When night fell and it came time to sleep, Rafale was restless. Ralkner and Karin were snoozing soundly next to her, but she was pacing silently around the den, unable to get thoughts of flying out of her mind. She wondered what it must feel like to have the wind blowing in her face and under her wings. She wondered what the Wood tribe lands looked like from way up above. Tonight, the moon was full and bright in the sky. Would she be able to reach out to it and touch it?
She glanced over at her family. They were so deeply asleep that she was sure neither of them would notice if she sneaked outside just for a little while. Taking a deep breath, Rafale crawled out of the den, heart pounding in her chest. She looked around to see if any other Paragon were awake, but there was no one who might catch her.
She bolted off into the forest, trying to remember the way to her sister's usual flying spot. She had been outside so little that even the woods near her home were not entirely familiar. Eventually, the young dragon stumbled upon an open field, though she wasn't sure if it was the same one Karin used. No matter; it was a perfect spot for learning how to fly.