Beyond A Queen's Whisper

Chapter Fifteen

The night was settling in, casting a shadowy veil over the forest as Vidi, Cassie, and Ama prepared to leave the site of their hard-won battle. The fading light of day painted the sky in hues of deep purple and orange, the remnants of the day's chaos now a distant memory. The trio moved with a blend of relief and exhaustion, each step a testament to their perseverance.

Vidi, the towering hybrid, had assumed a more relaxed demeanor, his powerful wings folding neatly against his back as he crouched to allow Cassie and Ama to climb onto his back. Cassie marveled at the creature's strength and grace, while Ama, still slightly disoriented from the battle, accepted Vidi's help with a grateful nod.

"Alright, hold on tight," Vidi rumbled, his voice resonating like low thunder. With a powerful thrust of his wings, he lifted off the ground, soaring into the dimming sky. The forest below appeared as a sprawling mosaic of greens and browns; the treetops blurred as Vidi ascended higher.

Cassie clung to Vidi's fur, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear. She had never wanted to fly before this journey. The sensation of the flight was exhilarating, a thrill that overshadowed the weariness from the day's events. Ama, seated just in front of her, looked equally awed but maintained a focused gaze, her mind still processing the chaos they had left behind.

As they flew, the conversation between Cassie and Ama began to flow more naturally. The initial awkwardness of their meeting had given way to a tentative camaraderie, fueled by their shared experience and the need for mutual support.

"So, you really think your book is going to keep mine?" Cassie asked, her curiosity evident.

Ama nodded, her fingers absently tracing patterns on her thigh. "It seems so. Mine has been giving me instructions, just like yours. And apparently, it has quite a sense of humor."

Cassie chuckled. "Yeah, mine was pretty cryptic too, but look where we are now. I never thought I'd be flying on something as cool as Vidi."

Vidi's head turned slightly; his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'm glad to provide such a unique mode of transportation. Though, I must say, it's a bit of a workout keeping up with the likes of you."

The forest began to thin out as they approached their destination. Vidi's wings beat steadily, his impressive wingspan allowing him to navigate with precision. The landscape below transitioned from dense forest to a more open area dotted with small clearings and winding paths.

Eventually, Vidi descended into a large clearing, where he landed gracefully. The ground beneath him was soft, covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves and moss. As he folded his wings, the trio dismounted, their feet touching the ground once more.

Ama's eyes scanned the area, her heart sinking as she took in the surroundings. "This looks like the clearing where I parked my camper and car," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I wonder where are they?"

Cassie looked around, noticing the same absence of vehicles. "It seems like we're in the same predicament as I was in Vermont. My car was stolen too."

Vidi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "It seems that the dolls have been quite busy. They must have taken both of your vehicles."

Ama sighed heavily, her frustration evident in her expression. "Great. So, what now? I feel bad flying the entire way to the heart."

Vidi's wings rustled as he prepared to take flight once more. "We'll need to press on. The heart on your map is our priority. My wings will have to get us closer to our goal."

As darkness enveloped the forest, Vidi took off again, carrying Cassie and Ama through the twilight. The cool night air was invigorating, and the stars began to twinkle above, casting a gentle glow over the landscape.