In the depths of the stone corridors, Dalirina and Vairo rushed forward, unfastening the chains that bound Elinor. The dragon finally stretched her wings, her freedom trembling with every motion—yet before her claws could fully touch the ground, a familiar voice slipped through the shadows.
Nazar emerged from the darkness after a long absence, a sly smile curling on her lips.— "I knew you would come, Dalirina."
With a flick of her hand, the palace gates slammed shut like thunder. From every side, waves of armored soldiers poured in, their boots pounding like war drums. Amid the chaos, Nazar's command cut sharp:— "Protect Prince Vairo… as for her, I want her alive or dead!"
The hordes surged forward. Elinor rose, fire blazing in her throat. But before her roar could be unleashed, Dalirina cried out:— "Stop! Don't kill them!"
Obedient, the dragon stilled, though embers still burned hot in her jaws. Nazar's eyes flared with fury.— "Kill her! Execute that dragon!"
Dalirina pleaded, but the prince's half-sister showed no mercy. A soldier lunged, sword raised toward Elinor. In that instant, Dalirina collapsed—her scream ripped from her very soul, a cry so fierce it shattered the sky.
The earth roared. The ground cracked, the walls shook, and a storm of wind howled through the hall. Flames swirled around her like a fiery tempest, lifting her body into the air. Her eyes blazed with a light not of this world, while Elinor bowed below, trembling in awe before her mistress.
And then, silence.
One by one, all fell—the soldiers, the foes, even Nazar herself—unconscious. None remained standing but Elinor. Dalirina crashed to the ground, stunned, her heart hammering with disbelief. She rushed to Vairo and Nazar; both still breathed, but they were frail, lifeless, as though hope itself had abandoned them.
There was no time. The thunder of soldiers closing in echoed once more through the halls. Dalirina heaved Vairo onto Elinor's back, then climbed up herself. With a mighty sweep of her wings, Elinor soared skyward. Arrows rained after them, but were useless against her furious ascent.
They flew high, beyond the borders of the kingdom. As the winds whipped around her, Dalirina heard the echo of the head maid's words whispering in her mind:"Beyond this land… follow the sun until you reach a waterfall between two towering peaks. Behind it lies the Land of Exile, where the last fairies of Friz live in secret peace, hidden from all eyes."
And so the scene closes—Dalirina and Elinor tearing through the skies, racing toward the unknown that awaits them.