Strax watched Mercedes with silent intensity as she began to take the small dragon in her arms. He said nothing as she carefully held it, as if he feared that the slightest action might break the moment, or worse, hurt the hatchling.
"Take her outside," Strax said finally, his deep, somber voice breaking the silence. "She needs fresh air, freedom. This is no longer her place."
Mercedes looked up at him, the little dragon now nestled in her arms, nestled like a rare jewel.
"Why?" she asked, her voice heavy with doubt. "You... are going to stay here, alone?"
Strax didn't answer immediately. He kept his eyes fixed on the small creature, which seemed so fragile compared to the grandeur of that icy nest. Then, with a low sigh, he finally spoke:
"I have something to take care of."
His tone was firm, but there was a nuance of something Mercedes couldn't quite place—perhaps a decision he'd made long ago, or a weight he was finally ready to carry.
