>>Aelin
I healed Draegon before we left for the palace. The sun was only beginning to rise when we finally landed in the palace driveway. The sky was a soft, pale blue, streaked with the last remnants of the night. A crisp morning breeze swept through the courtyard, rustling the banners hanging from the palace walls.
Despite the early hour, a crowd of servants had already gathered, waiting anxiously. Their eyes widened as Draegon's massive wings beat against the air one final time before folding behind him. He lowered me gently to the ground, his hands lingering on my waist for only a second before pulling away.
"Aelin!"
I barely had time to steady myself before Ariston was suddenly in front of me. His brows were furrowed deeply, his concern evident in the way his sharp eyes scanned over me. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight.
