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Bastian stands beside me, awe coloring his features as Kaida and Nailah take flight.

Their presence doesn’t faze the animals in the valley.

“Can you believe this place?” My gaze tracks the mountain ring that cradles the valley in its stony embrace.

It’s only then that I spot the clarity of light bathing us. The sky above is blue, except it isn’t quite right. The light at the top seems to be twinkling. Lazy trickles of water meander down the mountain face.

My mind finally registers what I’m seeing. A dome of clear ice caps this secret utopia, holding in warmth despite the covering of mountaintops on the outside.

What is this place?

The emotions swirling around me are not just my own. Neither do they solely belong to Nailah and Kaida. There’s another presence. Strong and vibrant. Before I can process everything, a shadow crosses overhead, and I jerk my gaze up.

My breath catches.

A flock of dragons zooms through the sky, arrowing toward Kaida and Nailah.

“Dragons incoming. Let’s hope they’re friendly.”

“I didn’t know any wild dragons still lived this far south,” Bastian whispers, his voice tinged with disbelief. “They’re magnificent.”

My heart hammers as our dragons mingle with the others whose scales mirror the earth and sky, greens and browns and blues painting them like living extensions of the valley itself. They spiral and dance among the magically created clouds.

Emotions from the flight above us bombard me. Fear, curiosity, irritation, all spurred by our intrusion into their home. And all from younger dragons, unsure of our intent. But then a sense of calmness washes over the connection. The older ones, their minds seasoned and open, welcome us to come forward and present ourselves in their home.

There’s a hint of command in the offer, and I realize we’re something of an oddity to them. Which makes sense considering this valley is concealed from humans.

“We’re good to go. They’re eager to meet us.”

Bastian raises his eyebrows. “You sure I’m not about to get torched?”

I wiggle my hand. “Like, ninety-five percent sure, give or take.”

My brother sighs. “Great. Feeling very reassured right about now.”

I nudge his arm. “Joking.” I hope. “You grew up in Tirene, so I’m surprised you’re afraid of a few wild dragons.”

He shoots me a wry look. “Key word beingwild. These dragons may never have interacted with or even seen humans before.”

Point taken.

I stretch my wings wide, the strokes of burgundy and gold shimmering in the light. With a shared glance, we leap upward, entering the domain of these majestic creatures.

The older dragons seem to nod, a silent welcome extended to two strangers who have stumbled upon their secret world. Their caution brushes our connection like feathers.

A few of the younger ones “accidentally” cut between Bastian and me as they make their passes, pushing him away so he has to struggle to stay close to me.

After managing to relay that Bastian is with me and didn’t coerce or force his way in, I learn none of these dragons have seen humans before, not even the winged people.

Except for the ancient one.

I share this with Bastian, who’s as curious to meet this ancient dragon as I am.

We’re escorted deep into the valley, flanked by scales of green and brown and blue, over a landscape alive with wonders. This isn’t simply a valley where dragons live. It’s a complete ecosystem with animals of all types. A massive tawny feline, with sharp horns protruding next to its ears and fangs like scythes, prowls the underbrush.

My heart leaps at the sight. “Bastian, do you see that?” I hiss.

Bastian’s eyes go wide. “Holy hells, it’s a devil cat. They’re supposed to be extinct.”