The morning sun peeked through the mist, painting the mountainside in shades of gold and silver. The battle with the Shadow Weaver lingered in Darian's mind like a haunting melody, but the urgency in Oryn's voice pushed him forward.
"Today," Oryn announced, his gaze fixed on Darian and Sumner, "you will take your first flight."
Darian's heart skipped a beat. "Our first… flight?"
Sumner's wings fluttered with excitement, the air around him shimmering with heat. I've waited for this moment since I hatched, he said eagerly, his silver eyes sparkling.
Oryn nodded. "The bond between dragon and rider is most complete in the air. It is there that your strength, your courage, and your unity will be tested. But this is not just about learning to fly—it's about learning to trust each other completely."
A surge of nervousness washed over Darian. He glanced at Sumner, who tilted his head in a gesture of encouragement. "Are you ready for this?" Darian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
I was born ready, Sumner replied with a hint of pride. Are you?
Darian took a deep breath, forcing the doubt from his mind. "I think so."
Oryn led them to a wide, flat expanse of rock that jutted out over the mountainside. It provided a breathtaking view of the valley below, and in the distance, Darian could see the ruins they had visited the day before. The wind whipped at his hair, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and earth.
"Mount up," Oryn instructed.
Darian hesitated for only a moment before he climbed onto Sumner's back, settling between the dragon's shoulder blades. The scales felt cool and smooth beneath his fingers, and he could feel Sumner's muscles shifting with every movement.
Hold on tightly, Sumner advised. The first time is always the hardest.
Darian took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Sumner's neck, his heart pounding in his ears. He could feel the dragon's excitement, his eagerness to take to the skies, and that energy flowed into him, washing away his fear.
"Remember," Oryn called out over the wind, "trust in your bond. Let go of your fear, and let Sumner guide you."
Sumner crouched low, gathering his strength. Darian felt his muscles coil, like a bowstring being drawn back, and then, with a powerful thrust, Sumner launched himself into the air.
For a moment, they were weightless, suspended between the earth and the sky. The ground dropped away beneath them, and Darian's stomach lurched. Panic surged through him, and he clung to Sumner's neck with all his strength.
Breathe, Darian, Sumner's voice cut through the fear. Feel the wind. Let it carry you.
Darian forced himself to take a breath, to feel the wind rushing past him, the warmth of the sun on his face. Gradually, the fear ebbed, replaced by a sense of wonder. They were flying—truly flying. Sumner's wings beat rhythmically, effortlessly carrying them higher and higher until they broke through the clouds.
The world opened up before them, a vast expanse of endless sky and distant mountains. The wind roared in Darian's ears, and for the first time in his life, he felt truly free.
"This is… incredible!" Darian shouted, his voice lost in the wind.
It's only the beginning, Sumner replied with a joyful rumble. Now, let's see what you can do!
The dragon banked sharply to the left, and Darian's breath caught as they swooped through the air. He felt the shift in Sumner's movements, the way his muscles tensed and released, and he began to understand the rhythm of it—the dance between dragon and rider.
Darian reached out with his thoughts, merging with Sumner's mind. He could feel the dragon's exhilaration, his joy, and he let it fill him, guide him. Together, they twisted and turned through the sky, moving as one.
"You're doing it!" Darian shouted, his voice filled with exhilaration. "We're doing it!"
I told you I was ready, Sumner replied smugly, but there was warmth behind his words. Now, let's see if you can keep up!
He dove suddenly, plummeting toward the earth in a steep spiral. Darian's heart leaped into his throat, but he didn't panic. He trusted Sumner—trusted their bond—and together, they pulled out of the dive, soaring back into the sky with a triumphant roar.
Oryn watched from the cliff, his eyes narrowed against the wind. A faint smile touched his lips. "You're learning faster than I expected," he muttered to himself.
As they flew, Darian noticed something shimmering in the distance, a faint glow just beyond the horizon. It was unlike anything he'd seen before, and a strange feeling stirred in his chest.
"What's that?" he asked, pointing toward the light.
Oryn's expression darkened, and he took a step forward, his gaze fixed on the distant glow. "That," he said quietly, "is the Beacon of Avarice. It is the heart of the Shadow Weaver's power, and it's growing stronger. He's preparing for something… something dangerous."
Darian's heart sank. "How do we stop him?"
Oryn looked at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and sadness. "You already know the answer, Darian. You and Sumner must grow stronger, faster. The only way to defeat him is to master the bond you share. It's the only thing that can match his power."
Sumner's wings stilled for a moment, and Darian felt the weight of the task ahead. We can do it, Sumner said, his voice steady. Together, we'll find a way.
Darian nodded, a newfound resolve taking root in his heart. "We'll keep training. We'll keep fighting. And we'll stop him."
Oryn smiled, a rare expression on his weathered face. "Then you may yet be the hope this world needs."
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky darkened, Darian and Sumner landed back on the cliff, their hearts still racing with the thrill of flight. For the first time, Darian felt the true power of their bond, the unbreakable connection that bound them together.
And as they stood there, side by side, staring out into the gathering darkness, Darian knew one thing for certain.
They were ready to face whatever lay ahead.