Chapter 17: Scales of Truth
The hidden valley Drakon had chosen as their sanctuary was a marvel of natural beauty. Steep cliffs rose on all sides, their faces adorned with cascading waterfalls that fed into a crystal-clear lake at the center. Lush vegetation thrived in the fertile soil, creating a verdant oasis hidden from the world beyond.
Aria sat by the shore, her fingers idly tracing patterns in the sand as she watched Drakon glide across the water's surface. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on her mind – her confrontation with Liam, the choice she had made to side with Drakon, and the uncertain future that now stretched before them.
As if sensing her tumultuous thoughts, Drakon banked towards the shore, landing with surprising grace for a creature of his size. He settled beside her, his golden eyes reflecting the setting sun as he gazed out over the lake.
"You've been quiet," he rumbled, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you having second thoughts about your decision?"
Aria shook her head, offering a small smile. "No, not second thoughts. Just... processing everything. It's a lot to take in."
Drakon nodded, a deep sigh escaping him. "Indeed it is. And I fear there is much more for you to learn – truths that may shake the very foundation of what you believe about dragons and the world we share."
Intrigued and slightly apprehensive, Aria turned to face him fully. "What do you mean? What truths?"
For a long moment, Drakon was silent, seemingly gathering his thoughts. When he spoke again, his voice was low and intense. "Aria, what I'm about to tell you has been a closely guarded secret among dragonkind for centuries. It is knowledge that could change everything – or destroy us all if it falls into the wrong hands."
The gravity in his tone sent a shiver down Aria's spine. She leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "I swear to you, Drakon, whatever you tell me will remain between us until you say otherwise."
Drakon's eyes met hers, searching for any hint of deceit. Finding none, he began his tale. "Dragons, as you know us, are not born. We are made."
Aria's brow furrowed in confusion. "Made? What do you mean?"
"Long ago, in the time before the great sundering between our kinds, humans and dragons lived in harmony. We were partners, friends... and more." Drakon's gaze grew distant, as if seeing into the past. "The most gifted human mages and the wisest of dragons discovered a way to merge their essences, creating beings of immense power and longevity."
Aria's eyes widened as the implications of his words sank in. "Are you saying that dragons are... part human?"
Drakon nodded solemnly. "In a sense, yes. Every dragon you see today carries within them the spark of humanity, passed down through countless generations. It is this shared essence that allows us to communicate, to reason, to feel as deeply as any human."
"But... how is that possible?" Aria's mind reeled with questions. "The dragons I've seen hatching from eggs, the way you breed and raise your young – it all seems so... natural."
"And so it is, now," Drakon explained. "Over time, our bodies adapted to this new form of existence. We developed ways to pass on our merged essence through more conventional means. But at our core, we remain a fusion of human and dragon – a living testament to what our kinds can achieve together."
Aria sat in stunned silence, trying to process this earth-shattering revelation. Everything she had ever been taught about dragons, every assumption she had made, was being called into question. "Why keep this a secret?" she finally asked. "If humans knew the truth, surely it would change how they see dragons."
Drakon's expression darkened. "Perhaps. Or it could lead to our extinction. Imagine if those who seek to profit from our deaths learned that dragon parts contained not just magical properties, but the essence of humanity itself. The slaughter would be unimaginable."
The truth of his words hit Aria like a physical blow. She thought of the black markets dealing in dragon parts, the potions and weapons crafted from their remains. If people believed they could gain human-like powers or extended life by consuming dragon flesh... the consequences would be catastrophic.
"There's more," Drakon continued, his voice heavy with the weight of centuries. "This shared essence is the source of our longevity, our ability to use magic in ways humans can only dream of. But it comes at a cost."
Aria leaned in, hanging on his every word. "What cost?"
"Balance," Drakon replied. "For a dragon to maintain their form and power, they must keep the human and dragon aspects of their being in perfect harmony. Too much of one or the other can lead to... transformation."
"Transformation?" Aria echoed, a chill running down her spine.
Drakon nodded grimly. "A dragon who loses touch with their human side may regress into a truly bestial state, becoming the mindless monster humans fear. Conversely, if the human aspect becomes too dominant..." He trailed off, seemingly reluctant to continue.
"What happens?" Aria prompted gently.
Drakon met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and trepidation. "They can take human form."
Aria gasped, her mind spinning with the implications. "Are you saying that some dragons can... become human?"
"It is rare," Drakon clarified, "and incredibly dangerous. Few dragons who attempt the transformation survive with their minds intact. Those who do often lose themselves in the human world, forgetting their true nature. But it has happened."
A thought struck Aria, causing her to scrutinize Drakon more closely. "Have you ever...?"
Drakon shook his head. "No. I have maintained the balance, though it grows more difficult with each passing century. The human part of me yearns for connection, for understanding. It is one of the reasons I was drawn to you, Aria. You awoke something in me that had long been dormant."
Aria's heart raced at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. She reached out, placing her hand on Drakon's scales. "I'm honored that you've shared this with me, Drakon. But I have to ask – what does this mean for us? For the future we're trying to build?"
Drakon's expression softened, a low rumble of affection resonating in his chest. "It means that the divide between our kinds is not as insurmountable as many believe. We are, in a very real sense, kin. If we can help others understand this truth – carefully, cautiously – perhaps we can begin to heal the wounds of the past."
As the last light of day faded from the sky, Aria and Drakon sat in companionable silence, both lost in thought. The revelations of the day had changed everything, opening up possibilities that Aria had never dared to imagine.
She thought of the battles to come, the prejudices they would have to overcome on both sides. But for the first time, she felt a genuine spark of hope. If dragons and humans shared a common origin, a common essence, then perhaps true peace was possible.
As stars began to twinkle overhead, Aria made a silent vow. She would guard Drakon's secret, using the knowledge he had entrusted her with to build bridges rather than weapons. Together, they would work to create a world where the truth of their shared heritage could be celebrated rather than feared.