Ryn chose to live and woke up changed, less human, less in control. The bond with Eskarith saved them ? and marked them as something the seven clans have no precedent for, no protocol to handle, and every reason to fear.

While Ryn buries their dragon and learns to carry a grief that manifests as summer hailstorms and shearing winds, the Elders debate their fate. Some believe the bond can stabilize, and are eager to study the changes. Others believe the merciful choice is to end the bond before its power becomes a danger.

When Eskarith reveals what a forced severance would actually destroy ? not just Ryn's mind, but the one thing that remains of Kivith, Ryn realizes surviving was never a single choice to make, but something they will have to fight for, day after day.

If they believe they can.

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Content warnings: on-page death and grief, body transformation, LGBTQ+ characters and themes.