Falling from the cliff...

The next morning, Isabel woke to find the creature watching her with a more relaxed gaze. It seemed stronger, its eyes brighter. Surprisingly, it had healed quickly, and there was hardly any sign of the injury she had seen the night before.

As she prepared to continue her journey, the creature stood, testing its injured wing. It could move almost as well as a healthy creature.

"You're coming with me, aren't you?" Isabel asked, smiling. The creature gave a soft rumble, almost like a purr, and nudged her gently with its snout.

But she was surprised when he lowered his body and indicated for her to climb onto his back. As he moved towards her, Isabel asked, "Are you asking me to sit on your back?" The creature nodded firmly.

"But you're injured, it will hurt you," Isabel said, but the creature shook its head and continued motioning her towards its back. With a resigned sigh, Isabel carefully sat on its back. As she was adjusting, the creature instantly shot off into the sky. She almost tumbled but it steadied its back at the perfect time.

Isabel sighed with relief as she looked down at the ground beneath her, grateful that she didn't have to walk on the hot land anymore. Her feet were filled with blisters.

She glanced ahead; the mountains were drawing nearer and nearer. She felt thrilled inside. The creature's speed was incredible, and she had never imagined her first flight would be on an unknown creature she had met just the day before.

As Isabel soared through the air on the back of the mysterious creature, she couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking view unfolding below her.

The landscape stretched out in all directions, revealing the harsh beauty of the barren land she had traversed. The mountains loomed ever closer, their peaks shrouded in mist and mystery.

The creature's flight was smooth and swift, effortlessly navigating through the currents of wind that swept across the mountainside.

Isabel clung to its scales, feeling a rush of exhilaration mixed with a hint of fear. She trusted the creature, but the heights and the unknown always carried a sense of danger.

As they neared the summit, Isabel could see the terrain becoming more rugged and steep. The creature slowed its pace, carefully maneuvering around jagged rocks and narrow ledges. Finally, they reached a plateau just a few steps away from the highest peak.

Isabel slid off the creature's back, her legs shaky from the adrenaline and the surreal experience of flight. She patted the creature's side gratefully, whispering her thanks even though she knew it wouldn't understand. Its eyes gleamed with a mix of understanding and something akin to farewell.

"Will you come with me?" Isabel asked softly, her voice tinged with hope.

The creature shook its head gently, nudging her once more before spreading its wings. Isabel watched in awe as it launched itself back into the sky, disappearing into the clouds with a graceful glide.

Alone once more, Isabel stood at the precipice, taking in the expansive view from the mountain's peak. She felt a surge of accomplishment and gratitude. Without the creature's help, reaching this summit would have been an arduous journey that could have taken months, as she had imagined.

She turned her gaze to the horizon, where the land stretched endlessly. Below, she could see the path she had traveled, marked by the harsh terrain and the memories of her encounters. The dragon's keep lay somewhere ahead, obscured by distance and the challenges yet to come.

But for now, Isabel allowed herself a moment of respite. She sat down, feeling the cool breeze at this high altitude, and took out a small piece of bread and cheese from her pack. As she ate, she reflected on the events of the past days—the trials, the conflicts, and the unexpected companionship of the creature.

With renewed determination, Isabel knew she had to continue. The dragon's keep awaited, and with it, the answers she sought. She couldn't afford to rest for long, knowing that time was both her ally and her adversary in this quest.

As she finished her meager meal, Isabel stood once more. She adjusted her pack, feeling the weight of her supplies and the weight of her decisions. With a final look towards the sky where the creature had vanished, she set off towards the dragon's keep, her resolve stronger than ever.

Isabel kept walking towards the highest peak of the mountain, determined to reach the dragon's keep before the week ended. She knew tomorrow was the last day she had, and this urgency pushed her forward. The path grew steeper and more dangerous the higher she climbed.

Each step was hard as the ground became rougher. Sharp rocks stuck out, and loose gravel made it easy to slip. Isabel's heart raced, both from the effort and the constant risk of falling. She paused now and then to catch her breath, always looking ahead for the safest way to go.

Suddenly, Isabel's foot slipped on a loose rock. She tried to steady herself, but the steep slope made it impossible. She gasped as she started rolling backward, hitting rocks and debris. Panic filled her as she realized she was heading towards the edge of a cliff.

Before she could react, Isabel tumbled over the edge. The world spun around her as she fell, the wind rushing past her ears. Her heart pounded in her chest, and a scream escaped her lips as she plummeted downward.

With her eyes shut tight, her mind filled with regrets.

Will Grandma and Grandpa be sad? I hope Phex will make their life happier. I'm so sorry... I promised I'd be careful. I can't believe I let this happen. I wanted to make you proud...*

A tear escaped from her eye as she thought of her family. The pain of leaving them behind and the fear of never seeing them again overwhelmed her. She felt a deep sorrow for the adventures and dreams she wouldn't get to fulfill.