55. Cassia: Ominous

The chapter opens on catastrophe: the island’s volcano erupts, ash darkens the sky, and the sea churns. Simultaneously, Cassia and the dragons feel a magical tug that signals wraiths emerging from a visible rip in the sky. Cassia dons her mother’s armor and surveys their meager force—about three hundred fit to fight—while the infirm retreat to caves to sustain the island’s protective barrier and shield the clutch of eggs.

With Queen Naccara still trapped in unreachable sleep and Everen absent in the human world, leadership falls to Cassia. She recognizes the stakes: if wraiths reach the barrier, it will fail and doom dragonkind. Cassia prepares to command despite her inexperience and doubt.

When a fearful dragon questions their future, Cassia projects a rousing promise of peace if they prevail, invoking Everen’s vision to offer hope. Mace rebukes Cassia privately for lying, but Cassia insists on faith in Everen’s foresight. Miligrist silently approves, and Cassia channels the tension into resolve for the impending battle.

As the shrieks of wraiths near, Cassia issues the call to arms across the island, uniting defenders above and below with a final rally for Vere Celene and dragonkind’s future. The dragons’ answering roar drowns the wraiths as the force lifts off in formation.

In closing, Cassia sights the first wave—wraiths with violet eyes and smoking wings—and leads the charge toward the horizon. Knowing the outcome could determine the survival of their species, she flies into the darkness, hoping some dragons will still greet the dawn.