Several minutes had passed since they escaped the Mangroves. The environment almost looked…serene, compared to the muddy swamp they were in prior.
Wide stretches of mostly shallow water were broken by scattered rocky islands and coral formations. The water was clear enough to see underneath it. Schools of small fish darted beneath the water, while other species that Aren couldn't quite recognize were hiding in the corals.
Emily guided the enlarged dragonflies toward one of the beaches on a small island. Their wings beat slower and slower as they descended, clearly reaching the limit of what she could sustain.
As soon as they reached land, the dragonflies dissolved as Emily staggered over.
Luna caught her by the arm before she could fall completely.
"Easy," Luna said.
"I'm fine…" Emily muttered weakly, though the pale look on her face suggested otherwise.
But as Aren examined the senior, there was only one thought lingering in his head.
