Thrane laughs. A full-blown laugh. I've never heard him sound so happy before.
I tsk at him as I walk by, making my way to offer Nyx a hand to stand up. He rubs his ass, staring at Drexel in bewilderment.
When he looks down at me, he frowns. "Why are you smiling, Kitarni?"
I shrug, fighting the grin begging to stretch further across my face. "It's nice to see you struggle. I was beginning to think you were perfect."
Nyx squints and brushes the snow from his leathers. "I thought Drexel wanted me to be his rider. Why toss me off?"
Sliding between him and Drexel, I square my shoulders to Nyx's and say lowly, "Maybe Thrane has a point, Nyx."
He holds up a hand in protest. "It's too early for a defeatist mindset."
"I'm serious," I inch closer to him, so the others won't overhear. "Maybe a little humility will go a long way with Drexel." Nyx opens his mouth to argue but stops when I say, "Remember who his previous rider was."
Realization sparks in his face. I give him a minute to process whatever he's thinking before tapping my boot atop his.
"You ready to try again?"
Nyx bobs his head. He's carrying himself differently already. He still walks with confidence, but his reverence for Drexel is evident with how he soaks him in.
Everyone waits as Nyx gathers himself at the end of the landing area, preparing to mount Drexel for the second time. For a moment, I fear Nyx lost the courage to try again, but then he sprints for the beast and once again easily finds his seat. I should know better than to doubt Nyx's drive and resilience.
This time, instead of flashing a haughty grin our way, or goading Thrane into another verbal sparring session, Nyx leans forward and lays his chest against Drexel's back. He puts his leathered glove against his white scales and whispers something none of us can hear. Drexel blinks slowly, as if processing everything his new rider is telling him.
My breathing is shallow as I witness their bond forming. There's a lot of trust that goes into riding a dragon. This experience will be good for Nyx. And Drexel.
"Are you ready to fly?" My mother's voice slices through whatever moment the duo is having.
Nyx sits up straight and nods with a humble smile. "I think we're ready." He glances at Kamari, watching him with keen interest. "As long as my partner is ready to catch me when I fall."
Kamari strokes Syrinx. "What are we waiting for?" Without hesitation, Syrinx spears upward, spinning as they break through the clouds.
I observe Nyx suck in a deep breath before Drexel follows suit. My heart lurches as I watch my best friend's grip tightens on Drexel. So far so good, Nyx is holding fast to his seat. Pride blooms in my chest, warm and confident.
Nyx's hair whips around when Drexel tapers off into an even position. He laughs, tossing his arms wide as the chilly wind and snowflakes dance around him.
"He's doing it!" I clap, though I know he can't hear my praise. "He's flying on a dragon!" A tear slips down my cheek. I've never been prouder of someone before.
But my confidence is short lived when Drexel banks left, and Nyx loses his footing and slips. His body falls at lightning speed toward the rocks below.
"Nyx!" I scream, contemplating if one of my shields could reach him in time and could withstand the brunt of the blow. But before I can truly process my thoughts, Kamari and Syrinx dive for him. The Frost Elf presses her chest against Syrinx's back, spearing toward Nyx with ease and determination. With expert aim, the dragon reaches for Nyx with her clawed foot and snatches him with ample time to spare.
I exhale, my nerves on high alert. Thrane's hand clamps down on my shoulder, startling me. "Have faith in your kin."
"I didn't – "
"You did doubt," he interrupts, but there's a softness in his voice that soothes my anxiety. "It's natural to doubt."
"But?"
He smiles, releasing his hold on me and clasping his hands behind his back. His gaze is transfixed on Nyx being returned to the landing area. "We will always be there to save our own."
"Do you consider Nyx one of us?" I quirk a brow, very interested in how he's going to answer.
Once Nyx's feet touch solid ground, Thrane tilts his head just enough to meet my gaze. "What a silly question, Aurelia. Of course he is one of us."
He slow-claps as Nyx approaches, just as he had for me when I first began my training. Knowing Thrane better, I'm realizing the act is his way of showing endearment.
