Whispers Of Desires: A Sense Of Courage {Book 3}

❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐞: 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐲 ❀ꗥ～ꗥ❀

The carriage rattled through the streets of Niameda and soon approached the port. When it came to a halt, Adanna peeked out the window, her breath catching in her throat.

A group of curious onlookers had gathered around a magnificent sight – a griffin with shimmering black feathers waited patiently on the dock, its massive wings folded. A blue crest adorned its chest, and a majestic golden carriage was attached to its back, ready to transport passengers through the sky.

"My word, it is a griffin!" Serena exclaimed, awe in her voice. "I have only ever read about them. They are even more magnificent in person."

The carriage door opened, and Serena and Adanna stepped out. They walked toward the group of onlookers, curiosity piqued. As they drew closer, the griffin turned its regal head, its golden eyes calmly assessing them.

"It is truly a magnificent creature," someone whispered.

Adanna and Serena exchanged glances, feeling a mixture of wonder and excitement. Then they noticed a handsome man with tanned skin, short brown hair, and a neatly trimmed beard standing beside the griffin. He wore a formal yet practical dark blue suit, his posture confident and dignified.

He looked at a portrait in his hands before addressing them. "Lady Adanna and Princess Serena, I presume?" he asked, a polite smile gracing his features. His gaze lingered on Adanna, causing her to feel uneasy.

"Indeed, that is us," Serena confirmed, her eyes darting between the griffin and the man. Adanna remained silent, her earlier excitement dampened by his lingering stare.

"I beg your pardon if the griffin startled you," the man continued, his smile widening. "I am Miguel, the Griffon Master for the De León family."

"A Griffon Master?" Serena echoed, her curiosity sparkling. "How fascinating! We have no griffins in Ivamis."

Miguel chuckled. "Aerionia is full of wonders, Princess." He paused, glancing at Adanna before returning his gaze to Serena.

"Please forgive my manners; it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miguel," Serena said, curtsying politely.

Adanna, still uncomfortable, offered a small nod. "Indeed, it is an honor, Miguel." She marveled at the griffin's size and beauty.

Miguel gestured toward the golden carriage. "Please, follow me."

He ushered them to the carriage and opened the door. Adanna and Serena gathered their skirts and climbed inside.

The interior was just as beautiful, with blue velvet seats and stained glass windows depicting scenes of nature and animals. As Adanna settled into her seat, she noticed Miguel's earlier smile.

Was it her imagination, or was there something else in his gaze? Before she could ponder, Miguel climbed onto the griffin's back with surprising agility.

With a powerful beat of its wings, the griffin launched into the air. Adanna gasped, stunned by the sudden ascent. Below them, the cobblestone streets of Niameda faded into the distance, replaced by rolling countryside and towering oaks.

A pang of bittersweetness filled Adanna's heart. She was leaving all she knew behind, venturing into the unknown. A tear welled up in her eye, but Serena reached for her hand, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"Do not worry, Adanna," Serena said gently. "We shall be fine. We have each other."

Adanna met Serena's gaze, a grateful smile curving her lips. "Indeed," she agreed. "We shall."

The griffin flew above the clouds, providing breathtaking views of the vast countryside below. Adanna marveled at the sight of the mighty ocean in the distance, realizing how large and beautiful the world was.