The mouth of the tunnel gradually came into view, and Shawn and the others could now see what lay beyond it.
It was the palace dome, fifty meters high. Rather than being built from piled stone, it had been excavated directly, and marks left by axes and chisels were still visible overhead.
Clearly, this Black Dragon palace had been carved straight into the mountain, then decorated and remodeled. Building the whole thing from stone bricks would have required many times more labor and resources.
"Thank goodness the Black Dragon Servian isn't blocking the exit." Shawn let out a soft breath.
If the Black Dragon had been lying over the exit, they would have been in serious trouble. They would not even have been able to get out, much less hunt down Servian.
"Let's go out together." Shawn gave a hand signal.
Everyone nodded.
Agile as ever, Eileen was the first to leap out of the tunnel, landing lightly without making a sound.
"Perfect!" Shawn gave her a thumbs-up, then climbed out after her.
The others followed.
They found themselves in an immensely spacious hall-or perhaps a cavern. All manner of gems, along with pearls and other ornaments, were embedded in or hung from the four walls and the dome. They shone brilliantly beneath the magical lights.
Tommy nearly cried out, but Adrian reacted quickly and covered his mouth just in time.
This was the palace where the Black Dragon Servian lived, and no one was allowed inside. Even the Dragonman Guards assigned to serve the dragon were only permitted to stand watch outside.
Only Servian's mate and offspring were allowed to enter the palace.
Servian's mate had been surrounded and killed by several powerful Wild Spirits long ago. Because adult Black Dragons were extremely rare, Servian had remained without a