On the fifth day, Serena studied the vertical wall she was supposed to climb.
She noticed that certain stones jutted out further than others, creating a natural ladder if you knew where to look. The warriors didn't use them.
She mapped the route, then climbed, reaching the top without going at alpha speed and still finishing before everyone else.
Captain Halvek pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Fine," he said. "Dragons it is."
Serena's heart leapt. She hadn't been near Velkaris since Dex left, and the thought of him made her throat tighten. Velkaris was probably wondering where Dex went too.
She turned toward the dragon field, already scanning for him.
"Not so fast." Halvek's voice stopped her mid-step. "You're not riding your bonded today."
Serena turned back. "What?"
"You heard me." Halvek crossed his arms over his massive chest. "The connection does half the work for you. I want to see how you handle a dragon that isn't yours."
