“We’ll fit,” Selen says, her tone leaving no room for argument. She points to the drake's forelegs, which end in claws big enough to double as farming tools. “Veyra, Byron, you two will be carried in her hands.”
“Hands?” I repeat, my voice rising in disbelief as I stare at those powerful talons. Each claw is longer than my leg, curved and sharp enough to slice through flesh with minimal effort, or crush a mortal fae in a heartbeat.
“Orphara has carried passengers this way before,” Selen replies smoothly, as if being scooped up by a dragon is a completely normal mode of travel. “The rest will ride on her back.”
I glance at Byron, expecting at least a flicker of doubt, but to my surprise he gives the barest nod and steps forward. Orphara lowers her foreclaw, her talons unfurling with slow precision, the sheer size of them enough to make my stomach knot. The scales on her palm glint in the light, dark, ridged, as tough as armor.
Byron hesitates just a fraction of a second, then sets his foot onto the makeshift cradle. The dragon’s claws shift ever so slightly, flexing beneath his weight, and for a heartbeat I’m sure he’ll flinch or freeze. But Byron only tightens his grip on one of the ridges, his jaw set, refusing to let any fear show. I hold my breath, waiting for something to go wrong.
The drake gently curls her claws around him, careful to leave enough space for him to breathe and move. He looks completely at ease in the creature’s grip, as if being held by a dragon is the most natural thing in the world. And Orphara looks like she’s done this a hundred times; her eyes half-lidded, movements deliberate, as if she’s perfectly aware of the power she holds and is content to play along.
I wish I could say I shared their confidence. My heart’s pounding so loudly I half-expect the drake to turn and shush me.
Selen nods approvingly, then turns her expectant gaze to me.
“Your turn.”
I hesitate, staring at the drake's left foreclaw as it opens for me. “Where are we even going?” I ask, trying to mask my nerves with indignation.
“You'll see soon enough,” is all Selen offers.
Cautiously, I approach Orphara's waiting claw. The drake watches me with those unsettling milky eyes, her head tilting slightly as if curious about my hesitation. I take a deep breath and try to let my instincts take over. I step into her palm, tensing as her talons begin to close around me.
The sensation is strange. Her scales are warm and surprisingly smooth against my skin, her grip firm but gentle. She holds me securely but with enough space that I don't feel trapped.
“See? Nothing to worry about,” Selen says, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. “At least not for you and Byron.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, glancing at the male fae.
“Let’s say you share a similar affinity.”
With that, she grabs hold of the dragon’s scales and swings herself up behind the neck, like she’s just mounting an unusually scaly horse.
Meaning Byron and I both have a connection to beasts?Selen appears to as well, judging by the ease with which she handles the creature.
I look over at Byron again, who sits still in the drake's other hand, his expression passive.
“Have you done this before?” I ask him, trying to get a little more comfortable in my claw seat.
Byron turns, his storm-and-amber eyes meeting mine. There’s a flicker in his expression—something like acknowledgment or maybe amusement—but he doesn’t speak.
I hold his gaze a beat longer, curiosity flickering. Whatever his answer, he keeps it to himself, perfectly at ease in the silence.
Meanwhile, the others are arranging themselves on Orphara's back under Selen's direction.
“Ellis, sit directly behind me,” Selen instructs as she settles at the base of the drake's neck. “Hold onto my waist. Lira, behind Ellis. Then Nyx, Sariah, and Vex. Talyra and the rest of you, fill in the remaining space.”
“This is insane,” Lira grumbles as she climbs onto the drake's back. “If we fall from this?—”
“Then don't fall,” Nyx cuts in, her voice steady despite the tension evident in her tone. “Just hold on tight and pray to whatever gods you believe in.”
“I don't believe in gods,” Lira mutters.
“Then start,” Vex retorts, settling behind Sariah.
Once everyone is settled, Selen leans forward, whispering something to the drake that I can't quite catch. Orphara respondswith a low rumble that vibrates through her entire body.Selen is… an actual dragon whisperer?Before I can process that, she calls,“Hold tight!”
Orphara crouches, her powerful muscles bunching beneath her scales. I feel her claws tighten around me, enough to firmly encase me, thankfully not to crush. Then, with a sudden surge of strength, she launches into the air.
