Chapter 16: Escaping the Dark Ruin, Arriving at Sun City
General Genevieve’s expression changed instantly from suspicious contemplation to urgent action in response to the sudden development.
"The Dark Ruin is collapsing! We need to leave immediately!"
She turned to her mount.
"Fyn, we don’t have time for this. Let them on and let’s get out of here!"
The Blazing Phoenix let out an indignant squawk, its eyes still fixed on Elias with unmistakable hostility. It shook its magnificent head, clearly refusing to carry the one who had abandoned it.
"Fyn! This is not the time and place for this!"
General Genevieve’s voice carried a note of command mixed with urgency. The ground shook more violently, and pieces of debris began falling from the cavern ceiling above.
Elias stepped forward, meeting the phoenix’s burning gaze directly. The words that came from his mouth were his own, yet they carried the weight of the original Elias’s regret.
"Fyn, you can hate me. I don’t mind. Good for you, you’ve found a new owner who cherishes you. But I still can’t take you back because I can’t afford to raise you."
The brutal honesty of his words seemed to strike the phoenix like a physical blow. Fyn recoiled slightly, a mournful trill escaping its beak. The creature had expected excuses, perhaps false promises of reunion, but not this stark acknowledgment of reality.
"We don’t have time for this!"