---
Azhara took the rear, muttering something about needing something like a carrot coffee. Kai had no idea what carrot coffee was, and he was too afraid to ask.
Lirien climbed up last, muttering about wing drag and center of gravity.
"Just sit down, Forge Witch," Azhara said, scooting over.
"You sit down, big chest bunny," Lirien shot back.
"Forge Goblin."
"Pervebt Bunny."
"Ladies," Kai interrupted. "Save it for the midair brawl."
Once everyone was secured, Kai tapped Alka's neck lightly.
"Up Girl."
With a mighty beat of her wings, the air cracked.
Alka launched skyward, cutting through the early dawn mist like a knife. Below, the jungle thinned. Trees turned to green smudges. Rivers became winding blue veins. The world shrank beneath them.
And up they soared.
"Next stop," Kai muttered, "Monarch Mountain."
