31. Arcady: Blood, Feather, Bone

Summary

• The protagonist wakes up being held in the air by a creature, experiencing vertigo and physical pain.
• Unable to utilize their magic due to exhaustion, they realize they're being carried by the creature whose direct contact is causing physical pain and injuries.
• The character is emotionally troubled, recalling the lost battle and the claw they lost in the process.
• They land on a beach and, feeling weak and pained, vomit from hunger and anguish, feeling a deep sorrow and regret for their situations and decisions.
• They sense a movement and try to attack, but get pushed down. They take the food offered and eat ravenously, feeling a little bit better.
• When they open their eyes, they see that Everen has transformed into a winged creature, looking more dangerous and foreign. Their transformation overwhelms the protagonist, causing fear and confusion so they decide to run away from him.
• Feeling guilty, scared, and hurt, the protagonist cries, recalling their pre-planned victory and lamenting over their perceived betrayal.
• The protagonist tries to make sense of Everen's transformation and presence, unsure if he manipulated or tricked them.
• They decide to return to Everen where they discover that he is injured. They help to bandage his wounds, slightly healing themselves in the process due to their magical bond.
• Everen reveals himself as a dragon, eliciting a mix of fear and awe from the protagonist. He insists that, despite his unusual form, he is neither a god nor a monster and that he truly needs the protagonist's trust.
• The protagonist discovers that Everen has retrieved the stolen relic, making her hopeful for the first time.
• They agree to a truce for the night, and the protagonist falls asleep under Everen's wing, warming up.