A wave of sudden weakness engulfed Astrid, her limbs feeling as heavy as lead. She staggered, her vision blurring momentarily, before her legs gave out completely. Just as she began to collapse, Inferno swiftly positioned himself between Astrid and the ground, his massive body serving as a shield and a cushion.With a gentle thud, Astrid landed against Inferno's warm, scaly form, her breaths coming in shallow gasps. Above her, the air shimmered with residual magic. In a swift transition, Phoenix shed his dragon form, the majestic scales giving way to his human silhouette. He knelt beside Astrid, concern etched on his features as he cradled her in his arms."Are you alright?" Phoenix's voice held a mix of worry and relief as he assessed Astrid's condition. His hands hovered over her, instinctively checking for any injuries."I… I think so," Astrid managed to utter, her voice barely above a whisper. The surge of weakness had subsided somewhat, leaving her feeling drained. "We should g

As they entered the ROYAL DOMINION LAIR, Astrid was struck by the unique blend of ancient and modern architecture, where the modern buildings harmonized with the natural landscape, showcasing innovative architecture that complemented the ancient surroundings.A contemporary glass structure was perched majestically atop rugged rock formations. Its transparent walls reflected the sky and surroundings, blending harmoniously with the natural landscape. The juxtaposition of sleek glass against the solid, ancient rock created a captivating visual contrast. Nestled gracefully into the hillside, a striking structure caught the eye—a sleek, curved building that seamlessly merged with the natural contours of the land. Another notable building was a futuristic tower that rose majestically against the backdrop of mountains. The tower's glass facade, reflected the azure sky above and the rugged terrain below, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Sunlight played through the glass, casting patt

As Phoenix's car glided to a halt in front of the Lair House, he reached over and pressed a button on his dashboard, marked with a symbol resembling a dragon's silhouette against a crescent moon backdrop.The golden gate, ornately designed with intricate patterns, parted smoothly upon receiving the command. "Welcome to our Lair House," Phoenix announces with a touch of pride, noticing Astrid's jaw-drop reaction.Astrid's eyes widened in awe as she took in the breathtaking scene before her. The first thing that caught her attention was the majestic waterfall cascading down into a serene and beautiful lake. Its crystal-clear waters shimmered in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The sound of rushing water added a soothing melody to the surroundings. Fish darted playfully beneath the surface, creating ripples that added to the serene ambiance.Her gaze then wandered to the surrounding landscape, where she spotted stunning rock formations, adorned with baroque carvings, depic

Astrid's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of realization crossing her features. She couldn't reveal the truth to Phoenix yet. She composed herself, masking any unease behind a relaxed facade."Dexter did mention that Blaze taught him to cook," Astrid answers smoothly as she redirected the conversation to safer grounds. "Yeah. He taught me most of the dishes I know, but the one I'm going to be preparing today was taught to me by my mother. And in turn, I passed it on to Blaze and Dexter," he adds, a hint of pride coloring his voice."Wow, that's spectacular." "What are you planning to cook?" she asks, her interest evident in her tone.Phoenix's face lit up with enthusiasm. "I'm contemplating making Nigerian fried rice and jollof rice," he replies. Astrid's jaw drops with excitement. "You're from Nigerian descent! I've always wanted to try their food. I've heard it's amazing, especially jollof rice. It's legendary. And fried rice too? This will be a feast!" she screams, her voice