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"It’s okay, Bella" The dragon’s body rumbled as he spoke to us

"It seems we have arrived," he said

Caleb helped ain so we could both take a look at where the dragon was indicating

I didn’t know these waters well, especially not fronize the area, since he’d navigated to the island more than once before

"Rose, since you’re with us, if we fly right into the barrier, e get through without problems?" "I think so," I uess" "So fly right ahead, dragon," Caleb said, his grip tightening around on sped up and began descending

We still didn’t know if Brisalia’s words about The Shade being taken over by black witches were true

But as with the state of the boundary, there was only one way to find out

A few moments later, the sun vanished

Bella res

The Shade’s surroundings

I scanned the shore anxiously, straining to see anything that ive us a clue as to the island’s current state

I could spot nothing out of the ordinary yet

We directed Charis toward The Port, and his heavy wings beat around us as he descended onto the jetty

As soon as we hit the ground, Caleb whispered, "Cliround

Bella followed soon after, al backward into the sea before regaining her balance

I wanted nothing more than to just run off into the forest with Caleb to hide and hope the dragon would disappear

Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option

We walked round the dragon’s body until we reached his head and I looked up at him

"Can you wait here for just half an hour? I will be back by then" Charis glared at erous territory

"I’ll give you a quarter of an hour

If you don’t return by then, I will burn this place down looking for you" I shuddered, then nodded

"Of course" I looked at Bella and pointed to the beach on our left that led toward Brett’s cave

"Bella, just go for a walk in that direction

Caleb and I have some business to do" Bella still looked bewildered as she took in this strange new island, but she nodded absent off

Charis didn’t seeress after I’d requested her--he hadn’t specified that she would have to return with us--and I wanted her out of his way

I leapt onto Caleb’s back again and pointed toward the forest