“Tensions Above the Clouds”

High in the sky, the mighty griffon flew at full speed.

White clouds rushed past like streaks of silk.

Lily straightened her posture, silently preparing herself for Letitia’s guidance.

Although it made her uneasy, she knew she had no choice but to obey.

After all, she had been trained before, and this was no different—if Letitia decided it was time, there was nothing Lily could do to resist.

She waited for what felt like ages, but Letitia made no move.

Impatience crept in.

Storms were not to be feared; it was the calm before them that mattered most.

If Letitia struck suddenly, Lily would be able to release the tension she carried in her chest.

But it was precisely the hesitation, the prolonged waiting, that made the anticipation unbearable.

Suddenly, Letitia wrapped her arms around Lily’s waist.

A spark of joy flickered in Lily’s chest.

Finally! She had been waiting so long for this moment.

Hurry, guide me, Lily thought. Just show me your skill.

She steeled herself, ready to face whatever challenge Letitia presented.

But Letitia loosened her grip, then pretended to tighten it again, testing Lily’s patience.

“Letitia…” Lily murmured, frustrated.

“Why… why won’t you act?”

“Do you want me to?” Letitia asked with a mischievous glint.

“Of course not…” Lily quickly replied.

Her face flushed as she tried to argue, “I just wondered if maybe you weren’t ready… a skilled trainer like you… shouldn’t hesitate.”

“Have you forgotten what you’ve experienced already?” Letitia countered.

Lily gasped, face burning, “Don’t remind me of that moment!”

“Relax, I won’t let you go so easily,” Letitia whispered in her ear.

“You showed that attitude in front of Mother Monet; you should have expected some thorough guidance.

There’s still some time before we reach the Dragon Shrine.

Take a breath for now.

Soon, I will test your limits—so be prepared.”

Lily felt a mix of relief and anxiety.

This was the kind of waiting game that made her heart pound.

The fresh wind blowing against her face helped her calm down, easing the initial tension.

As Lily relaxed slightly, Letitia blew gently near her ear.

Lily squeaked in surprise and stiffened.

“What are you doing?”

“I enjoy watching your reactions,” Letitia teased with a sly smile.

“Staying calm is part of my guidance,” she added.

“You’re impossible,” Lily muttered.

“Keep talking—let’s see how long your defiance lasts.”

Letitia leaned closer, taking in Lily’s scent.

“Lily, you smell… invigorating.”

“Just shampoo…” Lily protested.

“Not just that,” Letitia said. “It’s your own energy—it shows when you’re alert, focused, ready.”

“Energy?!” Lily spluttered.

“Yes, you can’t hide it,” Letitia said with a smirk.

“See? All your reactions tell me exactly how prepared you are.”

Lily’s face went bright red.

“You’re… the reason this is happening!” she exclaimed.

“I’m pleased,” Letitia replied, holding Lily close.

“You willingly allow yourself to be challenged—and that’s admirable.”

“Wait—hold the reins!” Lily shouted. “We might fall!”

“Doesn’t your heart feel alive?” Letitia asked playfully.

“That’s just fear!” Lily said, face pale. “It’s a bridge reaction!”

“Would you like me to join you in your daring?” Letitia asked.

“You handle your own daring—I still have duties!” Lily said.

The mention of duty calmed Letitia slightly.

She gripped the reins firmly again.

Lily exhaled quietly.

Just a moment ago had felt terrifying.

She hadn’t realized Letitia could be so daring.

Perhaps dragons could really fly after all… or maybe she had been tricked.

Lily felt like she had been tested harshly, but her resolve remained unbroken.

“Heh heh heh…” Lily laughed.

“What are you laughing at?” Letitia asked coldly.

“I’m laughing at you! You pretend you’re in control, yet you react so easily to me.

Even Mother Monet said sometimes one person must yield first… looks like that’s you.”

“Yield to you? Never!” Letitia said.

Even if she did, Lily thought, I won’t forgive easily.

I will prove my determination and keep my pride intact.

“You!—Heh, I think you’re nervous,” Letitia teased.

“Nervous? Impossible!” Lily said.

“You may not realize it, but you’ve been prepared by me.

Your body is ready to respond, whether you admit it or not.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Lily protested, cheeks red.

“If I step back, you’d naturally seek guidance.

That’s how preparation works.”

“I… I’m not that unprepared!” Lily said, though even she felt guilty.

During moments of high focus, Lily’s self-control slipped; she just wanted to perform well and follow Letitia’s guidance.

No matter the circumstances, she had to remain composed now.

“Even without guidance, you’d still seek me out,” Letitia said.

“Impossible! Stop joking!” Lily said.

“Shall we test it?” Letitia smiled mischievously.

“Your focus is steady, right? Let’s see how long you can last.”

Bring it on, Lily thought. I’m ready.

She straightened up, chest forward, prepared for anything.

“You!—Don’t worry, I’ll guide you thoroughly!” Letitia said.

“I’m not worried—you seem more anxious!” Lily said.

“Anxious? Never. I’m perfectly calm.”

“Then let’s go,” Lily said, swaying slightly in challenge.

“Since you’re eager, I’ll meet your expectation.”

“You were eager first!” Lily didn’t reply further.

Letitia struck with precision.

Lily bit her lip to keep her voice silent, holding her composure.

“Lily, should I call your name… or something dear?” Letitia teased.

“Either… doesn’t matter…” Lily whispered.

“Mother Monet said one must apologize before bonds can strengthen… so you must go first.”

“What? You sound like a commanding leader!” Lily exclaimed.

“A commanding leader?” Letitia replied. “It’s fitting, isn’t it?”

“You think that’s praise?” Lily asked, trying to remain still.

Her instincts made her hold the reins tightly, frozen like a statue as Letitia tested her limits.

Yet Lily refused to yield.

This time, there was no acting involved—just steady patience, firm resolve, and silent endurance.