The sun was just beginning to rise as the towering gates of Snake's Coil came into view, casting long shadows over the road. The capital city sprawled before them, a twisting maze of towering spires, winding streets, and arching bridges that spiraled upward in concentric rings. From a distance, the city looked like a massive serpent coiled around the mountain, with its highest tower perched at the peak like the serpent's head.
"We made it," Jaxon said, his voice laced with awe.
The journey had been long and grueling, filled with dangers they hadn't expected. But now, standing on the edge of the capital, a strange sense of relief washed over them.
"Snake's Coil," Elias said, tilting his head as he took in the city. "Looks like whoever designed this place had a flair for the dramatic."
Kade's silver eyes scanned the walls, noting the layers of defenses built into the city's structure. "It's more than dramatic. It's a fortress. This place wasn't just built to impress—it was built to survive."
Reed, however, wasn't paying attention to the city. His focus was on the egg nestled in his arms. It had been glowing faintly ever since they left the ruins, and now, as they approached the gates, the glow grew stronger. The shell, once smooth and unblemished, was now covered in fine cracks, as though something inside was pushing to get out.
"It's hatching," Reed said, his voice quiet with wonder.
The others gathered around him, their eyes widening as the egg gave a soft, rhythmic pulse, almost like a heartbeat.
"Right here, right now?" Elias asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's… dramatic timing, even for us."
Jaxon smiled. "Let's give it some space."
They stepped off the road and found a quiet spot beneath a cluster of ancient trees. Reed gently set the egg down on a patch of soft moss, and they all knelt around it, watching in silence as the cracks spread across the shell.
With a final pulse of light, the egg shattered, and a small, feathered creature tumbled out, letting out a soft, chirping sound.
Reed's breath caught in his throat. The creature was unlike anything he'd ever seen. It was a baby Skyrend Griffon, its downy feathers shimmering with iridescent hues that shifted between deep blues and silver-gold. Its eyes were a deep, shadowy black, with pulsing silver rings that glowed softly in the dim light. Tiny, star-like flecks sparkled along its wings, and its tail curled with a serpentine grace.
"It's beautiful," Reed whispered, reaching out slowly.
The baby griffon blinked up at him, tilting its head as if studying him. Then, with a soft chirp, it nuzzled against his hand, its feathers warm and surprisingly soft.
"It recognizes you," Kade said, his voice quiet.
Reed smiled, his eyes shining with a mixture of awe and joy. "We're bonded."
The griffon let out another chirp, then flapped its tiny wings experimentally. Though it was far too small to fly, it already had an air of quiet dignity, as though it knew exactly how important it was.
"What are you going to name it?" Jaxon asked, leaning in to get a closer look.
Reed thought for a moment, then smiled. "Starshadow."
Elias grinned. "Cool name. Fits."
Starshadow let out a happy chirp, clearly pleased with the name. It climbed onto Reed's lap, curling up contentedly as though it had found the safest place in the world.
"We should keep moving," Kade said after a moment, though his tone was softer than usual. "The gates will open soon, and we need to get inside before the crowds start gathering."
Reed nodded, gently lifting Starshadow in his arms. "Let's go."
As they made their way back to the road, the sun rose higher in the sky, casting golden light over the city. The gates of Snake's Coil loomed ahead, and the sounds of the waking city drifted toward them—voices, footsteps, the distant clatter of market stalls being set up.
The guards at the gate eyed them warily as they approached, but after a brief inspection, they were allowed through.
Inside, the city was even more impressive. The streets were lined with colorful banners, and the air was filled with the scent of spices, fresh bread, and blooming flowers. Merchants called out to passersby, hawking everything from exotic fabrics to gleaming weapons.
But beneath the bustling surface, there was a tension in the air—a sense that something was not quite right.
Jaxon noticed it first. "Something's off," he murmured, his eyes scanning the crowds.
Kade nodded. "The city's on edge. Look at the guards—they're on high alert."
Elias frowned. "You think it has something to do with the attacks on the ruins?"
"Maybe," Kade said. "Or maybe it's something worse."
Reed tightened his grip on Starshadow, his expression troubled. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Jaxon clapped him on the shoulder. "Damn right we will. We've come too far to stop now."
As they made their way deeper into the city, they couldn't shake the feeling that their arrival had not gone unnoticed—and that whatever awaited them in Snake's Coil would be their greatest challenge yet.