Mia’s POV

The wind was colder above the clouds. It whipped against my face, carrying the scent of pine and smoke from the lands below. Sylvie’s massive wings cut through the sky with a rhythm that steadied my racing heart.

For the first time since the banquet, there was no shouting, no chains, no eyes watching us like prey. Just endless sky.

I pressed a hand to Sylvie’s scales, the silver heat pulsing faintly beneath my palm.

You came back to me. The thought was almost too much to bear. ...