They Wanted Me to Serve My Sister, So I Joined the Northern Dragon King

A month ago, I had secretly entered the Northern Court's Knight Selection.

Only seven would be chosen, each appointed as a Guardian Knight.

The acceptance contract had arrived only that morning, its terms spelled out in black and white.

[Elaia Rayne. Bloodline: Ancient Starfrost. Purity: S-Class.]

I never expected my bloodline purity to be S-Class. Yet for eighteen years, I had never been able to transform.

"Elaia, drink your bloodline elixir."

My mother's voice came from behind me. I slipped the contract into a drawer before turning around.

She handed me a cheap-looking bottle. "You should put some effort into your appearance when you get the chance," she said, her tone critical.

I took the elixir without a word.

Bloodline elixirs were meant to help dragons awaken, but mine had never produced a single reaction.

"You're the one I worry about the most."

My mother sighed. "You're plain, and you never know how to charm anyone. I worry about your future."

A small ache bloomed in my chest. I tipped my head back and drained the elixir in one gulp.

It tasted like cheap mud, so harsh it brought tears to my eyes.

"Oh well, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

She softened her tone. "Even if you can't transform, and no one wants to bond with you, the family can still afford to keep you."

I was about to argue when a burst of cheering erupted from the main hall.

I walked into the hall and saw Cecilia standing in the center of the carpet, a pair of crimson dragon wings unfurled behind her.

"You were already the most beautiful child in the Rayne family, and now you have wings."

My father studied Cecilia's face, his smile widening. "Having a daughter like you brings honor to the whole family."

My brother Dorian circled her, pride written all over his face. "Black Dragon Lord Cassian Vale is already smitten with Cecilia. Once she completes her transformation, the marriage alliance will be sealed."

My mother produced a gold-trimmed bottle of activation elixir and held it to Cecilia's lips herself, reminding her gently, "Drink slowly. Don't spill any on your gown. I only bought it yesterday."

That single bottle cost more than a hundred times as much as the one I had just choked down.

Cecilia nestled into our mother's arms.

And there I stood in a three-year-old gown, a shadow forgotten in the corner.

The taste of cheap mud still coated my tongue.

My father smiled and announced, "The Sky Hunting Grounds are open today. You and your sister can each pick a fully grown war beast as a coming-of-age gift from the family."

I looked up at my father.

War beasts fought beside their dragon masters for the rest of their lives. They were the most important companions a dragon could have.

Since I was seven, almost everything I received had been Cecilia's leftovers.

This was the first time my father had ever said I could choose for myself.

"Okay."

I ran back to my room and changed into my best dress.

The dark-haired girl in the mirror was pale, but a flicker of hope shone in her eyes.

Maybe they still remembered I was family, too.

But when I pushed open my door, there was no one outside.

The entire house was silent as a tomb.

I took a deep breath and activated the communication crystal.

My mother's face appeared on the crystal. "Elaia? What is it?"

Laughter echoed through the crystal.

"You... left?"

My voice was barely audible.

My mother paused, then gave a dismissive laugh.

"You were in your room for so long. Cecilia was afraid she'd miss the golden griffin release, so we went ahead.

"We'll take you next time. There'll be plenty of chances."

Always like this.

They hadn't even asked. They had already decided for me.

Cecilia's face popped up beside our mother, her voice playfully petulant. "I'm picking the golden griffin!"

"Of course. Whichever one you like."

My mother pinched her cheek with a doting smile, then said to me in a rush, "I have to go."

The crystal went dark.

The black surface reflected my face.

I was alone in the dark.