The chill of a perpetual winter settled heavy over Mountainia, a kingdom hidden from human sight, guarded by mountains that kissed the sky and shed snow every day. Inside the colossal castle, young Prince Landon Vulcan lay restless in his bed. The warm glow of a lone candle fought back the oppressive moonless night, casting dancing shadows on the ceiling.

He was only six, yet the weight of his royal lineage already pressed upon him. Unlike other children, he counted dragon scales instead of sheep to lull himself to sleep, a trick taught by his father, King Joseph Vulcan. Tonight, however, an unusual sound pierced the silence, a low, resonant thrum that vibrated deep within his chest. Curiosity, a powerful current, pulled him from his bed.

Closing his eyes, Landon found himself, not in his room, but before the glowing, pulsing heart of the first dragon—the Mighty Heart. It was an impossible connection for one so young. Drawn by an irresistible force, he reached out, only to be jolted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He barely had time to hide before two figures entered the forbidden chamber, one demanding to touch the Heart to claim the throne. A scream of pain, a wild beating, and then a mad dash into the night, the heat of the Mighty Heart inexplicably burning within him.

Moments later, the loyal minister Raymond burst into his room, his face grim. "We need to go, Prince Landon. It's an order from the king." There was no time for goodbyes, no time to gather belongings. Raymond scooped him up, leaping from the window, and transformed into a magnificent dragon, soaring away from the burning castle, leaving Landon's home, his family, and his childhood in ashes below.