I Only Tame Dragons

Chapter 144 Shadows of Recognition

Horizon and Nyx moved silently through the dense underbrush, their breaths steady and their steps calculated as to not wake any beasts in the area.

A week might seem like a short time for some, especially since they didn't have to worry about food. However, the jungle beasts were like facing a hundred-man raid boss—dangerous and relentless.

One wrong move could alert the beasts to their presence, and that would mean certain death.

The jungle seemed to stretch endlessly, shadows weaving between ancient trees that towered like silent sentinels. The forest had quieted, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and distant roars that served as reminders of the dangers lurking nearby.

"Stop," Horizon whispered, raising a hand. Nyx froze instantly, his sharp eyes following Horizon's gaze.

Ahead, the thick foliage gave way to a small clearing, bathed in faint light that seeped through the canopy.

There, standing proud yet battle-worn, was the Wingless Valkyrie, Seraphina's guild against the Kingdom of Stars, Trisha's guild.

The sight of the Kingdom of Stars familiar insignia—a golden crescent moon intertwined with stars—struck an odd chord in Horizon's chest.

Memories he thought long buried surfaced, unbidden and unwelcome. But what captured his attention most wasn't the guild's symbol; it was Trisha herself.

A year had passed since he last saw her. Back then, she was timid and unsure, clinging to him as though it was the only thing anchoring her.

But the woman before him now was a stark contrast. She stood tall, her black hair cascading down her back, framing a face that had matured into a confident beauty. She held her staff, the golden runes etched into its shaft glowing faintly with her aura. Yet even now, as impressive as her transformation was, she still couldn't compare to Seraphina.

Where Trisha radiated an approachable, fox-like charm, playful yet fiery, Seraphina was an untouchable force—a model of grace and power combined. Trisha was the flame that warmed, while Seraphina was the sun that burned.

Nyx clicked her tongue, her usual sneer tinged with annoyance. "Them again? Why do we keep bumping into them?"

Horizon's gaze lingered on Trisha a moment longer before he tore his eyes away. "There are only a few guilds left. It's inevitable."

"Yeah, inevitable," Nyx scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. "Doesn't mean I have to like it."

The Wingless Valkyrie wasn't alone. Flanking Trisha were members of the Kingdom of Stars, a guild that had gained notoriety for their tactical brilliance. Their leader, a man with sharp eyes and an air of arrogance, stood beside Trisha, speaking to her in hushed tones. His name was Cedrick, and he exuded a calm confidence that set Horizon's instincts on edge.

"We should go. Whatever is happening down there is none of our business," Nyx said, her hands clawing at Horizon's hair in an attempt to move him.

"Too late for that," Horizon replied, his voice low. He gestured subtly toward the clearing. Cedrick's head had snapped in their direction, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the jungle.

"Who's there?" Cedrick called out in a hush voice.

Nyx sighed dramatically. "Great. So much for subtlety."

Horizon stepped forward, his movements deliberate as he emerged from the shadows. Nyx followed, her usual nonchalance giving way to a sharper, more guarded demeanor.

"Horizon," Seraphina and the others said, their voices soft and cautious. The hint of surprise in Seraphina's tone was quickly masked by a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's been a while."

"Seraphina," Horizon replied, his tone neutral. His gaze flicked briefly to Cedrick before returning to her. "Didn't expect to see you here so soon."

"The feeling's mutual," she said, her grip tightening slightly on her sword. "And yet, here we are."

Nyx leaned casually against Horizon's head, though his posture was anything but relaxed. "So, what's this? You're in trouble again? Why is it that you're always in trouble?"

Cedrick stepped forward, his chest puffed up with authority, but Aeloria beat him to the punch. "Who are you? Are you with Wingless Valkyrie?"

Horizon's expression was calm as he replied simply, "No."

The curt response left Seraphina and the others visibly disappointed, their anticipation deflating like a popped balloon.

"Hey, I know we doubted you before," Velvet spoke up, her voice slightly defensive, "but we braved the storm in the first challenge together, didn't we?"

Dawnfire chuckled dryly. "Maybe if you weren't so harsh on him in our first meeting, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

"What? I was not harsh!" Velvet snapped back, glaring at Dawnfire.

"Enough," Seraphina said firmly, silencing the rising bickering. Her sharp gaze shifted to Horizon. "You should leave, Horizon. You're not one of us, and this fight has nothing to do with you."

Cedrick's lips curled into a smug smirk. "Really? Send him away so he can stab us in the back later? I don't think so. You're all going down here."

Aria sighed, exasperation evident in her tone. "Are you seriously doing this right now, Cedrick? We're in a dangerous situation, and instead of focusing on survival, you want to pick a fight with us?"

Aeloria subtly tugged on Cedrick's arm, whispering cautiously, "She's right. This isn't the time."

Cedrick brushed her off with an impatient wave. "Quiet. I'm the one making decisions here." He raised his voice to the rest of the group. "There's no beast around right now. It's the perfect time to eliminate them and increase our chances of winning."

It was clear Cedrick had ulterior motives. If they managed to eliminate Wingless Valkyrie, he'd undoubtedly receive praise from his mother. That praise, and the reward he was sure to get, outweighed any risk in his mind.

Horizon's brow furrowed slightly as he observed Cedrick. The man's confidence wasn't born from mere arrogance—he had figured something out, something that made him certain this was the right moment to strike.

"Horizon doesn't belong to our guild," Seraphina insisted, standing her ground. "He's just a bystander."

But Horizon raised a hand, silencing her with a calm authority that felt almost magnetic. "It's fine," he said, his voice steady. His gaze shifted to Trisha, locking onto her with a piercing intensity. "I have a bout with her."

Trisha blinked in confusion, pointing to herself as if to confirm. "Me?"

Cedrick's expression twisted, his tone sharp and probing. "What are you talking about? Do you know my fiancée?"

Horizon wasn't surprised to hear Cedrick's words. Trisha was engaged to the second prince of the Kingdom of Stars—a fact that seemed to fit her character all too well. She had always gravitated toward power, clinging to those who could elevate her status and protect her. Her engagement was just another calculated move in her long history of aligning herself with those in positions of strength.

Horizon's gaze didn't waver. "Yes, you. Don't tell me you've forgotten so soon."

Trisha's frown deepened, confusion and a flicker of unease crossing her features. "I don't know you," she said, her voice uncertain.

Cedrick's smug grin widened as he stepped closer. "I'll give you one last chance to explain yourself. What business do you have with my fiancée?"

The air grew heavy with tension, the jungle around them eerily silent, as if the beasts themselves were holding their breath.

Horizon's lips curved into a faint smile, though it lacked warmth. "It seems I've been forgotten. But that's fine—this isn't about the past." He turned to Cedrick, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the prince's barely-contained arrogance. "If you want to fight, I'll oblige. But I suggest you think carefully. One wrong move, and it won't be me who's in trouble."

The words were measured but carried a weight that made Cedrick pause, his bravado flickering for the briefest moment.

Trisha, visibly unsettled, glanced nervously between Horizon and Cedrick. Though she couldn't place him, a sinking feeling tugged at her chest. There was something hauntingly familiar about him—his demeanor, the way he spoke, even the confidence in his posture. It all felt like a distant echo of someone she once knew.

Her mind raced as the unease grew sharper. It couldn't be. Cloud?

The very thought sent a chill down her spine, but she quickly dismissed it as impossible. No one could change their appearance from ARK to here. The man standing before her had features far removed from Cloud's.

Where Cloud had a softer, boyish charm, Horizon was chiseled and sharp, his presence commanding in a way that Cloud's had never been. He wasn't even human. Horizon was probably half human and half something.

Yet, there was an undeniable similarity in their charisma, the same kind of magnetic energy that drew people in.

Her gaze lingered on Horizon's face, trying to dissect every detail. The intense eyes, the subtle curve of his lips, the way he carried himself—there was no logical way this could be the same person. And yet, her instincts whispered otherwise, planting seeds of doubt she couldn't shake.