From Storms to Thrones (Part 1)

Chapter 16: The Call of the Dragon

"You are an insolent little thing," his voice rang in my mind, the words tinged with amusement and a hint of annoyance.

"You chose me," I reminded him, trying to keep my tone light despite the unease curling in my stomach.

"A choice I am now regretting," he grumbled as he moved closer, his massive head emerging into the flickering light, his snarl revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.

Rhaenyra's smile wavered ever so slightly at the sight of him so close, her earlier excitement tempered by a flash of uncertainty.

I shot her a puzzled look, wondering why she had been so eager to bring me here, to the Cannibal. Her excitement had been palpable, but now, faced with the reality of this monstrous creature, I couldn't help but question her intentions.

"After the council meeting, he came to the Dragon Pit willingly," she explained, her voice softer now, as if she, too, was trying to make sense of the situation. "And—" she hesitated, glancing at the dragon trainers standing silently against the walls, "The Dragon Trainers believe that with some adjustments Vermithor's saddle will fit him."

My eyes widened as the implications of her words sank in. Oh fuck—that meant—

"Scary enough for you, now?" the Cannibal's chuckle echoed in my mind, dark and menacing.

***

The Cannibal's irritation was palpable as he snapped his jaws inches away from a Dragon Trainer who was adjusting the saddle on his back. The sound of his teeth clashing together sent a shiver down my spine, and I flinched, my heart racing at the proximity of those deadly jaws.

" Will you stop that ?" I mentally chided him.

The dragon let out a rumbling growl, his enormous head shifting with visible displeasure as the final buckles were secured.

" No ," he replied, his voice dripping with disdain, as he let out a low, menacing snarl that had the Dragon Trainers scrambling away, their movements hurried and panicked. The sound reverberated through the pit, making it clear that he was not in the mood for any more adjustments.

" I do not like these humans touching me. And this saddle is uncomfortable."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and considered quoting my father to him.

"Choices and consequences go hand in hand, Elizabeth. You have the freedom to make choices, but the consequences are not optional."

The Cannibal made his choice—he chose me, he chose to bring me to this world, and he chose to fly to battle at Rooks Rest. These were his choices, but now we both must face the consequences of them.

As the last of the buckles clicked into place, the Cannibal shifted restlessly, his enormous bulk making the ground tremble. The Dragon Trainers, clearly used to the unpredictable behaviors of dragons, moved with practiced efficiency, but their nervous glances betrayed their unease.

"He is ready, Your Grace," one of the Dragon Trainer said, bowing deeply to Rhaenyra before hesitating and casting an uneasy glance at me. He looked back at Rhaenyra, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of me riding the dragon.

Get in line, buddy, right behind me, I thought, my nerves simmering beneath a veneer of calm.

"Thank you," Rhaenyra replied, her voice crisp and authoritative. "You are no longer needed. Clear the pit."

The Dragon Trainer hesitated, his eyes flickering nervously between the still-snarling Cannibal and me. "Your Grace, perhaps we should stay—he is very wild—"