38. Cassia: A Veiled Storm

Summary

• Cassia, the protagonist, flies through the sky, following Queen Naccara and sensing an impending storm.
• They are accompanied by the five strongest dragons, equipped with ancient armor and prepared to follow through the "rip" into a new realm.
• Cassia yearns to journey through the rip with them but is commanded by fate and her mother to stay behind for her own safety.
• Communication with Everen has been intermittent and shaky, but Cassia has faith that he will come through to help when needed.
• Queen Naccara then rallies the dragons before leading them one-by-one into the rip, after a solemn exchange with Cassia.
• Cassia is brought to tears as her mother disappears, and while she is tempted, she resists following immediately, returning home instead.
• She plans to watch events unfold from afar but fears something might still upset the "dragon scales".