When Toothless and I arrived at the bustling flight field, the air was filled with an uproar of screams and shouts. The cacophony was nearly deafening as the crowd frantically gesticulated, their faces masks of astonishment and fear. I blinked in confusion, turning to Toothless.

"Why are they acting like this?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the din.

Toothless's eyes were fixated on something in the distance. Following his gaze, I saw it—a massive, shadowy figure. It was Tairn, his formidable black frame standing out against the backdrop of the sky. A heavy sigh escaped my lips.

"Who did he bond to?" I queried, a knot forming in my stomach.

"No one," Toothless replied curtly, his tone tinged with a hint of tension. He ascended into the air, wings cutting through the wind with powerful strokes. He circled the field once, then a second time, each pass lowering him closer to the ground. Finally, Toothless touched down gracefully beside Tairn, his emerald eyes narrowing into a stern glare.

Tairn responded with a haughty sniff, his own eyes scanning the assembly below.

As I took in the scene, my gaze fell upon Violet. At her side, standing proudly, was a golden hatchling—the very same one I had rescued not long ago. Its feathers glowed with an ethereal shimmer, catching the sunlight in a dazzling display.

"Wait, Violet bonded with the Feathertail?" I asked, my voice laced with a mix of surprise and disbelief.

"She did," rumbled Tairn, his deep voice resonating through the air. "Andarna wanted you, madam, but you didn't realize because you were too high and mighty with a Night Fury as your bondmate." He lashed his tail, nearly clipping the wings of a passing Daggertail, which hissed in irritation. Tairn didn't even acknowledge the slighted dragon.

Violet stepped forward, determination in her eyes, and I slid off Toothless's back with the assistance of his wing. I pressed my hand to his jaw when he growled at Tairn, his spikes beginning to glow an ominous blue.

"Easy, Toothless. I don't want you two to fight," I said, gently stroking his scales to calm him before following Violet.

The golden Feathertail met my eyes, and they shimmered with a pleading look that tugged at my heartstrings. I sighed deeply. "You're with Violet now; stay with her," I instructed gently, my voice softening as I spoke to the hatchling.

Turning my attention from the little dragon, I hurried to catch up with Violet. The tension in the air was palpable, the energy crackling with unspoken words and repressed emotions. The shadows of the dragons fell long on the ground as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting the entire field in a surreal, golden light.

"It is unheard of!" shouted a rider named Frector, his voice bursting with frustration as he gestured violently. "No one has seen a Night Fury in years! And why is Tairn here? He shouldn't be allowed if he hasn't bonded!"

Clearly, Tairn heard the outburst and growled, though the other riders couldn't understand the dragons' words unless they had bonded. But I could hear him clearly. "I bond with whoever is deemed worthy," he growled, lowering his head and making a menacing, snaking motion with his neck.

I quickly stepped in front of him, positioning myself between Tairn and the leadership assembled on the dais, who cowered slightly. "Don't," I said firmly, meeting Tairn's golden eyes. He seemed to contemplate my defiance before sighing and lifting his head once more.

Toothless nudged Tairn with one wing, hissing something softly. "Behave yourself, Tairn," he seemed to rebuke, a protective edge in his tone.

I shook my head, exasperated. Male dragons. Their pride and tempers were both endearing and exhausting. I turned to the leadership, hoping to defuse the situation. The energy in the air was thick with tension and curiosity, and I knew this was only the beginning of a long and challenging day.

"Who are the dragons you bonded with?" asked the record keeper, scribbling down notes on her scroll. Violet had already mentioned her dragon's name, and now it was my turn.

I looked up and replied confidently, "Toothless."

"And Tairnanach," growled Tairn from behind me, his voice tinged with an unmistakable pride. I waved him off playfully. "Yes, and Tairnanach," I confirmed.

The record keeper blinked but then nodded, her hands trembling slightly as she wrote. It was clear that seeing me up close for the first time had a strong impact on her. Although I knew I was an imposing figure, I didn't consider myself that frightening. Over the years, I had softened my appearance to be more human-like, but it seemed I was still too otherworldly for some.

"If you're not careful, the king will try to take you back," warned Toothless with a low growl, a protective edge in his voice.

"As if we'd let him," Tairn growled defiantly.

Beside Tairn, the dragon bonded with Rhiannon growled in agreement. It was then that I first noticed their presence. The unified front of dragons made me chuckle softly. Their primitive instincts for loyalty and protection were both endearing and awe-inspiring.

I marveled at the way dragons, with their raw power and ancient wisdom, still held onto such simple yet profound emotions. It made them all the more magnificent and complicated—creatures of both primal might and deep, abiding devotion.

The record keeper waved me off, signaling for the next rider to take my place. I walked over to join Violet, who fell into stride beside me.

"Who would have thought you'd bond with Tairn?" she mused, her voice carrying a hint of awe. I could see the goosebumps forming on her skin from the excitement and the chill in the air.

I smiled, a genuine and unguarded smile—something that was rare for me. This was the first time we were having a conversation like this without my fear of my voice affecting her in unintended ways. Prior to bonding with Toothless, I had always been cautious, knowing that my voice carried power that could influence others.

"It's been a long journey," I said softly. "When I bonded with Toothless, he helped place a kind of barrier over my powers. It's like a protective bandage, ensuring that those I consider close aren't driven mad by my influence."

Toothless glanced back at us, his eyes shimmering with understanding and encouragement. He had always been my anchor, keeping me grounded when my abilities threatened to overwhelm.

Violet looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. "I've always wondered how you managed it," she confessed. "You seem so in control."

I chuckled, shaking my head slightly. "It's a constant effort, trust me. But having strong bonds with my dragons helps. They give me strength and clarity."

As we walked, the ambient noise of the bustling field faded into the background, leaving just the two of us and our thoughts. The golden light of dusk bathed everything in a warm glow, casting long shadows and making the world feel both larger and more intimate at the same time. Violet and I spoke quietly, reconnecting and finding comfort in each other's company, our words flowing as naturally as the wind that rustled through the tall grass around us.

Xaden then stepped up, an approving glint in his eyes. His blue Daggertail loomed behind him, her scales glinting in the sunlight. She lowered her head to sniff at me, her nostrils flaring with curiosity.

"I thought you would've chosen me or Tairn to bond with," she growled, her voice carrying an edge of disappointment.

I sighed before reaching out to touch her snout. I saw Xaden stiffen slightly, taken aback. None of my fellow riders knew that I had a unique way with dragons, a way that made them more receptive to my touch and presence. In fact, they often relished the attention.

"I know, dear. I know," I said soothingly, my hand lightly brushing her snout. "But Toothless found me. He chose me, and I accepted."

Sgaeyl sniffed, her breath warm against my hand. "I chose you too, long ago, Your Grace," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of longing and acceptance.

Xaden watched the exchange with keen interest, his expression a blend of respect and curiosity. He had always been observant, attuned to the subtleties of dragon behavior and the bonds shared between riders and their companions.

Toothless joined us, his presence a calming force. He nudged me gently, his eyes meeting Sgaeyl's. "It's not about preference, Sgaeyl," he said softly, his voice carrying wisdom and reassurance. "It's about connections and timing."

Sgaeyl let out a low rumble, a sound that seemed to vibrate through the ground. "I understand," she said, her tone softening. "I just needed to hear it."

The moment was a poignant reminder of the deep bonds and complex emotions that intertwined us all. Dragons and riders, each with their own stories and choices, creating a tapestry of relationships that defined our lives. I looked around at my companions, feeling a sense of gratitude and responsibility. These connections were what gave us strength and purpose, guiding us through the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.

I then turned to the board, catching sight of Violet rubbing her Feathertail, who occasionally sent furtive glances my way. Tairn ambled over, stretching and yawning widely. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"You should go to bed, Tairn. I'll be fine with Toothless," I said with a gentle smile. Tairn huffed, a small cloud of steam puffing in my direction, but he nodded. One by one, the dragons took off into the night sky, leaving us newly bonded riders to adjust to the burning sting of our marked bonds.

Violet and I made our way to the barracks, with another rider, Rhiannon, trailing behind. "This is so cool," said the brown-haired girl excitedly as we settled down for the night.

I had shrugged off my cloak, revealing the silver and gold armor beneath. After a moment of consideration, I took off the armor as well, leaving myself in a simple linen shirt. As I lay down in the bunk bed, I was struck by the simplicity of it. The leadership had offered me a better, more comfortable bed, but I had declined. It was more important for me to be among my people rather than set apart, acting superior.

The barracks were filled with the soft murmur of voices, each new rider adjusting to their own space. Violet lay a few bunks away, her eyes already fluttering shut. Rhiannon was still buzzing with excitement, her voice a constant hum in the background.

As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but reflect on the day's events—the new bonds formed, the challenges we'd faced, and the camaraderie that had grown stronger with each passing hour. The world outside seemed to disappear, replaced by the warmth and solidarity of those around me. These were my people, my family, and it was with them that I found true strength.

Soon, the whispers and movements faded, replaced by the gentle rhythm of breathing. The day's fatigue washed over me, and I slipped into sleep, comforted by the presence of my friends and the unbreakable bonds we had forged.