The relief that washed over the soldiers after the intense battle was short-lived.
Their beast slowed its flight, wings beating in steady rhythm as it glided through the air.
The tension began to dissipate, though exhaustion clung to every man and woman.
They exchanged weary glances, their grips on the feathers loosening as they allowed themselves to believe the worst was behind them.
"Finally," Harlin muttered, his voice strained. "I thought we were done for."
"You think it's really over?" Tova asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course it's over," Reva said, though her trembling hands betrayed her confidence. "That thing is gone. We're safe now."
Lucas stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Even though the immediate danger seemed to have passed, his instincts screamed that something wasn't right. Lyerin, standing at the edge of the beast's back, also remained quiet, his sharp eyes scanning the skies.
