The six dragons folded into formation around Velkaris like an escort falling into step.
No riders. Six wild dragons flanking a seventh like a military detail that had been summoned by something older than orders. Two on each side, one above, one below, their wingbeats synchronized with Velkaris's in a rhythm that looked choreographed but felt instinctual.
Velkaris grumbled at them.
It wasn't the polite kind. Serena could feel his irritation bleeding through their connection like heat through thin glass, a low, simmering annoyance that said he hadn't asked for company and he wasn't grateful for it. One of the flanking dragons, a deep bronze, drifted closer, and Velkaris snapped something at it that made the bronze pull back two wingspans immediately.
Whatever they were saying to him, he didn't like it. Whatever he was saying back, he liked even less.
Her eyes closed.
