Agara had healed the King of Alvonia and drawn out the poison, but its venomous impact was severe. Though his life was spared, the damage to his spine was irreversible, an affliction even Agara's formidable magic could not mend a spinal cord.
Ren clasped the King's hand, her voice heavy with sorrow. "You won't be able to walk."
King Benkin flashed a crooked grin, defiant despite the pain. "But I can still fly," he quipped. Yet the humor in his voice fell flat, swallowed by the weight of the moment.
Reneira turned to Gloria, her tone brisk but her eyes soft. "Take him back to Jaigara. I'll visit him soon."
Without hesitation, Gloria sprang into action, calling for Sunkiath's aid. But before the dragon could even stir, Kai stepped forward, summoning a swirling cloud of shadow. It enveloped King Benkin like a protective cloak, lifting him gently into the air and placing him onto the saddle with spectral grace.
