But little did the travelers know, they had just fallen into a clever trap set by Splash and Reef. Splash and Reef used to set traps inside the Crystal Caves all the time as a prank to catch others. But now, this prank would come in handy as a trap.
As the group moved deeper into the cave, mesmerized by the sparkling crystals, Reef and Splash exchanged knowing glances. The travelers were unaware that every step they took brought them closer to a hidden snare.
"Isn't this place amazing?" Tiny Wings exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Look at all the colors!"
Aurora nodded, her tail flicking with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like the cave is alive."
Cole, despite his usual clumsiness, was careful not to touch the fragile crystals. "This place feels almost magical," he said.
"Well, it is called the Crystal Caves for a reason," Splash said with a grin, guiding the group toward the heart of the cave.
Suddenly, there was a loud click, and the ground beneath their feet gave way. The travelers found themselves caught in a net, suspended in the air. They struggled, but the more they moved, the tighter the net became.
"What the-?" Shadow growled, trying to free himself.
Reef and Splash stood below, their expressions a mix of guilt and determination. "We're sorry," Reef said, "but we can't let you get to the Dragon's Heart."
Elanor glared down at them. "You tricked us!"
"Trust is a fragile thing," Frostbite said, remembering the Snow Dragon's words. "And you've just shattered it."
Tiny Wings, still tangled in the net, looked at Moss with tears in her eyes. "Moss, what do we do now?"
Moss tried to calm Tiny Wings. "Stay calm. We'll find a way out of this."
Reef sighed. "We really are sorry, but we can't let you get the Dragon's Heart. We have our reasons."
"Reasons?" Aurora snapped. "You mean betrayal?"
Reef and Splash looked at each other, their guilt evident. "We had no choice," Splash said quietly.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed through the cave. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The perfect catch to take to Lumis."
The Snow Dragon appeared through one of the tunnels.
"Hey, now! We caught these travelers first!" Reef hissed.
The Crimson Fang leader appeared out of one of the tunnels, holding a jewel, her presence both frightening and menacing. "I will take these travelers from your claws."
The Snow Dragon backed away, knowing how much of a danger the Crimson Fang dragons were. "Nuh-uh! Reef and I caught these travelers! And we will take them to Solara before you do!" Splash growled.
The Crimson Fang leader sneered at Reef and Splash. "You think you can just take what rightfully belongs to me? You're fools."
Before Reef or Splash could react, the Crimson Fang leader lunged at them, her movements swift and deadly. With a single powerful strike, she knocked Reef and Splash aside, leaving them dazed and disoriented.
The travelers, still tangled in the net, watched in horror as the Crimson Fang leader turned her attention to them. She pulled out a glowing jewel from her pouch, and with a flick of her claws, she activated it. The jewel emitted a bright, blinding light that enveloped the entire cave.
When the light faded, the travelers found themselves freed from the net, but unable to move. The jewel had cast a powerful paralysis spell on them.
"Now, to collect my prize," the Crimson Fang leader said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. She carefully placed the jewel back in her pouch and began gathering the travelers, securing them with enchanted chains that shimmered with a dark, foreboding energy.
Tiny Wings whimpered, trying to muster the strength to move. "Moss... I can't... I can't move..."
"Stay strong, Tiny Wings," Moss whispered, her voice strained. "We'll find a way out of this."
But the Crimson Fang leader paid no heed to their words. With a cruel smile, she lifted the paralyzed travelers and began her journey to Solara's temple. The journey was long, and the travelers felt a mix of fear and helplessness as they were carried through the rugged landscape.
As they approached Solara's grand temple, the Crimson Fang leader's heart pounded with anticipation. She knew the reward for capturing the travelers would be great. She marched confidently into the temple, where Solara awaited her on a high throne.
"Your Majesty," the Crimson Fang leader said, bowing deeply. "I bring you the travelers, captured and secured as you commanded."
Solara's eyes gleamed with delight as she examined the paralyzed travelers. "Well done," she purred. "You have done a great service to me."
The Crimson Fang leader straightened, her chest swelling with pride. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I live to serve you."
Solara waved a claw, and her attendants stepped forward, bearing a chest filled with glittering jewels and gold. "As promised, your reward."
The Crimson Fang leader's eyes widened in awe as she accepted the chest. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This is more than I could have dreamed."
Solara's gaze shifted to the travelers. "Take them to the holding cells," she ordered her guards. "We have much to discuss."
As the travelers were led away, Tiny Wings managed to whisper to Moss, "We'll find a way out, right?"
Moss nodded. "We'll find a way, Tiny Wings. We won't give up."
As the travelers were secured in their cells, the weight of their predicament settled heavily on their shoulders. They had been betrayed, captured, and handed over to Solara.
A few minutes later, Solara walked into the dungeon, where the travelers were being held in different cells. Solara paused by one and looked down at her dragonet, Tiny Wings. "Let her out. I need to have... A talk with her."
The guards hurried to unlock Tiny Wings' cell, their keys jingling loudly in the dim light of the dungeon. The heavy iron door creaked open, and Tiny Wings hesitated, looking at Moss for reassurance.
"Stay strong," Moss whispered through the bars, her eyes filled with worry.
Tiny Wings nodded and stepped out, trembling slightly. Solara towered over her, her presence imposing and commanding.
"Follow me," Solara said curtly, turning and leading Tiny Wings down a long, winding corridor. The guards followed at a distance, their expressions unreadable.