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# The Dragon Refused Fifty Riders in a Single Week — Then It Knelt the Moment the Stable Girl Walked Past 🐉✨ / Chapter 12 / 20

Chapter 12 - Shadows in the High Council

Three days later, an official carriage arrived at the academy gates bearing the crest of the High Council. Two senior magistrates stepped out, their expressions grim and unyielding. They hadn't come to congratulate Kalen or thank Winn; they had come to audit the academy's remaining assets—and to claim Kestrel under emergency wartime provisions.

Winn stood in the grand courtyard when Magistrate Vane (no relation to the missing general) announced the decree before the assembled faculty.

"The beast Kestrel is classified as an existential military asset of the realm," Magistrate Vane declared, his voice carrying an icy authority. "With the unrest spreading along the eastern borders, the council requires the dragon to be relocated immediately to the capital's central war-camp."

A collective gasp swept through the faculty. Kalen stepped forward immediately, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Kestrel is bonded to Winn under the ancient laws of the academy," Kalen retorted sharply. "You cannot simply confiscate a bonded dragon without a formal tribunal."

"The council overrides ancient academy laws in times of crisis," Magistrate Vane replied coldly, gesturing to a dozen elite royal guards who stepped forward with heavy iron dragoon chains. "Bring the beast."

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Winn stepped directly in front of Kestrel, her boots planted firmly in the training yard dirt. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but her voice remained razor-sharp. "You aren't moving him to protect the borders. You want him in the capital so you can finish what Reev started—harvesting his core magic for the council's private army."

The magistrate's face tightened instantly, a flash of panic betraying his composed facade. "Insolent girl. Seize her and chain the dragon!"

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Chapter 13 - The Courtyard Standoff
Chapter 14 - The Flight to the Northern Peak
Chapter 15 - Into the Frozen Storms
Chapter 16 - The Lost Roost
Chapter 17 - The Ancient Sovereign
Chapter 18 - The Gathering StormBack at Highcrest Academy, Deputy Commandant Kalen stood on the central tower balcony, watching the horizon through his brass spyglass.

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