The wind rushed past the edges of the woven carpet. It was a constant, rhythmic sound.
Marcus sat on the magical rug with his legs crossed. The adrenaline from the escape had finally drained away.
He felt hollow and heavy.
He looked down at the dragon girl curled against his thigh. She breathed deeply and evenly.
She held onto his trouser leg with a tight grip.
Marcus shifted his weight carefully to avoid waking her. His gaze drifted across the carpet.
A few feet away, Elara lay on her side. She was curled into a tight ball with her knees pulled to her chest.
She looked small and fragile. Her dress was torn and stained with grime.
Even in sleep, her face held tension.
Marcus watched her for a moment. A gentle, sad smile touched his lips.
She had survived. It wasn't a happy ending, but she was alive.
"Hey," a squeaky voice whispered.
Marcus looked down.
Goliath, the grey teddy bear, sat next to the dragon girl. He stared at Elara with his single button eye.
