The Pirate Fleet had collapsed completely. Ships collided and crammed together, and wherever dragonfire reached, death and destruction followed.
Even the pirates who jumped overboard to escape rarely survived. They were either struck by burning wreckage or drowned in the icy sea.
King Ghidorah no longer actively attacked. Instead, he circled above the battlefield, surveying everything with three pairs of golden eyes. Only occasionally did he unleash frost or flame breath to dispose of diehards attempting to ambush Rhaenys.
Blackflame specifically sought out groups of ships still large enough to organize resistance, then delivered the final blow with dragonfire.
The battle was a one-sided slaughter. Pirate ships caught fire and sank one after another.
Countless burning wrecks floated on the sea, along with a few people still struggling to survive in the water. The air reeked of charred flesh, blood, and saltwater.
The Empire's Navy Fleet encircled the perimeter, intercepting and shooting any pirates who tried to swim away. They had received no orders from Viserys to take prisoners, so they shot every figure they spotted.
When Meleys set the last floating pirate ship ablaze, turning it into a giant fireball that slowly sank, Viserys gave the order to return.
The Dragon Horde circled above the smoke-filled, firelit sea, letting out deep, commanding roars.
Rhaenys rode Meleys back to Viserys's side.
The girl's face was a little pale, and fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, but the initial tension and unease had vanished from her purple eyes, replaced by a quiet calm. She looked at Viserys and gave him a slight nod.
Viserys gave her an approving look, then guided King Ghidorah toward the Valyrian Peninsula, leading the Dragon Horde home. Behind them, only the Empire's Navy Fleet remained to clear the battlefield.
Dragonwing Castle held a small victory