The Alpha And The Fifth Blood

Chapter 32

Golden light burst across the battlefield, spreading from Ariana like a rising sun. It poured over the mountain peaks until the sky was filled with warm brilliance. For a moment, the entire war seemed to stop as dragons froze midair and Abyss beasts hesitated. Even the wind itself felt still as the golden energy expanded outward in a wide, glowing wave.

The light reached the wounded dragons first. A royal dragon that had been falling suddenly slowed as golden energy wrapped around its broken wing. Bone and scale mended in real time, restoring strength as the creature roared and forced itself back into the sky. Not far away, another dragon lying motionless stirred as golden light spread across its chest and brought it back to life.

High above the battlefield, more dragons felt the same power. Dozens straightened in the air as their wounds closed and their burned scales repaired themselves. One by one, they lifted higher, their roars growing louder until the sound rolled across the mountains. The sky began to fill with life again.

Kael stood behind Ariana on the cliff, watching everything unfold. His golden eyes widened slightly as he took in the scale of what she was doing. "Well," he muttered under his breath, "that is new." Ariana did not respond as she kept her hands raised and focused on the energy flowing through her.

The power inside her felt enormous as it rushed through her veins. It moved smoothly, as if it had always belonged there, steady and alive. She did not feel pain, only a deep sense of purpose that anchored her in place. For the first time, the power felt like something she could trust.

"You are restoring them," Vormerion said softly. Ariana swallowed as her gaze remained fixed on the battlefield. "But the ones that died?" The dragon lifted his glowing eyes toward the sky and answered calmly, "Call them."

Ariana hesitated for only a second. She looked down at the battlefield where fallen dragons lay scattered across broken stone and mountain ridges. The sight tightened her chest, but she forced herself to stay steady. Then she drew in a breath and raised her voice.

"Rise."

The golden light surged again, stronger than before. This time, it did not stop at healing. It reached downward and wrapped around the fallen dragons, spreading across their still bodies. The mountain trembled faintly as the energy took hold.

For a moment, nothing happened. Ariana felt her chest tighten as doubt crept in. Then a wing twitched. Her breath caught as a fallen dragon slowly lifted its head and pushed itself upward, its strength returning with each movement.

"It worked," she whispered.

More dragons began to move across the battlefield. One rose, then another, and soon dozens followed. The fallen royal legion returned one by one, climbing back into the sky with renewed strength. Their scales gleamed brighter, and their roars carried a fierce, renewed energy.

Above the battlefield, the dragons began to gather around her light. They were no longer just fighting. They were responding to her. The bond between them strengthened, and the sky filled with movement and sound once again.

The Abyss beasts shrieked as the dragons surged forward. Golden fire erupted across the sky, clashing against shadow as the battle shifted. Royal dragons tore through the dark creatures, overwhelming them with force and unity. The tide had turned.

Kael let out a quiet breath and allowed himself a small grin. "Now that looks better." But Ariana’s power flickered. He noticed immediately and stepped closer, his expression tightening. "You are getting tired."

Ariana nodded slightly as her arms began to feel heavy. "A little." Her voice was quieter now, strained by the effort. The power still flowed, but it was harder to hold.

"You have done enough," Vormerion said firmly.

Ariana lowered one hand, though the energy still lingered around her. Below them, the restored dragons continued to rise and fight. The royal legion reclaimed the sky with powerful, synchronized movement. For the first time, the battlefield looked like it belonged to them again.

High above the mountain, Augustus hovered in place. The golden light reflected across his face, but his expression had changed. The calm certainty he had shown earlier was gone. Something colder had replaced it.

"Well," he said quietly, "that was unexpected."

One of the restored dragons lunged toward him. Augustus lifted his hand and released a burst of Abyss energy that struck the dragon and sent it flying backward. It did not stop the others. Dozens of dragons surrounded him, their roars filling the sky.

Augustus turned his gaze toward Ariana. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. "So the Sovereign has awakened." Kael stepped slightly in front of her, his posture protective. "You figured that out fast."

Augustus ignored him. His attention never left Ariana. "You are stronger than the council predicted."

Ariana forced herself to step forward despite the exhaustion pulling at her body. "And you are losing." Her voice was steady, even if her strength was fading. She refused to step back.

For a moment, Augustus said nothing. His gaze moved across the battlefield as he took in the shifting tide. Abyss beasts were falling quickly under the force of the restored dragons. Golden fire filled the sky as the royal legion pushed forward.

"Perhaps," he said at last.

Then he smiled. The expression was sharp and controlled, not warm. It carried quiet confidence, not defeat.

"Enjoy this victory while you can."

Kael frowned slightly. "What does that mean?"

Augustus raised one hand slowly. Dark energy gathered around him and wrapped around his body like living shadow. Ariana felt it immediately, a cold pull that made her chest tighten. "He is leaving," she said.

"Yes," Vormerion confirmed.

Augustus kept his gaze on her. "This war is far from over," he said, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "The Abyss has waited thousands of years." The shadows thickened around him, consuming more of his form.

"And we can wait a little longer."

Ariana’s light flickered again as her strength began to fade. Her breathing grew heavier as she struggled to stay upright. Augustus smiled one last time.

"We will meet again, Sovereign."

Then the darkness closed around him. He vanished.

The sky slowly quieted. Without him, the remaining Abyss beasts retreated into shadow. The dragons pressed forward, reclaiming the sky as the battle came to an end. The war was over for now.

Ariana lowered her hands completely. The golden light faded from her body, and exhaustion hit her all at once. Her legs weakened, but Kael stepped forward and caught her before she could fall.

"Easy," he said, steadying her.

She leaned against him, breathing hard. "That took a lot."

Kael looked out across the battlefield. Dragons filled the sky again, alive and free. "Yeah," he said quietly. "It was worth it."

Beside them, Vormerion spread his massive wings. Golden light reflected across his scales as he spoke. "The Sovereign has returned."

High above the mountains, the royal dragons circled through the sky. Their roars echoed across the world like a signal that something had changed. The balance had begun to shift.

Ariana closed her eyes for a moment as she leaned against Kael. For the first time since the battle began, there was a pause. It was not peace, but it was enough to breathe.

Far beyond the mountains, deep within the Abyss, something stirred.

Something far older than Augustus.

Something that had been waiting.

And it was smiling.