*Saoirse*

The cold wind lashed against my face. I tightened my grip around Rhys, whose head lay heavy against my chest. His breaths were shallow, and his once vibrant eyes were now dull and clouded with pain. Below us, Auxreon's wings beat with powerful strokes, the mighty dragon's form cutting through the sky as we neared the Egoren palace. Saphira followed close behind, her majestic form burdened with the limp figures of Rhys' men.

"Stay with me, Rhys," I murmured ...