The first rays of dawn pierced the horizon.
Golden light spilled across the vast landscape below. It illuminated rolling hills, dense forests, and a distant, winding river.
The wind rushed past Marcus's ears. It was cold and crisp.
He sat on the edge of the woven wind carpet. His legs dangled over the side.
He looked down at the world passing beneath them.
They were high up. The trees looked like moss. The roads looked like thin ribbons.
"We are entering Aldridge territory," Ventessa announced.
Her voice came from the top of his head. The white fluffball shifted slightly in his messy hair.
"Finally," Marcus breathed. "Home sweet home."
He didn't sound excited. He sounded like a man walking to his own execution.
"The sun is up," Ventessa noted. Her tone was flat and bored. "People will see us."
"That is a problem," Marcus said. "A flying carpet tends to draw attention."
"Humans are noisy," Ventessa complained. "I do not want to deal with pointing fingers."
