She clenched her eyes shut, fighting tears.
“Catch me,” she whispered, picturing her mother’s gentle hands and her father’s powerful arms. She imagined being wrapped in a soft, green mesh—a net of safety.
Her thoughts turned to Bálint.
His smile.
His stubbornness.
The way he looked at her like she was magic herself.
A wave of grief choked her.
Then—darkness.
The sky above the Isle of the Sea Serpent radiated with opalescent hues as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The sea glistened like liquid sapphire, and beneath its surface, hints of glowing coral reefs pulsed with a soft luminescence. The air was thick with salt and magic, a heady mixture that crackled with ancient energy.
From the docks, Orion stood with arms crossed, watching the silhouette of an approaching airship. Its silver wings caught the last golden rays of sunlight as it glided over the sea, trailing iridescent steam. The massive dragon-shaped vessel bore the crest of the Isle of the Dragon—Drago’s ship.
On the deck of the airship, Phoenix clutched the railing, her amber eyes locked on the palace, growing larger with each passing second. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Below, the waters of the protected cove sparkled. Joy burst through her when she spotted the familiar figure standing near the end of a long dock.
Zohar.
Without a second thought, Phoenix vaulted over the railing.
“Phoenix, wait—!” Carly’s voice was lost in the wind.
Phoenix transformed mid-fall, her wings snapping wide in a flare of molten gold and flame-red. Her dragon form caught the air like a banner, a blur streaking toward the earth. The wind roared in her ears, heart hammering with a reckless joy as she dove.
Zohar barely had time to look up before a ball of black feathers and laughter crashed into him.
He grunted as he stumbled backward, his arms instinctively wrapping around the familiar form that shifted in his embrace. He let out a strangled laugh and pulled her even closer when her arms wound tight around his neck.
“Phoenix,” he breathed.
She leaned back, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “You got stronger,” she teased. “Either that, or I got lighter.”
He looked at her like she was a miracle. “I missed you.”
Above them, Drago’s airship descended slowly, graceful and imposing as it skimmed the waters of the cove toward the waiting dock crew. Moments later, the gangplank extended with a quiet hiss.
Drago descended first, his regal bearing softened only by the warmth in his eyes as he looked toward Orion. Carly followed, little Roo clutching her hand before letting out an excited squeal and racing forward.
“Dolph! Juno! Little Carly!”
Squeals of laughter echoed across the docks as the kids collided in a mess of limbs and joy.
Phoenix pulled Zohar into another hug. “I’m so glad you’re safe. I’m sorry for messing up the portal.”
Zohar shook his head, his arms around her. “Don’t be. Maybe this… will be our best adventure yet. Because I’m learning what it really means to be a leader.”
His gaze flicked over her, protective and assessing. “Are you okay?” His voice lowered as he glanced toward Drago. “Did you get hurt?”
Phoenix squeezed his hand. “I’m fine. Drago and his family helped me. I’m… still trying to understand some things I’ve learned.”
Orion approached, his tall form commanding but relaxed. “Let’s head to the palace. There’s a warm meal waiting.”
Phoenix smiled when Zohar laced his fingers with hers. His eyes held a quiet strength and calm she hadn’t seen in a long time. Her heart gave a quiet thump.
