After lunch, Lanni met with Shan in their usual training spot. He looked more confi-dent than when they’d first started working together. His control over his magic had grown substantially—no more misspells, no more bursts of power he couldn’t reign in. “You’re coming along well, Shan,” Lanni said, giving him a small smile as she sat across from him. “No accidents today. Most spells seem easy for you now.” Shan grinned, his chest puffing a little with pride. “Yeah, I’ve been practicing.” “Well, today we’re going to take it up a bit,” she said, pulling out an ancient-looking book bound in weathered leather. “It’s time to create your own spellbook.” Shan’s eyes widened. “Really?” “Really. I’ll let you copy some of mine, but only certain spells. Some are forbidden for anyone but me to use, and others are written for immortals, which you’re not strong enough for. There are also a few I created specifically for white dragons. Even an immor-tal would fall into a trance trying to cast them.” Shan leaned forward, curiosity lighting up his features. “Are you really that much stronger than immortals?” Lanni raised an eyebrow. “There’s no real way to test it. But I used to struggle before I understood I was stronger than the dragons. Early on, my magic pathways were a mess. Once I figured out how to properly control and hold magic, I surpassed even the Ertoni-ans. Now, I don’t know if I have a limit.” Shan glanced away, his voice lowering. “Is that why you went… power mad?” Lanni’s face darkened briefly before she nodded. “Yes, it was. And it’s still a risk. But I had friends who reminded me what it was like to be powerless, to be in the hands of someone with no mercy.” “Like when you were with the trolls?” Shan asked, hesitantly. Lanni’s expression tightened, but she nodded. “Exactly. I won’t let that happen again.” The conversation shifted to Shan’s spellbook. Together, they spent time selecting spells for him to copy. Shan was eager, wanting to include every spell he was strong enough to cast, even ones he didn’t think he’d ever need. Lanni patiently helped him or-ganize them. “Shan,” she said, glancing at him thoughtfully after a while. “Can I ask you some-thing personal?” Shan stiffened. “I don’t want to talk about it.” “Talk about what?” “You want to know what I am,” he muttered, avoiding her gaze. “I’m not human.” Lanni sighed softly. “I’m more curious why you’re hiding it.” “It’s no one’s business,” Shan said, his voice firm. “I don’t want to be labeled an ani-mal or a freak.” Lanni gave him a knowing look. “I’ve been alive for a thousand years, Shan. I’ve traveled this world and others. The only race that looks human and can cast magic as strong as yours is the immortals, and you’re not one of them. I tested you. You’re not even part immortal.” Shan’s frown deepened, but he stayed silent. “So I can only assume you’re from a race that doesn’t look human but can change shape.” Shan glared. “So what if I am? Does it matter?” Lanni shrugged. “Not to me. But the problem is, there are very few races strong enough to change shape like that. You’re no dragon, and you’re not a unicorn. So I’m guessing you’re a half-breed, like me.” “And that would make me a freak?” “To some, maybe. But not as much of a freak as me,” she said with a wry smile. “There are fewer than a dozen white dragons alive. One ancestor, me, Tercala, my three kids, one grandchild, and Tercala’s four. That’s it. For most of my life, I thought I was one-of-a-kind. It wasn’t until I met Tercala that I realized I wasn’t alone. But by then, a lot of damage had been done.” Shan’s face softened slightly. “So, what? You want to send me away?” “I couldn’t even if I wanted to,” Lanni said with a chuckle. “You’re enlisted for six more years. You’re stuck with us.” “I’m not stuck. I want to be here,” Shan insisted, his voice defensive. Lanni smiled. “I didn’t mean it like that. I know you do. My point is, if I knew what you were, I might be able to help you. You could find more of your people, learn about them. You can transport. You could visit them.” Shan’s eyes darkened. “There’s no one else like me.” “What are you?” Lanni asked, tilting her head. “I’ve seen a lot. Maybe I can help.” Shan hesitated, then finally whispered, “I’m a Mer-rock. Do you know of any of those?” Lanni frowned. “No, I don’t.” “See?” Shan said, frustration creeping into his voice. Lanni’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t because, they don’t exist. You shouldn’t exist. Mer-folk and Rocs are bitter enemies. They don’t mix. They’ve hated each other for centu-ries.” Shan frowned. “Loka said she knew two from long ago.” Lanni nodded slowly. “Yes. Twin sisters. The mother got drunk and slept with a man she’d just met. It turned out he was a roc. When it was learned what happened all four were later slaughtered.” “So, rather than being a freak, I’m an abomination Thanks, Lanni, that helps so much.” Lanni sighed. “If you’re an abomination, you aren’t alone. I’m a crossbreed. I’m part immortal and part dragon. Most of my kind were killed too. If it wasn’t for my human side, I would have been too.” “That doesn’t help.” “Does it help to know you’re protected by treaty laws? Back when those girls were killed, we didn’t have treaties with either race. The first thing Menthanla insisted on was the protection of our people, regardless of race even merrocks. That’s specified. Both races agreed. You grew up in a foster home. That makes you a citizen. You’re also a sol-dier. That gives you extra protection.” Shan looked doubtful. “And if they ignore the treaty?” Lanni’s expression hardened. “Then they’ll regret it. Yarba, the trolls, the Tamerians—all of them have learned what happens when you cross Menthanla. People fear dragons, but rulers fear us. No one wants to test the power of a Menthan.” “So that’s why we occupy Yarba?” Shan asked, raising an eyebrow. Lanni nodded. “They broke our treaties one too many times. This last time, they went too far.” Shan chuckled. “I’m starting to hear some of that madness you’re famous for.” Lanni didn’t deny it. “Maybe. But my madness protects my family.” “All of Menthanla,” Shan corrected with a smirk. Lanni laughed. “Yes. And a few other kingdoms too.” “And if you and Jahree mate, probably people from another world as well,” Shan teased. “I already have family on other worlds,” Lanni replied casually. “My first husband was from Earth.” “Earth?” Shan looked surprised. “Isn’t that a forbidden world?” “It is now,” Lanni said, her expression wistful. “I haven’t been back since his parents died. Earth has too many magic-blocking metals including copper. It’s suffocating.” Shan nodded in agreement. “I hate copper. It makes it hard to hide my magic.” “You don’t have to hide anymore, Shan. Not here. You don’t have to be anyone but yourself.” Shan’s frown returned. “I grew up as a human. I don’t need to change now. My peo-ple didn’t want me. I don’t want them. Humans, dragons, and elves raised me. I’ll live like them.” Lanni nodded. “That’s your choice. But like the spells you’re copying, it’s good to have options. You never know when you’ll need them.” Shan grunted, but there was a thoughtful look in his eyes. “I’ll think about it.” “If you ever decide to learn, Loka can help. She knows what you are, and you two seem to get along well.” Shan’s expression darkened. “I said I’ll think about it.” Lanni didn’t push further, knowing that was as much as he would give for now. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands