feathers to scales

6

Karma crash-landed beside a river, the impact sending rocks and dirt flying. He wasted no time, diving into the water to cool his aching muscles and to conceal himself. The river's swift current carried him along, his light blue scales blending with the water's reflective surface. He swam low, letting the river's natural flow do most of the work, occasionally propelling himself forward with a powerful tail flick.

The river led him to a large lake, shrouded by trees with dense foliage that provided perfect cover. Karma found a secluded spot under a thick canopy, taking a moment to inspect the raw patches on his wings where the bandages had been. They were tender and ached with every movement, but he was grateful to be free. As he caught his breath, he heard the faint roar of other dragons passing overhead. He stayed low, watching them move across the sky, hoping they hadn't noticed him.

After a few minutes, he spread his wings cautiously, testing their strength. They weren't at full capacity, but they would get him through. He launched himself into the air, heading west to distance himself from the chaos. His flight was short, his wings already aching, but he found a small island with a flowing river and dense forest. It seemed far enough from the dragon hunters and their no-wing allies.

Landing on the island, he immediately spotted a shoal of fish swimming upstream. He wasted no time, snatching a few from the river and devouring them. The hunger that had gnawed at him since his captivity finally subsided, replaced by a sense of relief. He felt the tranquility of the place—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, the gentle flow of the river. For a moment, it seemed he was alone, free from the threats of the outside world.

Karma sat by the river, allowing the cool breeze to wash over him, the tension slowly easing from his muscles. He listened intently, half expecting to hear the distant sounds of approaching dragons or the clamor of no-wings in pursuit. But there was only the peaceful song of the forest.

It was quiet, perhaps too quiet. Even as he relaxed, Karma remained alert, scanning the treetops and the skies for any sign of danger. This was a temporary refuge, and he knew he couldn't stay here forever. Yet, in this moment of solitude, he allowed himself to believe that he had found a safe haven, if only for a little while.