Evening painted the northern sky in colors that stole breath. The aurora danced overhead—ribbons of green, blue, violet flowing like liquid light through darkness. Draven sat on Malvorn's broad back, the behemoth's four-legged stride powerful even in flight through gravity manipulation.
No urgency pressed them. No crisis demanded attention. For the first time in weeks, they simply... traveled.
Naelvorn's serpentine form coiled playfully through aurora ribbons as bioluminescent teal matched the sky's magic. "It's like swimming through starlight, bro! You seeing this?"
Frostina flew with elegant precision as ice-ring eyes reflected the dancing colors. Even her composed demeanor seemed softened by the aurora's beauty.
Raziel's volcanic form glowed warmly against the cold sky while magma-light created fascinating contrast with northern magic.
The pack flew close—Zor's golden wings catching light, Feyra's radiance blending with aurora, Velnar steady, Sylvara's verdant energy peaceful.
Magic surrounded them. Not combat. Just beauty.
Below, a frozen lake appeared—perfectly circular, ice smooth as glass, reflecting aurora and stars like mirror to heaven.
"There," Frostina stated while already descending. "We camp here."
The alliance landed around the lake's edge. Malvorn's massive four-legged form settled with satisfied rumble as each footfall created small tremors. His behemoth size was comforting—mountain of protection, unshakeable presence.
Draven slid from his back as boots touched snow. "It's perfect."
The lake stretched fifty meters across as ice glowed faintly with reflected aurora. Pine forest surrounded them—ancient trees standing sentinel, peaceful guardians. Temperature was cold but bearable as Raziel's volcanic heat warmed the immediate area naturally.
Naelvorn found water source nearby—underground spring feeding the lake. He dove in playfully as serpentine form created gentle waves. "Temperature's nice! Anyone joining?"
Frostina created ice-seats around the lake's edge with casual wave. "Sit. Rest. We've earned it."
---
The alliance settled around the lake comfortably. Malvorn lay near Draven as massive form created windbreak, behemoth presence steady. The pack gathered close—Feyra curling elegantly, Velnar resting solidly, Sylvara sitting peacefully, Zor perched on ice-sculpture.
The three allied Overlords took positions respectfully—Frostina on her ice-seat, Naelvorn coiled half-in water, Raziel settled with volcanic warmth radiating.
Stars emerged overhead as darkness deepened. The aurora continued dancing while providing gentle light alongside Raziel's magma-glow.
No fire needed—Raziel was fire.
No guards posted—four Overlords made security unnecessary.
Just family, resting together beneath Theia's night sky.
Safe. Peaceful. Content.
"So," Naelvorn began as serpentine form shifted comfortably. "Anyone want to hear about the time I accidentally sank three fishing villages?"
Frostina's ice-ring eyes narrowed. "Accidentally?"
"Completely accidental, Ice Queen! I was just playing with ocean currents, testing pressure limits, seeing how big a whirlpool I could create—"
"And?" Draven asked while smiling already.
"Turns out, "really" big," Naelvorn admitted cheerfully. "Like, 'swallowed three coastal villages' big. In my defense, they rebuilt! Better locations! I technically did them a favor!"
Raziel rumbled with what might have been laughter. "You flooded settlements and called it favor?"
"Urban planning assistance," Naelvorn corrected with absolute seriousness. "Completely different."
Even Frostina's lips twitched slightly—almost-smile, rare as comet.
The pack laughed openly. Zor's eagle-cry echoed with amusement.
Frostina raised one clawed hand as ice crystallized from thin air. Within seconds, a perfect sculpture formed—aurora captured in frozen art, flowing ribbons preserved eternally in crystal clarity.
"Beautiful," Sylvara breathed.
Frostina placed it beside the lake. "Beauty deserves preservation. Even temporary northern lights can be remembered."
Draven stared. The Ice Queen created "art"? Unexpected. Touching.
"You're full of surprises," he said quietly.
"Millennia provide time for hobbies," Frostina replied, but something warm touched her tone.
She created more—one for each alliance member. Gifts, freely given.
---
Zor launched into night sky as golden wings blazed against stars. He performed aerial tricks—loops, dives, spirals—showing off shamelessly.
Velnar created earth-sculptures in response—miniature mountains rising from snow, detailed and impressive.
"Competition?" Feyra asked, amused.
"Always," both replied simultaneously, then laughed.
Sylvara grew flowers impossibly—verdant magic coaxing life from frozen ground as delicate blooms opened beneath aurora light.
The pack's joy was infectious. Years together showed—comfortable teasing, genuine affection, family bonds forged through shared freedom.
Draven watched with heart full. "This" was what he'd fought for. Not just breaking chains, but creating space for joy.
Malvorn's presence hummed contentedly through bond. "They're happy."
"We all are," Draven agreed.
Raziel spoke quietly as ancient voice carried across lake. "I have seen empires rise and fall. Watched civilizations bloom and wither. Witnessed beauty and horror beyond mortal comprehension."
He paused as magma-light pulsed warmly.
"This moment—simple alliance resting beneath stars—is worth preserving in memory. Power matters less than connection. Strength means nothing without purpose."
Naelvorn nodded seriously for once. "Deep, fire-lizard. Actually deep."
"I have my moments," Raziel rumbled, amused.
Frostina added softly, "I agree. This... is rare. Treasure it."
The alliance fell quiet while absorbing wisdom and feeling weight of moment.
Peace. Chosen family. Safety.
Treasured indeed.
Through Genesis Codex, Luminestra's presence warmed. "In the merger era, we had celebrations beneath twin moons—dragons dancing in sky, Architects singing below, magic and joy intertwined."
"This reminds me of those nights. Different, but... similar warmth. Thank you for letting me witness this."
Draven smiled. "You're part of it, Luminestra. Family includes dragons in Codex."
Her presence trembled with gratitude, joy.
---
Eventually, conversation faded into comfortable silence. The aurora continued dancing overhead as stars remained brilliant in clear northern sky.
The pack curled around Malvorn's massive form—using the behemoth's bulk for warmth and security. Feyra nestled against his foreleg, Velnar leaning against his side, Sylvara resting near his tail, Zor tucked under his massive jaw.
Draven lay against Malvorn's shoulder as the four-legged Overlord's presence remained steady, protective, comforting. Through bond, he felt Malvorn's contentment—deep, solid, unshakeable.
"Sleep, Bearer," Malvorn rumbled quietly. "I watch."
Frostina maintained ice-sculptures through night—art and vigilance combined.
Naelvorn floated peacefully in lake, half-submerged, relaxed completely.
Raziel's warmth kept everyone comfortable as volcanic heat remained gentle and controlled.
Safe. All of them. Together.
Draven's eyes grew heavy as exhaustion from weeks of travel finally claimed him. But it was good exhaustion—earned through progress, not suffering.
First Anchor retrieved. Alliance strong. Family safe.
He thought briefly of Mira, hoping his letter would reach her soon. Of the Covenant, growing despite distance. Of the remaining Anchors waiting—challenges ahead, but not tonight.
Tonight was rest. Peace. Warmth.
Malvorn's steady breathing, the pack's gentle sounds, Overlords' protective presence—all surrounded him with safety.
For the first time in months, Draven slept without nightmares.
Just stars overhead, aurora dancing, and family close.
Perfect.
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