The moment Aurora finally steadied herself atop the cave roof, she realized just how high they actually were.
The entire Wolf Tribe stretched beneath them like a tiny village carved into the mountainside. Beyond the tribe, endless forests rolled over the mountains like a dark green sea, interrupted only by the silver ribbon of the river winding through the valley.
She had barely taken everything in when Elixir stepped back.
Golden light surrounded him without the slightest warning as his ancient phoenix appeared once again. His magnificent crimson feathers shimmered beneath the moonlight, every feather edged with faint streaks of gold that seemed almost alive. His wings spread wide, impossibly vast, casting a shadow over the rocky peak beneath them. His golden eyes met hers before he lowered himself, silently inviting her onto his back.
