The moon shone brightly, casting a layer of light over Conifer Valley, hemmed in by mountains on three sides, and the land around it.
Mobel carried the charred corpse of his dead father back to the den where the Dire Bears lived, then slammed it onto the ground with a bang.
But the Dire Bears were not looking at Mobel.
They raised their heads as if facing a great enemy, their pupils reflecting the figures of two Dragonkin circling in the sky.
Their gazes passed over the pure-blooded red dragon. Every one of them was looking at the other dragon.
The Red Iron Dragonet's scales looked as though they had been forged from steel. Sparks burst from his enormous, broad wings, and the shadow cast by those wings nearly enveloped every Dire Bear present.
With Garos backing him up,
Mobel puffed out his chest and heavily slapped the ground with his thick bear paw, sending stones flying.
He swept his gaze over the bears, his voice booming like thunder:
"Open your bear eyes and take a good look!"
He pointed a claw at the charred corpse on the ground. "This is what happens to anyone who defies the great Dragon Lord!"
Under the moonlight, the Alchemy Runes on Mobel's body shimmered, adding even more intimidation to his presence.
He slowly walked toward the center of the bear pack, each step making the ground tremble faintly.
"How many years has old Gor ruled over you? Even your mating rights depended on his mood."
Several low voices rose from the pack in agreement. The young male bears in particular had long held grudges against their old leader.
Seeing this, Mobel immediately raised his voice. "And now!"
He spread his arms.
"On behalf of Lord Garos, I promise you this—all male bears will