Kaeryx's heart cracked.
It slammed against his ribs, wild, panicked. A whimper escaped his throat as he tried to move forward, the instinct to fly to them overwhelming everything else.
But Ethan was ready. He placed mental pressure on Kaeryx's mind and spoke.
'Not yet. They're still alive… and there's still a chance to save them. But not if you act now. Trust me.'
Kaeryx trembled.
His tiny claws scraped against the ground, his wings fluttered with restrained instinct. The wails wanted to come. The fear burned hot.
But he obeyed.
Because somewhere deep within him, he recognized it—Ethan's presence, not as a voice, but as something larger. A will stronger than his fear.
Ethan's grip tightened.
'You'll save them. But only if you strike when it counts.'
So Kaeryx waited. Coiled not in fear, but in readiness. And in the shadows of despair, something ancient began to stir.
The flame… was learning to roar.
It didn't take long.
