Chapter 13: Hunter's Moon
The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the forest clearing. Aria stood among her fellow hunters, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and conflicting emotions. Tonight marked the sacred Hunter's Moon ritual, a tradition as old as Dragon's Bane Keep itself.
Lord Commander Viktor's voice rang out, deep and resonant. "On this night, we honor those who came before us, those who gave their lives in the eternal struggle against dragonkind. We renew our vows to protect humanity from the scourge that plagues our lands."
Aria shifted uncomfortably, the weight of her recent discoveries pressing heavily on her conscience. The ancient scroll hidden away in the Lord Commander's study told a very different tale – one of cooperation and mutual respect between humans and dragons.
As Viktor continued the ritual, Aria's mind wandered to Drakon. She imagined him perched on some distant crag, his obsidian scales gleaming in the moonlight. Would he be looking at the same moon, thinking of her?
"Nightshade," Liam's whisper cut through her reverie. "You're up next."
Aria blinked, realizing she had nearly missed her cue. She stepped forward, accepting the ceremonial dagger from Viktor. The blade glinted wickedly in the firelight, its edge honed to razor sharpness.
"With this blade, I renew my vow to protect the innocent from the dragon menace," Aria recited, the familiar words now tasting like ashes in her mouth. "I pledge my life, my strength, and my honor to the cause of Dragon's Bane Keep."
As she spoke, Aria's mind rebelled against the oath. How could she pledge herself to a cause built on lies and misunderstanding? Yet to refuse would mean exile at best, execution at worst.
She drew the blade across her palm, allowing a few drops of blood to fall into the ceremonial fire. The flames hissed and sputtered, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky.
Aria retreated to her place in the circle, barely registering the congratulatory pats on her back from her fellow hunters. Her thoughts once again drifted to Drakon. What would he think if he could see her now, participating in a ritual dedicated to the destruction of his kind?
The ceremony continued, each hunter renewing their vow in turn. Aria found it increasingly difficult to focus, the words blending into a meaningless drone. Instead, her mind conjured images of the illustrations from the forbidden scroll – humans and dragons working side by side, achieving greatness together.
A nudge from Liam brought her attention back to the present. Viktor was speaking again, his voice charged with emotion.
"Tonight, we also remember those we have lost. Garrick, a valiant warrior and mentor, taken from us too soon by the very corruption we fight against."
Aria's breath caught in her throat. The memory of Garrick's betrayal and subsequent death at her own hands was still raw. She had trusted him, looked up to him, only to discover the rot at his core.
"And let us not forget the threat that still lurks beyond our walls," Viktor continued. "The black dragon, more cunning and dangerous than any we have faced before. It is only a matter of time before he strikes again."
Aria's heart raced. She wanted to scream out the truth – that Drakon was not the mindless beast they believed him to be. That there was wisdom and depth behind those golden eyes, a capacity for change that defied their preconceptions.
But she held her tongue, knowing that such an outburst would only lead to disaster. Instead, she clenched her fists, feeling the sting of the fresh cut on her palm. The pain helped ground her, reminding her of the precarious position she now found herself in.
As the ritual drew to a close, the hunters began to disperse. Some headed to the great hall for the feast that traditionally followed the ceremony, while others drifted off in small groups, talking in hushed voices about the challenges that lay ahead.
Aria lingered behind, her eyes drawn to the moon that now hung directly overhead. Its silver light seemed to call to her, pulling her thoughts once again to Drakon.
"Deep in thought, Nightshade?" Liam's voice startled her from her contemplation.
Aria turned to face her friend, forcing a smile. "Just reflecting on the ceremony. It's... a lot to take in."
Liam nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I noticed you seemed distracted. Is everything alright?"
For a moment, Aria was tempted to confide in him. Liam had always been a steadfast friend, someone she could trust. But the weight of her secrets held her back. How could she explain the doubts that plagued her, the growing certainty that everything they had been taught was wrong?
"I'm fine," she lied, hating the ease with which the deception came. "Just tired, I suppose. These night patrols have been taking their toll."
Liam studied her face for a moment longer before seemingly accepting her explanation. "Well, don't push yourself too hard. We need you at your best, especially with that black dragon still out there."
Aria's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Drakon. "Do you really think he's as dangerous as the Lord Commander says?" she asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.
Liam's eyes hardened. "I've seen the devastation he's capable of firsthand. Entire villages reduced to ash, livestock slaughtered. He's a monster, plain and simple."
The vehemence in Liam's voice took Aria aback. She wondered what Drakon would say if confronted with these accusations. Was there truth to them, or were they simply the result of centuries of misunderstanding and fear?
"I suppose you're right," Aria murmured, not meeting Liam's eyes. "We should probably join the others in the great hall."
As they walked back towards the keep, Aria's mind churned with conflicting emotions. She cared deeply for her fellow hunters, for the community that had raised and nurtured her. But she could no longer ignore the growing certainty that their entire worldview was built on a foundation of lies.
The great hall was alive with the sounds of celebration. Hunters raised tankards of ale, toasting their fallen comrades and boasting of future victories against dragonkind. Aria found a quiet corner, nursing a cup of mulled wine as she observed the festivities.
She couldn't help but imagine a different scene – one where dragons and humans feasted together, sharing stories and laughter. The vision was so vivid, so tantalizing, that for a moment it seemed more real than the room around her.
As the night wore on, Aria made her excuses and slipped away from the celebration. She made her way to the highest tower of Dragon's Bane Keep, needing solitude to sort through her tumultuous thoughts.
The cool night air caressed her face as she gazed out over the moonlit landscape. Somewhere out there, Drakon was navigating his own challenges. She wondered if he felt as alone and conflicted as she did.
Aria's hand went to the hidden pocket where she kept the ornate key she had discovered in the library. Its weight seemed to burn against her skin, a constant reminder of the truths she had uncovered and the choices that lay ahead.
As the first light of dawn began to paint the eastern sky, Aria made a decision. She could no longer stand idly by, pretending to be the perfect hunter while doubts gnawed at her soul. It was time to take action, to seek out Drakon and share what she had learned.
The path ahead was fraught with danger. She would be risking everything – her position, her friendships, possibly even her life. But as Aria watched the sun rise, bringing with it the promise of a new day, she felt a sense of purpose settle over her.
Whatever trials lay ahead, she would face them with courage and conviction. For in her heart, Aria knew that the future of both humans and dragons depended on the choices she and Drakon would make in the days to come.