Lady Alyse’s Arrival

Three Weeks Ago

***

Three weeks prior, long before the Dragon's Pit in the Old Valley had seen its grand completion, a very different storm was brewing within the shimmering borders of the Golden City.

Austin Paureen paced back and forth beneath the carved mahogany arches of the emerald pavilion.

Built within the expansive private backyard of the grand estate his family had purchased upon arriving in the city, the pavilion offered a tranquil view of rolling green lawns dotted with rare, vibrant flora.

Crimson roses, golden lilies, and rare starlight blossoms bloomed in deliberate, beautiful arrangements across the field, scenting the air with a faint, sweet perfume.

Yet, none of that scenic beauty could soothe the violent tempest raging inside Austin's chest.