The wind roared around them, a relentless force that threatened to rip Mikhailis and Elowen from their seats. The carriage pitched and swayed as the Skyras Hawk, talons dug deep into the frame, soared higher into the stormy sky. The once steady rhythm of hooves on a dirt path had now transformed into a cacophony of rattling wheels, creaking wood, and panicked shouts.
"Rodion! Any ideas on how not to die?" Mikhailis shouted, barely able to hear himself over the wind's howl. His storm-gray eyes were wide, his knuckles white as they gripped the edge of the seat for dear life. Rodion, his ever-sarcastic AI companion, hummed in his ear, his voice frustratingly calm.
