DISCLAIMER: I do not own Wings of Fire. It and the characters within (Qibli, Winter, Thorn, Moon, Riptide, Kinkajou, Capybara) are Tui T. Sutherland's. Falcon, Oleander, Arid, Pearl and Moor were created by me.

Not much to say up here this time! If you have any thoughts or critiques I'd love to hear them as always! Writing is all still very new to me and I want to improve as much as possible.

He really should have expected it. He knew it was only a matter of time before his grandfather slithered out of whatever horrid hole he had been hiding in to come torment him. Honestly it had been a good couple weeks since Darkstalker's defeat and did he really need more time to live free? Living under a rock is fine, he tried to convince himself while his SandWing claustrophobia pushed in from the other side. It sure beats being dead. Looking back, it was quite silly to have hoped that Vulture disappeared. If he remembers those enchantments, he'll be even more merciless than when we had only foiled his plan to rule the SandWings.

All the more reason for him to actually kill me this time. Or maybe he'll be happy to harass me for the rest of my life, guaranteeing my misery and misfortune. Of the two options, he really didn't know which was more likely. Both are quite unfortunate ends for me, he lamented.

Or… maybe it was his turn to go on the offensive. Instead of hiding away he could take the full force of the SandWing army and CRUSH HIM INTO TINY GRAINS OF SAND HAHAHA. But that would involve finding him first. Vulture had an uncanny ability to vanish whenever it got too heated at his compound. Not that many dragons could apply the right pressure necessary to drive him out. Even without him there, his compound would still be heavily guarded and booby trapped to protect his treasure. That also meant too many casualties if Qibli was able to convince Thorn to lend him her army.

He let out a gloomy groan, feeling more hopeless than ever before. Somehow, while he had no idea what Vulture was even up to, Vulture knew exactly where Qibli was. I wasn't even here that long! How did he find out about the supplies? His heart rate spiked and he let out a shudder. The obsidian mirror. That had to be it. But the obsidian mirror was safe in Thorn's palace. Unless he attacked Thorn and overthrew her and now he's killed all the Outclaws! All while I was playing around with maps. He grappled his temples in his talons as his mind spiraled out of control like a SandWings swept into a sandstorm. This is not productive. He instructed his brain.

How about a dune-load of worrying about Moon? His mind shot back. Vulture probably doesn't know about her — or how I feel, but she was at the palace. He let out a small gasp. What if he infiltrated the palace? How else could he have known I was going to Sanctuary? By seeing you leave. But attacking the shipment? He had to convince himself that none of the Outclaws would betray Thorn. But at the same time, there were plenty of dragons that weren't from the Outclaws. And it's not like it's impossible to pretend to be an Outclaw. Still, there were plenty of dragons who weren't Outclaws that supported the queen. Janitors, cooks, guards, advisors, merchants…

The more he thought about it, the more peril Thorn became immersed in. All these ways for Vulture to murder her. But at least he could squash that thought. If no one had been able to assassinate Burn in her sleep then I'm sure Thorn is more than prepared, whether that's through auditing the dragons around her, or maintaining trusted allies. Is that an evil thought?

He heard a creak nearby and let out a whimper as all his irrational thoughts came crashing back down around him, like falling sandstone cliffs. It's been a good life, really. Taking a couple deep, shaky breaths he readied his tail. But I won't go down without a fight.

Just as someone ripped the blankets off his head, he sprung forward and tackled the intruder. A very cold intruder.

"Great polar bears Qibli, IT'S ME!" Winter's shout rose to a higher octave as he was knocked down and onto his back (but luckily before he was stabbed).

Qibli squinted at the IceWing and once he was satisfied that it was indeed Winter's brilliant blue stained scales (and not a surprise sneak attack from a hired mercenary) he jumped off him and began pacing around Winter's cabin. "What are you sneaking around for then! You practically attacked me first. I would have been totally justified in stabbing you." He paused to look at Winter's concerned face as realization cascaded over him like moonlight. "Winter!" He grabbed Winter's shoulders and drew him into a hug with both wings before he could say anything. "Oh thank the moons you're back! You'll never guess what happened." He abruptly shoved him away and snapped, "what took you so long?" At least he has the decency to look guilty. Or maybe that's just the look of confusion — paired with exhaustion, and maybe some exasperation about dealing with m — Yup! Definitely exasperation since his frown just deepened. He started pacing again, ignoring Winter's range of expressions. "Guess! You'll never —"

"SHUT YOUR SENSELESS SNOUT THIS SECOND!" Winter bellowed, flaring his wings majestically. "And quit your pointless pacing so you can SIT YOUR TAIL DOWN!"

The blood instantly drained from Qibli's face and he snapped his mouth shut as if he was under a spell. Under Winter's withering gaze, he obediently dropped on his haunches, curled his tail around his talons, and tried to appear as small as possible.

Even though Winter's tone of voice was startling similar to the commanding voice of Vulture from his childhood, his face featured an emotion absent from Qibli's earliest memories: concern. Every time he had stood before Vulture, it was either for a spine-chilling inspection, or a speech about how disappointing whatever he had — or hadn't — done was. It was never to express sympathy, weakness, or moons forbid, concern.

Concern is weak, his grandfather's voice rang, like bells in his ears. It's the weakness that allows other dragons to outsmart you. To get close to you and betray you. To use and steal from you. To manipulate you. Qibli was only two when he had 'learned' that lesson. At that age, he had just begun stealing to survive. It was never much and could barely sustain him. His brother, sister, and all the whispers when no one thought he was listening, would say the same thing: his scrawniness is just another reflection of his ineptitude. Unable to steal and feed himself properly like a true member of the family. It aligned with how much of a disappointment he was.

That's why it was more of a shock to Qibli than anyone else when he managed to trick a shopkeeper into giving him a whole fish. It was slimier than anything he would want to eat, but desperation turns a blind eye to the distasteful. By, ironically, posing as a desperate dragonet trying to please his mother, he embellished a heart wrenching story about ruining her hatchday surprise and, wanting to make up for it, was hoping to cook her a surprise I'm-sorry fish. Naturally, he didn't have the money to pay for it, and couldn't ask his parents because that would ruin the surprise.

Unlike most of the shopkeepers who would shoo pesky dragonets away, the MudWing met him with kindness and offered him a fish without a second thought. What's worse was what he said.

"It's dragonets like you who care so much about their parents and dragons' feelings who will really turn the Scorpion Den around. Remember that, alright?" While walking away with the biggest score he'd ever managed was beyond exciting (everyone would have to respect him now), those words buzzed around his head like a swarm of fruit flies locked onto a damp oasis pond. That was the first time he took advantage of someone's kindness in order to steal from them, and his heart had felt inexplicably heavier because of it.

No matter what he was doing, his thoughts would circle back to that kind dragon. In fact, it got so bad that he wasn't able to sleep come night time because he kept imagining himself in that dragon's talons: what if he has a family to feed? What if that fish cost him his position? He put all his good faith in the exact wrong dragonet, does he know which family I belong to? Or maybe his lack of sleep that night was just because of what came next.

As he was escaping the crowded markets in favor of a safer place to eat, he accidentally stumbled into another dragonet who was rushing in the opposite direction.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" The mysterious dragon exclaimed as she jumped back, giving him a big smile.

That was strange, he thought. Most dragons here would gut you just for smiling, or as they would like to call it, 'teasing' them. Besides, none of them were kind enough to come close to considering smiling. This dragonet though, was about his age and he didn't recognize her. That meant she must be new to the Scorpion Den. Even stranger than her upbeat personality was the fact that she was distinctly a SeaWing. All the way out here? She had a striking mix of scales that imitated a sunset spilling over the ocean, while her bright phosphorescent patterns blew over her scales like a fresh ocean breeze.

"My name's Pearl, what's your name?" She continued unconcerned.

"Qibli," he squeaked. "Who are you?"

Pearl let out a laugh which scrunched up her snout. "You already know that! I'm Pearl, I think I mentioned that."

"But who are you? Where did you come from? Where are your parents? Why haven't I seen you before?"

For a brief second, doubt and despair flickered through her eyes, as if they reflected the shadow of a hunting hawk flashing overhead. "Oh, I suppose you could call me a traveler."

"Then let me give you a bit of advice, stay away from the Scorpion Den," he said honestly. No one smiles at new dragons they just meet. It's a frenzy full of torment that'll feed on a dragonet like her. She's even worse than me! His mind flared indignantly.

"It can't be that bad, you have a very nice looking fish at the very least," she said undeterred.

His suspicion flared immediately, and he twisted away from her, cradling the fish. I knew it, she just wanted to steal my fish. But at the same time, the MudWing's voice rang in his head. If he was so kind, can't I be as well and share the fish? But the deepest part of his mind revealed his true motive: will she be my friend? "Would you like some?" He offered timidly.

Her deep blue eyes said it all. They stared yearningly at the fish in Qibli's talons, but it seemed like she couldn't bring herself to accept. "It's okay, I was headed out to eat it myself, but I don't mind sharing," he urged.

Pearl didn't have the opportunity to respond before strong talons shot out of the shadows and seized Qibli's horns, forcing his nose into the ground and causing the fish to tumble out of his talons and into the dusty street. Pearl spread her wings as if she wanted to flee, but hesitated and ended up meeting a similar fate.

"Sssssso this is what my grandson does," hissed a venomous voice from nearby. "Sharing the little he has and for what?" Vulture spat. He turned his withering gaze onto Pearl who let out a woeful whimper. "Haven't I taught you anything? Strength over weakness," the skulls along Vulture's neck appeared to growl.

Then Vulture slashed his claws angrily at Pearl's exposed shoulder. As she shrieked, Qibli screamed "don't hurt her!" He could feel the tears working their way to his eyes. Why is this happening? Why is everyone so mean?

"Or what?" Vulture shouted. He took a couple deep breaths through flared nostrils before he motioned for the dragon to release Pearl. As she was released, she glanced at Qibli with a conflicted look that said betrayer, but also asked will you be alright? It was over in a heartbeat as she whipped around and bolted off, her tail flashing away along with her sobs.

There was no hiding his own sniffles as the reality of his grandfather's cruelty settled on him. "Toughen up lizard. Trust no one, and only think for yourself. Or I'll be the least of your worries." When Vulture finished, Qibli was thrown sharply into the sandstone walls surrounding him, cracking his head painfully when he fell against the ground. Turning to watch Vulture leave, he saw him stop by Qibli's dropped fish. Looking into his grandson's eyes, he stomped furiously on the fish, flattening and smearing it's scales into the street. It felt like a warning. Next time, it'll be your sorry scales. My patience is wearing thin. Then he stalked away as if this was as ordinary as an afternoon chat among neighbors.

Over the next year, he had spotted Pearl in the Scorpion Den from afar, but he was always too guilt ridden by the scar on her shoulder to approach her. He also hardened his resolve, and became the cunning fast thinking dragon that he was today. He realized that words and clever thinking could claim just as much as brute strength. Most importantly, he was careful to hide his emotions and actions so his family would never hurt someone innocent again. That was, until he stole the coconut that would mark a drastic shift in his life.

But standing in front of him now wasn't his grandfather. They weren't in the Scorpion Den, fighting for survival. It was his friend. Here, and in the present; showing genuine worry for him and not in the 'will he mess this con up' kind of way. Because he really cares.

He was still quite stunned by Winter's outburst, so he wasn't sure what to do besides stare at him wide-eyed. It didn't appear Winter knew either, because his stare was returned to him like a reflection on a still lake surface.

An unintentional sniffle escaped his nose and it dawned on him just how close his tears were from falling. I haven't cried in years. I didn't realize that memory was still so painful. Or it's just nice to have someone care about me for once. Or, and this was probably it, I'm just emotionally unstable right now.

Winter face was slightly mollifying though. He looked like he was a fish thrown onto a sand dune. Eventually, he reached out with a wing and patted Qibli on the back twice. "There there." he said uneasily.

Qibli was startled into cracking out a straggled laugh. "Very comforting," he choked out, not trusting his voice to hold. Then it hit him that that was probably more than anyone had ever done for Winter in his entire life. Why can't I be strong like him? As his brain slowed down, it made way for a flood of exhaustion to sweep over him. Sighing, he turned away and sought refuge in the pile of blankets he had hidden under before, burying himself once again.

Qibli could still feel Winter's gaze on him for the next couple minutes before he tried again. "Ahem… umm." Winter cleared his throat and tapped Qibli's shoulder. "Do you… want to talk about it?"

He shifted around so he could give him a skeptical glance. "Weren't you just telling me to 'shut my senseless snout'?"

"Right! Yes…. but… um." Winter rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "But that was just to calm you down! And look, it worked!" He tried shooting Qibli a smile, but he just sighed and set his head down on his front talons, closing his eyes. I know he's trying, I shouldn't just shrug him off. That won't lead anywhere. I even pushed Winter to talk through his emotions not that long ago, I should really follow my own advice. But it's so hard, he realized. Where do I even start? I guess I've never really had anyone to confide to about my life.

"Alright! Let's go!" Winter barked before his mind came to a decision. "Enough feeling sorry for yourself, let's get some air." Qibli yelped in surprise as he was dragged by his wing, out of the comfort of the blankets, and towards the door. Intent on doing the opposite, he flopped unhelpfully onto his back.

"It's midnight. I'm not going flying at midnight. And it's cold. And I'll probably get murdered. And I don't want to. Those are all great reasons!" he protested.

"You need to clear your head! This'll help, trust me." Winter huffed as he struggled with Qibli's uncooperative body, inching their way over to the door. "But good gracious are you heavy. Too many camels?"

"Are you calling me fat?!" He flared. "Whatever happened to those royal IceWing manners?" He started squirming just to make Winter's task harder. I'll show him. Hmph.

"Aaaaaand with all the laying around in bed? You really are letting yourself go…"

"Oh that is it! Get OFF of me," he hissed and swiped at Winter's talons until they released him. He rolled to his feet and snapped "let's go" as he stalked past Winter and into the nippy night air. The MOST annoying IceWing ever, he thought acidly as he launched himself into the air, and crashed angrily through tree branches before they yielded to the stars. He powered himself up and up until he soared high above the clouds and in full view of the three shining moons.

Up here, he felt the wind washing over him as his strong wingbeats cut through the air. Soon enough, he could feel his worry and anger slowly leach away from him like the heat of his golden scales. Eventually, all he was left with was a dramatically empty pit inside of him.

As he was looping over the lake far below, he heard soft wingbeats to his left and saw his shining friend gliding with him. Friend he repeated. Winter didn't try to approach, but instead just flew along with him, following wherever he went. He had to admit that flying in the open gave his thoughts the space to open up as well. But above all, he was painfully aware of Winter staying just a moment's notice away, neither pushing Qibli to talk, or abandoning him to the darkness. He really does care. Of course he cares, was that really ever in question? He didn't answer that, already feeling guilty about the doubt that had wormed into his mind.

As the night wore on, his wings began to tire. He swooped around and chose to land at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the reflective, star speckled lake. He could just make out the encampment in the distance marked by the faint orange glow of the fire pit. A matching thump told him without looking, that Winter had landed, maintaining that same respectful distance. Before he knew what he was saying, words started tumbling out of his mouth.

"You met my grandfather and the rest of my family. You know how awful they were — are, to me. Ever since my earliest memories, they always seem to drive out the people in my life, leaving only themselves and their sick mindset plaguing my life. It's an agonizing life of complete mistrust, greed, and terror." He turned his pained gaze towards Winter. "I escaped the immediate torment when Thorn saved me, but he sent messages just to remind me that he was always watching me; that I shouldn't get comfortable with whatever I was doing. He kept his claws on me Winter! He hung as close as my shadow, always waiting to strike me or discipline me, shaping me into the perfect, completely isolated monster!"

He wiped the tears starting to escape out of his eyes and covered his face with his wings, embarrassed that he was crying in front of Winter — or really at all. I'm so weak and emotional compared to him. A familiar sense of inadequacy began to crack deep within him. Just like what my grandfather warned me of: weakness. Moon should have chosen him. He's making good strong choices that are going to benefit so many dragons, not breaking down at the mere sight of a rat.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, he was shocked when he felt a chilly wing wrap around him. He let out an unintentional shiver at the sudden cold contact.

"Oh, sorry," Winter mumbled, beginning to pull his wing back before Qibli leaned into his embrace.

"No, thank you." He exhaled one breath after another in a slow methodical way while focusing on the cold blanket over his back. It felt like his brain was thrown into the serenity of a vast snow covered forest while he slowly exhaled the breath he had been holding all his life.

"I believe this is what normal dragons do when someone they care about is feeling sad." Winter said ponderously. "As if yelling at them to get their act together was mean."

"I for one, prefer this much more," He said smiling shyly at Winter.

"Well don't get used to it! Your scales are uncomfortably warm. It's like my scales are melting in the afternoon sun. Yuck." He shook himself but didn't pull away as they sat still for a brief moment, watching the moons climb through the sky, oblivious to the scene below.

"I can't exactly say I've had the best luck with benevolent families," Winter began unsure of himself. "So I have an idea of what it's like growing up fearful. But, that's typical for IceWings — and I thought for all dragons until we went searching for my brother. The rankings kept us all in line and focused. But trying to walk between the lines… fighting for someone else's goals is no way to live. If there's anything I've come to learn, it's that."

A gust of warm air began to blow across the mountaintops, stirring the bushes around them before Qibli interrupted him. "But you're so much stronger because of it! You can handle whatever the world throws at you and you don't need other dragons. You don't collapse in a sniveling pile when your family rears its ugly head."

"And look where that got me! I drove the dragon I love away!" He snapped. He closed his eyes and took three deep breaths, in and out before continuing in a soft voice. "It's true, my tribe made me strong. It taught me how to be the perfect IceWing, but I've missed so much about who I am. If anything, you showed me that it's time for me to start being myself. Visiting the Ice Kingdom earlier today clarified things further. There's so many IceWings who are tired of the way things are, who want and need the freedom to be themselves."

Qibli started fiddling with his claws nervously. "I just don't know what to do. I don't know how to be stronger. I think of my grandfather and the first thought is 'what is he going to do to me now?' followed by paralyzing fear." When he looked up, Winter was looking into his eyes.

"You're stronger than you realize. While your family tormented you, you became quicker, and more clever. You have the ear of the Queen for moons sake! And while you were drowned with hate, you stayed compassionate to those around you. Even if they hadn't done anything to deserve it." He looked away guiltily. "So what if you need friends around to support you? That doesn't make you weak. At the very least, you've earned my loyalty so you're stuck with me now. Got it?"

"I knew you loved me," He couldn't resist sighing under his breath in mock happiness. How can he see all that in me? Hearing it from him, it gives me so much hope for myself, he thought. I suppose… I suppose sometimes dragons just need to be reminded… even if they know deep deep, deeeeeeep down.

"What?!" Winter asked.

"Nothing! I just… I think of what your family did and it seems so terrible. I mean they actually killed you!"

Winter snorted. "Well, I'd assume it's as backstabbingly awful as being sold by your mother."

"Exactly! And yet you overcame it, and remained loyal to the IceWings! I immediately arrested my mother."

"But you still love her," Winter replied instantly which caught him off guard. "And you wouldn't kill your grandfather either." Qibli's mouth just hung open. Wouldn't I? His mind screamed. Only if he was threatening any of my friends, he realized. "That takes real strength. Let it go, Qibli. I'm right and you know it. You're strong enough through your intellect and kindness which drives you to do the right thing."

"When did you start getting so wise?" He wondered aloud.

"Ever since I started hanging around you," Winter said.

"Wow! Maybe you do know what a compliment is. Am I glowing? I feel like I'm glowing." He pawed playfully at Winter which caused him to tighten his wing around him.

"I can't help but think you're a good influence on me after all" Winter said huffily. "But you didn't hear that from me."

In the quiet mountainside, his laughter was carried away by the wind and down the tall mountain cliffs laid out below them. It echoed far into the night along with the peaceful scents of an undisturbed landscape stretching before him. Just like at Jade Mountain, having Winter here made his heart feel at ease. Is that why my grandfather kept me alone? To keep me subdued so he could always control me? To keep me pacified?

He reluctantly got up and out from under Winter's comforting wing, which caused Winter to regard him curiously. "I think it's time we finally do what's right and rid the world of my grandfather's terror."

"Very noble," Winter said but he didn't move from position. "Might I remind you that he hasn't been located or seen since his attempted coup? This seems like a 'it's a lot easier said than done' situation to me."

"Well luckily for us, I made sure to arrest the last family member we came across." He said triumphantly.

"Your mother?" Winter said skeptically. "What makes you think she'd help us? As you so eloquently put, you arrested her. I doubt she's jumping to do you any favors." Why does he have to be right? He didn't have to shoot me down IMMEDIATELY. Besides, even if she did agree to help, how do we know we can trust her?

"I… I think she really wanted to take down her father when we escaped with her," he said, trying to convince himself. And I hope that's not just the part deep inside me, longing for a loving mother. "In any event, that's our only promising lead so far."

"You mean, besides the obvious lead of talking with Arid? The dragon, who I might add, sent the shipment that was attacked, remember?"

"By my grandfather!" He exploded "Whose daughter, and previous accomplice might I add, is currently detained in Thorn's prison!"

"Alright, alright! Calm down" Winter said raising his front talons, conceding and letting out a refined, indifferent shrug. "We'll go see your mother. Such a shame, we were there just a couple days ago. Really could have saved us some flying."

Winter stepped up beside him and shook out each leg and wing. "I do hope we're planning on saving the world after a good night's rest," he asked hopefully. As much as Qibli wanted to fly straight to Thorn's palace, he knew tiring himself out wouldn't help anyone. And it didn't seem like his grandfather was in much of a rush to kill him, just threaten him. Plus, a full day of his mind spinning in circles had done wonders in tiring him out. And, that's not even mentioning that they probably shouldn't disappear into the night without letting anyone know, and being woken in the middle of the night wasn't the nicest thing to do to a dragon.

He let out a puff of smoke through his nose in defeat. "Yes, that would be smart." When the next morning came, the allure of warm blankets and looming thoughts of Vulture almost kept him from leaving. But like the night before, Winter was able to draw him away with encouraging words. When they located Riptide, he was quite surprised to learn that they were heading to Thorn's palace first but came around once they explained their plan. In the end, he still wanted them to check in at Possibility, but said it was fine for them to follow their lead first.

"The sooner this all gets sorted out the better. We can't start a town with lost supplies, or an overwhelming evil presence! We'll keep an eye out here and wait for you two to report back to us."

With that, the two of them took off into the morning mist. It was a cloudy day and he could barely see a tail length in front of him. It felt like the entire sky was tense and on edge, with the threat of a downpour just a breath away. Oddly, the clouds followed them into the desert and he wondered if this was going to be the one time it rained in the barren landscape. It doesn't happen often at all, but he loved it when it did (which he worried was not a very SandWing thing to feel).

It brought fresh water to the oases, swept the dusty streets, and heralded the most delightfully humid and serene scent to the desert. It's as if the desert was reborn, ready to tackle the next grueling and arid year. By the time the two of them arrived at the palace, the wind had picked up, but there were still no signs of rainfall.

As they touched down in the courtyard, as directed by the Outclaw guards, a new dragon Qibli didn't recognize approached them. The Sandwing had an intricate pattern of alternating pale yellow diamonds down his long graceful neck. It made him look as if he was shimmering and shifting like heatwaves in the desert

"Greetings," he called officially. "My name is Capybara. Queen Thorn is away visiting the settlements across the kingdom. How can I be of assistance?"

"Capybara?" Qibli echoed. "Aren't you the spymaster?"

"Ahh, so you've heard of me. I can't tell if that's a good or bad thing given my profession." He said in a straight voice.

"Just from the Vulture incident not too long ago, don't worry! Literally nothing you could have done to prevent it," Qibli joked. "We're actually here about that — him. Do you think we could talk to my mother?"

Capybara squinted behind Qibli at Winter who was looking quite bored as always. "And might I ask why you and your friend want to talk with Cobra?"

"As I said, it's about Vulture. I think he's back, and we think she can lead us to him." That seemed to wake him up.

"You can't be serious? What did he do? Our… informants… haven't reported anything yet on his whereabouts or any of his criminal activities," he mumbled, pacing anxiously.

"He attacked a shipment to Sanctuary just recently."

"And you think Cobra knows something about it?" Capybara shot back. "She's been in our dungeons this whole time!"

"We don't know for sure, but perhaps she can shed some light on his criminal network and lead us to him," he said reasonably.

"Right, of course. In that case, she's still in the dungeons awaiting trial. Quite honestly, we're not too sure what to do with her." Capybara whisked away into the palace ahead of them while Winter walked up beside him and poked him significantly with his wing.

"You really think we should tell any dragon that asks what our plans are?" he hissed.

"Capybara isn't any dragon, he's Thorn's adviser. Besides, he should know why we're here." But doubt wormed its way into his mind. I was thinking the exact same thing, but to be fair I wasn't in the best state of mind either. "Don't worry, Thorn trusts him enough to leave the palace under his command. And what was I supposed to tell him? I'm here for a friendly visit with my assassin mother?"

Winter snorted. "Alright, but just be careful, we really don't know who we can trust. Including your mother, might I remind you."

"I know. But we can trust her to be untrustworthy. Which means we're still one step ahead if we do need to trust her."

Winter's response was to jab him with his wing again. "Have I told you your scatterbrain makes a horrible mess of my orderly one?"

"It's good to know I can still have that effect on you!" he said happily, leaping away and after Capybara. When the two of them caught up, Capybara was already heading down the stairs that lead to the dungeon. What an efficient dragon, really doesn't wait for idle chit chat. I suppose it makes sense when you have to manage Thorn's complex spy network.

"Has my mother said anything odd after all this time?" he asked as they spiraled downwards.

"No, but she always seemed awfully sure she would see you soon." Capybara mumbled letting out a shiver. "I guess she got that part right." When they reached the beginning of a long dark, dimly lit aisle set between rusty metal cages, he flicked his tail and said "she's just down this corridor."

From the end of it, he could hear the deep breathing of the dragon he loved, and didn't love. Hated but could never truly hate. As he stepped into the darkness, picking up a faint, flickering candle, his dread continued to build, until he finally heard her haunting voice.

"Hello Qibli, it's good to see you again."

A lot of talking and panicking in this chapter! If you're still here, did I over do it a bit?