Malakai, Akira, and the four wolf-like creatures sprinted towards the palace, their paws pounding the ground in unison. The sun beat down on their backs, casting long shadows behind them. As they ran, the palace gates grew larger and more imposing, its stone walls towering above them.
Malakai's heart raced with excitement and worry, his mind focused on saving his sister, Amari. He had told his mother everything, from their capture to his escape and newfound friendship with a dragon. Akira had listened intently, her ears perked up and her eyes wide with shock.
As they approached the palace gates, Malakai slowed to a stop, his chest heaving with exhaustion. Akira and the four creatures halted beside him, their tongues lolling out of their mouths. The palace gates loomed before them, its iron bars thick and menacing.