~ Reflection and Leaving Asoiaf ~

~ Valyrian Freehold, Capital - Valyria ~

~ Draegon Targaryen Stark - POV ~

The Valyrian sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, as though the world itself burned in the fire that would one day consume this land. The thought weighed heavily on my mind as I stood on the balcony overlooking the city. Valyria—home to the dragonlords, to my mother's bloodline, and now to me—was a marvel, yet its days were numbered.

Hecate's pendant, the dragonwolf design glinting faintly in the waning light, lay heavy around my neck. Its power buzzed against my skin, a constant reminder of the path ahead. The omniverse awaited me, filled with worlds I had only dreamed of. But before I left, there were goodbyes to be said, moments to cherish, and plans to solidify.

I made my way to the nursery where my cousins, Gaemon and Daenys, spent their days. Gaemon was a spirited four-year-old, already showing the pride and determination of a true Targaryen. His sister, Daenys, though not yet one name day old, was something else entirely. The future lived in her dreams, her every gaze heavy with knowledge far beyond her years.

As I stepped inside, Gaemon looked up from where he sat, constructing what appeared to be a dragon from blocks. "Draegon!" he called out, his face lighting up. "Look! It's Balerion!"

I chuckled and crouched beside him, ruffling his silver hair. "A fine likeness, Gaemon. But I think Balerion's wingspan might be a little wider."

He frowned at his creation, clearly considering my critique. "I'll make it better!"

"You'll have plenty of time to perfect it," I said with a smile, though my chest tightened at the thought that I wouldn't be here to see it.

As we talked, I felt a gentle tug on my tunic. I looked down to see Daenys, her violet eyes wide and searching. Her small fingers reached up, and I lifted her into my arms. She nestled against my chest, one hand clutching the dragonwolf pendant as though she knew its significance.

"Leaving," she said softly, her voice steady despite her age.

"Yes," I admitted, holding her close. "But I'll return. I promise."

Her gaze locked with mine, and for a moment, the room seemed to fall away. "Fire... coming. Dragonwolf... saves us."

Her words sent a chill through me. Though I'd already glimpsed the path ahead—the Doom of Valyria, the destruction of everything around us—hearing it from her lips made it all the more real.

"I will," I said, my voice firm. "And so will you. You and Gaemon will carry the legacy of our house. Never forget that."

Gaemon looked up from his blocks, his youthful pride replaced by confusion. "What fire, cousin Draegon?"

I knelt beside him, still holding Daenys. "You'll understand one day, Gaemon. Just know that you must be strong. For Daenys, for yourself, and for all of us."

He nodded, though the weight of my words clearly puzzled him.

~

We spent the evening together, immersed in stories and laughter. I told Gaemon tales of the North, of Winterfell and the Wolfswood, and how the direwolves roamed freely beneath the towering trees. Daenys clung to me, her small fingers never straying far from the pendant that she had taken to playing with throughout our time together.

When Rhaela, their mother and my beautiful aunt, entered the nursery, her presence was as commanding as always. Her silver-gold hair fell in perfect waves, and her violet eyes, much like my own, were warm yet firm.

"Gaemon, Daenys, it's time for supper," she said gently, her gaze lingering on me.

Gaemon ran to her, clutching her hand, but Daenys refused to let go of me. Her grip tightened, and when Rhaela reached out for her, she buried her face in my shoulder.

"She doesn't want me to go," I said softly, smoothing a hand over her silver hair.

Rhaela smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "She senses more than we give her credit for. But she'll learn to let go. You've made an impression on her, Draegon."

I passed Daenys into her mother's arms, though it took my 'strength' to do so. Her small hand reached for me even as Rhaela carried her away, and Gaemon turned back at the door, his expression troubled.

"Goodbye, cousin," he said.

"Not goodbye," I replied. "Just farewell for now."

~

As the door closed behind them, I returned to the balcony, the dragonwolf pendant pulsing faintly against my chest. My mind drifted to the world I was about to enter—a world I knew better than I cared to admit.

In my previous life, as Drake Zoraiz, I had found solace in the pages of Harry Potter. The orphanage where I'd grown up had a battered set of the books, and I'd read them until the covers were worn and the pages dog-eared. I had watched the movies, too, connecting with Harry in ways no one else could understand. We were both orphans, both searching for a place to belong.

Now, as Draegon, I had the chance to step into that world, to learn its magic firsthand. My Goddess has given me the means, and I intended to use it. The knowledge of wands, spells, potions, and more would be invaluable—not only for my journey but also for my plans here in Valyria.

I had no intention of leaving my family defenseless. The Doom was forty years away, but it was a shadow that loomed over everything. I would return with knowledge, with treasures, with power to safeguard House Targaryen and its legacy.

The thought of Valyrian steel filled my mind. The forges of Valyria were unmatched, their secrets known only to a select few. Before the fire claimed this land, I would ensure that I took what I could—blades, armor, and the means to forge them anew.

'Not that I haven't already started.' I thought to myself as a used Gluttony to retrieve the Valyrian steel greatsword that I've named Ignis.

After securing the sword, the wind tugging at my hair as I looked out over the city, its towers glowing in the fading light. This was not an end, I reminded myself. It was the beginning of something greater.

With one last glance at the stars, I whispered, "Soon. I will return stronger, wiser."

The dragonwolf pendant glowed softly, and the magic within stirred. My journey was about to begin, but my heart remained tied to this place, to these people.

Now the Dragonwolf was ready to begin his adventure to travel and eventually, maybe even conquer some of the omniverse for himself.

~