Chapter 26: New plans!
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Star trembled; violet glow faltered. Zephyr felt the drain lash through their bond, raw, burning. He grabbed the dragonling, breaking contact. The web dimmed to dull lilac. The raptor plates caught fire.
"Time bought, not won," Fenna warned.
Zephyr stared at his bruised hands, at Star panting but fierce. The tunnel ran only twenty more meters before narrowing to nothing, beyond that, no escape. "We finish them here or die here."
He pressed his forehead to Star's. "No more running."
Zephyr felt the bloodline thrum again, deeper this time, like a drum under earth. "Listen," he whispered, voice shaking with awe. "I'll guide. You strike."
Star answered with a rising trill that sent dust dancing from the ceiling.
The raptor in the gap ground forward, snapping final strands. The other limped to the flank, half leg on fire but rage driving it.
"Star, attack on my word, Fenna support" Zephyr said.