Diaval's body ripples with the effort of flight, scales glinting in the sunlight. His response is a powerful roar, a sound that vibrates through the air and resonates in my chest. It's reassurance—a signal that he understands.
With a subtle shift in trajectory, we change course. Relief washes over me.
I strain my eyes, searching for any sign of our pack below. The landscape gradually comes into focus, and I spot the SUV just clearing the mountain pass.
Relief floods my system. I'm grateful for the detour. The SUV is moving quickly as Diaval glides on the thermals heading north toward Silver Falls.
From our elevated vantage point,the world unfurls beneath me like a sprawling tapestry. The distant, ethereal peaks of the white mountains pierce the horizon, their ghostly outlines captivating my gaze. Between those majestic summits and here lies Silver Falls, a mere speck from this great height.
Diaval's dragon, sensing a different thermal, adjusts course, and we surge forward with renewed speed.
I steal a glance backward, my eyes tracing the undulating length of his dragon. The sheer enormity never fails to amaze me. With each beat of his colossal wings, he propels us higher, and I feel the rush of wind against my face.
The scales, a sea of obsidian, extend as far as my eyes can see, absorbing every ray of light. I find myself captivated by their intricacies, each one a testament to the battles Diaval's dragon has weathered.
Battle scars crisscross the dark expanse, a silent narrative etched into the very fabric of his being.
Lost in thought, I can't help but wonder about the stories behind those scars. Will Diaval ever share them with me? I know him asmy grumpy but fiercely loyal mate, yet the mysteries of his past linger like shadows.
The outline of Silver Falls becomes clearer as we approach. I watch Diaval tilt his head left, then right, scanning the ground below. Eventually, he turns his head, and his whole body follows, heading toward a field.
Remembering from last time, I lean forward, holding onto the ridge of bone in front of me. He lands carefully, then slowly lowers his head to the ground. His wing comes forward, and I step onto the tip, lowered gently to the earth.
Diaval shifts back and closes the distance between us, pulling me to his firm chest.
"The abrupt departure was not planned." He looks down at me, his dragon still in his eyes.
"What happened?" Furrowing my brows, I stare at him, worry building in the pit of my stomach.
His arms band tighter around me. I hear the rumble of his dragon in his chest.
"I wasn't sure what I was seeing. It looked like the town was coming out—either to watch or attack. I can never tell with wolves." He winces.
"We are rather instinctual. Fight or flight seems ingrained in our DNA."
He nods, grateful for my understanding.
Diaval motions behind us. "Just over that ridge is Silver Falls." His serpentine tongue flicks out, tasting the air. "By what little I can taste, I believe the town is abandoned."
Tilting his head, he studies me.
Turning my nose to the wind, I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. The crisp scent of snow is in the air—an impending snowstorm not far off. A rabbit digs into fallen leaves in the underbrush. Deer are some distance away but upwind from me.
I don't scent any other wolves or humans. We are the only bipedal beings in the area.
Opening my eyes, I turn to face Diaval. "It's just us here."
There's a building tightness in my chest. I watch Diaval rubbing his sternum.
Reaching out, I place my hand over his, stopping his movement. "Sorry, I'm not good at keeping my feelings to myself."
He nods stiffly as he leads me toward where the road should be. "It's a new feeling." Narrowing his eyes, he examines me. "It's not unpleasant. Just different."
I can tell he's examining the feeling in his chest.
"Do dragon bonds feel the same?" I reach up and touch his scale, giving it a stroke, feeling its rough edge under my fingertip. "What do I feel like to you?"
I look up into his eyes and stroke his cheek.
