In the Air

I had been eagerly anticipating our customary flight outside the walls. However, Freya failed to appear. Solara and I waited in vain until the night descended, bringing with it a wave of melancholy. I attempted to cry, but my eyes remained dry. Sensing my distress, Solara gently asked, “Are you ok?”

My voice trembled as I replied, “Freya didn’t join us today. I miss her deeply.” She comforted me, “Don’t worry, I’m positive you’ll see her tomorrow. Perhaps she’s just overly tired after your trip.”

I expressed my longing to see my little dragons, but felt helpless in my current form. Solara suggested they would understand if I explained my shapeshifting abilities. I shared my concern about them wanting to change forms too. We discussed the importance of being honest with them sooner rather than later, and the likelihood of them discovering the truth on their own, the fact that they didn’t share my exact same powers.

Our conversation paused for a while, then I remarked, “It's interesting, I can see in the dark.” She responded, “That's quite normal. I typically keep watch during the night, thanks to this ability.” This led us to discussing our sleeping habits, or rather, the lack of them. We decided to embark on a night flight, eager to clear our minds and embrace the serenity of the dark skies.

Our night-long flight took us over vast terrains, from the ocean to the mountains and back. We encountered a few night-faring dragons who were taken aback by the sight of two giant fire eagles. I chose not to reveal my identity, but they recognized my mark and questioned it. I deflected their curiosity by claiming a close friendship with Nox.

News of a second giant eagle spread rapidly across neighboring kingdoms. This brought mixed feelings; while it dissipated any doubts about my sudden appearance and affirmed I was no threat, it also ignited rumors that I was Solara’s soulmate, a far-fetched notion.

The following night, Freya joined us, bringing along Vesper and our children: Zephyrion, Luna, and Juno. Their presence filled me with overwhelming joy. As they grew tired, Solara taught me to use my second pair of wings to carry them. It was a heartwarming experience. We soared higher and higher, ascending above the clouds under the star-studded sky.

While we enjoyed the celestial panorama, I noticed a peculiar light moving at an incredible speed. They mistook it for a shooting star, but I suspected it was some form of vehicle. I filed it under the UFO category in my mind.

Our reunion was a joyful occasion. Freya embraced me as warmly as she could, and soon Akira, Fyrenthos, and Flynn joined us. We were a complete family, except for Leo. I reached out to him, inviting him to join us. He didn’t recognize me at first, so I revealed my identity. He agreed to join us and we soared into the sky once more.

During our flight, we shared stories and discussed the portal. Leo revealed why he was still being pursued by King Zain. As he narrated his tale of a lost kingdom and a cursed fate, my children listened in rapt attention. Leo seemed relieved to have someone who understood his past.

As we returned, I noticed a peculiar feature on Leo’s wings: bright spots that glowed in the dark. He explained they were a result of the ritual spell with the dark crystal. Although he liked them, I was concerned they could potentially expose him to danger.

I chose to reveal my true identity to Leo, that I actually was the Raphael he once met. He already knew and explained that there weren't many with my powers, except for my children. I apologized for withholding the truth and he graciously accepted, understanding the need to hide when one is a potential target.

We landed back at the palace walls, parting ways with my little dragons and Freya. They returned to their rooms, while Solara and I took to the skies once more, embracing the beauty of the night.