As the first faint light of dawn began to filter into the cave, Yara's eyes fluttered open. She was stiff from the cold ground, but her mind felt clearer with the arrival of daylight. The whispers had receded with the darkness, leaving only the distant echoes of their unsettling promises.
"We should go," she murmured, her voice hoarse from lack of sleep.
The dragon nodded curtly, already on his feet and looking out the mouth of the cave.
He helped Yara to her feet, his touch steadying her as she gathered her belongings. They moved silently out of the cave, their footsteps cautious on the uneven ground.
"Stay close," the dragon murmured as he walked in front of her. "We must watch for their scouts."
She sighed softly, glancing at her daggers resting beside her. "I know. Maybe we should try to contact someone. The longer we linger, the greater the risk."
