The smoke rode the thermals in slow, dirty spirals, and Noah cut through them with steady wings, the sting of ash barely more than an inconvenience against the breadth of his griffin form. The heat lifted him easily. He welcomed it, let it shoulder his weight, let it carry him without wasted effort. His eyes scanned as he lifted higher, looking to find the source of the smoke.
He noticed her because she stood too close to the edge. Recognition rose through him instantly, as well as a pulse of panic.
Most creatures kept a respectful distance from the drop. Instinct insisted on it. But she leaned forward, daringly so, attention fixed on something that Noah didn't turn his eyes to look at yet. He circled once, wide and silent, glacier eyes tracking her posture. He angled lower, massive wings tilting, shadow sliding over cliff and girl alike before he was close enough to call out over the attuned bond, "Nova!"
He noticed her because she stood too close to the edge. Recognition rose through him instantly, as well as a pulse of panic.
Most creatures kept a respectful distance from the drop. Instinct insisted on it. But she leaned forward, daringly so, attention fixed on something that Noah didn't turn his eyes to look at yet. He circled once, wide and silent, glacier eyes tracking her posture. He angled lower, massive wings tilting, shadow sliding over cliff and girl alike before he was close enough to call out over the attuned bond, "Nova!"
noah
you touched my heavy heart and made it light
