Secret of Samudra: Echoes of the Forgotten Empire

Chapter 26: The Unseen Guardian

Tara's fingers trembled as she reached for the pendant again, its cool surface grounding her scattered thoughts. The air around her was charged, humming faintly with energy, as if the cave itself were alive. Before her loomed the Dragon of Time, a majestic being whose presence was both awe-inspiring and strangely surreal.

The dragon's silver scales shimmered under the dim light, and her sharp sapphire eyes glinted with amusement as she regarded Tara. The transformation from a fearsome, towering creature to something almost ethereal had left Tara momentarily speechless.

"So," Tara finally muttered, breaking the silence. "You're the Dragon of Time. That's... something, I guess."

The dragon tilted her massive head, her expression unreadable. Then, with a flick of her tail, she settled back on her haunches, her wings folding neatly behind her. "Indeed, mortal. I am Azeus, the illustrious guardian of time and keeper of its secrets. Your awe is understandable."

Tara blinked, unsure whether to be impressed or irritated by the dragon's smug tone. She cleared her throat and hesitantly said, "Okay, Azeus. Could you maybe... uh, shrink down a bit? You know, something less... massive?"

Azeus raised a scaly brow, her lips curling into what could only be described as a draconic smirk. "Shrink? You want me, the Dragon of Time, to diminish my grandeur for the sake of your convenience?" Her voice echoed, deep and resonant, yet there was a teasing lilt to her words.

Aryan, who had been leaning casually against the cavern wall, snickered. "Oh, this I've got to see. The great and mighty Azeus turning into a cuddly little creature? I'll need a sketch artist for this one."

The dragon's eyes narrowed, a playful glint in their depths. "Mock me if you dare, little mortal. But know that I could turn you into a flea with a mere flick of my claw."

Aryan grinned, clearly unfazed. "Oh, I believe you. Doesn't mean I'm not enjoying this."

Tara sighed, rubbing her temples. "Look, we're trying to stay under the radar. A massive, glowing dragon isn't exactly subtle. The Eclipse Sect is still out there, and we don't have time to deal with more distractions."

Azeus regarded her thoughtfully, the mischief in her gaze softening. "You make a fair point, mortal. Very well. But remember—this is a concession of my own generosity, not a request fulfilled."

With that, her body shimmered, a cascade of golden light enveloping her form. The air crackled with energy as she began to shrink, her scales folding and compressing until, moments later, she stood before them as a sleek, silvery feline-like creature. Her sapphire eyes, still piercing and intense, remained unchanged.

"There," Azeus said, her voice carrying the same regal tone, albeit softer. "Satisfied?"

Tara stared, stunned. "I didn't think you'd actually do it. You're... adorable."

Aryan burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "Adorable? Oh, this just keeps getting better." He crouched down to Azeus's level, grinning. "What's next? Are you going to chase your tail?"

Azeus swatted at him with her paw, her movements graceful yet precise. "Silence, fool. I've tolerated your insolence long enough."

Samudra, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke. His tone was calm but firm, cutting through the banter like a blade. "Enough. We have bigger concerns than a dragon's pride. The Eclipse Sect is still out there, and this cavern won't stay safe for long."

Azeus straightened, her small form radiating an aura of authority despite its size. "Very well, little prince. Lead the way. But don't expect me to simply follow orders—I am no one's servant."

The group began to move, their steps echoing softly in the cavern. Azeus darted nimbly between their feet, her presence both comforting and unsettling.

As they approached the cave's exit, the air grew heavier, the faint whispers of the Eclipse Sect's magic lingering like a ghostly reminder of their threat. Tara felt a chill run down her spine, but before she could voice her concerns, Azeus stopped abruptly.

"Stay back," the dragon-turned-feline commanded, her voice low and dangerous.

Without waiting for a response, Azeus unleashed a wave of golden energy. The air crackled, the force of her power rippling outward. Outside the cavern, the remnants of the Eclipse Sect barely had time to react before they were obliterated, their presence erased in a blinding flash of light.

The cavern fell silent, the oppressive energy dissipating as quickly as it had come.

Tara stared at Azeus, her mouth slightly agape. "You... you did that in an instant."

Azeus puffed up proudly. "Of course I did. I am the Dragon of Time, after all."

Aryan shook his head in mock disbelief. "And here I thought this journey was going to be boring. Between you, the prince, and our time-traveling friend here, I might as well start writing a memoir."

Tara shot him a look but couldn't suppress a small smile. Despite everything, Aryan's lightheartedness was a welcome reprieve from the tension.

As they emerged into the open air, Azeus trotted ahead, her tail swishing confidently. "Now that I'm free, you'd best remember who saved you back there. Proper respect is due, especially from you, Aryan."

Aryan grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Respect is earned, oh mighty fluffball."

Azeus narrowed her glowing eyes. "Fluffball? Say that again, and I'll turn you into one."

Before Tara could laugh, Samudra's voice cut through the banter. "Enough. If we're heading to the capital, we need to be prepared. My mother's allies won't care for jokes, nor will they tolerate weakness."

Azeus's playful demeanor faltered, her gaze turning sharp. "Your mother's allies are fools if they underestimate me. But you'd do well to heed your own advice, little prince. Power doesn't guarantee loyalty."

The tension was palpable, but Aryan broke it with a dramatic sigh. "And here I thought this was going to be a peaceful journey."

Tara shook her head, but as she glanced at the dragon, the prince, and Aryan, a strange sense of belonging washed over her. They were an unlikely group, bound by circumstance and a shared purpose.

The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, Tara felt ready to face it.