The Dragon's Silent Shadow
They pulsed with a slow, rhythmic internal light, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
"Chalcedony roses," Jaro explained, pointing a thick, calloused finger at the largest cluster. "Mined from the deep quarries on the arid western borders. It’s raw Aether-ore, unrefined, but incredibly dense. The Empire uses it to power the heavy siege walkers and the dreadnought core-engines."
Tristan reached out, his hand hovering over the crystalline petals.
The moment his skin entered the ambient energy field of the chalcedony, a phantom shiver crawled up his spine.