{{Veridale – The Infirmary}}
Jin's eyes fluttered open, his vision still hazy.
His body ached, but the first thing he did was reach for his face.
His mask was still there.
Exhaling in relief, he slowly sat up, his mind still clouded.
As his eyesight adjusted, he scanned the room.
The dim lanterns flickered softly, casting long shadows on the walls.
Then, his gaze landed on Tristan.
She sat at the table nearby, her head resting on her folded arms, fast asleep.
Her crimson-red hair framed her peaceful expression, rising and falling gently with each breath.
Jin let out a slow breath.
A weight lifted off his chest.
But then, memories surged back—
The fight with Draven Voss.
The sheer power of his strikes.
The moment Jin had faltered.
The massive greatsword descending toward him.
And then..
A monstrous roar.
Scales gleaming in the light.
Wings spreading wide.
Tristan.
A dragon.
Jin's fingers curled into the blanket.
His thoughts spiraled deeper, pulling him back to the moment he lost consciousness.
But before the darkness had fully taken him..
He had seen something else.
A man.
A crown upon his head, sorrow in his eyes.
"Many lives have fallen by your hands."
Jin shuddered as the voice echoed in his mind.
"No… who are you?"
"A king from the past. A fool in the present. But what will you become in the future?"
Jin clenched his jaw.
It felt too real to be just a dream.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Tristan stirring until she lifted her head.
Her crimson eyes widened. "Jin!"
Before he could react, she was in front of him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "You're awake… You woke up!"
Jin hesitated before slowly placing a hand on her back. "Yeah… I'm here."
She pulled away, smiling in relief. "You were out for three days."
Jin frowned. "Three days?"
She nodded. "After you collapsed, the healers took care of you. They said you were just exhausted, but…" she hesitated. "One healer said that when you lost consciousness, your lower abdomen, where your aura is, was glowing blue.. But when you fully blacked out, the glow vanished."
Jin stiffened.
"...Glowing blue?"
She gave a small shrug.
"Maybe it was just a trick of the light. Or maybe the healer was just tired and imagined it."
Jin remained silent.
What the hell happened to him?
Pushing aside his thoughts for now, he met Tristan's gaze. "Are you okay? What about your wounds?"
She nodded. "The healers took care of me. I'm completely fine now. I owe you my life, Jin."
She looked down briefly before meeting his eyes again. "I'm sorry… for not telling you. About what I really am."
Jin exhaled, leaning back against the pillow. "So… when I first saw you in the forest, when you were undressed… that was right after you transformed back from a dragon, wasn't it?"
Tristan nodded hesitantly. "Yes. I was attacked by a Bloodfang Wolf. Since I thought no one was around, I transformed into my dragon form to fight back. But… something startled me. And I changed back." She looked away. "That's when you found me."
Jin was quiet for a moment before he said, "Tristan Azrya Valtheris. That name… I remember it."
She looked surprised. "You… remember?"
Jin nodded. "And you're… related to the Dragon King Valtheris?"
She sighed, then gave a small smile. "Yes. I come from his bloodline."
Jin leaned forward slightly. "Who was he?"
Tristan's expression softened. "The Dragon King Valtheris was a dragon who believed that dragons, humans, and all creatures could live together in peace. He wasn't just a ruler; he was a dreamer."
Jin remained silent, listening.
"He met a human... someone who shared his vision. They became friends, hoping to create a world where no one had to fear the other." Her hands tightened into fists. "But… that human was killed. Someone who didn't believe in their ideals murdered them."
Jin's stomach twisted. "And Valtheris…?"
"He lost himself in rage." Tristan's voice grew distant. "He burned the kingdom of those responsible to the ground. No one was spared."
She took a breath before continuing. "But once his fury faded, he saw what he had done. He became the very thing he had fought against. Overwhelmed with guilt, he exiled himself. Some believe he still walks the world, searching for redemption.Others say he died, consumed by his regret."
Jin stared at her, absorbing every word.
Tristan gave a small, sad smile. "But despite everything, my kind still wants to live in peace. We don't want war. We don't want destruction. We just want to exist… without fear."
She looked into Jin's eyes. "I know humans fear us. But… please don't fear me."
Jin held her gaze. "I'm not afraid of you."
Her eyes widened slightly.
He leaned forward, his expression firm. "And if you want to change how the world sees your kind… then I'll help you."
Tristan blinked, then smiled.. not out of relief, but something deeper.
Hope.