Queen Scarlet lounged upon her throne as if she were the queen of not just the Sky Kingdom but the entire world. The throne itself was carved from a mass of sculpted clouds and gilded gold, designed to give her the appearance of reigning from the heavens. Her ruby-red scales gleamed like fire under sunlight, every movement of her lithe body a ripple of molten radiance. Her orange, slitted eyes, filled with cunning and malice, locked onto Luminara as she let out a low, throaty chuckle.

"Orange, Garnet," she drawled, her voice a sultry purr that carried both honey and venom. "What are you doing with a RainWing, of all dragons?" Smoke curled delicately from her nostrils, weaving around her elegantly twisted horns in thin, wispy wreaths that gave her an almost ethereal look. But Luminara could sense the threat beneath the beauty—Scarlet was like a shimmering blade, poised to cut without warning.

Orange, the rust-colored guard, dipped his head respectfully but avoided meeting Scarlet's gaze directly. "Your Majesty," he said, his gravelly tone laced with caution. "She was found wandering near the borders. She claims to be an explorer."

"An explorer?" Scarlet echoed, her smirk widening as she rested her chin on one clawed hand, her tail flicking lazily. Her piercing gaze raked over Luminara, lingering on her moondrop necklace and the confident tilt of her head. "How curious. RainWings don't usually leave their precious rainforest. They're too... delicate for the wider world."

Luminara took a slow breath, keeping her nerves tightly under control. She returned Scarlet's intense stare with a polite but unwavering smile. "Your Majesty," she said smoothly, bowing her head slightly. "It's true. I've decided to see what lies beyond my home. I've heard so much about the Sky Kingdom and couldn't resist the chance to experience its beauty for myself."

Scarlet's eyes narrowed slightly, though the smirk never left her face. She leaned forward, her claws tapping rhythmically against the arm of her throne. "Flattery will get you far, little RainWing," she said, her voice lilting. "But it will not get you everywhere."

The queen stood, unfurling her massive wings in a display of dominance. She descended from her throne with a grace that was almost hypnotic, each step calculated and deliberate. She circled Luminara slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey.

"You must be very bold—or very foolish—to venture so far from home," Scarlet mused, her voice dripping with mock admiration. "Do you know what we SkyWings do to trespassers?"

Luminara's pulse quickened, but she kept her demeanor calm, her smile unflinching. "I can assure you, Your Majesty, I mean no harm. I'm merely a traveler, curious about the world. If I've overstepped, I apologize and will leave at once."

Scarlet stopped in front of her, leaning in close enough that Luminara could feel the heat radiating from her scales. "Oh, you're not going anywhere just yet," she purred, her smile turning sharp. "I think you might be more interesting than I first thought. Guards, take her to the guest quarters." She flicked her tail dismissively. "I'll decide what to do with our little 'explorer' later."

As the guards moved to escort her, Luminara caught Scarlet's parting glance—a look of amusement and dangerous curiosity. It sent a shiver down her spine. This dragon was more than a queen; she was a storm wrapped in silk, and Luminara knew she'd need all her wits to weather it.

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"You're lucky Queen Scarlet decided to give you guest quarters," Garnet sneered, shoving Luniarnai unceremoniously into a room that could only be described as begrudgingly grand. The tapestries on the walls were indeed ornate, but they sagged under layers of dust, and the scent of old smoke clung to every corner. A crooked chandelier dangled above, looking like it might tumble down at any moment—a fitting metaphor for Luniarnai's current predicament.

"This," Garnet gestured lazily, "is where dragons who aren't exactly cherished stay. So, you'll fit right in."

Before Luniarnai could retort, a ripple disturbed the surface of a steaming pool in the corner. Out emerged an orange SkyWing dragonet, her scales glowing faintly like embers about to burst into flame. Steam curled up from her skin, hissing softly against the cooler air. Garnet and Orange recoiled instinctively, both jumping back as though she'd just flicked sparks their way.

"Ah, there you are, Peril," Garnet said, recovering quickly. Her voice was syrupy with false sweetness as she nudged Luniarnai forward. "This is your new clawmate."

"New clawmate?" Peril tilted her head, her striking blue eyes narrowing in curiosity. Her voice had an edge to it, not unfriendly, but not particularly warm either, like a dragon who had learned long ago that friendliness could be dangerous.

Luniarnai swallowed hard, resisting the urge to look at Garnet, who was practically vibrating with smug satisfaction. RainWing charm mode: activated, she thought to herself. Flashing a bright, sunny smile—one that, thankfully, didn't rely on the venomous fangs she no longer had—she said, "Hey, I'm Luniarnai from the rainforest. You must be Peril."

Peril blinked at her, her tail twitching slightly. She cocked her head again, looking Luniarnai up and down as if trying to decide if this newcomer was a friend or a flammable object. "Yeah, I'm Peril," she finally said, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "You're either very brave or very dumb to stay here, you know that?"

Luniarnai chuckled nervously, her mind racing. Both might be true, she thought but instead replied, "Let's just call it 'adventurous.'"

Peril let out a snort that could have been laughter—or just steam escaping her nostrils. "Well, 'adventurous,' don't touch anything. Especially me." Her tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of warning in her words.

Garnet, clearly enjoying the show, clapped her talons together. "Perfect. You two will get along splendidly, I'm sure." She turned with a flick of her tail and strutted out of the room, leaving Luniarnai alone with Peril, the glowing dragonet who could incinerate her in an instant.

Luniarnai sighed, giving the room a quick scan. Lavish yet dirty, she thought again, her gaze drifting back to Peril, who was now lounging on a scorched cushion. "So," she ventured, "do you have any advice for surviving in Queen Scarlet's stronghold?"

Peril tilted her head, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Yeah. Don't annoy her. Or me."

Luniarnai couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Good to know."