Princess Baela stood at the edge of the Dragonpit, her eyes lingering on Vhagar as the great beast curled in the shadows, her silver-gold wings tucked neatly beside her massive body. The dragon had been her companion since she was young, and the connection between them was a bond like no other. Baela, still flushed from the flight, let out a deep breath as the weight of the winds and the skies lingered on her skin.

As she stepped closer to Vhagar, the sound of approaching footsteps broke her reverie. She turned, her violet eyes meeting her brother. He had always been at her side, but she could see the quiet longing in his expression as he gazed up at Vhagar, his lips tight. "How could I have guessed you would come as soon as I landed?"