The forest clearing erupted into chaos as Val and Yara burst into view. Sky's massive dragon form lay crumpled, bound in heavy netting glimmering with faint magical runes. His scales, usually radiant, seemed dull under the weight of his capture. Smoke tendrils curled from Val's nostrils as his fury ignited, a visible heat shimmering around his human form.
"Get away from him!" his voice thundered, a growl tearing from his throat as he launched himself into the fray, fists ablaze with fire. The attackers turned, startled by his sudden appearance, but quickly regrouped. Their leader barked an order, and the group converged on Val.
Yara darted after him, her daggers flashing as she slashed at the first figure to approach. The assailant twisted away with inhuman speed, their movements were fluid and unnervingly precise.
