Together, they lifted Ixana's body. It took both Aiyana and Atia to manoeuvre her; the Sky Matron's wings dangled between them, dragging along the dirt. Nova trailed behind, her steps unsteady, one arm pressed against her side.
This seemed like a lot of hassle, but she understood it would benefit them, especially Atia and Aiyana who caused quite a lot of mayhem with their warriors.
The journey back to the Silver Feather flock was slow and gruelling. The jungle pressed in around them, shadows deepening as dusk approached. Nova sensed Yoa drawing closer to them. His blood still boiled with rage, but he calmed once his messages passed along the golden ribbon of their bond, and Nova could reply.
'I am safe and well,' she repeated to him. Yet where his words carried to her with strength and clarity, hers crackled back faintly, like static on a radio signal.
