Chapter 5: Unraveling the Mystery

The silence that followed Astra's words was palpable, and Draco could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on her. Kael's expression had turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as if he was sizing her up. "Go on," he said, his voice low and menacing. Astra took a deep breath, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for support. "My father was a... a researcher," she said, her voice hesitant. "He worked on a top-secret project for the Council, but he disappeared a few years ago. I've been trying to find out what happened to him ever since." Lyra's eyes widened, and she took a step forward. "What was the project about?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Astra hesitated, her gaze flicking to Kael before returning to Lyra. "I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I think it had something to do with the ancient magic that once flowed through the land. My father was obsessed with unlocking its secrets." The room erupted into a flurry of whispers, with Zephyr and Elyria exchanging worried glances. Draco's mind was racing, trying to connect the dots. The ancient magic, the Dark Scales, Astra's father... it all seemed to be linked in some way. Kael's expression had turned cold, his eyes flashing with anger. "Enough," he snarled, his voice cutting through the din. "You don't need to know any more, Astra. But I will tell you this: you will come with us, one way or another." Astra took a step back, her eyes wide with fear. Draco instinctively moved forward, his spatial magic at the ready. "I don't think so," he said, his voice firm. "She's under our protection, Kael. You'll have to go through us to get to her." Kael sneered, his lip curling up. "You really think you can stop us?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "We have the power of the ancient magic on our side. You don't stand a chance." The air in the room seemed to grow even more charged, the magic building to a crescendo. Draco could feel the tension building, the anticipation of a confrontation hanging in the air like a challenge. He knew that they were running out of time, that they had to act fast to protect Astra and themselves. Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open, and a figure strode in. It was a woman, tall and imposing, with piercing green eyes and long, flowing silver hair. She was dressed in a flowing white robe, and a staff in her hand seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. "Kael, I see you're still trying to bully your way to what you want," she said, her voice like music. "But I think it's time to put a stop to that." The Dark Scales parted, revealing a symbol on the woman's robe - the symbol of the Council. Draco's eyes widened as he realized who she was - the Council's most powerful mage, and one of the most feared and respected magic users in the land. The woman's arrival had changed the dynamics of the situation, and Draco wondered what her true intentions were. Was she there to help them, or did she have her own agenda? Only time would tell.