Rynhara stumbled through the massive stone halls of the Dragon Queen's lair, her claws clicking against the polished black floor. Every movement felt alien. Her balance was off, her wings kept twitching, and her tail had a mind of its own, knocking over ornate golden urns and scattering gems with every step.
"Curse you and… this, this damn body!" she growled, her voice still unfamiliar in its high-pitched, sing-song tone.
"Language, darling," Tiamora's voice echoed behind her, filled with mock chastisement and mild amusement. The Dragon Queen was lounging on her throne now in her human form, watching with an amused glint in her eyes. "You're an elegant princess now, not some borish knight. Do try to carry yourself with more grace and elegance."
Rynhara whirled around, only for her wings to flare uncontrollably, sending her spinning until she crashed against a wall. The wall ornaments fell on her head causing her to cry out in pain. She groaned, rubbing her head as she stood up.
"Grace? What Grace?! I can barely walk!"
Tiamora smirked. "You'll get the hang of it. Why don't you take a moment to admire yourself? There's a mirror down that hallway. You'll find it enlightening."
Rynhara narrowed her eyes suspiciously but trudged down the corridor, muttering under her breath. The hall was lined with glittering treasures, each pile of gold and jewels a reflection of Tiamora's unrelenting ego. At the end of the hallway stood a massive, full-length mirror framed in what appeared to be dragon bone.
Taking a deep breath, Rynhara stepped in front of it.
The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks. She was no longer the rugged, battle-worn hero she had been. Instead, staring back at her was a small girl, no older than five, with pale, almost translucent skin that shimmered faintly under the cavern's golden light. Her white hair flowed down her back, its tips glowing like a rainbow mist.
Her sharp, shark-like teeth glinted as her mouth hung open in shock. Her eyes—one a piercing red and the other a vivid green—gleamed with an unnatural intensity. Two pairs of rainbow-hued dragon wings flared out behind her, fluttering slightly as though testing their own strength. A slender, whip-like tail swayed behind her, and atop her head, a pair of sleek, rainbow oni-like horns curved upward, their edges catching the light like prisms.
"This… this can't be real," she whispered, reaching out to touch the mirror. Her claws—delicate but undeniably sharp—tapped against the glass. The reflection mimicked her movements perfectly, the girl in the mirror gaping in equal disbelief.
"What am I?"
"You're adorable, that's what," Tiamora said, suddenly appearing behind her with a predatory grin before hugging her.
Rynhara jumped, her wings flaring out and smacking against the mirror. "Don't do that!"
Tiamora chuckled, circling her. "What's wrong, darling? I thought you'd be thrilled. You're practically a masterpiece!"
"A masterpiece? I look like a—like a cursed carnival mascot!" Rynhara exclaimed, gesturing wildly at her reflection.
"Nonsense," Tiamora said with a dismissive wave. " Whith those wings? Their gorgeous. That tail? It's magnificent. And those teeth? Utterly terrifying—perfect for intimidating your enemies."
Rynhara clenched her fists, her claws digging into her palms. "I don't want to intimidate anyone. I want to go back to being me!"
Tiamora's expression softened, just slightly. She crouched down, bringing herself level with Rynhara's tiny frame. "Oh, my dear, you are you. Just… an improved version. Stronger. More beautiful. And, most importantly, part of something greater."
"I didn't ask for this!" Rynhara snapped, tears stinging her mismatched eyes.
"No, you didn't," Tiamora admitted, her tone calm but firm. "But life doesn't always ask. It throws you into the fire, and you either burn or emerge tempered." She leaned closer, her golden eyes locking with Rynhara's. "You're not just a hero anymore, Rynhara. You're a dragon. My daughter. A princess.Embrace it, and you'll become something the world will never forget."
Rynhara turned back to the mirror, her small hands gripping its edges. The reflection still felt like a stranger, but deep within her chest, she felt the faintest flicker of… something. Power. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
"I'll never forgive you for this," she muttered.
Tiamora smiled faintly. "I wouldn't expect you to. But you'll thank me one day."
Rynhara stared at the strange, sharp-toothed little girl in the mirror, her wings twitching, her tail curling and uncurling restlessly. She wasn't sure what the future held, but one thing was certain: she'd find a way to reclaim her identity, even if it meant fighting the Dragon Queen herself.
"Fine," she said, squaring her shoulders. "But don't expect me to call you 'Mom.'"
Tiamora laughed, the sound echoing through the hall. "Oh, darling, you will. Sooner or later, you will."
" Now then let's get you all cleaned and clothed shall we? I'll also have to personally introduce you to everyone in the castle. Hmm, might as well make an announcement to the kingdom too. Voice of the world would you be so kind."
"NOTICE. THE HEAVENS TREAMBLE, THE CROWD ROARS, THE CONTINENTS QUAKE AS THE UNIVERSE CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF A BEING OF UNPARALLELED MIGHT. REJOICE, THE DRAGON PRINCESS HAS BEEN BORN. ONE WHO WILL RULE OVER ALL THE HEIR OF DARKNESS ."
" Well that was embarrassing but not for me." Tiamora laughed as she looked at Rynhara's rapidly reddening face
"Any ways let me show you to your room."
Rynhara suddenly found herself in an ultra soft and bouncy bed.
" Rest now my daughter I'm sure you must be drained after today's ordeal."
Rynhara found herself shutting her eyes as she slept.