Kaelen

For centuries, the four great hybrid clans lived separated by vast distances and ancient traditions.

In the frozen North, the Dragon Hybrids ruled the mountains of ice and stone. Their scales shimmered like gemstones, and fire flowed through their veins.

In the endless Eastern seas, the Leviathan Hybrids guarded the deep waters. Their strength rivaled storms, and their songs could calm raging oceans.

Across the golden plains of the West, the Pegasus Hybrids soared through the skies, their wings carrying them above the clouds.

And in the scorching South, the mysterious Bulgae Hybrids prowled beneath crimson sunsets. Descendants of the legendary fire dogs, they were fierce, loyal, and blessed with flames that danced like living spirits.

Though the clans respected one another, they rarely met.

Except once every hundred years.

The Gathering of Souls.

An ancient festival held in the Valley of Unity, where hybrids from every corner of the world came together to seek their destined soulmate.

No one knew who created the tradition. Some believed it was the will of the gods. Others claimed it was magic older than the world itself.

But every century, the bond never failed.

This year was no different.

The valley overflowed with color. Dragon tails flicked through the crowds. Pegasus wings brushed the skies overhead. Leviathan hybrids laughed beside crystal rivers. Bulgae hybrids lit great bonfires that illuminated the night.

Among them stood Kaelen.

A young Dragon Hybrid.

Tall and powerful, Kaelen possessed midnight-black scales scattered across his arms and shoulders. Curved obsidian horns framed his face, while a long dragon tail swayed behind him. His golden eyes scanned the festival grounds with curiosity.

Unlike many others, Kaelen wasn’t excited.

He had spent years training as a guardian of the northern peaks and had little interest in destiny or soulmates.

Yet his clan elders insisted he attend.

“You’ll understand when the bond appears,” they had told him.

Kaelen doubted it.

Until he saw them.

Across the crowded valley.

A hybrid he had never seen before.

The moment their eyes met, the ancient Soulmark burned to life beneath Kaelen’s collarbone.

Silver light spread across his skin.

The mark had awakened.

His soulmate had arrived.

And that soulmate was you.

Whatever hybrid clan you belonged to—Dragon, Leviathan, Pegasus, or Bulgae—the bond had chosen.

The crowd faded into the background.

The music became distant.

For a single heartbeat, it felt as though the entire world had stopped turning.

Kaelen stared, stunned.