The Dragon King and His Fallen Star novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Glow and Shiver

EIRLYS POV

After days of hiding in my room, I finally decided to come down for breakfast now that my bleeding had stopped. I knew Kierygan wouldn’t be there-he hadn’t been for a while.

The memory of how I had behaved that night still burned hot in my mind. Knowing he would not be

here offered a little comfort.

I descended the staircase slowly, my fingers brushing the banister. But when I reached the last step, I froze. Kierygan sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the slab of meat before him.

I swallowed hard, careful not to make a sound as I edged closer

It was Callum who noticed me first. “Good morning, Eirlys,” he said, his tone warm and casual.

Then others joined in-Evander, Orryx, Thorin, Ulyanna. Even a few whose names I hadn’t yet learned. Everyone except Mirael.

I offered them a small nod in return, keeping my eyes lowered.

I took my seat to Kierygan’s right, my eyes lowered as I reached for the bread in front of me. I began eating it quickly, not really tasting anything, just eager to be done and slip away to Ashteryn’s workshop.

“Chew your food properly, Eirlys Kierygan’s voice cut through the quiet murmur of the table. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

1 froze, the bread halfway to my mouth. I wanted to answer him, but my mouth was still full. I forced myself to chew slowly, swallowing with effort before daring to meet his narrowed gaze.

“I want to go see Ashteryn,” I said finally, my voice soft.

Orryx set down his cup and leaned in slightly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Eirlys,” he said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “Ashteryn’s away again.”

My heart sank. “Oh.”

He chuckled softly. “But he left something for you,” he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“He did?” I asked, my voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. “What is it?”

Orryx’s smile widened just a little as he gave a slow nod. “Finish your food first,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Then I’ll show you.”

I wanted to rush through my plate again, but I could feel Kierygan’s eyes on me, steady and watchful. So I forced myself to chew slowly, even though every bite felt like an eternity. When at last my plate was clean, I let out a small breath of relief.

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Chapter 24 Cow and Sawer

Orryx reached down to the floor beside him and pulled something up, wrapped in a thick cloth. When he uncovered it, I saw it was a sword-shorter than the ones Kierygan, Orryx, or Callum

carried.

He held it out carefully. “It’s a short sword,” he said Lighter, but not less deadly”

I blinked, staring at the blade. “What am I supposed to do with a sword?” I asked quietly, “I don’t

even know how to use it.”

Orryx leaned back in his chair, a small, confident smile playing at his lips. “Then I’ll teach you, he said simply.

I flicked my gaze between him and Kierygan, remembering the last time Callum had tried to take me to the training yard. Kierygan hadn’t looked pleased then.

But this time, Kierygan nodded, his eyes calm. “Only if you want to,” he said.

I drew in a slow breath. “I’ll give it a try,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Orryx rose and clapped his hands once. “Alright, let’s do this.”

My eyes widened. “Right now?”

Orryx’s gaze swept over me, from my loose hair to the simple dress I wore. “As soon as you change into training clothes,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll begin.”

A flush crept up my cheeks. “I… I don’t have any training clothes,” I murmured, embarrassed by the

admission.

Kierygan’s voice cut in, steady and decisive. “You do,” he said. “Ask Grace to help you.”

I nodded and slipped away, my mind racing as I made my way back to my room. Grace was already waiting, and when I opened the heavy wardrobe, she pulled out a folded bundle of soft woolen

trousers and a simple linen shirt, both in muted grays.

“These should do,” she said softly, her tone reassuring.

I changed quickly, my fingers trembling as I folded my dress and set it aside. My heart thudded in my chest, every movement feeling more real-more final-than I’d expected. When I was done, Grace gestured for me to sit on the stool, her gentle hands weaving my hair into a single, neat

braid down my back.

“You look ready,” she said, her soft smile a small comfort. “Be careful out there.”

Downstairs, Orryx stood waiting by the exit, his arms folded across his broad chest. As I approached, he gave me an appraising look, his mouth curling in a faint, approving smile.

“That’s better,” he said. “Come on.”

We stepped out into the training yard, blinking against the bright morning light. The air was cool, a

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Chapter 28 Li and Shiver

Claim

breeze carrying the scent of fresh earth and grass. Orryx gestured to the packed dirt path that

circled the yard.

“Run,” he said simply.

I frowned, glancing between him and the short sword in his hand. “What?” I asked. “But… I thought you were going to teach me to use this.”

He raised a brow, his tone patient. “And I will. But before you can hold a sword, you need to know how to breathe, how to move, how to loosen your muscles. We always warm up first.”

I shifted uneasily. “Warm up?” I repeated.

Orryx nodded. “Your body needs to be ready. If it isn’t, you’ll only injure yourself later,” he said. “So, run the yard three times.”

I hesitated, then drew in a shaky breath and started moving. The first few steps were easy, the ground springy beneath my feet, but soon the hard earth jarred my legs and my breath came too fast. My chest tightened, my limbs turning heavy and unsteady. Before I’d even completed the first lap, my legs screamed for me to stop.

I slowed to a walk, panting, but Orryx was suddenly there beside me. “Don’t stop,” he said firmly, his hand brushing my elbow as if to steady me. “One foot in front of the other, Eirlys. That’s all. I’ll run

with you.”

His insistence and quiet presence kept me going. I forced myself forward, sweat prickling at my brow and my braid clinging to the back of my neck. My legs burned, but Orryx matched my pace, his steps even and sure beside mine.

When I finally stumbled across the line marking the end of the third lap, I bent over, hands braced on my knees, gasping for air.

Orryx laid a hand on my shoulder, his voice low and steady. “Good,” he said. “Now we begin the real training.”

I lifted my head, still catching my breath. “You mean… we haven’t started yet?” I asked, half

incredulous.

A faint smile touched his lips. “Not yet,” he said. “But you’re ready.”

After a moment to catch my breath, Orryx guided me back to the center of the training yard. The short sword Ashteryn had made for me felt foreign in my hand-lighter than it looked. Orryx showed me how to stand and adjust my feet, his voice low and steady.

“Grip it like this,” he said, wrapping his large hands around mine to adjust my hold on the hilt. ” Balance is everything. You don’t need to swing with brute force. Let the weight do the work.”

I nodded, watching the gentle arc of his swing as he demonstrated. When he handed the sword

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Chapter 28 Gloss and Shiver

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