Eira's POV
The vast expanse of the ocean stretched out before us, the glowing trail of algae our only guide. It had been days since Lumen and I left Lumen Isle, and we had grown accustomed to the rhythm of flight and rest. As we followed the algae, my thoughts drifted between the memories of our island home and the excitement of new adventures.
Today, however, felt different. There was a strange tension in the air, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched.
"Lumen, do you sense that?" I whispered, leaning closer to the dragon's neck. Lumen's eyes narrowed, and its body tensed. The glowing algae below us shimmered, casting an eerie light over the water.
Suddenly, a shadow passed overhead. I looked up and saw a sleek, metallic dragon with razor-sharp wings slicing through the air. Its rider, a girl about my age, sat confidently on its back. Her long hair whipped behind her in the wind, and her eyes scanned the ocean below.
"Stay hidden, Lumen," I whispered urgently, slipping off the dragon's back and finding cover among the rocks on a small outcropping. I crouched low, my heart pounding. Lumen remained in the open, its glow making it an easy target but also a formidable guardian of its food.
The girl and her dragon, a Razorwhip, circled above us, their eyes locked on Lumen. I held my breath, gripping my bow tightly, ready to protect my friend if necessary.
"Who's there?" the girl called out, her voice strong and clear. "I know you're not alone."
Lumen let out a low growl, its wings spreading wide in a display of power. The Razorwhip landed a short distance away, its wings folding neatly against its body. The girl slid off its back, her movements graceful and confident. She wore armor made of dragon scales, glinting in the sunlight.
"I'm not here to fight," she said, holding up her hands. "But I will defend myself if necessary."
Lumen hissed, its eyes never leaving the intruders. I watched from the shadows, my bow drawn and an arrow nocked. I couldn't let them threaten Lumen or take the algae.
The girl took a cautious step forward, her eyes fixed on Lumen. "This is Windshear," she said, gesturing to her dragon. "And I'm Heather. We don't mean any harm."
Lumen's growl deepened, its glow intensifying. Heather's eyes widened, and she took a step back, clearly sensing the danger.
"Alright, I get it," she said, her voice steady but cautious. "You're protecting something important. But we're not here to steal. We're just passing through."
Windshear, sensing Heather's unease, let out a warning hiss, its wings twitching. Lumen responded with a roar, the sound echoing across the water.
"Easy, Windshear," Heather murmured, placing a hand on her dragon's neck. "We don't want to start a fight."
But it was too late. Lumen lunged forward, unleashing a blast of its paralyzing mist. Windshear leapt into the air, dodging the attack with surprising agility. Heather quickly mounted her dragon, her eyes narrowed in determination.
The two dragons clashed in midair, their roars filling the sky. Lumen's glow was blinding, but Windshear's speed and agility made it a formidable opponent. I watched, heart in my throat, as they fought fiercely. Heather clung to Windshear, her movements precise and controlled.
"Lumen, be careful," I whispered, my knuckles white from gripping my bow.
The battle raged on, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Lumen's mist was a powerful weapon, but Windshear's razor-sharp wings and speed made it difficult for Lumen to land a decisive blow. Heather and Windshear worked in perfect harmony, their bond evident in every movement.
Finally, Lumen managed to land a hit, its mist enveloping Windshear's wing. The Razorwhip faltered, and Heather's eyes flashed with worry. She urged Windshear higher into the sky, away from Lumen's reach.
"Retreat, Windshear!" Heather commanded, her voice ringing out. The Razorwhip obeyed, its wings beating furiously as it climbed higher, out of range of Lumen's attacks.
Heather looked down at Lumen, her expression a mix of frustration and respect. "We'll meet again," she called out, her voice carrying over the water. "And next time, maybe we won't have to fight."
With that, Windshear turned and flew away, carrying Heather back into the distance. I watched them go, my heart still pounding from the intensity of the battle.
When they were out of sight, I emerged from my hiding place and ran to Lumen. The dragon's glow had dimmed slightly, and it let out a weary hum as I approached.
"You did great, Lumen," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and relief. "We protected the algae. They didn't take it."
Lumen nuzzled me gently, its eyes softening. I stroked its neck, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and pride. We had faced a new threat and come out stronger for it.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the sea, I looked out at the horizon. Heather and Windshear were out there somewhere, and I had a feeling our paths would cross again. But for now, Lumen and I had our journey to continue, following the glowing trail of algae into the unknown.
"Let's keep moving, Lumen," I said, climbing onto the dragon's back. "We've got an adventure to finish."
Lumen trilled in agreement, spreading its wings and taking to the sky. As we flew into the twilight, I felt a sense of determination and excitement. The world was vast and full of challenges, but with Lumen by my side, I knew we could face anything.