Page 31 of Realms of Shadow and Sun (A World of Sun and Shadow #3)

The little filly wobbled on her legs, trying to nurse as Starlia looked on proudly. Renya's heart swelled with joy at the sight of Starlia and her newborn daughter. Grayden was equally proud, boasting about how easy the delivery had been and how well his mare was caring for her foal.

"What are you going to call her?"

Renya asked, watching the foal attempt to gallop around the pen.

"Whatever you'd like, Little Fawn. She's yours."

Renya's heart fluttered. She dearly loved Starlia, and the thought of having her own horse, graceful and majestic, excited her.

But then the filly tripped and landed head-first in a pile of droppings, shattering that vision. Renya laughed as the pony stood up, shaking her head as if confused about what had just happened.

"So, what's her name, Little Fawn?"

Renya thought for a moment, her eyes drawn to the sweet little creature. "Talia."

"Talia,"

Grayden repeated. "I like that."

They watched the mother and foal bond for a few more minutes before Grayden put his arm around Renya. "Should we go to bed?"

"Go to bed...or go to sleep?"

Renya teased.

"Both,"

Grayden responded, laughing heartily. The sound made Renya's chest tighten and her mood lighten. Nothing sounded better than Grayden's laughter.

After feeding Starlia a few arctic pears and patting Talia on the head, Grayden followed Renya to the far side of the stables to check on Beauty.

The dragon purred the moment Renya approached, swishing her long tail excitedly. She had almost doubled in size since Renya had met her, with wings now over four feet wide. Renya felt a pang of concern, realizing Beauty was growing too quickly. She wasn't sure how she could possibly keep a full-grown dragon in this world long-term. Perhaps Almory or Cyrus would have some ideas.

Beauty began ramming the door of the stall, and Renya sighed. As much as she loved Beauty, it wasn't good for her to be restrained and locked up like this. She felt no better than Cressida, who kept her pets in a glass cage.

"Can you ride her, Little Fawn?"

Grayden asked.

Renya looked at Beauty, whose tail was switching back and forth, eyes fixed on Renya's every move. "I did a few times in the Shadow Realm, in the forest."

"Why don't you try here? She's obviously annoyed at being cooped up, and I can feel your tension."

He moved behind Renya, his strong hands pressing into her shoulders.

"Mmmmm,"

she moaned, arching like a waking cat into his arms. "That feels nice."

"Careful, Little Fawn,"

he warned, his hands wandering down to her waist before wrapping around her. "Or neither of us will get any sleep tonight."

Renya felt some of the tension leave her body as she chuckled. "No matter what I do, that's usually the case."

"Has your insatiable appetite finally got the better of you?"

he asked, eyes sparkling mischievously.

Renya elbowed him in the ribs and danced just outside of his grasp. "Do we have a saddle or reins I could try with her?"

In the tack room, Grayden sorted through bridles and saddles before tying a few together. "I think this might work,"

he said, pulling at the leather to test it.

Renya nodded, nervous but eager to ride Beauty again. She unbolted the stall door, ignoring Grayden's warning to be careful. The dragon protested a bit as Renya arranged the makeshift saddle and bridle, but then sat patiently when she realized she was going to leave the stall.

"I'd recommend taking her out the back entrance of the stables,"

Grayden suggested, stepping back to allow Renya to coax Beauty away from the other horses.

Renya attempted to swing her leg over Beauty's back, but the dragon had grown so much that she could no longer hoist herself up. Grayden came over, clasped his hands together, and gave her a boost. She settled into the saddle, feeling uneasy. Beauty was even taller than the last time she'd ridden her and seemed more excited than usual. Renya feared she might take off running and throw her.

"Calm, Beauty,"

Renya murmured, stroking the dragon's neck. Beauty purred and started walking towards the open door. Renya turned briefly and saw Grayden behind her, encouraging them.

"Okay Beauty, let's do this."

She pulled on the reins, and Beauty took off, careening through the snow with ease.

Renya was thrown back for a moment, unbalanced, before righting herself in the saddle and holding on tightly. Laughing, she threw her head back, enjoying the snow whipping around her and the cool wind rushing through her hair. The air stung a bit, but the cold was nothing compared to the exhilarating pace that Beauty set.

Be careful, my love. I just got you back.

Renya grinned, her chest light. Grayden was by her side again, her aunt was safe, and she was momentarily protected from Cressida by her father's magic. Giddy, she urged Beauty faster, her worries seeming to roll off with every step Beauty took. The dragon ran faster, turning back towards the lodge.

"Careful, Beauty,"

Renya said as the dragon continued a grueling pace towards the gardens. She grasped the reins, pulling back. "Beauty, no! We're going to crash!"

But the dragon continued forward, and Renya closed her eyes, preparing to smash into the brick wall surrounding the garden. Suddenly, a feeling of weightlessness stirred in her belly, and she felt the air from Beauty's wings flapping. Renya heard a giant 'whoop!' from Grayden below. Wait, below?

She opened her eyes and clung to the reins. Beauty soared over the garden, circling and gaining more altitude.

"Beauty! You're doing it, girl!"

The dragon purred again and switched directions, heading back towards the village. Renya could see the shocked looks of the few villagers left on the streets as they began pointing and waving.

Renya felt Grayden's panic and worry through their bond. She tried to urge Beauty back towards the stables, but the dragon had a mind of her own. She flew past the village and soared over the snow-covered foothills leading to the mountain range. Renya's stomach dropped as Beauty suddenly started to descend. She watched in amazement as Beauty finally reached the ground, her wings fluttering softly until she landed delicately in front of a small stream. The water flowed freely here, and Beauty dipped her head to drink.

"Thirsty girl, huh Beauty?"

Renya cooed at the dragon, trying to remain calm despite her racing heart, fueled by the excitement of flying and the anxiety radiating through her bond with Grayden.

After a few more seconds of drinking, Beauty started running again, then gliding, then flying high into the air. The higher she went, the more Renya shivered.

Almost as though she sensed her discomfort, Beauty croaked a strange throaty sound and headed back towards the stables. A few minutes later, the lodge came into view, and Renya could feel Grayden's relief. Beauty gracefully landed in front of the stables, and Grayden rushed over to help Renya off.

"I can't believe it, Renya! You flew! On a dragon!"

"Way to state the obvious,"

she said, grinning at Grayden. He helped her down, and her feet hit the ground. She swayed a bit, off-balance from the sudden descent and the adrenaline coursing through her system. Grayden's protective arms instantly steadied her, and she let herself be taken into his embrace.

"Have I told you how magnificent you are, my mate?"

he asked, nuzzling her neck and then kissing the spot right behind her ear.

"Daily,"

she teased, enjoying his affection.

Beauty purred, watching the pair, and then circled them both before heading back into the stable.