Eric and Rune matched my pace effortlessly, their movements swift and controlled as we sped toward the border. With our combined speed, the journey was brief, and soon, we came to a halt at the outskirts of enemy territory. The moonlight barely touched the ground through the thick canopy above, casting long shadows that danced in the night breeze.
I reached up and gently patted Nox's head. His golden eyes gleamed as he tilted his head toward me, awaiting my command.
"Go, boy," I whispered.
Without hesitation, Nox spread his dark wings and launched into the sky. In an instant, he blended into the darkness, his midnight feathers rendering him nearly invisible.
Eric and Rune stood in quiet anticipation, their eyes following his flight for a moment before Rune turned to me.
"How's everyone back home?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with underlying concern.
"They're fine," I assured him.
