"You saw your father outside?" I clarified. Kintes wordlessly nodded. "And he's been dead?" Another nod.

     "What's happening?" He huffed. "It's like the dead have come back to life."

     "The dead have."

     "Why are certain dragons coming back?" Kintes continued. "What's the purpose?"

     "I think we should go ask Moridax." I suggested. "Maybe he'll know. He's the most knowledgeable."

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     We found Nota in the hallways and told her what happened. The three of us left the castle and flew towards the forest. I needed to make it back before dinner started.

     We flapped our wings and gently touched down within the maze of mossy trees. I led us deeper into the wood, towards the cave.

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     "Welcome back, treesnappers." Moridax grumpily muttered. He certainly knows how to hold a grudge...

     "Moridax, we have a situation." Nota began. "Shina, Zepth's younger sister, was found."

     "So?"

     "She's been dead since Zepth was a hatchling."

"What?!" He gasped like the wind was knocked out of his nonexistent lungs. "Impossible! It must be a dragon that just looks similar."

"She knew her name and recognized my family." I bluntly replied. "Even still, I know it is her."

"But that isn't all." Kintes came forward. "My father has also returned."

"And you are certain this dragon is truly your father?" Moridax leaned forward. "You are absolutely sure?"

"Yes." We all said in sync.

"Then it would seem the Dragon Gods are at work." He looked to the ceiling of the cave, squinting his glowing orb eyes. "Whatever their reasons are, they must be strong. Breaking the sacred laws are forbidden. To interfere with the natural cycle of life and death... it is an extreme I have never seen before."

"What could be the reason?" I looked to him.

"What are your relationships with the dragons that returned?" Moridax asked.

"Shina is my sister. We grieved for her, begging for her to not be dead. We loved her, and she to us." I couldn't keep talking. The painful memories were flooding back, and I couldn't stop them.

"And you?" Moridax faced Kintes.

"My father was abusive and cruel." He growled. "I hated him, and rejoiced when sickness claimed him."

"Have you done anything recently to anger the Dragon Gods?"

"I don't know..." Kintes froze and his eyes widened. "I saved Zepth from death. I fought back to live."

"Hm." He raises a brow, understanding. "Then they might be punishing you."

"That's ridiculous!" I stammered. "Punished for saving another?"

"Perhaps the Dragon God that brought your father back was unhappy with the battle's outcome." Moridax exclaimed. "... or the Dragon Goddess..."

We all shared a knowing look. That was exactly why.