The days following Gazaro's arrival at King’s Landing were filled with growing curiosity and confusion among the Targaryens. No one could quite explain the sudden appearance of this unknown black dragon, and no one could seem to understand his strange, yet undeniable, bond with Dreamfyre. The massive dragon spent his time in the dragon pit, hunting for food and returning only to care for Dreamfyre, whom he seemed to have claimed as his own. He would bring her the finest game, setting it down respectfully before her, and then retreat to the shadows, watching over her with an almost possessive intensity.

Helaena, observing from a distance, couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in his behavior. There was a careful gentleness in the way he treated Dreamfyre, an unspoken understanding between them that made her feel safe in his presence. As she spent more time near the pit, the black dragon never once threatened her. In fact, he seemed to acknowledge her as Dreamfyre’s rider, allowing her to approach Dreamfyre without hesitation, and even lowering his head slightly as if in respect.

Despite the quiet, almost peaceful atmosphere between the dragon and the rider, the rest of the Targaryens were baffled. Every time they tried to approach the black dragon, they were met with low growls, flashes of white fire, and the unmistakable sense that this creature was a force to be reckoned with. No dragon had ever displayed such aggression toward its own kind, especially not towards Targaryen blood. And yet, Gazaro—this mysterious, unnamed dragon—seemed to care little for the royal bloodlines that surrounded him.

Daemon, ever the sharp-eyed observer, had begun to notice something strange. There was an unsettling familiarity in the way Gazaro carried himself. His size, his mannerisms, the way he moved and even how he interacted with Dreamfyre—everything about him seemed too familiar to be a random dragon. Two years ago, Daemon and Laena had encountered two wild dragons, one black, one white, while exploring the remote reaches of Valyria. The white dragon had stood out to him immediately, not only because of its size but because of the strange aura it exuded. Daemon could not shake the memory of those dragons, especially the black one. And now, this new dragon in the pit looked so much like the one he had seen years ago that Daemon couldn’t help but question if there was a connection. But whenever the thought crossed his mind, he quickly dismissed it, brushing it off as a coincidence. The idea of an ancient dragon returning from the forgotten corners of the world seemed absurd, even to someone as open-minded as Daemon.

Laena, who had been equally intrigued by the black dragon, shared his sentiments. She, too, had noticed the similarities, but as time passed, she allowed herself to believe it was all a series of strange coincidences. After all, dragons were often unpredictable, and there was little reason to dwell on the past.

Yet the more they observed, the more questions arose. Gazaro's strange behavior—the way he would stay near Dreamfyre, the way he would protect her without hesitation—was unlike any behavior they had ever seen in a Targaryen dragon, both Vermithor and Silverwing are mates but all they do is sleep or hunt but the bond between Gazaro and Dreamfyre and more deeper and different. What also caught their attention was how Vaelor and Rhaena's dragons seemed to gravitate toward Gazaro, spending more and more time with him, as if they recognized him. Vaelor’s dragon, a massive beast with scales the color of orange, often flew alongside him, landing beside the black dragon, while Rhaena’s dragon—a sleek, pink creature—would curl up near Gazaro’s side as though drawn to him. Both dragons, normally aloof and independent, seemed strangely comforted by the black dragon’s presence.

One evening, while watching the dragons from a distance, Helaena, who had been observing silently for days, finally put the pieces together. There was no mistaking it now. The dragons recognized him, and it wasn't just because he was a Targaryen. The bond they shared with him was something deeper, something primal. The black dragon, it seemed, was related to them in a way that Helaena couldn’t yet explain, but she knew it to be true. She felt it in her bones. Gazaro was not just any dragon. He was something more. But what exactly, she could not say.

Despite this realization, Helaena kept her silence. She didn’t dare speak of it aloud, not even to her family. She couldn’t be sure how they would react to the idea of a wild dragon—one that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere—having such an important connection to their bloodline. She thought of the black dragon’s presence as a gift, a connection to something long forgotten, something far beyond the scope of the Targaryens’ control. She trusted him, but she also feared the consequences of speaking too soon.

Meanwhile, King Viserys had grown increasingly frustrated with the presence of the black dragon. His attempts to maintain control over the dragon were often met with resistance. Gazaro’s behavior, particularly his refusal to obey the typical hierarchy of Targaryen dragons, disturbed him. It was clear that the dragon wasn’t interested in following orders from anyone. And while Dreamfyre had shown signs of accepting him, King Viserys was not so easily convinced.

“I want him chained,” Viserys ordered one day, his voice cold with frustration. “He is a danger to the peace of the kingdom. We cannot allow wild dragons to roam freely.”

The dragonkeepers, usually adept at managing the kingdom’s prized dragons, were sent to enforce the king’s wishes. But when they approached Gazaro, they were met with a display of white fire so fierce it scorched the air around them. The dragon’s growl vibrated the very earth beneath them, and the keepers retreated hastily, their attempts to subdue him completely thwarted.

“It’s impossible,” one of the keepers reported back to the king. “The dragon is untamable. His fire is unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

King Viserys’s face darkened with concern. His authority had been undermined by this strange dragon, and there was little he could do to stop it. He knew that the presence of such a beast could not be ignored. Gazaro, it seemed, had no intention of being controlled by anyone—not even the king.

At the same time, the Targaryen family gathered in the halls of the Red Keep, discussing the new developments. Daemon was growing more suspicious of the black dragon's origins, while Rhaenyra, ever the pragmatic one, suggested that they find out more about him. Laena, too, shared in the unease, especially as her dragon, Rhaena’s dragon, and Vaelor’s dragon had started spending more time near the black dragon. It was clear that something had changed, and it wasn’t long before they all began to worry about the implications of this strange connection.

“Something is not right,” Daemon said, his voice low and serious. “That dragon—he’s not like the others. He’s… different. And I don’t like it.”

“He could be a danger,” Laena added, her brows furrowed. “But there is something else to him. The way the other dragons behave around him—it’s almost like they know him. Maybe even recognize him.”

Rhaenyra, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “I’ve seen it too. Vaelor’s dragon and Rhaena's—they act like they’ve known him for ages. As if they’ve met before.”

Laenor, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, his gaze distant as she stared at the dragon pit, finally spoke. “I think… I think he’s related to them. Somehow.” His voice was quiet but firm, carrying the weight of the truth he had come to realize. “I can feel it. The dragons recognize him. He’s not just some wild dragon.”

The room fell silent at his words. It was a bold claim, one that made them all pause. If what Laenor said was true, then Gazaro wasn’t just a wild dragon—he was something far more significant, something that could change everything they thought they knew about their dragons and their legacy.

But before they could discuss the matter further, a deep growl echoed from the dragon pit, and the unmistakable sound of wings beating the air filled the space. Gazaro had returned. This time, he was not alone. Dreamfyre, with her graceful silver-blue form, flew beside him, her wings spread wide as she landed beside him. The two dragons were inseparable now, and it was clear that their bond had deepened even further.

The Targaryens watched in stunned silence as the two dragons nuzzled each other, their connection undeniable. Helaena’s heart ached at the sight, but she also felt a deep sense of pride. She had known from the beginning that Dreamfyre was meant to be with him, and now, it seemed, everything was falling into place.

But as the Targaryens gathered to discuss what to do next, it was clear that they were all facing an unprecedented situation. They could no longer ignore the black dragon. And with every passing day, his presence grew harder to deny.

---

The sun hung high above the beach, casting its warm golden light over the sand and sea. A gentle breeze ruffled the waves as Helaena lay on the soft, warm sand, her eyes closed in peaceful relaxation. Dreamfyre, the silver-blue dragon that had been her companion for so long, basked beside her, her scales shimmering under the sun's rays. The black dragon, who had become a regular presence in their lives over the past few days, was not far away. His large, dark form stretched out beside Dreamfyre, his eyes half-lidded, content to simply be in the quiet of the moment.

Helaena felt a strange sense of peace in the company of the dragons, their presence grounding her, making her feel more connected to the world around her. But something about today felt different. A strange, almost ethereal pull tugged at her consciousness, as though something or someone was trying to reach her. She shifted slightly, her eyes still closed, thinking it was nothing more than a distraction, but the feeling only grew stronger.

Helaena...

It was as if someone had spoken her name aloud, but no one was around. The voice was soft, almost a whisper, but distinct. Her heart skipped a beat. The voice sounded familiar, though she couldn’t place it. It was gentle, almost like a soothing touch on her mind, urging her to listen.

Helaena, are you there?

Her eyes snapped open, a gasp escaping her lips as she suddenly felt disconnected from her surroundings. The beach, Dreamfyre, and the black dragon—the world she had been so grounded in moments before—seemed to fade, as though the very fabric of reality was slipping away. Her breath caught in her throat as her vision blurred and sharpened at once. She blinked rapidly, and before she could fully process what was happening, there she was—standing in front of her, as clear and present as any person could be, Vensalia.

Vensalia, though in the distance, looked as if she had stepped right out of Helaena's thoughts and into her world. Her dark silhouette was just as ethereal and commanding as before, her dark, shadowy presence almost tangible in the bright sunlight. Helaena’s heart raced, unsure if she was still dreaming or if this was some strange magic at play.

“Vensalia?” Helaena whispered, her voice catching in her throat. “How… how are you here? Are you… in my mind?”

Vensalia’s smile was warm and apologetic. “I’m sorry, Helaena,” she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle, reassuring tone. “I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s a new skill I’ve been practicing—something akin to telepathy, or umbrakinesis. I’ve been able to connect with others in this way.”

Helaena blinked, still trying to comprehend what was happening. “Telepathy?” she repeated slowly, as if testing the word on her tongue. “But how? I… I didn’t know you could do that.”

Vensalia’s smile softened further. “Neither did I, to be honest,” she admitted, the hint of a laugh in her voice. “But sometimes, the magic within us takes unexpected turns. It’s been something I’ve been experimenting with, and it seems like you were the first person I could connect with.”

“I thought I was dreaming,” Helaena said, still in awe, her mind racing with the possibilities. “I could hear your voice, but I didn’t understand what was happening. I thought it was just another strange dream.”

“It’s not a dream,” Vensalia said gently, her eyes glinting with the hint of a secret. “But it seems you’ve opened the door to this new connection between us. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

Helaena shook her head slowly, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of this new connection. “No, no,” she said quickly, though her mind was still processing. “It’s just… unexpected. But I’m glad you reached out. I didn’t know you could do this.”

Vensalia smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. “It’s a gift I’m still learning to control, but I wanted to ask you about something important, if I may.” She stepped closer, her presence steady and sure as she focused on Helaena. “How are Dreamfyre and the black dragon doing?”

Helaena paused, her thoughts momentarily drifting back to the dragons on the beach. The image of Dreamfyre stretched out in the sun, her silvery blue scales glowing, and the black dragon sleeping nearby, his posture relaxed but ever-watchful, filled her mind. They had become inseparable, but there was something different about the black dragon. He was protective, yes, but also distant, as if he were waiting for something.

“They’re… doing well,” Helaena replied, her voice thoughtful. “Dreamfyre seems to be happy. But the black dragon… he’s so different from the other dragons. He’s been so protective of Dreamfyre.”

Vensalia nodded knowingly, a soft smile forming on her lips. “That’s because he’s courting her,” she said, her voice filled with understanding. “His name is Gazaro. He’s one of my dragons—the oldest hatchling of Silva, my dragon. He’s been seeking a mate for some time, and Dreamfyre has caught his eye. He’s been proving himself worthy of her.”

Helaena blinked in surprise, her heart quickening at the revelation. Gazaro? The black dragon who had seemed so distant, so possessive of Dreamfyre? The realization struck Helaena like a thunderbolt. She had assumed there was something more between them, but she hadn’t known the extent of the connection.

“Gazaro?” Helaena echoed, trying to wrap her mind around the name. “I… I didn’t know his name. I didn’t even know he was courting her.” She glanced over at the black dragon, who was now perched by Dreamfyre’s side, his dark eyes focused on the horizon. “How is that possible? How is he related?”

Vensalia’s eyes softened with a mixture of pride and affection. “Gazaro is the oldest of Silva’s hatchlings. He’s the older brother to Vaelor and Rhaena’s dragons, though he’s much older. It’s a bit complicated,” she said with a chuckle, “but Gazaro is more like a long-lost sibling to your dragons. He’s been training for some time, learning how to court and bond with another dragon. Dreamfyre is the dragon he’s chosen.”

Helaena’s thoughts whirled, trying to piece everything together. A long-lost sibling? It all made sense in a way she hadn’t anticipated. Gazaro’s behavior now seemed more purposeful—his protectiveness of Dreamfyre, his attentiveness to her needs. It was a courtship, a dance of dragons, though one she hadn’t fully understood until now.

“So… Gazaro is Vaelor’s and Rhaena’s sibling?” Helaena repeated, still trying to absorb the complexity of it all. “And he’s been with Dreamfyre this whole time? Courting her?”

“Yes,” Vensalia replied, a fond smile tugging at her lips. “He’s been working hard to prove himself to her. And Dreamfyre, in her own way, has accepted him. It’s not easy for dragons to court one another, especially when they’re as powerful as these two. But Gazaro is determined to earn her trust, to show her that he’s worthy.”

Helaena’s gaze shifted to the two dragons on the beach. Dreamfyre, with her silvery-blue scales, looked peaceful, but there was something new in the way she interacted with the black dragon. She had always been so independent, so regal, but now there was a softness in her posture, a subtle shift in her behavior as she allowed Gazaro to stay close. He, in turn, was gentle, almost patient, as if waiting for her to fully accept him.

“And how do you feel about it?” Helaena asked, her voice quiet, almost reverent as she regarded the dragons. “I mean, as their… as their mother guardian. Is it strange to see them forming these bonds?”

Vensalia’s expression softened, her eyes distant for a moment, as though lost in thought. “It’s bittersweet,” she admitted. “Watching them grow, watching them find their paths, it’s always difficult. But I’m proud of them. They’re learning, they’re becoming who they’re meant to be. And Gazaro… he’s found his mate. That’s what matters most.”

Helaena nodded, her heart swelling with understanding. She could see it now—the deep bond between Vensalia and her dragons, the love and pride that came with watching them grow. It was something she, too, had experienced with Dreamfyre and the black dragon. They were family. They were her responsibility.

“I think Dreamfyre is lucky to have him,” Helaena said softly, her gaze fixed on the two dragons as they relaxed together, their bond strengthening with every passing moment. “They’re perfect for each other.”

Vensalia’s smile deepened, her eyes full of affection. “They are,” she agreed quietly. “And I’m glad you’re able to see that, Helaena. You’ve helped them in ways I can’t even describe.”

As the connection between them lingered, Helaena felt a surge of gratitude for this moment, this