No one dared to speak. Even Reed stayed quiet, his usual theatrics subdued.
"Dismissed," Emilia said curtly, walking off without another glance. Alex remained silent, his cold gaze lingering on us for a moment longer before he too turned and left.
I looked over at Reed, who was now lying face down on the ground like he'd just fought a war. "Think you're ready for this, oh mighty dragon?"
He groaned in response, and Roderick snorted. "If he doesn't die from exhaustion first, maybe he'll get eaten by a monster."
Ashton, ever the optimist, clapped me on the shoulder again. "This is a good opportunity. Don't overthink it."
I gave him a sideways look. "You say that now, but just wait until you're out there running for your life."
He laughed nervously, and I shook my head. Three days. That wasn't much time to prepare, but it'd have to be enough.
...