Chapter 10 - THE DRAGON’S VERDICT
The dawn light broke over the horizon, illuminating the arrival of a dozen High Imperial Directorate ships, led by Commander Thorne—the supreme head of the Dragon Corps. Alistair’s emergency signal flares had drawn the entire high command to the docks.
Voss struggled to his feet, bleeding and bruised, surrounded by Directorate guards with loaded bows.
"Commander Thorne!" Voss gasped, holding his hurt side. "Thank light you're here. This stable hand and Alistair stole a rogue dragon and attempted to destroy imperial shipping property!"
Alistair stepped forward, tossing the stolen ledger and the true medical blueprints directly at Thorne's feet.
"Read them, Commander," Alistair said calmly. "Every page is signed by Voss and funded by Lord Vane. They broke the wings of our finest stock to sell them illegally, covering their tracks by executing or slandering any rider who noticed."
Thorne picked up the documents, his face hardening as he compared the signatures and the medical diagrams of Ren Ashdown’s dragon with the cages sitting right on the dock.
Thorne looked at Voss. "Is this true?"
"They're lies! Forgeries!" Voss yelled.
Thorne turned to Marlo, who stood calmly beside Nyx. The massive black dragon had his head lowered softly near her shoulder, completely calm despite the dozens of armed soldiers around them.
"A dragon who has thrown nine riders," Thorne said softly, looking at Nyx. "And yet he stands beside you like a guardian."
"Because I didn't try to force him," Marlo said, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet docks. "He wasn't wild. He was in pain. And the men who were supposed to protect him were the ones hurting him."
Thorne looked at his guards. "Strip Voss of his rank. Arrest Lord Vane and every officer listed in these ledgers. They will face trial for high treason and murder."
As Voss was dragged away in chains, cursing and fighting his captors, Thorne walked slowly toward Marlo and Nyx.
Nyx let out a soft rumble, but did not move aggressively.
"Ren Ashdown was one of our best flyers," Thorne said gently to Marlo. "Her name was tarnished by corrupt men. Starting today, her record is cleared with full military honors." He looked down at Nyx, then back at Marlo. "And as for this dragon... it seems he has already chosen his new partner. Effective immediately, you are promoted to Flight Master of the Recovery Unit, Marlo."
Marlo looked at Alistair, who smiled and gave her a respectful nod.
May you like
She turned back to Nyx, wrapping her arms around his scaled neck. The black dragon rested his heavy snout against her chest, letting out a deep, contented breath that warmed her hands.
The terror was over. Ren’s legacy was restored. And for the first time in his life, Nyx was safe, whole, and free.
