The Dragon Trial Became My Death Sentence

As the cold burrowed into my bones, I heard my sister's voice outside the door.

"Father, Mother! Lenore just came of age. She's so talented. She can't miss the Trial..."

"Oh, my sweet girl. You're too kind!"

My mother sounded exasperated and anxious.

"You're still defending her? Have you forgotten how she acted when she first breathed fire?"

I remembered exactly what she was talking about.

I was six that year.

No one had taught me a thing, yet the very first flame I breathed shot more than six feet into the air, far higher than anything my sister could manage.

I flew home with the photo my teacher, Aldric Theron, had taken. My cheeks were burning with excitement.

I proudly declared, "I'm way stronger than Vesper!"

Vesper heard me. Her eyes instantly filled with tears.

My mother panicked immediately.

My father strode forward and blasted me to the ground with his dragon breath.

Blood dripped from my nose onto the photo.

That night, I was locked in the freezing chamber to reflect on what I'd done.

When they let me out the next morning, I couldn't feel my arms or legs.

"She's been like this since she was little. She knew about the prophecy and still showed off on purpose. If you ask me, she's always wanted to hurt you!"

My mother's voice was cold.

I leaned against the door, too weak to even shake my head.

That's not true, Mother.

I was only six then, just a little dragon desperate for my family's praise.

I knew you were terrified of losing my sister.

But why did you have to treat me like an enemy?

I was your daughter too...

My claws scraped against the barrier again and again as I tried to warn them that the refrigeration system was still running.

"Mother, I'm grown now. I'm not going to die just because Lenore is better than me."

Vesper's voice was thick with worry.

"Maybe the prophet was wrong all along. You can't lock Lenore up because of one prophecy."

My father cut her off sharply.

"Enough, Vesper! We will not let you put yourself in danger!"

He turned toward the freezing chamber, his tone softening.

"Lenore, we're doing this for the family. You don't want to watch your sister die because of you, do you?

"Just stay put until her Trial is over, and this will all be over. Be good, okay?"

I could no longer speak. The cold seared my lungs, and my chest felt like it was about to crack open.

With the last of my strength, I struck the barrier with one final, heavy blow.

My mother stalked over, annoyed, and kicked the barrier.

"Lenore! How long are you going to keep this up?"

She raised a hand and opened a crack in the barrier.

Warmth rushed in. My magic flickered back for a moment, and my heart surged with hope.

Was she letting me out?