Ahri, still smiling with that serene grace only someone who had witnessed civilizations rise and crumble like sandcastles could pull off, stepped forward and locked eyes with Umbra — the tiny white dragon now curled up behind Kael's neck like a shy hatchling.
"This little thing?" Ahri raised an eyebrow with the same casual air one might use when sharpening a dagger. "That's an old hag disguised as a baby. Literally." She crossed her arms, wearing a dangerously sweet smile. "Straight up textbook 'adorable liar' energy, isn't it?"
Kael slowly turned his head to look at the small creature on his shoulder.Umbra — wings tucked in, big innocent eyes, tail curled like a nervous kitten — was doing the best helpless mascot impression the world had ever seen. But Kael already knew that face came with fine print and hidden clauses.
"Umbra…?" he asked in a low tone, the kind that knew betrayal was coming.
The wyvern let out a tiny puff of shadow mana and sighed.
