The sailor struggled at the front of the boat as he steered through the sea, which was slowly hardening into sheets of ice. The water that once danced in waves now cracked under us, turning white and sharp like broken glass. A cold wind brushed past, weaving through the wooden boards of the boat and cutting against my skin. The silence around us was loud too loud. It sat heavily between me, Adriel, and the other girl.That girl... what was her name again?

I hadn't asked. I should have asked earlier, but everything had happened too fast too suddenly for thoughts like that to stay in order.

She sat quietly at the side of the boat, her eyes fixed on the horizon as if she had already accepted her death. It was that unsettling kind of quiet, the kind that made it seem like she would welcome her end if it came now, with open arm, then I forced myself to speak.

"Um... sorry, what's your name?" I asked, trying to sound gentle and concerned. At least for a little while, if this was all we had left, I wanted us to communicate properly. Maybe even stay friends, even if just for the time we remained alive."Mahir," she said, trying to smile. But the smile never fully formed. It trembled at the edges and then fell apart Silence swallowed us again.

Each one of us drifted into our own thoughts. For me, it was my family. My mother's gentle hands, my father's protective stare, everyone who ever cared about me. What did we do to deserve this? Why us? Why any girl at all? My mind kept going back to the same thing:The dragon realm. Eldorado. just like Adriel I had also heard about this dragon curse thing but where did I hear it from I tried to think, yes from mothers bed time stories, the name I once thought belonged to stories and myths. A name I wished still belonged to stories and myths. But Adriel knew more. She had always known more than we did.

"Adriel," I whispered as I shifted closer to her. She jumped slightly, snapped out of her thoughts. "Hazel? What's wrong?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Fear had softened her tone."Can you... tell me more about this dragon curse thing? And why they need girls as sacrifices?" I asked. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment it felt like I could see into her soul into the fear she tried to hide.

Mahir sat up too, suddenly alert. She wanted answers just as desperately.

Adriel exhaled shakily and began.

"Like I told you when we were in the carriage I read about the dragon from a book in my fathers library" she said

A gust of freezing wind blew across the boat, but she continued.

" After reading the book, I decided to ask my mother about the whole thing, then she told me that it was true and warned me never to speak of such matters to her again"

Mahir's fingers tightened around the wooden edge of the boat.

"After one of the great destructions caused by the inferno, a witch had a vision," Adriel said softly, her eyes fixed on her hands. "She saw a prophecy. The only cure was to feed the dragon heir with the roasted hearts of three human female virgins."My breath caught.

"And that," she finished quietly, "was how the ritual started. At first, I thought it was just some old myth until my mother confirmed it was true.Her last word hung in the air like smoke. A heavy Silence made it way between us and I could now hear my heart beat wide against my chest, I could also sense fear among us as each one of us

Just then a cold, heavy breeze swept across us, stronger than anything before. It forced our eyes to the front of the boat.

And that was when we realized...

We had arrived.

ELDORADO.

The realm of dragons.

The air here felt different. Thicker. Heavier. Almost alive. I could feel something crawling under my skin-not a creature, but a feeling. Fear... panic... anxiety. It was everywhere, surrounding us like invisible chains.

We sailed closer to the shore, but as we did, the atmosphere changed again. My heartbeat quickened. Something was coming. Something dangerous.

Then I saw them.

Two enormous black dragons sliced through the sky toward us, their wings beating like thunder. Moonlight glimmered across their scales, making them look like living shadows.

A gasp tore out of me.

"Mahir, Adriel look! They're coming!"

The others turned, and I could hear their heartbeats now racing wildly, just like mine. The dragons flew closer, larger than anything I had ever imagined. Their wings spread wide, blocking parts of the moon. The wind from their flight whipped our hair back.

Then fire erupted.

A massive, blazing burst exploded from one of their throats, lighting the world in shades of red and gold. We scrambled backwards on the boat, nearly slipping.

The sailor didn't even have time to scream.

The fire consumed him in a heartbeat as screams of agony escaped his lips and soon it died down.One blink he was there.

The next he was nothing but falling ashes.

His remains drifted into the frozen air, scattering before us like dark snow.

Mahir fainted immediately, her body dropping to the wooden floor with a soft thud. Adriel, trembling uncontrollably, rushed to her side, trying to wake her or at least hold her still.But I couldn't move.

I stood frozen, staring into empty space. My legs refused to respond. My mind felt numb. Was this really our fate? Was this what we had been dragged here for?

The dragons descended.

First two.

Then three.

Three massive creatures landed before us with ground-shaking force. Snow scattered. Ice cracked. The air buzzed with heat even though the night was freezing.

The one in front larger, darker, with scales that shimmered like polished stone precious stones stepped forward. Its golden eyes stared into mine, and for a moment, I felt like I was standing in front of death itself.

HAZEL POV

One minute we were on the ground staring at the dragons in fear of what might be out fate and the next we were flying on air, on the back of the same dragons we feared and dreaded our nightmares, the dragon who had just burnt our sailor was at the front and we were flying on the other two dragons back we held on as we didn't want to fall down I had never been on somewhere high like this and it made me nauseous coupled with the fact that I hadn't eaten anything in the last three days and now my stomach was giving out loud and outrageous sounds, I wondered if the dragon who was carrying us could hear it which I hoped not. Soon we fully entered the dragon realm it was so beautiful like something out of this world, I would have said heaven but I had heard from my mother that heaven was for the good but then these creatures looked like the devil themselves but, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of this realm it was much more beautiful than our realm diffrent dragons flew around, the stars shone differently like Diamonds, I had never imagined that this was how the dragon realm would look like. Eldorado was something else, something that looked extremely beautiful and magical too and despite the fear in my chest I couldn't help but stare in wonder and fascination, because it was a feast for the eyes. Soon we reached a beautiful castle, from it magnificent and grand architecture, I immediately knew that it had to be the royal palace because among the beautiful houses we met in the way this was the most beautiful, it walls where designed with fine stones making it stand out, it looked like a tower with about five storeys, it was extremely tall and wide covering over five acres of land and then its fortresses where made up of thick, heavy walls making it stand out, I knew this castle was ancient but then it looked beautiful and outstanding much beautiful than the best houses in the human realm. Soon the dragons landed at the front of one of the hallways and then two guards walked towards us "get down girls" one of the guards said as the dragon who had carried us bent for us to get down. When we got down I could now see the guards properly they had pale skin and the colours of their eyes and features were something else, one had deep green eyes with long Raven black hair, and the other had monochromatic eyes one blue and the other green with long green hair, "where they also dragons" I thought as I stepped down from the dragons back, "welcome back your majesty"They said as they bowed before the dragon with thick scales who made me feel something I didn't understand I could feel his eyes on me the whole time but I couldn't bare to return a glance. Wait he was their King or maybe prince then I understood that the guards where also dragons, "wait that means these dragons could also transform into humans" I thought to myself "take them in an guard them well" the dragon with thick scales and golden eyes spoke up I didn't believe my eyes not my hears, the dragon had just spoken I grew up in my life believing that beast don't talk, and then my suspicions got cleared, if he could talk, he could also become human, after which I began to think of what he would look like if he was in his human form, I couldn't help but stare as the dragons eyes locked into mine my body reacted in ways I didn't understand, it was almost like I couldn't control it, giving me one last intense look he looked at the guards "take them in and tell the miads to bring them food, they look hungry " he ordered as his eyes fell on me again like he was talking about me in particular as I quickly looked away the sound of food did really make my stomach rumble. The guards led us away as I could still feel his gaze on me as we walked deep into the corridors. Finally I was taken to my cell, at least this cell was better than the one back in the human realm, it had a small bed at the side or was this for the VIP'S, I thought they led me in, locked the gates, and left then my thoughts drifted to him, that dragon why did my heart miss a beat when our eyes met, he was supposed to be my enemy but I found myself attracted, I hadn't even seen him in human form and here I was already feeling like this, the way he looked at me, was something I didn't understand those mesmerizing killer eyes that somehow had a crazy effect on me one I didn't want to admit to, back in the human realm boys hardly looked at me not even for a micro second, but that dragon stared at me so intently, that I could feel my knees grow weak, my stomach growled again and I felt weak from both hunger and the long journey, and as if God heard prayers, a sweet aroma hit my nostrils, and then the gates swung open as two maids stepped in with two trays of food and desert, I couldn't believe my eyes was this for a prisoner or were they ed mistaking me for a guest or something. They dropped ge the food close to me on the bed, and then I was forced to ask "all this for me?" I asked just to be sure not to get into trouble "yes my lady" and then they turned to leave I breathed a sigh of relief and unleashed my hunger on the food, as I could hardly control myself and soon all the plates were empty at least, I would eat well before I get sacrificed, I had accepted my fate already, besides, there's no turning back I was already in the dragon realm, and worse of all in an heavily guarded cell, guarded by not just ordinary guards, but dragon shifters so I was doomed and condemned to die already, the earlier I accept it, the better for me. DRAVON POV; I Arrived at the balcony of my chambers and then shifted to my human form as I walked in I couldn't just take my mind off that girl, it wasn't just her innocent beauty that drew me to her, her scent and everything else drew me to her, my beast kept saying one word the word I dreaded the most " mate" back at the entrance of the palace prison corridor I couldn't take my eyes if her it was just like a part of her was in me, I couldn't just get her out of my head, then I heard a knock on my door "come in" I said, even my voice showed my frustration right now and I didn't hide, the person outside did not step in but knocked again "I said come in don't you have ears" finally the door knob turned and a young guard well built with purple eyes, walked in "what do you want" I asked urgently and then he handed me a letter sealed in blood, I already knew what this meant, a letter from the priestess herself, I don't know why she likes sealing letters in blood but that was just her habit, maybe she just did it as a sign, to take her letters seriously I dismissed the guards as I opened the letter and then just as I expected, it read " your highness, the prince get your acts together, and get yourself prepared for Tomorrow, as the rituals will be taken place by midnight at the tower of blood, remember you have a major role to play so sleep well and conserve your strength for tomorrow's event. From; The priestess. I tore the letter in shreds and threw it away, I loved the customs and traditions of Eleanor, but this was the part I hated I knew I had to throw every stupid feelings I had started developing towards that human girl and move on as this was best for both realms but then I her scent came hitting my nostrils again, it was like I could smell her scent from a distance. I walked to the balcony shifted and flew away from my room to get some fresh air and get her out of my head, i flew towards the mountains my place of solace, a place I could see the whole world from, as she came running back to my mind " this girl she would be my doom I knew it and I could feel it.

[HAZEL'S POV]

I woke up to the splash of water on my face as an evil looking maid stepped into the dungeon. "You fool. You think you were brought in here to sleep around like a lazy cat? Get your *ss up so you can get ready for the ceremony." I stared at her in shock, anger flashing through me as I rose to my feet. I wiped some of the water from my face before fully opening my eyes to see a pale skinned woman who looked to be in her late thirties. "Follow me," she said. I struggled to move my feet, which ached badly from the stress of the past few days. I followed behind her while the footsteps of two guards echoed behind me. My heart pounded vigorously in my chest. If today was the ceremony, then today was my death date. My thoughts drifted to Mahir and Adriel. Today was the end of the road for the three of us. Soon, we reached the end of the corridor and stopped in front of a small wooden door. Two other maids were already standing there, waiting for us, and I could not help but wonder what they were doing there. I could not understand why so many people were assigned to prepare me for the ceremony. It was not like I was getting married, and besides, I would be dead soon. Both maids were slim but beautiful. One had dark hair just like mine, and the other had beautiful blonde hair with amber colored eyes. The blonde one was holding a basket whose contents I did not know, while the other held a towel. The head maid, who had poured water on me earlier, ordered the guards to leave before pushing the small wooden door open. We stepped into a tiny bathroom. As soon as I stepped inside, an offensive smell hit my nostrils. My stomach turned, making me want to puke, but I forced myself to stay calm. I had never smelled anything this awful in my life. The young maid with the basket dropped it and brought out some bathing instruments. "Take your clothes off," the head maid ordered, her face stern. I froze. I had never been naked in front of anyone since I came of age, not even my mother. "No, I can't. I can take my bath by myself," I said, frustration clear in my voice. "It is an order," she spat angrily. "You either obey or get whipped." I wanted to protest, but I did not want to cause trouble. Besides, today was my last day on earth. I started taking off my clothes. Soon, only my pants were left. I looked at the head maid hesitantly, and she motioned for me to remove them. I pulled them down my thighs and off my legs. One of the maids collected my clothes while the head maid and the other maid helped me bathe. When they were done, they wrapped a towel around me and led me through a long hallway. I do not know how long we walked, but eventually we stopped in front of another small wooden door. The head maid brought out an old key from her pocket, unlocked it, and pushed the door open. A candle lit room came into view. She entered first, and the other maids led me in. The walls were covered with ancient markings inscribed in red. Words were written in a language I could not understand or interpret. I was led to the center of the room and asked to sit on a chair carved from cedar and decorated with red. The head maid moved to the corner of the room. My eyes followed her as she opened a massive wardrobe filled with different black ceremonial gowns. After searching for a while, she pulled out an off shoulder black gown and returned to me. "I hope you like this," she said, looking at me intently. "Does it matter?" I replied coldly. "You have such a sharp tongue," she said, staring into my eyes. I stepped into the gown carefully, and they pulled it over me and zipped up the back. Soon, one of the maids stepped forward with a glass containing a dark liquid. "You should drink this. It will help reduce the pain." Without saying anything, I took the drink and gulped it down. It tasted awful, but I was not in the mood to argue. This was my last day on earth, and I wanted to stay calm. DRAVON'S POV I stood at the window, looking over the vast lands of Eldorado beneath the night sky. Today was the ceremony, and it would begin soon. My thoughts drifted back to the girl who had never left my mind since the moment I laid eyes on her. I knew I was drawn to her in every possible way, but it was forbidden. This was for both realms, and I had to accept it. I needed to get over whatever feelings had made their way into my heart. A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I said. "Your Highness, the king is ready and requests that you get ready soon to avoid being late for the occasion," the guard said hesitantly. "Tell him I will be done soon," I replied. After he left, I picked up the black cloak on my bed, put it on quickly, and rushed out of the room. Downstairs, I found my father standing beside the carriage, looking as young as ever. Dragons had long lifespans, and his appearance proved it. "Son, what kept you so long?" he asked, eyeing me curiously. "I woke up a little late," I lied, knowing fully well that I had not slept properly for days because her thoughts haunted me. Soon, the guards opened the door of my carriage, and I stepped inside. My father entered his own carriage. My younger brother, Aiden, was already seated in his, but he did not bother to greet me or ask how I was doing. I did not let his behavior bother me. We had never been on good terms. As the carriage jerked into motion, every step closer to the sacrificial tower reminded me that the safety of both realms rested on my shoulders. I had to do what was needed and lock away whatever crazy feelings were forming in my head. HAZEL'S POV After what felt like forever, we stepped out of the room and were led through the prison hallway. My thoughts drifted back to Mahir and Adriel. I had not seen them since we were brought here. I could not understand why they separated us, but I knew it was to prevent any form of contact between us. We walked past several cells filled with different prisoners. Most were dragon shifters, as I could sense the same aura I had felt from the dragons that transformed into fully grown men. Some prisoners had a different aura that I could not place. Growing up, I never imagined there were creatures other than humans, but as my mother always said, new discoveries always come with surprises. My thoughts drifted to the dragon whose looks stirred something in me. He had not shifted into his human form, yet he still affected me, making me wonder how he would look as a man. "Hey, beautiful," a voice called from one of the cells. I turned to see a crazy looking man wearing an awkward smile. We kept walking past cells filled with inmates who stared at us with frightening eyes. At one point, a prisoner with heavy chains lunged toward us angrily, making my heart jump into my throat. Most of the inmates were men, with only a few women among them. Soon, we reached the entrance, and I sighed in relief. The cold night breeze brushed against my skin as I closed my eyes, savoring the fresh air. How I missed my freedom. When I opened my eyes, I saw two other girls dressed in black like me. They had not seen me yet. "Adriel. Mahir," I called. They turned instantly. "Hazel," they echoed together as we ran into each other's arms. "I missed you guys," I said as tears filled my eyes. "We missed you more," Adriel said, pulling me into a tighter hug. "Girls, I think we should go now. We don't want to be late," one of the guards said, breaking our emotional moment. We were led into three different carriages and taken to the sacrificial tower. Upon arrival, we climbed countless stairs until we reached the top. Villagers had already gathered. We were positioned beside three ancient stone slabs as a woman who appeared to be the priestess stepped forward. "People of Eldorado, today is an important day in the dragon realm. A day of sacrifice meant to tame the inferno and keep both the dragon and human realms safe," she announced. The crowd cheered in excitement, as if killing someone was a joke. "Lie on the slabs before you," the priestess ordered. We obeyed. Guards chained my hands and legs to the slab using the built in chains. They did the same to Mahir and Adriel. The priestess circled us seven times, chanting words I did not understand. My eyes drifted to three men seated high above. The one in the center was clearly the king. My gaze locked with the man seated to the right, dressed in a long black cloak. The night breeze lifted his raven black hair. I had never seen a man this beautiful. He was more handsome than the men I read about in fairy tales, the ones I used to dream of marrying. He kept looking at me, and there was something in his gaze I could not explain. "Beat the drums," the priestess commanded. As the drums sounded, the man transformed into a massive dragon and flew toward us. He hovered over Mahir and breathed fire. Her scream filled the air before fading. In seconds, only her ashes remained. My heart skipped a beat as fear overwhelmed me. I saw Adriel shut her eyes tightly, her lips moving as she whispered her final prayer. The dragon flew to her next and engulfed her in fire. She did not scream. In a blink, she was gone, leaving only ashes behind. Tears streamed down my face as my body trembled violently. The dragon turned toward me and flew closer. I struggled against the chains, but it was useless. "Close your eyes," a guard said gently. "It will be quick." I closed my eyes tightly, waiting for the fire. Nothing happened. Murmurs spread through the crowd. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring directly into the eyes of the massive dragon with thick black scales. "Why am I still alive?" I whispered. He stared at me briefly, his eyes holding something I could not understand, then turned and flew away. His shadow disappeared into the darkness.