The tricolor lizard crouched low to the ground, its heavy body rippling with muscle as it extended its massive tail. The thick scales gleamed faintly in the dim torchlight.
"Good boy," Luciel murmured.
The tail flattened, steady as a platform, and the three girls stepped up one by one. The lizard lifted them gently, as if cradling eggs rather than passengers.
Mino's long rabbit ears twitched with delight. "Skink, you're amazing! I was scared of you before, but not anymore."
She grinned and gave the beast an affectionate pat on its plated side.
The lizard's tail stiffened in embarrassment, then steadied again, carrying them higher with extra care.
"Luciel!" Elara called from below. "Spit out some silk and tie down the plants, or they'll slide off during transport."
Luciel looked up from where he stood, still smiling faintly.
