They secured the wyvern's head before the light failed completely. The neck stump still leaked blackish fluid that stained the rock. Korr lashed the heavy skull to a makeshift travois of broken spar and rope while Venn checked the ridges one last time.
Ressa stayed close, hood up, the white-painted patterns on her fur catching the last gray light in short flashes. Aiden took rear guard. The ordered power under his skin stayed level, neither surging nor fading. The key against his ribs remained quiet.
The descent took longer than the climb. The weight of the head forced careful steps on the loose scree. Korr carried the bulk without complaint, boots grinding stone. Venn ranged ahead and to the flanks, bow ready.
No other predators showed. By full dark they reached the lower trail. They made a cold camp in a shallow overhang, rotated watches, and moved again at first light.
