DISCLAIMER: I do not own Wings of Fire. It and the characters within (Qibli, Winter, Thorn, Moon, Riptide, Kinkajou, Turtle, Capybara, Cobra, Vulture) are Tui T. Sutherland's. Falcon, Oleander, Arid, Pearl, Moor and Morass were created by me.
The adventure continues!
Qibli glared at a little spider crawling across the corner of his room. He was sitting on a wooden bed with instructions to move as little as possible. It was absolutely torturous, especially after three full days wasted in the same aggravating position. Stupid no good SkyWing. Just had to burn me and ruin my life.
As he watched, the spider continued its elaborate web. He had considered frying it on more than one occasion but that would leave him without any entertainment; not to mention the fact that it might ignite the rest of the building he was in.
After the fight in the alley, they had found a healer quite quickly with open rooms for him to sleep and rest in. Even though he had insisted on leaving the day after, Winter convinced him to stay and rest. In his words: 'if you leave without letting your burns heal, I will personally rip your wings off.'
As annoying as it was to be confined to the room, he couldn't lie, having an overprotective IceWing care for him had it's perks. That's what made the first two days quite bearable. They curled up together and talked about their kingdom traditions. If he got hungry, Winter would rush out in search of food. If he was tired, Winter would rub his back and lull him into sleep.
But all good things had to come to an end. Winter had left what seemed like an eternity ago in order to meet up with Cobra. As much as he tried to convince him that showing up alone was a bad idea and that he really ought to be there, Winter wouldn't hear any of it. Qibli didn't try and push him too hard either because the resolute look in his eyes convinced him that disobeying would truly put his wings in peril.
He let out a long sigh and briefly shifted his attention from the spider to his ointment covered arm and shoulder. Even though he didn't want to admit it, the mix of green herbs were definitely helping. By now, he felt more sore than pained.
Finally laying his head down, he let his mind drift back to Winter. I hope he's alright, and I hope he gets back soon. I wonder if my mother will trust him. Would she come back here with him? It seemed unlikely, she's much too cautious, she'd think it's a trap. As if just thinking of him willed him back into existence, Qibli heard a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," he called excitedly, turning towards the door.
The large barrier creaked open but instead of the familiar frown, the SandWing doctor who was caring for him walked in. At the sight his smile wavered slightly, but if the doctor noticed she didn't let on.
"How are you feeling Qibli?" she asked flatly.
He tried rolling his shoulder and flexing his arm. "Everything seems fine, it feels much better thanks to you. Do we need to change the paste already?" he added as he eyed the package in her talons. It seems a bit too soon. He began to stand up before the doctor waved him back down again.
"Oh no, not yet. Someone seems to have dropped something off for you."
At that, he perked up once again. "Was it Winter?" Why wouldn't he just bring it in himself?
"No, no," she said patiently. "I'm not sure who it's from. The receptionist found it outside our door, but it's addressed to you."
When she said that, his heart dropped and he froze in fear. He stared at the now potentially dangerous package and unconsciously leaned back.
"Do you want me to open it for you?" She asked kindly.
"No!" he shouted. He took a moment in the uncomfortable silence that followed to scold and collect himself. "I'm sorry, no, I'll open it a little later, thank you."
She dipped her head and placed the package on the bench beside the door before backing out of the room. It just stared at him from that moment on.
Okay, don't be unreasonable. Obviously the package couldn't stare at him but it sure felt like it — so he glared right back, except it felt like a losing battle with each second that passed. It was absolutely awful. It felt like the doctor had just placed a message board that told him he had a week to live.
Do I wait for Winter to open it? What would that accomplish? I should just open it and be done with it. It could just be a box of chocolates and then if I freak out about it to Winter he'd think I was going crazy. To which his mind reminded him: perhaps you're already crazy.
He shot to his feet — and proceeded to stare at the box a little longer just to make sure it didn't attack him. Just open it, what's the worst that could happen? It explodes and kills me? or release something posonousinous? Hmph, very nice. After a couple more minutes of staring and second guessing, he stepped gingerly towards the package making sure to keep his injured limbs as still as possible.
It was very simple: rectangular and wrapped in a simple brown parchment wrapping, tied in the middle with a tan burlap string. He grabbed the package and picked at the string until it unraveled and dropped to the ground. First step done, he thought petrified and took a couple more deep breaths. Without the string holding it together, the paper began to unravel off the box. The plain wrapping revealed an equally simple wooden box underneath, with a light lid on top. So not a gift unless they really have poor taste in decorations.
He managed to pry the top back and lept back dropping the box. Seriously?! His mind screamed. As the box hit the ground, the dead rat popped out cheerfully along with another object he hadn't noticed. Craning his neck towards the mysterious object, he saw it was a severed horn that looked like it came off a dragon.
A SkyWing to be exact. He blanched as he realized what must have happened. He knows where I am, and that we talked with whoever it was that attacked and injured me. Is the SkyWing dead now? He backed onto the bed and curled into himself. Fear for his life hit him first, followed by guilt since they most likely got the transporter killed. But if Vulture knows where I am, why doesn't he just capture me now? It's like he had his terrifying tendrils wrapped all over Pyrrhia. There'd be no reason to use Cobra if I'm already trapped in his complex web.
Power, he thought. That's why he's doing this. He wants to have power over me like he had my entire life. He wants to punish me for ruining his life and his criminal empire. Obviously. Why capture me when he could torment me. It is the second time in less than a week that I've been reduced to an incompetent puddle of fear. Maybe it'd be easier to get captured, he thought darkly. It would be better to die quickly than live like this…
Hopeless, he closed his eyes and wrapped his wings around him like a protective cocoon and tried to block out the world and his thoughts. That was the position he was in when Winter eventually returned.
"Qibli?" Winter's voice pierced the endless silence. He heard a shuffle then felt him nudge his wings open. "What happened?" he asked harshly.
Instead of words, he let out a low groan and clung onto Winter. "My life is awful."
He could almost feel Winter's exasperation but instead of berating him, Winter just asked "What's wrong this time?" as he began to soothe him.
He pointed towards the center of the room and to the scattered items. Winter made to get up but Qibli let out a whine and clung on tighter. "Let's just find a nice cave somewhere and never do anything ever again except stare into each other's eyes lovingly. We could grow old together and be just as happy. You and me"
Winter let out an amused scoff but that wasn't the most disturbing noise he heard. From the doorway he heard a dragon clear her throat in a very familiar way.
He sat up straight and practically threw Winter across the room. "Mother?!" He was right, silhouetted against the hallway was Cobra's intimidating outline. "Umm... what are you doing here?" He rubbed his uninjured arm with his talon nervously trying to look as normal as he could. Yup! Completely normal, just rolling out of bed...
She looked from Winter to him, and back again before analyzing him critically up and down. Oddly, Qibli felt his anger begin to rise. You better leave him alone. MOM. It vanished as quickly as it rose when she turned towards him and concern flashed through her eyes at the sight of the paste which was now smeared all over him.
"Clearly you couldn't meet me so I had to come here. I thought you were smarter than this." she said, showing no sympathy.
"Right," he said. Winter gave him a quick glance before settling a couple steps away, much to his disappointment. "Were you able to reach anyone useful?"
"No, I get the distinct impression they don't trust me." She gestured towards the rat on the floor. "I'm supposed to wait for instructions and monitor you in the meantime. So be careful, they're probably watching to see if I'm truly on their side." So in other words we practically have no advantage at all, we're as well off as we were when we just began.
She walked to the severed horn and picked it up. "Peculier, this is a new touch." When Winter saw the horn he flashed Qibli an uncomfortable expression. Cobra then took the rat and dropped both of them into the box and kicked it to the corner of the room completely unconcerned. She ripped a blanket out from under Qibli and proceeded to lay on it while she let out a massive yawn.
"Shouldn't we figure out what we're going to do?" He asked Cobra's closing eyes.
"Why don't you two figure it out and wake me when you have some semblance of a plan?" She grumbled uninterested.
Qibli stared at Winter who just shrugged. "So what do we do now? We have no leads, and I'm not in any shape to slash my way through my grandfather's armies."
Winter scrunched up his snout. "Well, we know some things. We know that the transporters weren't killed, which means we might be able to find others."
"I don't think that would be a good idea. I don't want to get any other innocent dragons killed." He couldn't help look at the small box in the corner. Even without mentioning it, it seemed like Winter felt the same way. But something does feel off, he thought. "Why would they be left alive though?"
Winter tilted his head at him. "I have a feeling the answer isn't 'because your grandfather is merciful', is it?"
He let out a rueful laugh, "if only! Then my life might have been much easier." Turning serious once again he continued. "No, I have an awful feeling there's something much more sinister going on."
"What could be more sinister than murder?" Winter asked. That is a good point. It would be a headache for Vulture to leave witnesses alive. As morbid as it is, he could just dump the bodies nearby without much consequence to him.
"What if he wanted to recruit them?" Qibli asked as if he was struck by lightning. "Think about it, attack dragons, and take away their lives. What would most dragons do then? With nowhere to turn to, they'd come crawling back. It would be an easy way to recruit more desperate soldiers."
"Sounds overcomplicated," Winter observed, "like everything else that comes out of your brain."
"Why thank you, your highness." he replied to which Winter just stuck out his tongue at him.
"So big deal, your grandfather has an elaborate plan to recruit dragons, how does that help us?"
"It means that we could find the recruiters. Some outward facing dragon who might not know about us. Then we can either interrogate them or use them to infiltrate his circle."
"Gosh wow that sure sounds easy. Infiltrate your grandfather's organization without anyone noticing. Good luck with that."
"Okay fine, infiltrating them might have been a bit hopeful, but at least we know where to look."
"Which is…?" Winter trailed off.
"Taverns, dark alleys, nasty crevices, anywhere evil brews on Pyrrhia." he said excitedly.
"Ah, yes, very specific thank you. Do you happen to have directions to these 'taverns, dark alleys, and nasty crevices'? No? I thought so" Winter said sarcastically.
"Oh whatever, I don't hear any useful suggestions from you."
"I seem to be preoccupied in keeping you alive." Winter observed. "It makes me a very busy dragon."
Qibli got up and closed the distance between them so he could nestle next to him. "Thank you."
Winter was slightly taken aback by his sincerity but smiled at him. Even though he's still prickly, his soft side really warms my heart, he thought. I'm glad he's comfortable enough to share his emotions with me too.
"Gross, don't tell me you two are going to kiss." Qibli could see one of Cobra's twinkling eyes in the dark.
"Mother!" Qibli shouted, embarrassed. "No!"
For once it seemed that Winter handled it better than he did because he added "wow, look, it wasn't you who ruined the moment this time."
"You're siding with her?" He asked, betrayed. "Hmph! Then find someone else to hold at night!" he began walking back to his bed before Winter jumped onto his back and he let out a startled yelp.
"You know you love my hugs." Winter said.
"I'm injured Winter." he reminded even though his burns felt like normal.
Winter stumbled off with a sheepish look. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"I am still here, you know." Cobra growled pinning them both with an annoyed glare. "I think I can help with the 'directions to the taverns, dark alleys, and nasty crevices'"
"Wait, were you listening the whole time? I thought you wanted to sleep."
"I will remind you that I am one of the most feared assassins on Pyrrhia!" she boasted.
"Eh, I know someone who could give you a run for your money. He's much younger too." Just as he expected, Cobra bristled and he had the satisfaction of ruffling his mother's scales. One down, millions left to go if I want to make up for my rocky childhood.
"I'll take him on any day, or maybe I'll just kill him to show my superiority."
"Please don't," Qibli said. "If you did, you might start a war with the RainWings." Now she looked even more intrigued.
"A RainWing? How strange, I suppose they would make the perfect assassins." Qibli just shook his head amused but she just ignored him. "Another day. Back to what I was saying. I didn't talk to anyone useful or even that important honestly, but I was able to follow them back to a restaurant that might be of interest."
"And you didn't think this was noteworthy?" Qibli asked in disbelief.
"I wasn't born yesterday," Cobra snapped. "I watched the restaurant for a while and cased it inside and out. There's nothing shady with it besides the dragons who visited it. The owners are clean."
"That would make sense," he conceded. "Arranging it like this would disguise criminal meetups."
"That or she just had an extremely long and boring dinner date with a nobody," Cobra added.
"It's worth a shot," Winter finally added.
"Great, we'll leave in the morning." Cobra decided, putting an end to the conversation.
"What?!" Winter exploded. "Qiblis still injured!"
Cobra turned to hiss at him and he reached out to put a talon on Winter's shoulder. "I think I can manage a flight, it has already been a couple days and you did jump on me without causing me to pass out from pain."
"But this will be a long flight across the desert!" Winter protested defensively.
"I've flown off worse" Cobra growled. You'll manage won't you?" She asked, turning towards him.
He nodded under her withering gaze but Winter looked like he wanted to protest for him. Instead, he just turned to him and whispered into his ear. "If you need to rest just let me know, I don't care what Cobra says or does."
Qibli acknowledged by planting a small kiss on his chilly cheek. Would I stop if I was in pain though? He doubted it. The last thing he wanted was to seem weak to his mother. Step one, get on her side. Step two, be the strong, quick witted dragon she could be proud of. Step three, earn her love.
"Ugh, I leave you two alone for three days and you get all smoochy on me. I never understood lovers, just another weakness to exploit," she muttered, but the look in her eyes made Qibli wonder if there was more to that story. She never did talk about my father but I just assumed that was because he wasn't important.
"Feel free to sleep outside if you want, this is our room," Winter flared.
Cobra raised her brow at him before dragging the blanket as far into the corner as she could and turned her back towards them.
When Winter brought his attention back to him, he shot him a wink. That earned him a fierce jab in the back with his icy tail. "Okay, to sleep before you get any ideas."
"Our room? I don't recall you being injured…" he pondered as he was herded onto the wooden bed.
Winter let out an aggravated sigh and settled next to him but not before wrapping his talon around his snout.
"Mmmm mm!" he protested.
"Shhhhhh sleeeeeeeep," Winter breathed out.
Truth be told, he wished he could sleep for the rest of eternity. His mind felt just as tired as when he fell asleep, and his body woke up as sore as if he was flying through his dreams. It was too early for the doctor to be washing off the medicine. Too early to be stepping out the door and definitely too early to be flying towards the Scorpion Den.
Ahead of him, Cobra was leading the way through the blistering heat while Winter flew behind him with a perpetually worried expression. It's like his worry cancels out the exhausting heat, he thought amused.
Even though they remained quiet while flying, they had decided to arrive together and stop by their old house before making 'appearances' around Vulture's compound. Once it seemed they were clueless, meet up at the restaurant to stake it out. At least, that was the plan.
He kept glancing up at Cobra, then back at Winter, worried that something would go wrong. I mean, Winter is pretty easy to spot amidst other dragons and they couldn't use the cover of the moon festival anymore since it had ended while I was stuck in bed. But if we split up, he could be captured and I'd have to constantly worry.
At the same time, he wondered how noticeable Winter would be to the Talons of Power. Would his grandfather show his drawing to each new recruit? Did he hate him that much? I don't know if we can take the risk.... But what choice do we have? In the end he convinced himself that even though it felt like Vulture loomed within each shadow, it was unlikely for him to have dragons at each corner, especially competent dragons.
Instead of wasting time with the streets, the three dragons flew straight to the courtyard outside of Cobra's old home and touched down. The familiar scent of the Scorpion Den felt familiar yet threatening; which was a pretty accurate description of all his relatives.
They didn't waste any time before barging through the door. As they had hoped, the house remained abandoned. Even though Cobra was jailed, her reputation preceded her and no one wanted to test their luck.
"Alright, my grandfather's compound is pretty close by. Winter and I will take the south wall, while Cobra looks around the north. Then, we might be lucky and someone will try to reach out to her."
"Are you sure you don't want to rest a little before going out?" Winter asked with the same concerned expression he wore the entire flight over.
"It's adorable how much you care, but I'll be fine." he reassured Winter.
"Sickening," Cobra barked, storming out the door. "I'll see you lovebirds in a couple hours."
Winter flinched as she slammed the door closed. "Charming isn't she? I'm surprised she ever had dragonets."
"If she didn't I wouldn't be alive, you know that right" Qibli asked, offended.
"I'm not saying I wish she didn't! I just… I thought she would care about you more."
"Well, your parents did practice the epitome of 'tough love'" he joked.
"That's true," Winter confessed.
Qibli rolled his shoulder which caused him to flinch just slightly earning him another anxious look. He rolled his eyes and flicked Winter's cheek with his wingtip as he made his way out the door. "Come on."
Winter came up behind him and after a second, managed to say "I really care a lot about you Qibli. I'm sorry if it's a little excessive at times. I just think of my life, and I feel really lost imagining a world without you in it."
Qibli was so shocked that he almost walked into a pole. Where did that come out from? In all honesty, it caught him out of nowhere, never in a million years did he imagine to hear that out of Winter in the middle of the Scorpion Den no less!
"I know, I'm the last dragon you'd think would reveal their sappy emotions, but after so long of just, hiding and facades, I just realized how happy and relaxing it is just to be myself, and you let me do that."
"Does this mean no more sarcastic comments?" He asked, genuinely worried. It really wouldn't be Winter without his wintry attitude.
"Of course not, but I think you'll see a lot more of my," he let out a violent shiver, "soft side." Qibli's smile threatened to burst past his horns before Winter stopped him. "Of course, if you mention anything to anyone else, I'll wholeheartedly deny it. I do have to keep up appearances."
"Naturally. But as long as I get the cuddly side of you, I'll be happy." He went to rub Winter's nose with his talon but Winter snapped towards it with his teeth and Qibli jumped away wailing "What?! That's not very sappy!"
"Just so you still know who's still the boss around here." Winter said cheerful once again. "Just try not to get hurt again, okay?"
"I didn't exactly ask to be burned, just so we're clear," he said crossly.
"Maybe you should have done better than." Winter answered nonchalantly.
"You know what? Next time you get hurt and ask for help, I'll just say 'do better'."
"Sure, because that's never going to happen." Qibli rolled his eyes and the two picked across the outer wall to Vulture's compound. Even though it was dormant, or rather, locked down for the time being, they didn't dare peak over the walls. Just walking the perimeter was likely enough for the various lookouts to notice them.
After almost an hour of uneventfully picking through dark sandstone streets and strange scents, they shifted their route towards the northern corner of the Scorpion Den. According to Cobra, that was where the restaurant was located. The first thing they had to do was lose the dragons tailing them.
He had spent enough time in the Scorpion Den to know how to spot the shadows slinking behind them. He was mostly worried about Winter, who was not only new to the cutthroat city, but dawned the sparkliest scales which were the opposite of the dull colors around them. But he was trained as a royal, and most likely had to fend off assassins or dragonnappers.
"Alright, I counted three dragons lurking behind us in the shadows. It's unlikely they're all from the Talons, so we probably have some bandits hoping to get lucky." Winter nodded silently and tried to peek back discretely from the corner of his eyes. "There should be a busy plaza ahead with a large statue in the center. Just try and keep your head low and your wings tight. I'll try and cover you as best as I can. After that, there will be a set of alleyways, take the first on your left, then the second on your right. That will lead towards a small trench we can hide in to let them pass."
"Wouldn't they just look around after they lose us? I'm not exactly the most subtle dragon around here."
"Don't worry, we'll be careful. Just try and move a little faster the second we step into the plaza." He heard the increased activity before the plaza came into view which validated the map burned into his memory. He noticed their shadows close in as the bustling streets came up so he nudged Winter's tail.
"Alright, let's go," he half-whispered. He hoped that any words would be whisked away before they reached the dragons behind them. Winter pushed forward discretely and followed his instructions to a tee. He wove around the SeaWings, MudWings and SkyWings that trampled by on their own business, while keeping his wings tight to his body. Qibli kept low as well but lifted his wings which hopefully obscured the IceWing in front of him Winter.
Once they reached the far side, they sprinted down the winding passageways, by a homeless dragon, and over piles of rotting garbage. Each turn brought new scents and led them towards safety. But each turn also reminded him of the tumultuous lives dragons lived here. You'd think after Thorn rose to power, she'd try and help this place. Unless of course the dragons here don't want help. He remembered that even with the Outclaws offering assistance, many dragons still resisted.
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try and help them! Caught in his own thoughts, it was Winter who pulled him sideways and into the small trench and out of sight. He toppled on top of him but pressed as close as he could when he remembered what they were doing. He tried to cover each sparkling scale with his wings and talons while maneuvering as far out of sight as possible. Sure, his scales were still a bright yellow, but they wouldn't catch the light like Winters. It should also blend into the sandstone walls around him.
Squashed together, he could feel both their heartbeats pounding through their chests and he had to force his breath to slow. As the banging in his head began to lessen, he tilted his head up just slightly so he could make out the urgent scuffling of talonsteps coming above them. It was complemented by hushed whispers between two distinct dragons. So the third was likely a thief and chose easier prey when they took off.
Deciding it would be best to wait for a while before moving, he rested his head down on the cold dragon below him. Winter eyed him briefly before taking the hint and closing his own eyes to rest.
What would be the best way to reach the northern corners of the scorpion den without being spotted? The rooftop? That might be too exposed. Argh, curse Winter's scales. One glance and they'd be spotted. I wonder if there's enough IceWings milling through the city for it to be alright. They might not be used to it's grimy nature, but they would enjoy the constant competition to get the best of your enemies. I suppose we could use disguises? He absentmindedly rubbed the scarf from the moon festival. Or we just go for it and try and get lucky. They couldn't spend all day orchestrating the perfect disguise after all.
So that's what they decided on doing, the simple 'be as stealthy as you can and hope it all works out' plan. Once he felt it was safe enough to whisper, they picked their way through the streets. Qibli went first and peered around each corner. It was slow going, and excruciatingly stressful. On more than one occasion, he was scared to death by shadows whisking by from above. Each time, he flung himself against the wall and prayed that it wasn't Vulture's goons.
The slow pace meant that they were slightly late when they finally arrived at their meeting point. Cobra was lounging under a low hung metal panel on the rooftops that overlooked the street below them.
"Do I even want to ask?" Cobra said when they slunk under the shelter.
He just frowned at her and said "you try moving through this moon-forsaken city with a shiny 'I'm right here' beacon following you around."
Winter pressed in behind him and just gave a carefree 'I am who I am' look before sitting down. It was a little too tight for three dragons but it hid them well, and provided a way to look over the restaurant which was all that mattered.
"Did you see your friend?" He asked Cobra.
"Not yet. It's been completely boring so far. Why don't you two runts keep watch while I take a well deserved nap?"
"We don't know what they look like." Winter said.
"Argh! Fine! She was a SeaWing."
He looked at his mother dumbfounded. "That's it? We're looking for a female SeaWing? What, was she..." he gasped dramatically, "blue?"
"Hmph, as a matter of fact no." She gloated. "She was a very strange, almost reddish gray, besides her phosphorescent markings that is."
Reddish gray? Why does that feel familiar. He tried to pick through his brain but nothing came up. "That is strange, was she a hybrid?"
"It didn't seem like it, I mean, red fish are common enough." Cobra grumbled. "Though she did have a weird mark on her shoulder. Maybe a birthmark. That would make sense, weird marks and weird colors," Cobra snorted. "That's all I know, now wake me if she shows up."
Wait, reddish scales with a mark on her shoulder? Could it be Pearl? It was downright unlikely, impossible even, but that description haunted him from his past. "I think I know this dragon," he murmured. "I think her name is Pearl..."
"Unlikely, you didn't have any friends from your dragonethood. Everyone thought you were weird," Cobra stated. What?! His mind flared. I mean, it's true but WHAT?! He turned and glared at his mother who didn't notice, and most likely wouldn't care.
"Awww was I your first friend?" Winter cooed. "Was someone bad at making friends?" To make matters worse, Winter pouted his lips and caressed his cheek. "My poor dragon."
"I do not appreciate you two teaming up against me! It wasn't my fault! It was all grandfather's fault! And your fault might I add." He turned an accusatory talon towards his mother. I'm great at making friends!
"Mmm" his mother grumbled curling tighter.
"It's okay, the first step is accepting the problem." Winter lectured
"I don't have a problem!" He roared.
"Shhhhh unless you want to give us away." Cobra hissed from her sleep.
This time it was Winter who gave him a grin and tried to pull him into a hugn. "Nuh uh," He teased. You lost your cuddling privileges. He squirmed a few paces away and tucked into himself so that he still had a hidden, yet unobstructed view towards the restaurant entrance. He tried to ignore Winter's hurt expression as best as he could. After a brief moment, he felt Winter curl their tails together. Fine, I guess I'll allow that.
They both stilled and kept their eyes downward waiting for the mysterious dragon — Pearl he corrected himself. What is she up to? And how did such a cheerful dragon like herself get mixed up with a gang like the Talons of Power?
Good bad? I'm a bit worried I'm making Qibli and Winter too 'touchy feeling' but I guess that's just how I see them. Let me know what you think! I also jumped around a bit from location to location this chapter, was the transitions good? Or do you think I should write shorter chapters which focus on one setting for each chapter?
I would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any reviews left as awlays!