Prologue: Bitches
[EXETER- KLEM FOREST- TORRENT KINGDOM- NOONISH]
From a high vantage point overlooking a lush valley, the tall green trees blurred below as the sounds of approach grew closer. Not the familiar rhythm of hoofbeats on dirt, but a low, resonant hum, accompanied by a faint, almost magical thrumming in the air. The view slowly descended to the center of a winding dirt path, looking up towards the source of the sound. And then, it came into view – not a horse, but something far more wondrous and strange.
It was Silfy. Not a wooden merry-go-round steed, but a magnificent, sleek hover-motorcycle, its chassis a seamless curve of crimson and polished steel5. It hummed with contained power, mana conduits glowing faintly along its frame like racing stripes, allowing it to glide silently, effortlessly, inches above the forest floor. Its single, powerful front lamp glowed with an internal, fierce light, twin to the fierce eyes of its rider.
Perched atop this marvel of arcane engineering was Kay, a 16-year-old Demi-dragon woman. Her wavy, long, red hair streamed behind her, small deer horns sprouting from her temples, catching the light. Red and purple wings adorned her back, and a scaly red tail with a fleshy underbelly extended behind her, swaying subtly with the bike's motion. She was clad in streamlined, dark leathers that hinted at the formidable power beneath her crimson scales.
Silfy hummed closer and closer, a silent, deadly projectile speeding down the trail. Suddenly, a colossal fallen tree blocked the road. Standing behind it, four figures in worn leathers and crude helmets, adorned with menacing symbols, waiting like vultures on iron steeds. They were mounted on their own, cruder hover-motorcycles – cobbled-together contraptions of salvaged metal and less refined magic, their hums louder, coarser, and less stable than Silfy's. This was no mere shakedown; this was an ambush by a motorcycle gang. They stood casually, yet with a predatory stillness, ready to take what they presumed was an aristocratic mark.
Kay brought Silfy to a smooth, silent stop just before the log, her gaze cool.
KAY (playing cool, her voice carrying over the hum of the hover-steads
Do you need help removing this?
A gruff human on a battered green hover-stead, with a scarred face.
BANDIT 1 (sneered, his voice gravelly)
Is that the new CYSSD-89? (ee called to the others, eyeing Silfy greedily) Hey, guy, take a look at this. Sweet ride!
BANDIT 2 (a heavily tattooed demi-orc on a clunky, smoke-spewing hover-hog). That must have been a pretty coin to give up to pay for it?
KAY
Oh no, it was a gift from my father and stepmother. They both invented it. It's their thing. (She giggled, a bright, disarming sound, a big smile)
BANDIT 3 (a wiry goblin on a sputtering hover-scooter, leering) Oh, so your father is Duke Yuki?
KAY (She gave a small snort)
Guilty. He hates being called Duke. Usually, people outside the family just call him 'sensei'. That's his thing, well, I guess me too. I wouldn't like to be known for my title.
BANDIT 1 (annoyed by all her ramblings, revving his hover-stead)
So, you gonna help us with this log or what? We could just hook up this rope to your hover-stead; it would be so helpful.
Kay's smile remained, but her eyes, ancient and powerful, held a dangerous glint. "
KAY
Before you take my hover-stead, I need to tell you a couple of things.
Bandit 4, a silent figure whose face was obscured by a dark visor, suddenly darted forward on his crude hover-stead. In a flash, a knife was at Kay's neck.
BANDIT 4
Just give us the bike, and no harm will come to you, Duchess.
KAY
Are you robbing me?
BANDIT 4
What do you think we are doing? Get off the hover-set so we can steal it.
Kay's lips curved into a cold, predatory smile.
KAY
First, Silfy only operates for me.
Bandit 4 cursed, fiddling with the controls – nothing. He slammed his fist down on the console, then roared in frustration.
BANDIT 4 (bellowing)
That horse is ours! Let's take it from her!
The three remaining bandits kicked their hover-steads into high gear, their engines roaring to life as they sped around the fallen log. Bandit 4 leaped back onto his bike, drawing a crude mana-pistol. The chase was on.
Kay, with a flick of her wrist, activated Silfy. The hover-motorcycle hummed, instantly surging forward with breathtaking acceleration, weaving through the trees like a crimson streak. Kay's hand flashed under her arm, pulling out two gleaming, green emerald blades. She twisted the hilts together to form a dual-sided blade with a rotating hilt. The swords hummed, beginning to spin faster and faster, a humming blur.
Kay's Dual Blades; From under her arm, Kay's hand flashed, pulling out two gleaming, green emerald blades. These weren't just swords; they were crafted from an unknown metal, their forms sleek and slightly curved like crescent moons. She twisted the hilts together, and with a soft thwip, they locked to form a formidable dual-sided blade with a rotating hilt. The blades hummed, beginning to spin faster and faster, a humming blur, already wreathed in the faint, malevolent green light of their contained power, ready to swing like a table saw.
Kay's Armor; she was clad in streamlined, dark leathers that hinted at the formidable power beneath her crimson scales. This was no mere protective gear, but Kevlar layered dragon scale armor, a sophisticated blend of resilience and agility. The armor, a dark, sleek design, featured a polished breastplate and segmented plating over her shoulders, gauntlets, and greaves, subtly highlighting her warrior's powerful physique, while allowing for fluid movement. Her hard-plated red tail emerged from a streamlined battle skirt, completing the formidable ensemble.
KAY (shouting over the wind, her voice exhilarated)
Second, no one is allowed to touch my baby Silfy besides me!
The bandits gave chase, their cruder bikes struggling to match Silfy's agility. Bandit 1, on his green hover-stead, tried to flank her, firing bursts of raw magic. Kay executed a sharp, near-vertical climb, her red and purple wings flaring for added lift, allowing her to soar over a massive root system that the bandits' bikes crashed into with curses.
KAY (a manic grin on her face)
Third, you have perfect timing! Need to get a warm-up before my spare with my mother, later.
She ignited her blades. Roaring fire erupted along the spinning edges, turning them into a furious, beautiful cyclone of destruction. Bandit 2, on his hover-hog, surged forward, flinging icicles. Kay met his attack head-on, her fiery blades slicing through the air. The icicles hissed into steam on her heated scales as she carved through his guard. The scent of burnt hair and singed flesh filled the air. Bandit 2 screamed, not from a simple wound, but as his ice magic evaporated, his arm, caught in the fiery vortex, began to char and distort, twisting into a grotesque, blackened stump. He crashed his hover-hog into a tree, his screams abruptly cut short by a gurgling choke as Kay's blade, with a final, chillingly precise flick of her wrist, carved a deep, clean line across his throat. His severed head rolled a few inches before coming to a stop, its eyes wide with the horror of its last moments.
She spun Silfy in a tight, fiery arc, her blades still humming, to face Bandit 1. He stood frozen on his green hover-stead, not just by fear, but by the sheer, horrifying spectacle. He had been trying to light his hands with fire magic. Kay's ancient and powerful eyes 34 fixed on him. Her wings flared, and she exhaled a gout of pure, condensed dragonfire—not a wide, destructive breath, but a focused, piercing jet. It caught Bandit 1 directly in the face. His screams lasted only a second, a high, piercing shriek before they were replaced by the wet sizzle of melting flesh and the sickening crackle of bone calcifying into ash. The remnants of his body collapsed onto his hover-stead, still faintly holding the shape of a terrified human, his face a silent, charred rictus of horror.
Bandit 3 (the one with the knife and daggers) and Bandit 4 (now desperately trying to reverse his hover-stead) turned, their faces slack with dawning terror. They saw the smoking remains, the blood, the detached head, the sheer, ruthless efficiency of Kay. It was a predator's work, a terrifying demonstration of raw, untamed power.
Kay brought Silfy to a smooth stop, her blades slowing, the fire dying down, leaving them gleaming with a faint, malevolent green. She eyed the two remaining bandits. Her chest heaved, but not from exertion. From something else. A flicker of something truly chilling crossed her face – a cold, almost satisfied smile, devoid of mirth, entirely primal.
KAY (voice low, calm, but laced with a chilling sweetness)
Does anyone else need help with that log?
Bandit 3 dropped his weapons, his face ashen. Bandit 4, abandoning his hover-stead, scrambled over the fallen log, screaming, not stopping to pick up his expensive vehicle. They both bolted, scrambling through the underbrush, not looking back, their desperate cries echoing through the forest.
SILENCE.
The only sounds: the gentle, rhythmic hum of Silfy as it glides to Kay's side; the distant CRACKLE of smoldering leaves; the faint, lingering smell of burnt flesh.
Kay stands amidst the carnage, chest heaving, her crimson hair like fire against the green. Her eyes, ancient and powerful, survey the scene. The fallen tree. The utterly defeated bandits. The path ahead, now clear. Kay spits out some ash from her mouth onto a bandit.
Zoom in on Kay's face. A flicker of something unreadable in her golden eyes. Then, resolution. But beneath it... a dangerous, calculating glint. This wasn't just a fight; it was a brutal, terrifying demonstration.
FADE TO BLACK.
[END OF PROLOGUE]
Chapter 1: Part 1: We Are Family[SCENE 1: Ra Men
[EXTRER-SHOUKUN FROM ABOVE- CITY-SUNSET]
Nestled behind an ancient wall, Kay discovers a city like no other. Here, the medieval seamlessly merges with the futuristic. Though a neon luminescence, reminiscent of Las Vegas, brightens the streets, it operates without the aid of electricity. Carriages glide along, moving as if by enchantment, devoid of horses.
Buildings in this setting use magically reinforced materials like enchanted stone, shimmering metal alloys, and hardened crystal. Their architecture blends fantasy elements (spires, arches, carvings) with futuristic styles (smooth surfaces, levitating sections) powered by magic. Holographic displays adorn facades, showing art, announcements, or ads.
The streets are filled with all sorts of people besides humans, like various demihumans, such as cats, rabbits, and even guinea pigs. Magic is a practical and normal use. We stop at the front gate of the castle. Hand her horse to the valet. From a high vantage point overlooking the valley, a dirt path winds through tall green trees. The distant sound of approaching gallops grows louder. We descend to the path's center and watch as a horse comes into view. Its rider is strikingly unusual—crimson red and not quite human. The scene freezes as the horse draws near, revealing a 16-year-old Demi-dragon woman. She is attractive, with long, wavy red hair and small, delicate horns at her temples. Red and purple wings adorn her back, and a scaly red tail with a caucasian underbelly extends behind her. Her face is almost human, save for her red, animal-like ears.
The city teemed with metal golems, diligently maintaining order and security. Towering holographic displays illuminated the bustling streets. Inside homes, people tuned into popular shows like "Torrent Got Talent" and "Who's My Wizard?" on hollow crystal screens. Cafes and diners were hubs of vibrant social activity. Miniature trolls became trendy companions, while others opted for fiercer monsters as fashionable pets, some even creating unique hybrids like the Greil-Sheep, a surprisingly endearing creature with its fuzzy beak and tiny tentacles—intelligent and loyal.
KAY (voice quiet, sensing the immediate shift in atmosphere)
Dina? Mother? What's going on? You both look like you've seen a ghost.
DINA (hesitant, she is withholding her secret)
That's an odd choice of words.
DRAKA (interject)
I see you arrived with no issues.
KAY
I did meet with some bandits on the way, but Silfy and I had no problems removing them.
DINA
You didn't kill any of them?
KAY
No, I mean I don't think so.
DRAKA
Silfy, what an odd name. After the Dragon God, who ignited the center of the world.
KAY
I find the name calming when saying it.
DRAKA (perplexed)
Answers like that are so your father.
A moment of silence came between the three.
DRAKA
Let's order, do you girls know what you want?
DINA
You guys order first, I haven't decided yet.
KAY (to Dina, in a low, fast tone)
You always do this; you can decide, and then you order the oddest thing on the menu, and then you're not happy. And you start asking everyone else to try your food, hoping they will change with you. (to the chef) I'll have slug balls.
DRAKA
May I have the grilled mushroom and garlic greens?
DINA
Fine, I have the trip.
The three went quiet. Dina was waiting patiently for Draka to bring up the issues at home.
DINA
Miran was dumped by what's his name, Liyam.
KAY
Which one was that?
DINA
I don't think you met him, it's alright, he was some snobby rich human. And dull… Dull… dull. Kiff is driving me crazy; her adult claws came in, and now she can climb stone walls.
KAY
Ow. I missed her so much. I can't wait to see Little Mama. What is she and Dad making next?
DINA
I think she said something about keeping food fresher with a cold box. She talked too fast and tech words that went over my head.
KAY
Sounds nice.
The three went silent. Draka was trying to find the right words, hoping that Dina would stall her enough. But not has almost come to a close.
DINA (just thought of something to break the tension)
My mother has got The Bard to perform.
DRAKA (it's either snooty or sarcastic)
Hedex always has the best contacts. It's amazing how many connections she has.
KAY
Who's that?
DINA
He's a real sensation throughout the nation. His words and tunes have everyone wild when he plays in your town. His lyrics are so dark and catchy. His songs are based on the adventures he's on. I can't believe that he hasn't reached the Dragon Academy.
KAY
You know, Dragonborns, the only thing that gets them excited is fighting.
Dina glanced at Draka, then at Kay, her tail twitching with nervous anticipation.
DRAKA (voice sharp, precise, intense gaze to Kay)
On that note. Your father... Your father, huh…
The enticing aroma of ramen suddenly turned to ash in Kay's mouth.
KAY
What? What, is he dying?
DINA (higher to lower)
No… No. I don't think so
Kay's world tilted. The clamor of the city, the enticing smell of ramen, all faded into a deafening roar in her ears. The one her mother had been trying to set her up with in conversations? The one who loved chaos and drank the days away? This wasn't just an unwanted duty; it was a personal affront. Her anger flared, hot and sudden, hotter than her dragonfire.
DRAKA (Draka and Dina switch seats, grabbing both of Kays' hands)
He is… So excited about your home.
KAY
I missed him, too.
Dina, feeling left out, stood up and draped herself from behind like a blanket.
KAY
I missed you guys, too.
Kay begins to cry.
DINA
Are you guys ready to order?
DRAKA (snaps)
Order it to go.
Dina stands up around the cart closer to the chef and places the order, also just to get out of the middle.
DRAKA (just grunted, then set down her cup)
We should return to the castle. Celebration preparations are... extensive. We must be present.
Kay looked at her mother, then at Dina, a new understanding dawning. This wasn't just about a party; it was about the palpable tension shimmering around their father, the unspoken anxiety that clung to Draka like a shroud. The city, usually so vibrant, seemed to hold its breath.
KAY (voice low, accepting the unspoken weight)
Right. Let's go. We should not wait for others.
Dina reached out and squeezed Kay's arm, her own eyes wide with concern, recognizing the depth of Kay's betrayal and rage.
[SCENE 1 ENDS]
[Scene 2: A Family's Gathering & The Bombshell]
[INTER. SHOUKUN - WA CASTLE - EVENING]
The vast, opulent halls of Wa Castle, usually filled with the gentle hum of internal mana conduits and the quiet efficiency of metal golems, now echoed with a nervous energy. Banners embroidered with the Wu family crest – a stylized mana crystal intertwined with cherry blossoms – hung heavily, absorbing the hushed murmurs of the servants.
Kay and Dina, accompanied by Draka, entered a grand reception room. It was already a hive of activity, though the mood was far from celebratory. The other wives were there: Celestia (Kiff's mother), a graceful Demi-squirrel with soft, worried eyes, quietly organizing a stack of embroidered cloths; Rin (the Gnome artificer), perched precariously on a high stool, her tiny hands rapidly assembling a new mana-powered lantern, a faint line of concentration between her brows; Lyraela (Miran's mother), an elegant Elf with long, flowing dark blue hair and antlers woven with her hair, was speaking in hushed tones with a castle advisor; and Hidex (Dina's mother), a flamboyant Demi-cat illusionist, was dramatically fanning herself with an oversized feather fan, though her usually vibrant expression was clouded with concern.
The remaining daughters were also present. Miran, the Half-elf, meticulously polished her bow while Kiff, the youngest Demi-squirrel, bounced restlessly, occasionally trying to swipe a stray pastry from a passing tray before Celestia's soft but firm voice stopped her.
Kay felt a surge of relief and apprehension. This was her family, her foundation, but their collective unease was a palpable thing.
CELESTIA (looking up, a strained smile)
Kay! Dina! Draka! You're back. We were... just discussing the final preparations.
Her gaze flickered to Draka, a subtle plea for support. Rin, jumping off her stool, crashed.
RIN
Kay! You're back! Did you see the new mana-powered delivery drones? I designed the propulsion system!"
Kay hugged her sisters, the familiar comfort a brief balm.
KAY
I'm back. And something is definitely wrong. Father... Dina said he's been acting strange…
Draka stepped forward, her voice cutting through the strained pleasantries, taking command of the conversation.
DRAKA (voice firm, direct)
There is no more time for pretense. Kay, we have grave news. Your father... he has made a decision that impacts your future immediately. He is arranging a marriage for you.
A stunned silence fell over the room. Miran's polishing slowed. Kiff's bouncing stopped dead. Rin's eager smile faltered.
KAY (voice barely a whisper, a tremor in her powerful body)
A... marriage? But... why?
DRAKA (her gaze hardening, sweeping over Kay's shocked face)
He has arranged for you to marry a noble from Isenborg. An alliance. He claims it is a desperate measure for your safety, Kay. Your father has been distant, working on something he won't share. This marriage is part of his secretive plan. He believes it's the only way to protect you from a threat he won't name.
Kay's world tilted. The words hit her with the force of a physical blow, stripping away her relief at being home. This wasn't just an unwanted duty; it was a profound betrayal of her independence, her dreams of being a warrior. Her anger flared, hot and sudden, hotter than dragonfire. Her tail stiffened and then dropped lifelessly.
HIDEX (dramatically fanning herself, her voice a low murmur almost at a purr)
Oh, my poor darling. A fate worse than any tragedy.
Celestia rushed forward, her gentle hand resting on Kay's arm, her eyes filled with sympathy and a hint of her pain. Rin looked up at Kay, her tiny gnome face contorted in confusion, unable to grasp the depths of the adult drama.
Kay looked at her family, the weight of the decree crushing her. Her eyes burned with a defiant fire.
KAY (smoke leaving from the sides of her mouth)
Where is he?
HIDEX
If you want, I know a guy who could… You know. (mimed slitting his throat) Let me know
DRAKA
Hidex, she could do it herself.
KAY (her back is feeling like it's against the wall)
Why are you making jokes about this?
CELESTIA (taking Kay's hand, leading her to the lounge chair)
Sweetie, honey, this is how we cope. We know you're upset, but a little distraction from the stress.
While the mothers all talked, Kay took the opportunity to find her father. The best place is his second home, his office. Looking to find the other hand-up decorations, she left the living room. Draka eyes her movements, allowing her to have her moment, and helps at the end.
[SCENE 2 ENDS]
[Scene 3: Father is Waiting]
[INTER. SHOUKUN - WA CASTLE - YUKI'S OFFICE - EVENING]
Yuki's office, a sanctuary of organized chaos, hummed with the soft glow of mana-lamps illuminating stacks of papers and blueprints. A paperweight of petrified minotaur dung sat oddly beside a meticulously raked mini zen rock garden on his large oak desk. Yuki, clad in a red cardigan, leaned back in his leather chair, running a hand through his perpetually messy hair. The anxiety of the day was palpable, etched in the lines around his eyes. He hated these conversations.
KAY (A sharp rapping at the door)
Father?
Yuki (shoulders tensed)
Come in, Kay.
Kay entered, her red scales seeming to almost shimmer with suppressed fury, her tail stiffly held. She found Yuki's eyes with her own, which burned with accusation.
KAY (voice trembling with barely suppressed rage)
What have you done?! A marriage? Without even asking me?! You told me I could choose my own path! You promised I would be proud of whatever I chose, as long as I was happy! (Her voice rose, raw with betrayal) What happened to that, Father?! What happened to my future?!
YUKI (winced, placing his hands behind his head)
I remember saying that, Kay. But life isn't the same as it was when you were little. I've personally seen the worst that demons can do. They are the first things I see when I wake up in the morning. (He stood, moving around his desk)I want to protect you and your sisters. But you... you always go headfirst into dangerous situations. Fighting opponents you don't understand will get you killed, or messed up, just like...
His voice trailed off, his eyes distant, haunted by a name he hadn't spoken aloud in years.
KAY (scoffed, her rage mounting)
That doesn't give you the right to control me! I am not a possession! I am your daughter, I am a warrior! I can take care of myself! (Smoke subtly curled from her nostrils as she took a defiant step towards him)
Just then, the office door swung open with a decisive thwack. Draka, her crimson scales gleaming, strode in. She saw Kay's trembling fury, Yuki's desperate defensiveness, and the raw emotion crackling between them.
DRAKA (voice cold, precise, cutting through the tension) Husband. This is a story for us three. Do you disagree? (Her golden eyes narrowed, fixing on Yuki)
YUKI (flinched, knocking over a stack of papers)
Of course not, Draka. (He knew this was an intervention)
DRAKA (turning her intense gaze on Kay, but speaking to Yuki)
You believe you've considered all variables, Yuki. But you have left her out. Her choices, her will. Her very essence. (She turned back to Yuki, her eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness that transcended even her marital bond) Would you sell her future for your peace of mind? You would clip her wings for your comfort?
YUKI (voice lowering, a desperate edge)
Draka, I took everything you said into consideration. I felt I had to do this on my own, just because things happened because of mistakes I've made.
DRAKA (her voice rising with a rare, terrible fury, drawing her spear with a chilling schwick of metal)
Mistakes?! You speak of mistakes while forging chains for our daughter?! (Her spear gleamed, its tip aimed directly at Yuki's throat, a silent, deadly accusation) You will not force her into a life she does not choose!
Yuki, his eyes widening, didn't flinch. His gaze locked onto the gleaming spear, his strategic mind, fueled by the sheer desperation of the moment, began to work at blinding speed. This was not a fight he could win with words, or even conventional combat. This was a battle for understanding, for trust, for his family.
With a sudden, almost imperceptible surge of internal mana, Yuki reached out. He didn't touch the spear. Instead, a shimmering distortion rippled along its length, a silent, breathtaking wave of raw magical power that defied all logic. Draka's eyes widened in shock as her formidable spear, crafted for war, began to twist and soften in her hands. The gleaming metal warped into plush fabric, the sharp tip rounded into a stitched nose, the polished shaft contorted into a familiar, stubby body.
In a blink, Draka's deadly spear was gone, replaced by a crudely stitched, crimson-scaled plushie of a small, very fluffy Dragonborn, complete with soft, yarn horns and button eyes. It even emitted a faint, muffled squeak.
Kay and Draka started, utterly dumbfounded. The silence in the office was deafening, broken only by the soft squeak of the plushie.
YUKI (taking the plushie handed it to Kay)
Please, I know going behind your backs was disrespectful. (He goes on his hands and knees) Please, please, understand that I am only doing this to keep Kay alive.
KAY (her eyes dry, unable to blink)
You knew what you were doing and ignored the right thing to do.
YUKI (begging)
And if I told you the Demon Army is on the rise and heading our way. I know you, Kay, would be on the front line. I know you have been waiting for this, but I've seen death, and the repercussions afterwards are never taught in school. I just want to shield you from the horror that went through, Draka. It was the first time I met you that made the world brighter.
Draka takes Yuki's hand, lifting him from the floor.
DRAKA (place that hand on her cheek)
And if I were there when that horror happened, it would have been that much faster for your recovery. Your act is telling our warrior daughter that it is better to run and hide from danger instead of facing it head first.
KAY (weeping from the tension)
Father, I always believed we were close. I truly believed that both of you supported and guided me without…
YUKI
I am that person, but I need to be far away. A marriage can also provide you with protection.
DRAKA
You've seen something, haven't you? Has someone shown you a fate?
YUKI
Believe in me.
KAY
When your party's over, I'm going back to school. After I graduate, I won't come back or ask anything of you.
Kay storms out of the room, still holding the plushie. Draka, not breaking eye contact.
DRAKA
What's best for you is to sleep here tonight.
[SCENE 3 ENDS]
[Scene 4: The Dress Fitting & The Burden of Choice]
[INTER. SHOUKUN - WA CASTLE - KAY'S DRESSING ROOM - AFTERNOON]
Kay stood stiffly on a raised dais in her opulent dressing room, surrounded by a whirlwind of silks, laces, and shimmering dragon scales. A seamstress, a nervous human, meticulously pinned the intricate fabric of a formal gown around Kay's powerful frame. The dress, designed for the grand celebration that night, was a masterpiece of Shoukun's magic-tech blend: layers of shimmering Yutem silk woven with subtle mana conduits, creating a soft, internal glow that shifted with the light. Its crimson hue matched Kay's scales, but its constricting elegance, with puffy arms that felt more decorative than functional, felt like a cage.
Dina lounged on a chaise, lazily fanning herself with a feather fan, her tail flicking. She kept subtly adjusting the neckline of her own simple, form-fitting dress, a faint frown on her face. Her body, lean and agile from her Demi-cat heritage, carried little femininity, and she felt a quiet self-consciousness about it, especially compared to her sisters. Occasionally, her lips would move in a silent murmur, and her tail would twitch sharply, signs of her talking to the other spirits she always sensed around her.
Miran meticulously sorted through a tray of hair ornaments, her cleanliness OCD making her wince at any stray dust motes. She wore her own gown for the evening, a stunning gold, long dress that dramatically showed off a lot of cleavage and emphasized her shapely rear, designed to command attention. Kiff, utterly bored by the stillness, was attempting to climb the velvet curtains, her new adult claws making soft, tearing sounds.
DINA (to Miran, a sly grin, her voice carrying)
You know, Miran, that dress looks great. Really. For someone who probably ate all the pastries the minute they were brought out. You know, just to prove you're the oldest and can get away with it.
Miran's head snapped up, her eyes blazing with indignation. Her usual composure was shattered.
MIRAN
Dina! Are you implying I've gained weight?! You little—
Dina simply shrugged, a faint, almost imperceptible whisper escaping her lips: —and the Senator says you should get a new style for your chest. He's bored. Her expression remained innocent, but her tail flicked.
KAY (sighing dramatically, arms crossed)
This is ridiculous. All this... fuss... for a party I don't even want to attend. They can't force me to go.
DINA (without looking up from fanning)
Oh, they absolutely can. It's a royal summons. Plus, you need to show off that new dress. It probably cost a fortune.
MIRAN (holding up a glittering pin)
Perhaps if you stood still, dear sister, the tailor wouldn't have such trouble with your... ever-expanding figure. (Her tone was a subtle jab)
KAY (snapping, glaring at Miran)
My figure is fine! And I'm not some doll to be paraded around! Especially not after... after Father's decision. (The arranged marriage still festered like a wound) I just want to go back to school. To Salan. To train. To pretend none of this is happening.
Lyraela, Miran's mother, elegant and composed, entered the room. Her long, flowing dark blue hair flowed around her like a serene river. She watched the scene unfold with ancient, knowing eyes, her usual uptight demeanor softened by a subtle weariness. She carried a small, intricately carved wooden box.
LYRAELA (then approached Kay, offering the box)
Your father... he chose this piece for your debut tonight. He said it reminded him of your true nature.
Kay hesitantly opened the box. Inside, nestled on a bed of shimmering silk, was a single, perfectly crafted golden dragon scale. It was warm to the touch, humming faintly with ancient magic, and seemed to pulse with a hidden light.
LYRAELA (a soft sigh, looking at the scale, then at Kay)
We cannot always choose the storms that gather, little one. Or the paths they force upon us. (She met Kay's gaze, her eyes holding a deep understanding) Your father acts from a place of profound fear, of past mistakes he believes he must correct. He tries to control what he cannot. But you, Kay... you are not a pawn. You are a Dragonborn. You are a warrior. And a warrior does not flee from the field, even if that field is a ballroom.
KAY (voice tight, a flicker of defiance in her eyes)
So I'm supposed to just... accept it? Smile? Pretend I'm fine with being traded like... like livestock?
LYRAELA (gently, placing a hand over Kay's heart, where the anger burned)
You will fight. That is your nature. But you will fight with purpose. Your father, for all his genius, has a weight he carries from his past choices. A burden of trying to control. Perhaps tonight, in that ballroom, amidst the noise and the lies, you will find an opportunity. To seek the truth. To understand the depth of the shadow that makes your father so afraid. And to fight for your own future, on your own terms. True strength is not in running from the battle, but in choosing how you fight it.
Kay stared at the golden scale in her palm, then at Lyraela's serene, wise face. The words resonated, cutting through her anger with the precision of a finely honed blade. It wasn't about acceptance; it was about strategy.
KAY (taking a deep, shuddering breath, her eyes clearing with fierce resolve)
I... I will go. But not for his plan. For mine.
Lyraela smiled, a genuine warmth now in her ancient eyes. She simply nodded, then turned to her own daughter. "Miran, perhaps you should assist your sister with her... final adjustments. And Kiff, darling, if you descend from that curtain, I believe there's a tray of pastries waiting in the kitchen."
MIRAN (still fuming from Dina's jab, grabbed her gold dress)
Fine! But don't expect miracles."
She attempted to stride past Dina with her usual grace, but in her pique, she snagged the delicate fabric on a loose buckle of Dina's chaise. There was a faint RIIIIP. Miran froze, her eyes widening in horror as she looked down. A long, jagged tear now marred the rear of her expensive gown, exposing a flash of bare skin. Her face turned crimson.
MIRAN
My dress! You—
DINA (lips curled into a wide, triumphant grin)
—The Senator says that's what happens when you're too tight-laced, kitten. And he finds it quite amusing. A tiny, involuntary shudder passed through Dina as the spirit's lewd thought echoed in her mind, but she maintained her innocent expression. "Oops," she said, her tail giving a satisfied flick.
[SCENE 4 ENDS]