The tricolor lizard moved swiftly down the rough flank of the giant rock turtle, its claws gripping stone and moss with practiced ease. Elara sat at the front, Alina behind her, their cloaks drawn close to hide the shimmer of their armor. When they reached the lower ledge, Elara tugged the reins, and the lizard swung in a wide arc, circling toward the side of Amestris City.
Under the faint glow of night, the city was tense but distracted. The earlier appearance of the rock tortoises had frightened half the populace, drawing soldiers and curious civilians to the outer walls. The streets of the inner city were nearly deserted—an advantage Elara had counted on.
"Invisibility on," Elara murmured. Their bodies shimmered and faded from sight, leaving only faint distortions in the air. The tricolor lizard hissed softly, confused for a moment before obeying her quiet touch.
