“Queen Vera, you need to bond with your luxaryn. This journey into the Outlands rides on you being able to communicate with Aetheris, the same way you do with your wolves.”
I frown, pursing my lips. He’s right, I know he is. But guilt at leaving the others eats at me.
“Your friends will be fine, and I’m sure they know what’s at stake,” Kaden adds.
“Fine,” I relent. “I will fly so I can bond with the luxaryn, but we watch over the group as we do.”
Kaden grins, inclining his head. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
A shadow falls over us, long and shifting against the snow. I squint up, lifting a hand to shield my eyes from the glare of the sun. My breath catches as I spot them—two massive luxaryn circling gracefully above. Their snow-white fur shimmers like frost under the golden rays. The creatures descend, their enormous wings spreading wide as they glide down effortlessly. The ground trembles faintly as they land a few yards away, their powerful claws sinking into the snow. They fold their wings against their broad backs, the motion smooth and practiced, before puffing out their chests as they stride toward us.
I can’t take my eyes off them. These beasts, reminiscent of lions but so much more, radiate an aura of majesty and command that takes my breath away. Their long tails swish behind them, and their piercing silver eyes seem to hold so many secrets.
The luxaryn halt a short distance from us, lowering themselves to sit on their powerful haunches. Even in this position, they tower over us, their massive forms casting an imposing presence.
Kaden, however, is utterly unfazed. With the ease of someone accustomed to their magnificence, he steps forward and places a hand on the neck of the nearest luxaryn. Its fur ripples underhis touch, catching the light like spun silver. The beast lets out a low rumble, almost a purr, and leans slightly into his hand. Even standing tall, Kaden barely reaches its shoulder, the beast towering over him by at least a foot.
I remain rooted in place, mesmerized by the scene. The bond between them is undeniable, a connection forged through trust and respect. As Kaden turns to glance back at me, a faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips as though inviting me to step closer.
“This is Starfire.” Kaden rests his palm on the luxaryn. “And that is Aetheris.” He motions toward the luxaryn who chose me yesterday.
I swallow down my nerves and step closer, my hand trembling as I reach up to touch Aetheris.
My fingers sink in, shifting through the strands, her fur is so soft and warm. I smile and look up, anticipation pounding in my chest.
“They are magnificent,” I breathe.
“Want to go for a ride?”
I give Kaden a look out of the corner of my eye, making him laugh.
“Come on, a practice run.” With fluent ease, he walks around the side of his luxaryn, and the creature stands, his hand gripping the mane as he launches himself onto its back, settling in.
“Ahh . . . ” Is all I can manage.
Aetheris shifts and nudges me with her nose.
‘Come little one,’she beckons, startling me.
With shaking hands, I reach up and grip her mane. Suddenly, Aetheris’s tail wraps around my middle, hoisting me up and onto her back. My hands grip the mane tightly as I clamp my legs down hard. Nerves and adrenaline flood my body.
“I’m not so sure about this,” I mutter.
‘I won’t let you fall.’
Without warning, Aetheris launches into the sky, her powerful hind legs propelling us upward in a single, fluid leap. Starfire follows closely behind. The force of their take-off sends a blast of snow swirling around me, the cold biting at my cheeks. A scream escapes my throat, carried away on the wind before I can even process it.
The ground beneath us disappears rapidly as we soar higher and higher. Cold wind tears at my hair and stings my face, my breath catching as I cling tightly to the luxaryn’s mane with a death grip. The vast expanse of the land stretches out in all directions, breathtaking and endless. The village shrinks to a speck below, the forests sprawling like a sea of green, while the mountains in the distance rise like jagged teeth against the horizon.
The icy wind whips past me, harsh and relentless, but I hardly notice. My eyes sting and water, though I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or the overwhelming rush of emotions surging through me. A strange bubbling sensation builds—somewhere between laughter and tears—as my heart pounds wildly.
I grip Aetheris tighter, my fingers digging into her silky mane for stability. It’s impossible to ignore the sheer power of her wings as they beat rhythmically, each stroke propelling us further into the vast, endless sky.
I close my eyes for a moment, letting the chaos within me meld into a single, indescribable feeling.
Chief Barak adjusts the strap of his fur-lined cloak as he addresses us. “We have topped up your supplies. It shouldn’t take more than two days to reach Escalle. My guides will lead you down the mountain through the rougher terrain.”
Valric claps the older man on the shoulder. “Thank you for your hospitality, old man.”
