We manage to cross the two mountains just as the sky turns a heavy, bruised purple. "Welp," I mutter, looking up at the oppressive ceiling of clouds. "I did say the sun was killing me, but this wasn't exactly the alternative I had in mind!"
Rhaegor doesn't waste any time. He finds a relatively clear, flat area at the base of a jagged peak—perfect for a takeoff. He hands me my backpack and the lunchbox, which still smells faintly of the roasted meat we saved.
He takes a few heavy steps away from me, and with a sudden, violent puff of white smoke, he expands. The ground trembles as he shifts into his massive red dragon form. I scramble up, finding my familiar spot and holding onto the base of his neck as he shimmers, creating that magical transparent bubble around us again.
"Should I?" he rumbles, his voice vibrating through my entire body.
"Yup, let's go! Be quick!"
