The Price of Valor (118)

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Starfania told Violet to scoot over, and she did without hesitation. Atlas seemed to understand her intent immediately. He lowered his stance, muscles coiling beneath his scales, and began to sprint. In one fluid motion, Starfania vaulted onto his back, her body aligning perfectly with his movement as if they were a single being. Aeron, clearly impressed, mirrored her actions, mounting Drogo with focused determination.

  The instant Starfania settled into place, Atlas surged forward

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The instant Starfania settled into place, Atlas surged forward. With a powerful thrust, his wings tore through the air, launching them skyward at a breathtaking speed. The wind roared past them, a symphony of rushing whispers that echoed their exhilaration. Below, the land blurred into a patchwork of greens and browns as Atlas climbed higher. Violet tightened her grip—not from fear, but from the sheer thrill of it. This was freedom. Aeron, riding atop Drogo, kept pace easily. The familiar rhythm of flight ignited a fierce, competitive spark within him as Drogo's powerful wings beat in steady harmony with Atlas's.

They sliced through scattered clouds, sunlight flashing across sleek scales and outstretched wings.

" Keep a sharp eye out for any signs!" Violet shouted over the roar of the wind, adrenaline surging through her. Their mission had never been clearer. They had a target—and nothing would distract them now. Atlas banked left, circling to gain altitude, with Drogo following close behind. From above, the world unfolded like a vast quilt, the lingering scent they were tracking now blending with the crisp, clean air of the sky. Atlas was relentless, racing across the heavens like a bolt of lightning. Starfania felt the raw powers in every beat of his wings—in every tilt, every dive. And then, just as suddenly as he had accelerated, he slowed.

His body tensed. One wing adjusted as he eased into a hover, suspended effortlessly in midair. Atlas inhaled deeply, nostrils flaring as he sampled the currents. Drogo mirrored the motion, slowing beside him. Aeron blinked in confusion and called out, " Whoa—he was flying like a demon a second ago! What made him stop so suddenly?"

Atlas closed his eyes, tilting his head slightly, as if listening to something only he could hear. His body turned in a slow, graceful spiral, deliberate.

" I think he's deciding which way to go next," Starfania said quietly.

Drogo squinted against the bright light, clearly trying to read Atlas's intent. The sky stretched endlessly around them—open, inviting—yet something seemed to hold Atlas in place. Aeron leaned forward, curiosity sharpening his voice. " You really think he's weighing his options? Shouldn't that just be instinct for a dragon like him?"

Starfania shrugged, her gaze never leaving Atlas. " Maybe. But sometimes even instincts need a moment. There's more to him than speed and power."

At last, Atlas opened his eyes. Determination flared within them, bright and steady. He drew in a deep breath of crisp air, then spread his wings wide. For just a heartbeat, uncertainty flickered in his gaze—then resolve overtook it. Violet placed a hand on Starfania's shoulder, excitement bubbling in her voice. " Look! He's gearing up again. I think he's made his choice."

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