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Dragons all around the nursery and outside suddenly turned their heads towards him, and my hairs stood on end.

"What in the —"

The dragons leaped into the air one after another, falling into formation beside Stryek as they bellowed similar roars of warning.

Chills raced down my back. I'd never seen anything like that before …

Then the guard tower warning bells began to ring to the south.

An attack?!

I looked at the southern wall in the distance. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but you couldn't see anything beyond the tall wall.

I have to get down there …

Ripping off my apron, I raced to the door.

Skidding down the hall, I took the stairs two at a time, then raced towards the alarm. Men and women were already running to answer the call, more joining as we ran.

"What's happening?" asked a man behind me.

I gritted my teeth. "I don't know …"

Similar questions and answers swirled around us as we ran. No one knew what was happening.

As I neared the edge of the stronghold, I spared a glance above. The dragons flew higher and higher, relentless in their warning bellows.

Whatever this was, it had to be serious.

Finally, I turned the street corner, the wall coming into view. Men and women were pulling on armor and grabbing weapons, and Uncle Harlsted wore leathers and held a sword.

"TO ARMS!" he bellowed.

I passed our aged armory building and ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Fear burned in my chest, thinking about all the strange happenings in and outside of the stronghold in the last few months.

I had to see — had to know for sure …

By the time I reached the top of the stairs, my lungs hurt, my legs burned, and fear had twisted itself into a vise around my heart.

Aunt Harlsted stood by a nearby window, passing out bows and arrows to all who passed.

My knees went weak.

Dozens of massive ships raced towards us across the ocean, dark smoke billowing from smokestacks on their decks.

And above, a dozen airships followed.

My mouth went dry, my vision blurring.

This was it. My worst fear.

The Empire had finally come … and my people stood no chance.

Chapter 2

Kaiya

FOUR MONTHS LATER