Atlas exhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring as he leaned in to take in the fabric's scent. For a moment, all was still. Then, with a sudden flick of his tail, he lifted his head–his eyes gleaming with purpose. He had the scent. And now, they had a trail to follow. Starfania told Violet to scoot over; she did as she was told. Atlas understood what his master wanted and started sprinting. In one fluid motion, she halted onto his back, her body aligning with his movement as if they were one. Aeron, clearly impressed, mirrored her actions, mounting Drogo with determination. The moment she settled onto Atlas, he sprang into motion. With a powerful push, his wings sliced through the air, launching us into the sky at a breathtaking speed.
The wind rushed past them, a symphony of whispers that seemed to echo their exhilaration. Below, the landscape began to blur into a patchwork of greens and browns. Atlas soared higher, feeling the thrill pulse through his muscles. Violet tightened her grip, but not out of fear—this was freedom. Aeron, riding atop Drogo, matched their ascent closely, the familiar rhythm of flight igniting a fiercely competitive spirit within him. They glided through scattered clouds, the sun casting shimmering reflections off their sleek forms.
"Keep a sharp eye out for any signs!' Violet shouted over the roar of the wind. She felt a surge of adrenaline; their mission was clearer than ever. They had a target, and nothing would distract them now. Atlas banked left, circling to gain altitude, while Drogo followed suit, powerful wings flapping in harmony. From above, the world spread out like a vast quilt, the scent that guided them now mingling with the fresh aroma of the sky.
Atlas was relentless, racing across the heavens like a bolt of lightning. The sheer power in his wings was undeniable–Starfania could feel it in every beat, in every tilt and dive. But then, just as suddenly as he had taken off, he hesitated. His body tensed, his wing adjusting as he slowed his pace. Hovering in midair, he inhaled deeply, nostrils flaring as he took in the scents carried by the breeze. Drogo mirrored his actions, and Aeron, clearly perplexed, called out, " Whoa–he was flying like a demon a second ago! What made him stop so suddenly? "
Atlas closed his eyes, tilting his head ever so slightly, as if deep in thought. His body swirled gracefully in place, contemplating his next move with precision and care. Starfania simply said. " I think he's deciding which way to go next. "
Drogo squinted against the bright light, trying to guess what Atlas might be thinking. The vast expanse of the sky was open and inviting, yet something seemed to anchor him in place. Aeron leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "You really think he's weighing his options? Shouldn't that just be instinct for a creature like him?"
Starfania shrugged, her gaze fixed on the majestic figure of the dragon. "Maybe. But sometimes, even instincts need a moment to process. There's more to him than just speed and power."
Atlas finally opened his eyes, the determination within them glowing. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp air around him before he spread his wings wide once more. There was a quick flicker in his gaze, a flash of both uncertainty and resolve. Violet put a hand on Starfania's shoulder. "Look! He's gearing up again. I think he's made his choice."
As if on cue, Atlas angled his body, aiming toward the distant mountains where the sun dipped low. With a thrust of his powerful wings, he launched himself forward, leaving a trail of wonder in his wake. Starfania couldn't help but smile.