Frost had been in the SeaWing prison for days, and the suffocating stillness of the cell had begun to gnaw at her composure. Her six eyes, sharp and unrelenting, darted between the guards with a predator's patience. Every flick of a tail or twitch of a fin was analyzed, dissected, stored away like pieces of a puzzle she had to solve before time ran out.

The walls around her whispered secrets in the rhythm of the ocean's pulse. Yet there was no sign of her friends, no clue if the dragonets of destiny had fared any better. The ache of uncertainty coiled in her chest, heavier than the chains that bound her. Tsunami was likely tangled in royal politics, and Frost hadn't glimpsed Riptide or Webs since her capture.

Still, she watched, waiting for the tides to turn.

Heavy talonsteps echoed down the stone corridor, each thud reverberating like the crashing of distant waves. Frost's ears twitched as the sound drew nearer, her head lifting with interest. Beneath her blindfold, her six eyes glowed faintly—a ghostly shimmer of blue peeking through the dark fabric. She had taken to wearing the blindfold often now. It dulled the overstimulation of a world that always seemed too loud, too crowded, too chaotic. But even with it on, she could feel the presence approaching.

Her heart picked up its pace, a flicker of hope sparking to life.

The scuff of a chair being pushed back caught her attention next. The guard who had been slouching at his post straightened abruptly, his scales rippling in a defensive stance. His voice was gruff, wary.
"Who goes there?"

Frost didn't need her eyes to know he tensed when he saw who it was. The air itself shifted with authority as Tsunami strode into view, her powerful wings tucked neatly against her sides, her expression unreadable.

"Move," Tsunami commanded, and the guard obeyed without hesitation, bowing his head as he stepped aside.

Frost's breath caught in her throat as Tsunami leapt over the eel-filled moat in a single graceful bound, her spiked tail brushing the water without a care. The eels, which normally surged at the slightest disturbance, scattered like startled minnows. Frost hesitated for only a moment before crossing the moat as well, her talons tapping against the stone on the other side.

The moment they were within reach, Frost pulled Tsunami into a fierce embrace, her wings curling protectively around the SeaWing princess. There was relief in her touch, a quiet kind of desperation that melted as soon as she felt the warmth of her friend's scales against hers.

"Hey," Frost murmured, her voice softer than usual, tinged with genuine concern. "Are you alright?"

Tsunami let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. For all her bravado, there was a rawness to her now, a weariness that came from endless duty. She leaned into Frost's embrace, savoring the comfort it offered.

"I should be asking you that."

Frost waved a claw dismissively, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. She was always the one to downplay her discomfort, even now, in the dank silence of the prison.

"Oh, don't worry about me, dear friend," she replied with a slight roll of her eyes. "What about the others? Are they okay?"

Tsunami's gaze softened for a split second before she gave a curt nod, her talon flicking in a swift, fluid motion.

"Come along!" Tsunami commanded, her voice turning sharp again, though it held a thread of warmth. "I've got to show you something."

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and began striding toward the exit, her wings rippling with the fluidity of someone accustomed to both combat and command.

Frost hesitated, reluctant to leave the others behind, but her curiosity was piqued. She followed Tsunami, her talons clicking lightly against the stone, as the SeaWing princess hurried forward, clearly eager to share whatever secret she had in mind.

Just as they reached the threshold of the cells, a voice rang out—familiar, and laden with hope.

"Hey, wait!"

Tsunami skidded to a stop, her tail lashing with frustration before she turned back, eyes narrowing as she scanned the shadowed cell.

Frost's ears twitched, and she lifted her head slightly toward the SeaWing who had spoken, her blue eyes narrowing as she locked onto the shape of Riptide.

"Let us out, please," he called again, his tone pleading, desperate even. His usual bravado was gone, replaced by a quiet vulnerability that made Frost's chest tighten.

Frost's heart wrenched slightly as she stared at Riptide, but she didn't know what she could do. They were all prisoners here, after all—both Tsunami and Frost, even though they had managed to slip past the usual constraints of the cell. Her gaze flicked to Tsunami, silently asking for direction.

Tsunami sighed deeply, her wings twitching in irritation before her gaze softened. She stepped closer to the bars of Riptide's cell, meeting his gaze.

"Hold on, I'll get you out soon."

Tsunami gave Frost a firm pull, a surprising strength behind her movements as she tugged Frost along the passage. Frost stumbled for a moment, trying to regain her balance as Tsunami led her out. The moment they reached the open air, Tsunami's wings unfurled, cutting through the sky with ease. Frost followed suit, her own wings catching the wind in smooth, practiced strokes, and together they soared over the island's rugged coastline.

The air was rich with the scent of saltwater and clay, the warm embrace of the land beneath them welcoming as they landed softly on the beach. Frost's claws dug into the warm clay as she glanced around, the sun's fading light blending beautifully with the stars overhead, the sky shimmering like a jewel.

As they stepped forward, a small green dragonet caught Frost's attention. The dragonet was weaving between the rocks, its talons skittering over the smooth stone, its eyes wide with curiosity.

Frost snorted, a quiet laugh escaping her lips as she tilted her head slightly.
"Well, well. Who's the lucky parent?"

Tsunami snorted back, her tail swishing in mild amusement as she folded her wings against her back. "Oh, no one. It's my sister."

Frost raised an eyebrow. Your sister?

Before she could ask further, the green dragonet's attention shifted, and from the corner of her eye, Frost spotted a familiar face. Clay, standing next to Sunny, had noticed them landing and immediately took to the air with an excited flap of his wings. The force of his movement sent a spray of sand and glittering starlight scattering into the sky, creating a burst of sparkling light that danced in the air.

"Frost!" he called out, a wide grin stretching across his face as he glided down to meet her.

Frost's wings tucked in as she landed gracefully on the sand, her gaze warming as she saw him.

Clay gave her a quick, friendly nudge with his muzzle, and Frost chuckled softly, her heart lifting at the familiar comfort of her friends.

Sunny, who had been busy digging in the sand, popped her head up from her task, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Frost.

"Frost, you're back!" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a wide, infectious smile.

Frost felt her own smile tug at her lips, her heart swelling at the sight of the dragonets. In this moment, it felt like the world was a little bit less heavy, a little bit brighter. She moved toward them, her wings folding as she let herself soak in the joy of their reunion.

"Did you miss me?" Frost teased, her voice light with affection.

Clay laughed, nudging her once more.
"You bet we did! It's not the same without you around."

Sunny added, her eyes glinting mischievously,
"We've been digging up all sorts of things in the sand, but I think we might have missed you more than anything!"

Starflight nodded, his wings unfurling with a soft rustle. He looked around, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings before he turned his attention back to Frost.

"Where's Glory?" Frost asked, her voice light yet tinged with concern. She glanced around, expecting to see her RainWing friend nearby.

Starflight tilted his head, a small smile crossing his face as he gestured with a wing.
"Right there," he said, nodding toward the figure who had emerged from the shadows. Glory, the sleek RainWing, stepped forward, her scales glistening in the soft moonlight.

Frost's gaze softened, relieved to see her friend.

"We were worried about you when those guards took you away," Glory said, her voice calm but laced with a hint of concern. "What did Queen Coral want with you?"

Frost flicked her tail, a quiet, dismissive motion. "Nothing really. She just wanted me to join her—something about those lines... I don't remember much of it," Frost replied, her voice trailing off as the memories felt foggy, distant. "I think she wanted to make sure I wasn't a threat or something along those lines. But honestly, I don't remember."

Glory tilted her head, narrowing her eyes as she processed Frost's words.

"That's strange," she murmured. "Queen Coral usually has a specific reason for everything, especially when it comes to you. Are you sure you're not leaving something out?"

Frost shook her head slowly, still feeling disoriented from her time in the prison and the strange encounter with Coral.

"I'm not sure of anything anymore," Frost admitted, her voice quieter now. "But I'm just glad to be out of there."

Starflight, noticing the tension in Frost's voice, stepped closer.

"We're glad you're back," he said gently, his wings settling around his sides as he watched her. "No matter what happened, we've got your back now."

Frost managed a small smile, her heart lightening as she looked around at her friends. It felt like home, like she wasn't alone anymore.

Frost bent down to the little green dragonet at her feet, her six eyes studying the tiny creature with curiosity.

"Bop, who's this?" Frost asked gently, her tone soft as she reached out with one claw.

The dragonet blinked up at her with wide, innocent eyes, its small wings fluttering as it regarded Frost with a mix of caution and curiosity.

"My sister," Tsunami replied, a note of pride in her voice as she carefully scooped the green dragonet into her claws, cradling her like a precious treasure.

Frost smiled warmly, feeling a sense of peace at the sight of Tsunami's affection.

"We named her Auklet," Tsunami added, her voice fond as she nuzzled the dragonet.

Frost nodded approvingly, her tail flicking lightly. "Nice name," she said, her smile widening. "Now, we should probably get out of here, right?"

Before Tsunami could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air, sending a chill down Frost's spine.

"Not with my dragonet."

The voice was unmistakable. Frost's eyes darted to the sky, where Queen Coral was descending with her usual regal presence, flanked by Commander Shark and Whirlpool. The air seemed to grow heavier as the SeaWing queen landed gracefully on the sand, her gaze cold and calculating as she studied the group before her.

Frost's heart sank, a familiar unease settling in her chest. She could feel the tension crackling in the air, a storm waiting to break. Tsunami stiffened beside her, her posture protective as she hugged Auklet closer to her chest.

"What do you want, Coral?" Tsunami demanded, her voice firm yet laced with a simmering edge of frustration.

Queen Coral's sharp eyes flicked to Tsunami, then to Frost, as if weighing the situation carefully.
"You're not taking her away, Tsunami," Coral said, her voice cold. "Auklet stays with me."

The command was clear, and Frost could feel the weight of it pressing down on her. It wasn't just about Auklet; it was a challenge. A test of power and authority.

Frost stepped forward, her wings unfurling slightly as she looked Queen Coral in the eye.
"We're not here to take anyone away," she said, her tone calm but carrying an undeniable edge. "We just want to leave in peace."

Queen Coral's gaze narrowed, the storm brewing within her eyes. "Leaving is not an option for you, Frost," she said. "Not yet."

The tension between them was palpable, a dangerous dance of power, and Frost knew they were standing on the edge of something that could spiral out of control.

Tsunami's gaze locked with her mother's, unwavering and firm. She stepped closer, her posture protective as she spoke, her voice carrying the strength of a leader.

"Mom, Frost is one of my friends. She's coming with me," Tsunami declared, her tone brokering no argument.

For a moment, Queen Coral's expression remained unreadable, her eyes cold as she observed the interaction between her daughter and Frost. Then, slowly, the hard lines of her face softened—just slightly, as though she were reconsidering something beneath the surface.

"You know she's related to Prince Arctic of the IceWings, right?" Queen Coral said, her voice laced with a subtle warning, her eyes narrowing as she studied Frost with new suspicion.

Frost froze, the weight of those words settling on her shoulders like a stone. She blinked, her wings stiffening slightly in confusion.

"What?" Frost asked, her voice sharp. "No, I'm not. My family isn't animus." She shook her head vehemently, feeling a sudden rush of defensiveness surge within her. "We might be the most powerful IceWings that have ever been here, but I'm not an animus."

Her tail flicked in agitation as she glared at Queen Coral. There was a knot in her stomach, an uncomfortable feeling at the thought of being associated with animus magic, a power she had always avoided.

She took a step forward, her voice steady but firm. "Mom and Dad were spellcasters."

There was a pause as the words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Queen Coral's eyes narrowed as she studied Frost, her mind clearly racing to process this new information. The implication of being tied to a family of spellcasters—but not animus—was a distinction that seemed to unsettle the SeaWing queen, though she didn't show it outwardly.

Tsunami, sensing the tension, stepped even closer to her mother, her voice softer but still carrying the force of her determination. "Mom, Frost isn't anything like Arctic. She's not dangerous."

Queen Coral's gaze flicked back to Frost, and for a long moment, there was nothing but the sound of the wind and the waves crashing against the shore. Then, with a resigned sigh, Queen Coral spoke, her voice more measured, though still carrying an edge.

"I don't trust her," Queen Coral muttered. "I don't trust any of the IceWings, but..." She hesitated, her gaze lingering on Frost for a moment longer before she turned to Tsunami. "If she's with you, I'll let her go. But I'll be watching."

Frost held her ground, though her mind was spinning with the new revelations about her family. Despite the uncertainty swirling inside her, she felt a flicker of hope. Queen Coral might not trust her, but Tsunami was standing by her—and that, for now, was enough.

Tsunami's expression softened, her smile gentle as she approached her mother and passed Auklet into Queen Coral's claws. The little dragonet chirped, curling her tiny tail around Tsunami's talons for a moment before being passed into the care of her mother. Tsunami nuzzled her sister briefly, and Auklet squeaked in a high-pitched protest, her small wings fluttering as she noticed a new figure moving into view.

Frost watched with a mix of fondness and sadness as Anemone, Tsunami's other younger sister, emerged from behind Queen Coral. The RainWing dragonet's eyes were wide with concern, her usual playfulness replaced by a quiet sadness as she looked up at Tsunami.

"Are you leaving already?" Anemone asked, her voice trembling with emotion, a frown tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Frost's heart ached at the sight of the young dragon, feeling the weight of her own separation from her family in that simple question. There was a rawness in the moment—an unspoken understanding of the love that ran between family, even when distances grew between them.

Tsunami's wings flicked over her sister's shoulders in a comforting gesture, her voice warm yet firm.
"It's fine, Anemone. We'll see each other again."

Anemone's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she gave a small nod, clearly trying to be brave. The bond between the two sisters was undeniable, and though they were saying goodbye for now, it was clear they would carry a piece of each other with them.

Tsunami then turned her attention to Whirlpool, her face hardening as she fixed him with a glare.

"You'd better not try to pressure my sister into anything, okay, you eel?" Tsunami's voice was sharp, her tone laced with protective fury. The words were a warning, a command, and her wings bristled with the intensity of her stance.

Whirlpool, who had been standing quietly behind Queen Coral, raised an eyebrow at the SeaWing princess's words. His expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he met Tsunami's glare.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Whirlpool said smoothly, though the slight tension in his posture suggested that he might have been caught off guard by the directness of Tsunami's warning.

Tsunami didn't back down, her eyes still locked on him with unwavering defiance. Frost couldn't help but admire the strength in her friend, knowing that this was yet another layer of the fierce protectiveness that ran deep within the SeaWing princess.

The moment hung heavy for a second longer before Tsunami turned away, her wings flexing as she made her way toward Frost. She shot a glance over her shoulder at her family, a quiet promise in her eyes.

"We'll be okay, Anemone. I promise."

Frost followed Tsunami's lead, stepping forward to join her. She could see the weight of the moment in her friend's eyes—leaving family behind was never easy, but it was clear Tsunami wasn't backing down from what she needed to do. Together, they would face whatever came next.