Chapter 107: Chaosbringer

The moment Craig von Darkstar’s boots settled onto the ash-dusted ledge at the entrance of the fissure, a sudden, profound shift rippled through the suffocating heat of the volcanic air.

Deep within the subterranean depths of the cavern, where rivers of liquid magma flowed like molten blood, a pair of slitted, golden-crimson pupils snapped open in the darkness.

A familiar, unmistakable scent drifted inside—a scent woven with the primordial embers of abyss flames and the absolute, unyielding resonance of a soul bond.

The colossal beast did not pause, nor did it assume the defensive posture of an apex predator defending its territory.

It knew that scent.

It knew that soul.

From the pitch-black mouth of the massive fissure, a low, deep rumble shook the mountain’s bedrock.

Moments later, the colossal form of Chaosbringer emerged into the harsh daylight.

The dragon was a breathtaking, awe-inspiring terror of nature.

His vast body was clad in heavy, overlapping plate scales of brilliant, fiery crimson that shimmered like polished rubies under the glaring sun.

Jagged, obsidian-black horns curved majestically from his armored crest, and smoke rolled lazily from his vast, reptilian nostrils as he let out a loud, thunderous snort that blew away the surrounding ash.

Craig halted his tracks, his long coat fluttering in the heat waves as he stared up at the majestic beast, a lopsided, genuine smile softening his usually stoic face.

Chaosbringer let out a low, vibrating roar that echoed across the entire volcanic mountain range.

The moment his slitted eyes fully locked onto Craig, every ounce of the dragon’s natural, ancient vigilance dissolved into pure, unrestrained bliss.

The terrifying, prideful dragon—a creature feared across the Four Continents—transformed in an instant upon recognizing his bonded partner.

Unable to contain the sudden, overwhelming surge of joy flooding through his bond, Chaosbringer let out a high, melodic cry that pierced through the clouds.

With a single, mighty flex of his muscular hind legs, the crimson dragon launched himself into the sky.

His massive, leather-like wings unfurled, spanning wide enough to cast a momentary shadow over the entire mountain peak.

The sheer force of his takeoff sent a powerful gust of wind cascading down the cliffs, scattering loose gravel and volcanic ash into the air.

Up in the heavens, Chaosbringer soared gracefully, executing a triumphant, sweeping loop through the smoke-filled skies.

He flapped his massive wings with rhythmic vigor, letting out joyful, trumpet-like roars that announced his absolute delight to the heavens above.

For weeks, he had remained tethered to the solitary silence of the mountain, waiting for the arrival of the one who had bonded with him for the first time in his life.

He missed his master but could not leave his mate behind.

After circling three times directly above his master, Chaosbringer banked sharply, tucking his wings as he descended toward the narrow ledge like a falling star.

BOOOOOOOOOOM!

The second Chaosbringer’s heavy talons slammed back onto the solid stone, an earth-shattering tremor rippled through the plateau.

His razor-sharp talons easily gouged deep, jagged trenches into the solid volcanic rock, tearing up massive chunks of basalt and sending shockwaves shuddering up through the soles of Craig’s boots.

The sudden impact caused Craig to stagger back a step to maintain his balance, his arms rising slightly, but the warm, lopsided smile never left his face for a single second.

"Easy there, big guy," Craig chuckled softly, his voice full of fond exasperation.

Chaosbringer did not wait for the dust to clear.

The moment his talons stabilized, the massive dragon lowered his massive, terrifying head straight down to ground level.

He closed the remaining distance between them with eager, clumsy enthusiasm, nudging his massive, scaled snout directly against Craig’s chest with enough force to nearly knock the young ranker off his feet again.

Chaosbringer snorted out loud, blowing a cloud of warm, sulfur-scented steam that completely engulfed Craig.

Yet beneath the terrifying display of raw power lay a scene of unbelievable, emotional warmth.

The colossal beast was actively wagging his massive, spike-laden tail back and forth like an overly excited hound—the heavy thumps of his tail striking the canyon walls echoing like rhythmic thunderclaps.

Craig let out a soft, hearty laugh.

He gently stretched out his right hand, removing his leather glove, and pressed his bare palm against the warm, rough red scales just above Chaosbringer’s snout.

He caressed the massive dragon gently, feeling the deep, steady rhythm of the beast’s heartbeat thrumming through his fingers.

The raw, unconditional affection flowing across their soul bond was staggering—a pure, untainted loyalty that needed no political intrigue, no hidden agendas, and no calculated lies.

Looking up into the glowing, golden eyes of his bonded partner, Craig’s expression softened completely.

He spoke, his voice dropping into the smooth, ancient melody of the high tongue:

"Vaelen’tyr xaris, Chaosbringer? Kael’ith moran monsul valaris?" Craig asked in High Darkstarian.

(How have you been, Chaosbringer? Have the winds of this mountain been kind to you in my absence?)

Chaosbringer leaned his massive head heavily into Craig’s palm, closing his eyes in absolute contentment.

A low, gentle purr—a sound so deep and resonant that it made the very air vibrate with warm mana—rumbled from the depths of the dragon’s chest.

The crimson dragon shifted his weight, carefully resting his snout against Craig’s shoulder, burying his master in the comforting heat of his scales as if trying to ensure he would never leave again.

"Valar’is, ignis kolnis" Craig murmured softly in the ancient language, gently running his hand along the side of Chaosbringer’s jaw, feeling the immense heat radiating from his bloodline.

(I missed you too, old friend.)

In a world filled with scheming Ducal Houses, ancient conspiracies, and the looming terror of the Second Apocalypse, standing here in the ash-filled wind, wrapped in the fierce, devoted embrace of his dragon, Craig felt a rare, profound sense of absolute peace.

He then tilt his head, staring at the entrance of the cave as he asked.

"Melis Ya’rak fegron, Chaosbringer?"

(Where is your beautiful mate, Chaosbringer?)