What followed next was the sound of the flapping wings that left a trail of humid wind whirlwind as the winged creatures conquered the northern skies with their enormous yet majestic bodies. With her hands supporting her center of balance at the back of the gray-feathered griffin, Soleyah closed her eyes as she felt the surge of wind against her face. For a moment, she had forgotten what predicament she was in.

Soleyah remembered the good old days when all she needed to worry about was how to escape her alpha lessons from her father. Now, looking up at the sky which felt as if one could reach it, she...