Chapter 35

The mountain air burned in Arden's lungs as he and Amar pushed deeper into the wilderness, the sound of pursuit never far behind. Five days had passed since their escape, yet the dragons' hunting parties showed no signs of giving up the chase.

"We need to rest," Amar's voice came rough with exhaustion. Even his dark skin had taken on an ashen tone, and his usual grace had given way to stumbling steps. The braids that normally kept his black hair neatly contained had come loose, letting strands stick to his sweat-covered face.

Arden wanted to argue, but his own legs trembled with every step. They'd been running since dawn, climbing higher into terrain where dragons' horses couldn't follow. His muscles screamed for relief, yet the memory of Arlena's face kept him moving. Every moment of rest was another moment she remained in danger.

"There," he pointed to a narrow crevice in the rock face ahead. "We can catch our breath, at least."