Ellio’s eyes were shut tight as he plunged into the sand. The height of the ravine buried half his body almost instantly. For a few heartbeats, he simply lay there, trying to process the fact that he had survived the fall. In truth, he wasn’t even sure the landing would be safe; his earlier words had been more for courage. It was a lie meant not just to encourage both the twin phoenix but even himself.
“We’re.. alive..” he whispered, finally opening his eyes. He patted the sand that clung to him from the waist down, relief flooding his chest. “WE’RE ALIV—mghmm!”
A massive, rough hand clamped over his mouth, cutting off his shout. Azure’s grip was firm but careful, and the weight of it reminded Ellio why he had to stay silent. The Danlopes above might hear even a single scream.
Azure’s
