Isabel felt her temper flare. "No, I'm suggesting we be smart about this. We're in a dangerous place. We need to be quiet, vigilant, and work together. Arrogance won't get us anywhere."
Thalassa's eyes blazed with anger. "You dare speak to me like this? I could have you thrown in the dungeons for such insolence!"
Isabel took a step back, holding up her hands. "Princess, if you don't want my help, fine. But you're not making it easy for either of us. I don't trust you. Not after what you just did with that lizard."
Thalassa's face twisted with fury and frustration. "Fine! Go your own way, then. See how far you get without me."
Isabel's decision solidified in that moment. She couldn't stay with Thalassa. The princess's arrogance and recklessness were too dangerous. "I think that's exactly what I'll do," Isabel said, her voice firm. "Good luck, Princess Thalassa. You're going to need it."
With that, Isabel turned and began to walk away, her steps purposeful. She felt a pang of fear at the thought of facing the dangers of the land alone, but she knew it was the right choice. She couldn't trust Thalassa, and she couldn't afford to be pulled into more dangerous situations because of the princess's behavior.
Thalassa watched Isabel go, her expression unreadable. For a moment, it seemed she might call after her, but then she turned away, muttering to herself about the stubbornness of commoners.
Isabel didn't look back. She focused on the mountains ahead, her resolve steeled. She would face whatever came her way on her own terms, without the constant threat of betrayal from someone who was supposed to be on her side.
As Isabel walked away, she could feel Thalassa's gaze burning into her back. The tension was palpable, but Isabel didn't falter.
She was determined to put as much distance between herself and the princess as possible. The thought of being free from Thalassa's arrogance was a relief, even if it meant facing the dangers of the land alone.
But then, she heard Thalassa's voice, filled with venom, cutting through the air. "You bitch! If I didn't need you, do you think you would still be alive? How dare you talk to me like that!"
Isabel paused and turned to face Thalassa, her own anger simmering just below the surface. "You needed me? You have a funny way of showing it, pushing me into danger and treating me like a servant. If you really didn't need me, you'd be dead by now."
Thalassa's eyes narrowed, and she took a step forward, her fists clenched. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Just wait until we get out of here. I'll show you your real place."
Isabel laughed, "And what do you have other than the princess title? You can't even protect yourself. I wonder why they even sent you to die in this unknown place."
Thalassa's face twisted with rage, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned and stormed off in the opposite direction, muttering curses under her breath. Isabel watched her go, a mix of relief and apprehension settling in her chest. She knew Thalassa was dangerous, but she also knew she couldn't let fear dictate her actions.
She was fed up with her and her so-called princess attitude. She had tried to give her the respect of a princess, but she totally didn't deserve it, and she couldn't pretend anymore.
As she resumed her journey, Isabel felt a strange sense of freedom. She was on her own now, but at least she didn't have to worry about Thalassa's unpredictable behavior.
Isabel walk slowly through the barren land, the weight of her decision to part ways with Thalassa heavy on her shoulders but also bringing a sense of liberation.
The terrain was harsh and unforgiving, with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation making the journey challenging. She focused on her goal—the mountains—knowing that each step brought her closer to her destiny and, hopefully, her dragon.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape, Isabel heard a faint, pitiful sound. She paused, straining to identify the source.
Following the sound, she stumbled upon a creature lying in a small, rocky hollow. It was a large, reptilian beast, covered in scales that shimmered faintly in the dying light. Its wing was twisted at an unnatural angle, and deep gashes marred its flesh.
The creature's eyes glowed with a mixture of pain and fear as it watched Isabel approach. It growled weakly, baring its teeth, clearly warning her to stay back.
Isabel's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. This creature could easily kill her if it decided to. But another part of her, the part that valued compassion and empathy, couldn't ignore the suffering before her.
Slowly, she knelt a few feet away, keeping her movements gentle and non-threatening. "Hey there," she said softly. "I'm not here to hurt you. I want to help."
The creature's growl softened, but it still watched her warily. Isabel took a deep breath and reached into her pack, pulling out a water flask and some bandages she had kept for emergency earlier. She held them out, showing the creature her intentions.
"I'm going to clean your wounds and bandage them," she explained. "It might hurt a little, but I promise I'll be as gentle as I can."
The creature seemed to understand, or perhaps it was simply too weak to resist. Isabel moved closer, her heart pounding. She began to clean the gashes, wincing in sympathy as the creature flinched. She worked quickly but carefully, wrapping the bandages around the worst of the injuries.
When she was done, she sat back, offering the creature some water. It drank greedily, its eyes never leaving hers. Isabel smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"You're going to be okay," she said softly. "Just rest now."
As the night deepened, Isabel stayed by the creature's side, keeping watch. She didn't know if it would survive the night, but she felt a strange connection to it. In helping the creature, she felt she was also helping herself...