CHAPTER 215: ARRIVAL

Averis was... flabbergasted.

She had always considered herself one of the fastest beings alive when airborne. Speed was her pride — her wings, her very identity. She could outpace her siblings with ease and even challenge her grandfather on his best day. Her wings had carried her over mountains, across storms, and through skies untouched by anyone else. Every new horizon she conquered made her heart swell with pride.

But now, all that confidence wavered.

Despite all her years of flying, all her experience and natural skill, she couldn’t even *come close* to what she was witnessing at that moment.

The dragon they were riding on was anything but ordinary.

Kaya’s body sliced through the air like blades of light. She didn’t just fly — she *danced* with the wind. Her every movement was smooth, precise, and graceful, as if the sky itself bowed to her rhythm. There was no strain in her flight, no desperate flapping of wings, no bursts of power. Only fluid motion — effortless and unbroken.

Averis could feel it in her bones. Kaya wasn’t forcing her speed; she belonged to the air.

Not once did the dragoness slow down or ask for a rest. Her pace never faltered, yet it didn’t feel rushed. The air parted around her body as if welcoming her passage — her body creating waves of soft pressure that made the flight feel almost soothing.

"This... feels liberating," Hades murmured, his eyes half closed as he let the wind brush against his face.

Averis glanced at him and silently agreed. It was liberating — and humbling. She had never admitted envy toward another flyer before, but watching Kaya, she couldn’t deny the faint sting in her chest. The dragoness didn’t even seem aware of her perfection. She wasn’t trying to look magnificent — she just was.

Vibrant colors shimmered around her, the scales on her body reflecting the light as she soared across the endless sky. With each movement, threads of rainbow hues rippled through the clouds.

And as they crossed the last stretch of sky, the horizon shifted. The towering trees and glimmering rivers below signaled the approach of the elven borders.

Averis blinked in disbelief. Not even three hours had passed since their departure, and they were already here. Normally, even at her best, she would have needed at least an hour more.

’What in the world is she...’ The thought echoed in Averis’s mind as a strange mix of awe and rivalry flickered in her heart. For the first time in years, she felt she had found someone to chase after — someone who could make her wings burn with purpose again.

"This should be good, Kaya," Hades said softly, his voice calm not commanding.

The great dragon responded at once. Her enormous body tilted gracefully as she began her descent, spiraling downward like a streak of living light. The air rippled around her body as she slowed her fall, landing with an elegance that made even the wind hush for a moment.

The soldiers stationed at the border could only gape. Their eyes widened as the radiant dragon touched the ground — her scales gleaming under the sunlight. For a heartbeat, it was as if an angel had descended to the mortal realm to bless the mortals.

Not a single soldier raised a weapon. Awe replaced caution.

As the dust settled, Hades stepped down first, his boots pressing lightly against the earth. Averis followed, landing beside him in silence, her violet hair glinting faintly in the breeze.

The soldiers quickly straightened their backs and bowed in unison.

"We greet the young Lord!"

Their voices carried a mix of respect and astonishment — and perhaps a little fear.

The title of *Aethernox* alone was enough to make the soldiers choose their words with care. None dared to sound disrespectful — not when the man before them was the rumored *Chaos Heir*.

"We’d like to pass. Here is the permit," Hades said, handing over the sealed parchment.

The soldier accepted it with both hands, gave it only a quick but thorough glance, and immediately nodded. "You may pass, my Lord."

Behind Hades, Kaya had already shifted back into her human form — her long silver hair flowing down to her waist, faint traces of dragon-like majesty still lingering in her eyes. She stood quietly behind Averis, her presence calm yet commanding, like a queen who didn’t need to announce her power.

At Hades’s signal, the trio moved forward, stepping through the heavy border gates and crossing into elven territory.

Naturally, another inspection awaited them at the elven gates. But when Hades presented the insignia that Beatrice had entrusted to him long ago — a token carrying both royal and personal recognition — the guards immediately straightened and bowed deeply.

"No further questions, my Lord. Welcome to Torseque," one of them said respectfully before stepping aside.

The group continued onward. After walking for a while along the paved, vine-wrapped roads, the scenery gradually opened up into a lively market square.

Stalls lined the streets, their canopies woven with silk-like leaves, and soft golden lights hanging from the trees above.

The air carried the faint fragrance of herbs, flowers, and warm bread — unmistakably elven.

This part of the market was clearly meant for travelers and guests. Handmade trinkets, delicate glass charms, embroidered cloaks, and carved ornaments filled the stands in vibrant display.

Laughter and chatter echoed softly through the air, accompanied by the distant notes of a harp.

Hades slowed his steps, his eyes scanning the stalls with quiet interest. "Hm... I should buy something for Peri and Beatrice," he murmured to himself, pausing to inspect a few decorative items.

He picked up a finely crafted charm — a small figurine shaped like a blooming flower, its petals lined with faint traces of mana.

Then his gaze wandered to the stall next to it, where rows of handmade dolls and polished hair ornaments glimmered in the sunlight.

Turning slightly, Hades looked toward Averis. "Do you want to buy something, Averis?" he asked, half-expecting her answer already.

The violet-haired woman shook her head. "I don’t find accessories a necessity for life," she replied in her usual blunt tone.

Her words carried no hint of arrogance — just plain honesty. Averis had never cared for adornment. Her clothes were always simple, functional, meant for movement rather than beauty.

To her, things like jewelry or makeup were distractions from what truly mattered.

Hades gave a small hum, as if thinking otherwise. He turned back to the merchant’s stand and picked up a silver hair clip shaped like a blooming flower.

The petals were etched with fine elven craftwork, gleaming faintly under the sunlight.

He turned toward Averis with a small smile. "But I believe this would look great on you."

For a moment, Averis blinked — the faintest crack in her stoic composure — as she looked at the delicate piece glinting in his hand.

Then, with a faint blush creeping across her cheeks, Averis said softly, "I am not averse to adding a little... accessory."

Hades’s smile deepened. "May I?"

She didn’t hesitate for a heartbeat before giving a small nod and turning her back to him. Her violet hair was tied neatly in a bun, a few loose strands fluttering in the gentle breeze.

With careful fingers, Hades lifted the silver hair clip and slid it through her hair. The metal caught the sunlight, gleaming faintly against her pale locks. When it clicked into place, he stepped back slightly to admire his handiwork.

"It suits you," he murmured, his tone quiet but genuine.

Averis turned slightly, her eyes meeting his. "Do you want to see?" he asked, glancing toward the shopkeeper, ready to ask for a mirror.

But she stopped him with a calm voice. "No... I know I must be looking well."

There was a hint of pride in her tone — but more than that, warmth. The only person whose compliment mattered had already given it. That was enough for her.

Hades’s lips curved in amusement before he turned to the girl standing just behind them.

The sunlight spilled over Kaya’s silver hair, catching it in strands of gold. Her beauty was otherworldly, almost divine — like a reflection of the sky itself. She stood quietly, observing them both with her usual serene expression.

"Do you want to buy something?" Hades asked, though he already knew the answer.

As expected, Kaya gave a small shake of her head. "No, my Lord."

Averis narrowed her eyes slightly, crossing her arms. "You won’t become weaker if you lower your arrogance a little," she said dryly.

Kaya blinked, her lips curving faintly. "Arrogance?" she repeated with a tilt of her head, her eyes innocent

Hades heaved a sigh and shook his head, "Leave it, Averis. Help me buy a few things for Peri and we will continue our journey."

There was no urgency nor necessity to try and break her shells.

If she really feels like it, she would lower her guard a little.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please drop a comment or review.