Dark Dragon

**Chapter 1: The Village of Eldoria

Aelin had always felt there was something different about her. Growing up in the small village of Eldoria, nestled at the edge of the Whispering Woods, she had often heard the whispers of ancient tales and forgotten legends. The villagers spoke of dragons and magic, of heroes and prophecies, but to Aelin, they were just stories—until the day she found the artifact.

It was a cool autumn evening when she ventured deeper into the forest than ever before. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow through the trees, when she stumbled upon a clearing. At the center stood an ancient stone pedestal, covered in vines. On it lay a small, box, shimmering with an otherworldly light.

Curiosity piqued, Aelin approached the pedestal, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the box. As soon as she touched it, a surge of energy shot through her, and the box sprang open. Inside was a beautiful amulet, its center a deep, swirling blue that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.

Aelin picked up the amulet, feeling its warmth spread through her hand. Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet began to tremble, and a voice echoed in her mind.

“The heir of the dragons shall rise,

From humble roots to claim the skies.

A war shall wage, the dark shall fall,

And through her light, she’ll save us all.”

Startled, Aelin looked around, but there was no one in sight. The voice faded, leaving her with a sense of urgency and a thousand questions. She quickly placed the amulet around her neck, feeling a strange sense of connection as it rested against her skin.

As she made her way back to the village, Aelin couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change forever. Little did she know, this discovery was just the beginning of an epic journey—one that would take her far from home, challenge everything she believed, and reveal her true destiny as the dragon’s heir.

Back in Eldoria, the village was preparing for the annual Harvest Festival. Colorful banners adorned the wooden houses, and the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air. Children ran through the streets, laughing and playing, while the adults busied themselves with the final preparations. The festival was a time of joy and celebration, a momentary escape from the hardships of daily life.

Aelin’s parents, Elara and Dorian, were setting up a stall to sell Elara’s famous herbal remedies. Her mother’s keen knowledge of plants and their healing properties had earned her a reputation as the village’s unofficial healer. Dorian, a skilled blacksmith, was arranging his latest creations: intricately crafted swords and tools that gleamed in the fading light.

“Aelin, there you are!” Elara called out as she saw her daughter approaching. “Where have you been? We could use some help here.”

Aelin smiled, trying to hide the excitement bubbling inside her. “I was just exploring the woods. Sorry, I lost track of time.”

Elara shook her head, a fond smile playing on her lips. “Always the curious one. Come, help your father with these.”

As Aelin helped her father set up the stall, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the amulet around her neck. She hadn’t yet told her parents about her discovery, unsure of how they would react. Would they believe her? Would they understand the significance of the prophecy?

The festival began, and the village square came alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of mugs filled with ale. Aelin tried to immerse herself in the festivities, but her mind kept drifting back to the amulet and the prophecy. She could feel its power pulsing against her skin, a constant reminder that her life was no longer ordinary.

As night fell, the villagers gathered around the bonfire in the center of the square. Elders told stories of the past, of heroes and monsters, of battles fought and won. Aelin listened intently, her thoughts racing. Could the stories of old hold clues about the prophecy? Was there someone in the village who knew more about the dragons?