Clay. Peril was on the peak of Jade Mountain. She wondered what she would have become if Clay hadn't been captured by Queen Scarlet. She shuddered as she remembered the tortured screams of agony from prisoners burning beneath her talons. How many dragons have I killed? She remembered Horizon, the SandWing who had killed himself in the SkyWing arena.

"Hey, Peril." Turtle swooped over. Peril glanced at his emerald-green shape hovering in the sky. Turtle landed next to her. "Anything wrong?"

"No. Just admiring the clouds." She paused. "And thinking about life." And my crush, she added silently.

Turtle grinned at her. "You sure you're not thinking about Clay?"

Peril rolled her eyes at him. "So what if I am?" she asked defensively. "Are you jealous?"

Turtle looked flustered. "O-of course not!" he stuttered.

"Oh, right," Peril snickered. "You like Kinkajou."

Turtle shifted uncomfortably. "W-what are you talking about, Peril--"

"Of course  he likes Kinkajou," Anemone called, flying above them. "She likes him too." Peril gave Turtle a highly amused expression. "Anyway, Turtle, come swimming with us! The others are at the underground lake already."

Turtle, glad for an excuse to get away from the relentless mocking, darted away. Anemone winked at Peril before flying after her brother.

Peril chuckled and turned back to watch the clouds. Maybe I should ask Clay if he wants to go flying with me. But maybe he's too busy. Maybe I should go look for Siamang instead-- "Hey, Peril, want to go flying with me?" a familiar voice called.

Peril turned. Clay smiled at her, his wings outstretched. Peril barreled into him, and he wrapped his wings around her. "Yep. Let's fly." Pulling back from the hug, she spread her wings and lifted into the sky. "Race you to the rainforest!" she cried. Clay laughed and swooped after her.