NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 7: Battle of the Shadows
The massive dragon loomed before Adam and Astrid, its glowing green eyes filled with unnatural rage. Its scales shimmered in the dim light, black as night with streaks of iridescent green running down its spine. It let out an ear-piercing roar that shook the very ground beneath their feet.
Adam gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, Inferno growling protectively at his side. "This thing is bigger than anything we've faced before."
Astrid smirked, a glint of determination in her eyes as she mounted Stormfly. "Then we just have to hit it harder."
The dragon lunged, its claws tearing through the air. Inferno leaped back just in time, flames crackling around his jaws as he prepared to retaliate. Stormfly darted into the sky, dodging a sweep of the creature's tail.
"Keep it distracted!" Adam shouted to Astrid as he charged forward, sword drawn. Inferno let out a blast of fire, aiming for the dragon's glowing eyes, but the creature seemed unfazed, swiping at them with terrifying speed.
Astrid guided Stormfly into a series of rapid dives, pelting the beast with sharp spines. "It's like it's not even feeling it!" she called out.
Adam dodged another swing of the dragon's claws, his mind racing. He remembered the shard of black crystal they had found. The same green light... it's controlling the dragons. But how do we stop it?
Inferno snarled, drawing the beast's attention as Adam spotted a faint green glow emanating from the dragon's chest. "There!" he yelled to Astrid, pointing to the glowing spot. "That's the source of its power!"
Astrid nodded, guiding Stormfly into position. "Cover me! I'll get us a clear shot!"
As Stormfly soared higher, Adam and Inferno worked together to keep the dragon occupied. Inferno's flames scorched the air, forcing the beast to backpedal while Adam struck at its legs, his blade sparking against its tough scales. The dragon roared in frustration, its movements becoming more erratic.
Astrid dove down at full speed, her axe glowing as she aimed for the glowing spot on the dragon's chest. With a powerful swing, she struck true, her axe embedding itself in the creature's flesh. The dragon let out a deafening roar, thrashing violently as the green glow began to flicker.
"It's working!" Adam shouted, dodging a wild swipe of the dragon's tail. "Hit it again!"
Astrid pulled her axe free, circling around for another pass. Stormfly unleashed a flurry of spines, striking the weakened spot and causing the glow to dim further. The dragon staggered, its movements slowing as it let out a low, mournful groan.
Adam seized the opportunity, climbing onto Inferno's back. "Let's finish this!" he said, guiding the dragon into the air. Inferno roared, flames building in his throat as they dove toward the beast. With a final, blazing strike, Inferno unleashed a torrent of fire at the glowing spot, shattering the green light in an explosion of energy.
The dragon collapsed to the ground, its body still as the eerie glow faded from its eyes. Adam and Astrid approached cautiously, their dragons growling softly in warning. The once-menacing creature now lay motionless, its breathing shallow but steady.
Astrid dismounted, her expression a mix of relief and exhaustion. "We did it. Whatever was controlling it... it's gone."
Adam nodded, examining the dragon's chest where the green light had been. "But this isn't over. Whoever's behind this won't stop here."
As if in response, the ground beneath their feet trembled. A shadowy figure emerged from the treeline, the same cloaked man they had encountered before. His staff glowed with an ominous green light, and his voice echoed through the clearing.
"Well done," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "But this is only the beginning."
Adam stepped forward, sword at the ready. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
The man chuckled, his face obscured by his hood. "You'll find out soon enough. Enjoy your victory while it lasts." With a wave of his staff, he vanished in a swirl of green energy, leaving behind an uneasy silence.
Astrid frowned, her grip tightening on her axe. "He's toying with us. We need to figure out who he is and stop him before he does any more damage."
Adam nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we start with this dragon. If we can figure out how he was controlling it, we might be able to stop him."
Together, they returned to Berk, the weight of their mission heavier than ever. The battle was over, but the war had just begun.