All Chapters of Dawlya’s Dragon: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

12 Mikan sat in Captain Garrik’s office, going over everything he’d learned. Garrik confirmed that there was no trace of a daughter in any of the royal or military systems just as Avi had said. Every record connected to her had been erased. But Garrik knew the truth; he had served long enough to remember that Trace once had a daughter. Mikan nodded grimly. “She really is his.” “Yes,” Garrik agreed quietly. “And whoever scrubbed those records did it perfectly. No traces remain. But if what she said about a council member threatening her mother is true, she could be in danger if that woman realizes she’s here.” “Agreed,” Mikan said. Garrik leaned back in his chair. “I can keep her safe and hidden. There’s a posting that would move her out of the spotlight entirely. I’ll have her transferred to the Slayer Bay, under your ship’s roster. Out of the public eye, and close enough for you to keep watch.” Mikan inclined his head. “Thank you, Captain. Your discretion means a great deal.”

14 Lees arrived at Avi’s quarters an hour later, practically glowing with excitement. “I can’t wait to see where we’re assigned!” she said, nearly bouncing in place. “With our test scores, we could go anywhere!” Avi smiled faintly, trying to match her friend’s enthusiasm, but her mind kept circling back to her earlier encounter with Cain. His warning and his strange mixture of protectiveness and intrusion still lingered. All sixty-three trainees stood in neat formation in the hangar bay. The air buzzed with anticipation. Azar and the training officer stood at the front of them. Behind them waited several department representatives including Lieutenant Finn, commander of Squadron Five, and Captain Garrik himself. The presence of such high-ranking officers made the room hum with energy. When Garrik appeared, whispers rippled through the ranks. Everyone knew what that meant: someone was about to be placed in his elite squadron. The training officer gave a short congratulatory speec

16 Cain followed Avi to work, making sure she arrived safely before slipping away. Once she was inside, he sent a message to Mikan, arranging to meet just outside the city. They chose a small tavern owned by one of Mikan’s old friends, a quiet place with a private room perfect for confidential talks. Mikan was already there when Cain arrived, looking calm as ever. Cain, however, was restless pacing, rubbing his arms, his nerves clearly on edge. “How are you holding up?” Cain asked, though the tension in his voice suggested the question applied more to himself. “I’m fine,” Mikan replied, eyeing him carefully. “But you seem to be struggling with the sentinel effect. Should I have Tia take over your watch on Avin?” Cain ran a hand through his hair. “If you’d asked me yesterday, I might’ve said yes. But something happened overnight, something that has me very concerned.” Mikan straightened. “What happened?” “Early this morning, someone conducted a bio-scan on the dorms,” Cain said

18 After a couple of hours Avin decided to go to bed, exhausted. A long soak later, she walked out of the shower room wearing an oversized shirt. She stopped when she saw Cain sleeping, stretched out in the chair with the book resting on his chest. She was about to climb into bed when she glanced back at him. Instead she let out a sigh and approached his sprawling body. “Cain,” she whispered, “Cain, wake up.” She spoke a little louder and gave him a small shake. “What?” he woke up with a start. “You fell asleep, come to bed," she said, pulling on his hand. “I can sleep here,” he mumbled, barely awake. “You’ll be more comfortable on the bed.” She pulled him up by the hand. He slowly stood up and meandered over to the bed, then sat on the edge while she took his boots off. He ran his fingers through her hair, then manipulated his skin to remove his shirt. “The pants can stay on," she commented, eliciting a chuckle as he laid down. She just shook her head as she laid down nex

20 Cain’s screams tore through the courtyard, raw and agonizing. Brie and Tia rushed forward, pulling Trace off him, extinguishing the flame still burning in his hand. Straider and Kyle restrained Trace, forcing him to the ground while Tia knelt beside Cain. “Mikan, hold him down!” Tia ordered, her tone sharp and controlled. Cain was barely conscious, his breath coming too fast. Horror flickered in his wide eyes; he’d been seconds from burning alive. Tia reached into her medkit and pulled out a small canister. “I need to treat the wound,” she said quickly. “Brie, try to slow his breathing. The spray will sting, and I need him steady before I use it.” Brie caught Cain’s chin, forcing his gaze to hers. “Cain. Look at me.” His eyes finally focused on hers. “Breathe with me,” she murmured, her voice calm but commanding. She pushed a gentle wave of telepathic steadiness into him until his breathing began to slow. When his rhythm evened out, Tia sprayed the medicine across the burn.