CHAPTER 30: THE CALM AFTER THE STORM

Xiu stared at the mighty dragon who was once her mother’s companion, spreading her flames across the sky. From her position, the flames looked even more terrifying, yet beautiful at the same time.

’He will be fine.’

But most of all, she felt happy seeing the spectacle. These flames came directly from Auranyth’s deepest parts, which meant they would pass through the ice cubicle Aegon was trapped in.

As a Valerian, Aegon would be completely fine from the flames, but the ice was different. Even if it was one of the most durable things she had ever encountered, it wouldn’t matter against its natural counterpart.

Especially if that counterpart came from someone like Auranyth.

Now, she understood why Arnold had been so relaxed. He trusted the Dragon Queen because his wife had trusted her deeply in the past.

None of them spoke a word. They were too stunned for that. After all, you didn’t see such a spectacle every day. No one could pull their eyes away from this magnificent sight.

For a few seconds, everything felt still, as if they were just figures frozen in a grand portrait. Then, they noticed Auranyth finally closing her mouth.

The kids couldn’t see it clearly, but Xiu and the others could.

The dragon opened her maw again, this time craning her neck downward as she once again unleashed a beam of flames. It was like a spear descending from the heavens to tear apart the earth.

The pillar of flames landed right at the center of the Eastern courtyard of Mooncrest Mansion. Surprisingly, it didn’t destroy anything. Even the flames were docile and didn’t harm a single thing.

They couldn’t even feel heat from it.

This was the sheer prowess of the Queen of Dragons. She could even control the very temperature of the fire she breathed out.

Slowly, the flames dispersed away, leaving behind a naked young boy. He was sitting calmly in the center, seeming to be in a deep sleep.

Before she even realized it, Xiu had already rushed forward. She scooped Aegon into her arms and embraced him in a tight hug. Her trembling body and pounding heart finally calmed down when she felt his breathing against her chest.

She pulled back slightly and once again checked him from head to toe. For a moment, she even considered injecting her mana inside him to ensure he was fine from every angle, but she stopped herself.

’It’s better to call a physician. What if I make a mistake while checking him? He just awakened... I should be careful.’

Still, she could see he was safe. Even if there were hidden injuries or lingering damage, it wouldn’t matter. As long as he was alive, she had countless means to heal him back to perfect health.

Xiu pulled out another blue robe she had prepared earlier and, with swift and practiced movements, she dressed him. Smiling softly, she muttered, "You really worried me to death, Little Sun. You better compensate me later."

By then, the others had also gathered around him. They all stared at Aegon, and only after confirming with their own eyes that he was fine did they finally feel relieved.

Arnold looked at his grandson with a loving gaze and patted his head gently. "That must have exhausted him a lot, so he’ll probably sleep for a while. Call that lass so she can give him a proper checkup."

"I was thinking the same," Xiu replied, smiling once again now that Aegon was safely in her arms.

He was her life, so every single moment he was in danger, she felt like she was losing her own. Now that she could hold his familiar warmth again, she was happy beyond words.

Slowly, Elara and the others also came closer. They leaned down and wrapped Aegon in a tight hug, their faces brimming with joy now that he was safe. Over the last few years, they had fought countless times, but they had also grown incredibly close.

They had always been there for one another. They had been worried sick about him, but now everything was alright.

Aurelia smiled at the sight of the children’s reactions and then raised her head, her eyes tracing the fading embers left behind by the Dragon Queen. Auranyth’s vast form was already disappearing into the north once again.

"She’s leaving?" Sansa asked softly.

"That kind of attack must have taken a toll on her body," Arnold replied, as he adjusted into a new robe as well. "She needs to rest to recover her strength. But it’s nothing major, so there’s no need to worry. What we should worry about is something else."

Sansa frowned in confusion before realization dawned on her face. She turned quickly toward the scarred sky again. "Monster Tide!"

"Yes," Arnold nodded calmly. "Her Dragon’s Breath must have frightened them. Now they’ll be drawn to its source. Those mindless beasts are always like that. I’ll handle them."

"Dad, didn’t you say you wouldn’t lead anyone anymore?" Xiu asked.

"I won’t command anyone," Arnold said after a short pause. "But this trouble came because of my family, so naturally, I must resolve it myself. Take care of Little Sun. It’ll be over before you even know it."

Xiu smiled and nodded. It was as he said. If Arnold was involved, the Monster Tide would be finished before anyone realized what had even happened.

He hadn’t been the commander of an empire’s army for nothing.

Arnold turned toward the children and asked, "Do you want to come?"

Aurelia was surprised, but before the children could answer, she quickly added, "Yes, please take them. Although they’re young, they need to experience something like this sooner rather than later."

Elara and the others were reluctant to leave Aegon behind, but they also couldn’t hide their curiosity about the Monster Tide. In the end, they bid him goodbye and left with Arnold.

"A field experience," Xiu chuckled. "I was four when I saw my first battle."

"I’m not surprised," Aurelia replied, rolling her eyes at her best friend. "Anyways, let’s take Little Gon to his room. I’ll treat him until she arrives."

Xiu looked down at the boy in her arms and smiled again. "You really worried all of us to death. But now your Xiu will make sure you’re completely fine."