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(This is the closest picture I could find of a dragon that resembles Baegya, Balam's dragon.)

"You. . . Want me to be a Head Warrior?" Yeonghon could only stare wide-eyed at her tribe leader through the darkness of the dimly lit cave.

It had been a month since their former Head Warrior had resigned from his position because he wanted to retire alongside his mate. In addition to that, it had also been a month since Hwajae had announced that he'd be implementing a new rule for Fire Tribe's Head Warriors.

This rule was that, if the former Head Warrior had been a male, then a female warrior was to be chosen as his replacement. In the same way, if the former Head Warrior had been a female, then a male Head Warrior was to be chosen to replace her. However, each Head Warrior could not be hand-picked by the leader, if it were that way, then corruption would most likely spread through the tribe.

So, any warrior who felt worthy of the title was free to participate in the various trials that would ultimately prove them competent in their position.

Of course, most of the trials were made to prove that the skills each warrior had were perfect enough to be able to provide support to the tribe better than a simple warrior, trials that would send those who wanted to be head warriors into months of training their bodies and their minds so that they could be fit enough for each trial.

And now, Hwajae was inviting Yeonghon and other worthy females to be part of those trials, to compete with their peers and prove who was truly worthy of the position.

"I would like you to be; yes." Hwajae nodded instantly. "If it were up to me, I'd skip the trials and make you my second in command. However, some rules must be followed. You're free to decline my offer, but I'd like to see you participate." Hwajae gave her a smile that he seldom showcased to anyone except his son or mate.

And though she felt nervous about participating and what she had to go through to get ready, she nodded and bowed her head at her leader. "A-Alright then, I'll do it." She breathed out, looking back up at Hwajae who placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Good luck." His hazel eyes shone with a golden glow. "Make us proud, Yeonghon." And with that, Hwajae dismissed her so she could go back to her duties. . . Or figure out a way to train herself before the trials begin.

She beamed out of the den with Hwajae following right behind her before he took a left and headed for the small cave that served their tribe as a nursery. Yeonghon figured he wanted to check on his mate, Mishil, who had announced a pregnancy about three months ago.

Yeonghon's eyes then fixed upon Taehyung-- Hwajae, and Mishil's little miracle, emerge from the nursery and trot away to continue his training sessions. The 14-year-old noticed in an instant and politely nodded at her, awkwardly lifting his hand to wave as he made his way towards his trainer.

Yeonghon nodded back, almost skipping a step when she finally spotted her sister's return from a hunting party. Her white pelt contrasted with the other copper-colored tigers that assisted with dragging the two deers they'd all managed to take down. Pride surged through Yeonghon as she watched her sister shake her pelt humbly when the other warriors that had stayed back thanked and acknowledged her for the takedown.

A wave of warm fire surged through Yeonghon, warming her up as a smile appeared on her face. Soon, she'll make her sister and her whole tribe proud of her too.

~

"You're gonna be a head warrior?!" Yeonghon's sister--Yeonghyeon, exclaimed, almost causing her Yeonghon to stumble to the side as they walked along the shore. It was now a little past morning when the sun was highest in the sky and the breeze was the freshest, especially at the beach where Yeonghon had taken sister to announce the news.