoulder, her touch warm and grounding. "We dragons have a saying: The flame that burns the brightest is the one that never dies, no matter how much time passes."

Umbra felt a lump form in his throat, the strength of her words and the sincerity in her eyes striking deeper than he expected. He knew that staying wouldn't be simple; his journey was far from over, and his responsibilities stretched far beyond this realm. But in that moment, surrounded by Drakaina and Seraphina, he allowed himself to feel the warmth of home, even if only for a fleeting moment.

For now, that was enough.