Lia

The five of us rushed out of the temple, the ground trembling beneath our feet. The ancient structure groaned, then collapsed in on itself, sending up a cloud of dust and debris. We skidded to a stop a few yards away, coughing and shielding our eyes.

But nothing appeared.

No monstrous dragon bursting from the ruins. No shadow sweeping across the sky. No roar splitting the air.

Yet the unease curled in my gut, heavy and unshakable.

“It’s here. I know it.”

My words lingered, thick with certainty.

This dragon had awoken for a reason.

And I knew what that reason was.

It was my fault.

I had been...