Kaelith shifted beneath me again, sensing our next move.Ready?she asked.
Always.
We took to the skies once more, our squad silent as we cut through the heavy air. The wind grew wetter as we neared the falls, mist rising to greet us. The crashing sound of water was deafening as we descended.
Kaelith hovered beside Foran’s usual perch, but it was empty. The surrounding trees were undisturbed. No scent trails. No claw marks. Nothing.
We scoured every corner—circling the falls, checking beneath the cliffs, sweeping the riverbank.
But there was no sign of Dorian.
And no sign of Foran.
Kaelith’s voice slipped into my mind, calm but urgent.We must return, Ashlyn. Foran will protect his rider. Trust him.
But why?I asked, glancing one last time at the mist-veiled gorge below.Dorian could still be?—
The first flight from the lost continent is nearly upon us. They will arrive soon.
My heart stuttered.That’s impossible. Norven didn’t even know if we’d accept the pact. He said it would take three days to reach their homeland?—
Yes,she interrupted, her tone almost smug,which means Norven was very confident we’d agree to his terms.
I blinked, heart pounding as I turned to look at Zander just as Hein growled low and steady above us. Zander’s face twisted slightly, then he snapped his head toward me. He’d gotten the same message.
“Mount up,” he ordered, voice carrying clearly to the others. “We return to Warriath—now.”
We didn’t argue.
Within minutes, the wind was tearing past us as our squad cut back through the smoke-stained skies toward home. My thoughts churned in rhythm with Kaelith’s wingbeats, questions spiraling.
Zander’s voice pressed into my mind, low and intimate.What happened with Remy?
I stiffened slightly.Hein told you?
No. But I can feel it. Something’s off.A pause.Talk to me.
I let out a slow breath.He thinks I’m putting my relationship with you above the protection of Warriath. He said I was being selfish… that I’ve changed.
Zander’s silence was a presence all its own.
And what do you think?he finally asked.
I think he’s scared. We all are. But the difference is—I still believe in us. In the bond we’ve made. He doesn’t.
Zander’s reply was quieter this time.Then he no longer knows who you are.
Maybe he never did.
There was a long beat before his mind brushed against mine again, warm and steady.
I do.
The wind cooled as we crested over the final ridge toward Warriath. Below us, the coast shimmered with the last golden strokes of sunlight, and for a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the view of rolling cliffs softened by sea spray, the Dragon Isle dark against the water like a sentinel.
Then I saw them.
A wave of gray bodies rising on the horizon, moving in tight formation, Swordtails, Clubtails, Strikers, fifty strong, if not more. Their dull scales caught just enough light to gleam like smoke. The sight sent a ripple down my spine.
