Raven crouched slowly beside the Thunder Drakelet, her eyes softening as the little beast lifted its head to look at her.
Its blue eyes were tired but alert, and as she extended her hand to gently pat its scaly forehead, it didn't resist.
Instead, it leaned slightly into her touch, a low, rasping purr rumbling in its throat.
Kai blinked. He hadn't seen it that relaxed in days.
Raven exhaled, then leaned forward and, with great care, pressed her forehead lightly to the Drakelet's.
Theron shifted beside Kai, but said nothing.
The air stilled.
A faint spark of static energy danced in Raven's braid.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and for a few seconds, nothing moved—not even the wind outside the cave.
Kai didn't say a word. He just watched her, arms folded, one brow slightly raised.
After a few moments, Raven pulled away.
The Drakelet blinked, its breathing a little more even now, and rested its chin on the cave floor. She stood, dusted off her knees, and turned to face Kai.
