As the morning light filtered into the hotel room, Linus leaned against the window, watching the city below come to life. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on him, but there was a sense of clarity now, however painful. He turned to Willow, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, her red curls catching the sunlight and her green eyes bright despite the emotional exhaustion they both carried.
“We should head back to Riara Island,” he said, his voice steady. “There’s nothing more for us here.”
Willow nodded, stretching lazily before hopping off the bed. “Alright, let’s pack up. We’ll be back before you know it.”
Within the hour, they were standing on the rooftop of the hotel, Willow in her dragon form, her copper scales gleaming in the sun like polished metal. Linus climbed
