Chapter 34

Dawn painted the sky in shades of amber and rose, its warmth barely reaching through the thick canopy of leaves above the river. In this hidden bend of the water, far from the dragon guards' usual paths, Arlena and Arden had found a rare moment of peace. The morning mist still clung to the water's surface, providing a natural curtain that concealed them from prying eyes.

Arden's chains lay carefully arranged on the riverbank, testament to the skills he'd developed in their months of captivity. He'd grown adept at slipping free of his bonds, though he used this ability sparingly, only when truly needed. Like now, when Arlena's eyes held that haunted look that meant the horrors of their daily existence had become too much to bear.