Glow stood there, Frigga's ice blue eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Many moments passed, Corona looked at Glow with almost the exact same expression. Evenstar, however, looked pleased, as if he were relieved that for once, something good happened. Even Kite awoke as if he were listening to the whole conversation.

       Frigga's mutter was barely audible. "Alive...?" She said, as if she thought she was dreaming.

       Glow nodded. "Yes, she's in the prison tower next to Clay. She's alive, and she told me to tell you that she loves you." Frigga's eyes glittered. Glow wasn't certain if what she just did was helping her or hindering her mental state after everything that happened, but she sensed a hope and a light that Glow had not seen in her master for a little while.

       Moments passed before anyone spoke again. "What about my brother...? Is North still alive?" Frigga asked hopefully.

       Glow felt her heart sink. She lowered her head and shook it. "No. I'm afraid he died a long time ago." She answered.

       Frigga's lip quivered. She took a deep breath and sighed. The IceWing crumpled to the floor, her head drooping. She glanced up at her SkyWing apprentice, looking pitiful and pathetic. "I want to see her." She muttered.

       Glow shook her head and stepped back, not wanting to think about the dangers she would be in if she were caught. "B-but, if you get caught, we might not make it out of here. I can't risk –"

       "Please, Glow!" Frigga interrupted, tears twinkling at the corners of her hopeful and begging eyes. "I haven't seen her in at least ten years. I've long thought her to be dead, and she's the only part of my family I know for certain I still have at this point." She pleaded. Glow's heart tugged painfully, still not used to this kind of vulnerability from her master. "Please, Glow. I just need to see her again, one last time. Can't you allow me that?"

       A tear rolled down her chilling cheek so smoothly, it was almost as if it were accustomed to the path it was sliding. Glow glanced at the others and was surprised to see them all wearing the same expression. Corona and Evenstar's more subdued and Kite's obviously pleading. He didn't need to ask what they were talking about earlier to understand what was happening. It was as if she could hear them all say let her do it; she's suffered enough hasn't she?

       Glow bowed her head to her master. "Alright. I'll let you see her during the trial tomorrow." Frigga's eyes lit up, a new hope flooding into them. She clung onto Glow, her cold scales chilling the rest of Glow's body.

       "Thank you, Glow. My SkyWing of destiny. Thank you..." She wept.

       Glow untangled herself from Frigga's serrated talons. "Just let me find out when the trial is tomorrow, and I'll let you know so we can figure out a plan." She said. Glow slid out of their dorm to try and find someone, hopefully Vermilion, to get the information she needed. Instead, she found a red SkyWing seemingly wandering aimlessly around the throne-room.

       Glow approached the SkyWing and soon recognized her as the SkyWing princess, Ruby. The ruby earring she wore glimmered in the torch-light. Ruby's elegant snout lifted in recognition. "Oh, well hello. You're Glow, aren't you? One of the guests we've been hosting for the past couple days?" She asked.

       Glow nodded. "Yep, that's me. What are you doing out this late at night?" She asked.

       Ruby scoffed. "I could ask you the same thing, SkyWing."

       Glow laughed nervously, hoping that Ruby wasn't referring to her nightly ventures with Clay and Peril. "Well, I actually just left my dorm to ask someone when the trial was tomorrow, and I bumped into you." She admitted.

       Ruby shrugged and pointed at the arena outside. "It starts at dawn, if you're interested in seeing it." She answered. Her wings suddenly drooped. "I'm not that excited about it, I probably won't attend." She admitted.

       Glow cocked her head in confusion. "Why is that?" She asked.

       Ruby looked over guiltily at her. "It always ends the same way, it's mostly for show. And besides, I will never agree with my mother's methods of ruling." She answered. She let out a long sigh and puffed her chest. "We look like a strong prospering nation, but we've been falling apart and deteriorating for years since she's been in power. Many dragons want things to change, but mother is too busy entertaining herself." She added.

       Glow's ears drooped in sympathy. She must be thinking of Tourmaline. How different things would've been if she were in power right now instead of Scarlet. Glow looked over Ruby. She didn't look necessarily unfit for battle, per se. She seemed relatively well-muscled and toned – as if she could put up a pretty decent fight. Peril had a poorer body structure, but she didn't need muscles or physical strength. 

       She had a far more deadly power than simple muscle.

       "Why don't you challenge her?" Glow asked suddenly.

       Ruby looked shocked. "D-do you honestly think I-I would be able to run a kingdom? Or defeat my mother in a challenge?" Ruby fluttered her wings in a fluster. "No. My rule is," She paused, looking off distractedly to the side. "Impossible." She finished.

       Glow dipped her head. "Well, that's not necessarily true." She tried to say reassuringly. "What would you do if you were queen?" She asked.

       Ruby looked over at the arena once more and began padding towards it. "Well, I don't have much I want to change, but," she paused. "I want to change this arena my mother uses."

       Glow began following her. "How so?" She asked hopefully.

        Ruby smiled. "Well, I'd stop the arena matches. They aren't doing anything for our kingdom and it's just a sick game that my mother likes to play." She began. She turned towards Glow and smiled again, warmth stretching across her face. "I'd turn it instead into a hospital for the wounded dragons from the war. Dragons of all tribes, not just SkyWings."

       Glow's own smile got wider. Imagine what kind of kingdom the Sky Kingdom would be with someone like Ruby as queen. "That sounds wonderful." Glow said.

       Ruby grinned sheepishly. "Thank you. My son thinks so, too."

       "You have a son?" Glow asked. Glow sat down, trying to get more comfortable.  "How old is he?" She asked.

      "He was born about a month ago." Ruby answered with pride. "His name is Cliff."

       "Aw, that's so cute!" She giggled.

       "Yeah," Ruby paused. "To be completely honest, the day he hatched was one of, if not the happiest, day I've ever had." She admitted. "When he smiles, he shines brighter than the sun ever will." Ruby praised affectionately.

       Glow scratched her chin. "So, who's the father?" She asked cautiously.

       Ruby looked around the room, watching for someone who might walk by. Probably checking to make sure Scarlet, or one of her guards, isn't around to expose her. Glow wondered about their family dynamic for a moment. If Vermilion knew, would he expose her? Would any of her brothers? There was no real reason for them to care about her. She could get killed, and they were mostly safe – so long as they obeyed their mother, the queen. I guess none of her heirs are safe underneath her talons.

       "Can you keep a secret?" Ruby asked nervously. Glow nodded and leaned in further. Ruby stretched her wings to conceal them from invisible eyes. "A soldier named Flashover."

       Glow reeled back in surprise. That would explain why the four of them always hang around the palace. Cinnabar isn't always here to give them orders. She wondered if the other three knew about Flashover's secret. "Wow. How did you two meet?" She asked, curious.

       "Breeding program." Ruby replied. "But he still likes to come around and ask about Cliff. He's really sweet." She elaborated.

       Glow was confused about what the princess meant by that. Breeding program? Is that some sort of war measure or just something Scarlet decided to keep dragons from having meaningful relationships? But she then remembered the committed relationship that Combustion and Charcoal have and the relationship that Condor and Cinnabar supposedly had.

       Before Glow could ask Ruby about it, she realized that soon she's be suspected of something in case someone spotted her, and decided to cut their chit-chat short. Glow nudged Ruby with a wing and gave her a reassuring smile. "Well, I should get back to bed. Thanks for your help." She said. She turned around and began to head for her dorm when she looked back at Ruby. "Hey," she called quietly. "I wish for all the best for you." She added.

       Ruby dipped her head at Glow. "You too." She replied.

       "Tell Vermilion I said hi." Glow called before turning to her dorm.

       Ruby rolled her eyes. "Sure." She said absentmindedly.

       She entered the dorm to see that Kite had fallen asleep curled up in Corona's wings. Evenstar was curled around Frigga's chest, his snout pointed toward Kite. Frigga looked at her expectantly. "Well? When is the trial?" the IceWing asked.

       Glow nodded and curled up beside Kite and Corona under Frigga's wing. "Trial starts at dawn. I'll take you to Snowstorm's tower when the trial begins." Glow answered.

       Evenstar dipped his head in acceptance. "Good. No one's going to pay any attention to the prisoners tomorrow. They'll be too focused on the trial." He speculated. "They probably won't notice a slightly bigger blob of whitish-blue in the distance." He joked.

       Glow stuck her tongue out at him teasingly, to which he responded by grinning widely. "Well, that's a good thing. The last thing that needs to happen is for us to get caught doing something suspicious." Glow agreed.

       Corona yawned, her black tongue curling up before flicking out and then relaxing inside her snout. "Maybe I should go with you tomorrow." She suggested.

       Glow cocked her head to the side. "But who will watch Evenstar and Kite?" She asked.

       Evenstar looked offended, but somehow not as annoyed as the SandWing curled around the small SkyWing. "Flashover and Charcoal will have it covered. I talked with them today and they said that they had the guard shift tomorrow." Corona responded. "Oh, and remember that Evenstar and Kite aren't as helpless as you think they are." She added with a hiss.

       Glow felt like she'd been stung by a very angry wasp. "It's not that, Corona. It's just that..." Glow began, but she wasn't sure how to continue it.

       Corona's black eyes softened. "Scarlet, right?" Glow nodded. Corona sighed in response. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Everything about her seems off to me too. I wouldn't want to leave these two alone with her around either." She glanced over at Evenstar, who returned her gaze. "Especially him. I just know that the oh-so-glorious SkyWing queen would love to get her claws on him." She turned back towards Glow. "And with Cinnabar constantly skulking the area, Kite's constantly in danger." Corona finished. She placed her head down on Kite's back. "I'll stay for a bit, get to know Snowstorm, and then I'll go back and look after Evenstar and Kite. Alright?" Corona offered.

       Glow nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me." She accepted.

       "Alright then." Corona yawned again. "I need sleep. Otherwise, I'll be more likely to bite the nose off the dragon stupid enough to try and wake me up tomorrow." She joked.

       Glow laughed and rested her head across Corona's back beside her head and felt her shudder. Did she really feel that cold in contrast to the SandWing's warmth? The clashing of Corona's warmth and Frigga's chill was a little discomforting, but not unbearable– just odd-feeling. "Goodnight you guys." Glow whispered.

       "Goodnight." Everyone responded. Somehow, for the first time in a while, Glow found it easy to sleep without having to be so exhausted that she could barely stand.

       Glow awoke that morning to Frigga's calm expectant gaze peering down at her. She glanced over at Corona who was grumbling groggily as she tried to pry herself from Kite's soundly sleeping body. Glow blinked sleepily at her master as she began rising with a yawn. "Are you ready for today, master?" She said, rising to her talons. She glanced over at the iron talons she left in the corner, and started putting them on. I might need these.

       Frigga nodded quietly, stepping off to the side to give her pupils more room to stretch. "Ready as I'll ever hope to be." She answered solemnly.

       Glow stretched, feeling the bones in her lower spine crack back into place and her wing muscles awaken. Corona shook herself to her feet and stood resolute beside Glow. The red SkyWing nodded at the pale blue IceWing. She then turned her head to address the SandWing at her side, her black eyes struggling to adjust to the dawn light. "How about you, Corona? Are you ready?" She asked.

       Corona scoffed and lightly brushed a wing along Glow. "I'm always ready, Glow. I'm just here to make sure you don't embarrass yourself." She said with a wide grin.

       Glow rolled her eyes. Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Corona. "Well, then let's be on our way." Frigga said. She strolled out of their dorm, her strides wide and proud. Glow smiled, seeing her master beginning to return to her old self after the days of hardship she faced. She glanced at Corona wearing the same relieved expression as she strode after their master.

       They made their way down the hall toward where Glow would usually follow Peril to the arena, unsurprisingly finding her there waiting for them. Peril's piercing blue eyes dulled in confusion, but she fluttered her wings excitedly. "Um, hi." She said awkwardly. She looked around, presumably if anyone else was watching. "I don't want to be rude, but what are they doing here?" Peril asked, twiddling her talons.

       Glow weaved herself around Corona before she could retort to answer Peril. "There's someone they both want to see. In the spire next to Clay's. Corona won't be with us for long." She answered.

       Corona shouldered her way past Glow. "Hey, I can speak for myself, thanks." She hissed. She stepped in front of Glow to address Peril directly. Even though Peril wasn't exactly the biggest or physically strongest dragon, Corona did look kind of small compared to her. Maybe SkyWings were just genetically larger dragons? Glow wasn't entirely sure. "I'll just be around to make sure everything goes alright, and then I'll head back to keep a watch on Evenstar and Kite." Corona said sternly.

       Peril nodded nervously. "Alright, then." She said quietly. Peril turned and gestured hurriedly towards the arena. "But we'll have to hurry. The trial starts soon, and we need to make sure we don't get caught." Peril explained.

       They launched out of the tower and followed Peril's movements. They followed her behind the arena, keeping low while she led them. Glow scanned the arena as they flew by. She could see several SkyWing guards moving things around and SkyWings sitting in the seats on the other side, anxiously waiting. She even spotted Vermilion directing some of the soldiers as they prepared the arena. She wondered if there ever would be a moment of peace in the Sky Kingdom with Scarlet as its queen.

       They neared Clay's spire and Glow let Peril go up to greet him before she led Frigga and Corona up to meet Snowstorm. She lifted herself up onto the spire and greeted Snowstorm. "Hey, it's me again. I know you said that last night might be the last time we meet, but something important came up." She explained.

       The IceWing's scarred face tilted towards her, an old scar across her left brow. "Oh, I'm glad to see you, young SkyWing. I was actually beginning to miss your company" Snowstorm said. "You tend to do that when you haven't really had a proper conversation with anyone in years."

       Corona hopped up beside Glow with her head held high. "This is Corona, the SandWing I mentioned last night, and my best friend." Glow introduced.

       Corona padded up to her confidently and extended a talon to the IceWing. "That's me. I specialize in crafting weapons and armour." Corona explained.

       Snowstorm gripped Corona's talon in hers, returning the gesture. "A pleasure to meet you, young SandWing. I am Captain Snowstorm." Snowstorm introduced. "What can I–" She stopped when Frigga landed on the spire.

       Both their eyes locked on each others, seeming to say could it be? Glow smiled. "Frigga really wanted to see you one last time– In case she never had the chance again." Glow explained. Frigga walked towards her, tentatively placing each talon, as if to see if she was dreaming or not. Tears sparkled in both their eyes as they grew closer and closer.

       They were a snout away from each other. Frigga reached a talon to cup Snowstorm's face, as if not believing it to be there at all. "Frigga." Snowstorm whispered, smiling and quivering.

       "Sister." Frigga whispered in response. As if years flashed in a second, they collapsed in each other's arms, sobbing and weeping. Glow felt Corona grasp her talon in hers and she looked over. Corona's black eyes were lidded with contentment, seeing this happiness and relief play out in front of her. Glow folded a wing around her SandWing companion, absorbing her warmth, yet somehow she felt her trembling again. Why does she always do that?

       Glow felt tears prick at her own eyes at the scene that was playing out before her. At least she'll get to reconnect with Snowstorm one last time. She deserves this. Glow nudged Corona and gestured to Clay's spire, wanting to leave Frigga and Snowstorm alone to reconnect. They flew to Clay's spire and interrupted Peril and his conversation.

       The MudWing and copper SkyWing twisted their heads around at them. "Oh, hi Glow!" Clay said enthusiastically. "Who's your friend?" Clay asked.

       Glow lightly tapped Corona with her wing. "I'm Corona. I'm not sure if you've heard about me, but I've heard about you." Clay looked nervous. Corona grinned widely. "I've heard that you're a great friend and that your friends are lucky to have you." She finished.

       Clay sighed and turned his face away. "Aw, golly. That's overselling it, don't you think?" He responded with a relaxed shrug.

       Peril's eyes darted back and forth. "I wouldn't say that." She said quietly. Glow threw her a smug grin to which she responded with an annoyed grimace.

       Corona sat down by Clay and shuffled over to give Glow room to slide in. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Clay." Corona said.

       "Heh, nice to meet you too, Corona." He responded.

       Glow shuffled down beside Corona and got herself comfortable. "So, who is your master talking to?" Peril asked curiously.

       Glow shrugged. "Oh, no one important." She fibbed. "Just," She paused, looking over at the two IceWings talking and catching up on missed time. "Someone she hasn't seen for a long while." Glow finished.

       Peril shrugged and looked back towards the arena. "Quick, spread your wings! Glow, Corona, get behind him." Peril hissed. Glow and Corona did exactly as they were told and avoided touching Peril. "Here she comes."

       Clay spread his wings wide open to cover the three dragons behind him. Glow could feel him trembling from the effort of the task and started to feel bad for the strain he was under. Queen Scarlet winded onto the balcony. She had swapped her gold chainmail from the other day for a black vest with black chain links instead with studded diamonds. As much as Scarlet disgusted Glow, she had to admit that this was a better look for the SkyWing queen. It wasn't as flashy and annoying. She didn't even look over at the prisoners – probably a good thing considering now Corona had no way of leaving under her evil yellow gaze. "Guess I should have thought about the odds of actually being able to leave before I agreed to come." Corona admitted. "I hope Evenstar and Kite will be alright."

       Glow grasped her talon tightly. "They will be. Like you said, Charcoal and Flashover have them covered." Corona looked a little better, if a little nervous. Glow turned her attention back toward the arena and began to feel a sense of dread wash over her. I have a really bad feeling this won't end well. She looked up at the cruel queen just above and clutched at her stomach tightly, waiting anxiously for the outcome of the trial.