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In a tone that wove seriousness with a touch of madness, the witch said, “You must embrace your heritage.”

“My heritage?” Nataly's brow furrowed in confusion.

“Yes. Your father was not just any man, he was a fire dragon and one chosen to bear a daughter of dragons. That makes you a rare being, and one with great power.” The witch's voice was steady, her words resonating in the cool air of the cave.

Nataly felt a mixture of shock and awe. Her father, a fire dragon? It was almost too much to take in, but deep down, something clicked into place, a missing piece of her identity.

“Your power,” the witch continued, “is more than just skill or training. It's about emotion, about connection. Remember your father, remember your mate. Let them, their essence, fuel your fire. That’s where your true strength lies.”

Nataly closed her eyes, focusing on her memories of her father. His laughter, his warmth, his unspoken secrets. Then she shifted her thoughts to MacKay. His bravery, his love, the bond they shared. She felt a surge within her, a wave of heat and energy that filled her from within.

“Now, open yourself to this gift,” the witch instructed, stepping closer. She placed her hands on Nataly's shoulders, and Nataly felt a jolt like a current of pure, fiery energy coursing through her.

“You are part of a greater destiny, Nataly,” she whispered. “Embrace it and let your fire burn brighter than ever before.”

The red witch removed her hands, and Nataly opened her eyes. She felt different. More powerful, more in tune with the fire that danced in her veins.

“Go now. Find your dragon and face your destiny. You are ready.”

Before Nataly could respond, she heard the howl of wolves somewhere nearby and weirdly recognized the sound of Uncle Jonas and the boys behind those brays. She turned to thank the witch for her help, but she was gone.

Okay then. She turned back toward the sound of the howls and headed in that direction. Behind her were more of those creepy screeching sounds, so she hurried along, but in these caves, she could get lost wandering forever.

Okay, she did not like the idea of going nowhere fast. She might have magic at her disposal, but she also had years of study to become a fire investigator. This place was covered in scorch marks. Maybe she could figure out some patterns, a trail she could follow.

But she couldn't see shit.

Right. Perhaps a combo of her smarts and her newfound magic. This would be the part where she was supposed to call on her heritage. The little ornament was cool in her hand, even though she was in the depths of what might be actual hell. She took a step in one direction, and the ornament got colder. She went the other way and the soul shard around her neck got warmer.

Well why the hell not play a game of hotter colder?

Everything in her life was trying to guide her, so she should quit being super weirded out and follow the signs from the universe.

MACKAY

MacKay awoke in pain, his body aching from the relentless assault of the demon wyrms. For a moment, he lay disoriented, struggling to piece together his memories. The attack, Nataly's scream, and then darkness.

He sat up, a groan escaping his lips. He was alone, in a part of the forest he didn't recognize, the night air heavy with the scent of burned earth and sulfur. Panic seized him.

Nataly. They had taken her.

Pushing through the pain, he stood up, his dragon senses kicking in. He could smell the lingering traces of the wyrms, a putrid stench that led off into the darkness. He would follow it, find Nataly, and destroy those who dared harm her.

As he moved through the woods, guided by instinct and fury, the howls of wolves pierced the night. Uncle Jonas and his pack. Relief surged through him. They were here. They could help.

He quickened his pace, following the sound until he came upon a scene of chaos. The wolves, fierce and relentless, were engaged in a brutal fight with a horde of demon wyrms.

Uncle Jonas, in his massive wolf form, caught sight of MacKay and howled a greeting. “MacKay! The wyrms have Nataly. We must hurry!”

MacKay nodded, his resolve hardening. “Lead the way.”

Together they charged into the fray, MacKay shifting into his dragon form, breathing fire and fury. The wolves moved with deadly grace, their teeth and claws tearing through the wyrms.

The battle raged, a maelstrom of fire, fang, and claw. MacKay fought with a singular purpose. To find Nataly and protect her at all costs.

Then, amidst the chaos, he heard her voice. “MacKay!”

He turned, his heart leaping. There she was, a vision of fierce determination, her hands alight with fire. She was fighting her way through the wyrms, her power a blazing force that left smoldering ash in her wake.