Sophia's condition loomed over them like a specter, pushing them further into a race against time, a race they were determined to win.
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Years of experience and an unyielding resolve enabled him to regain his footing with a firm grip on the dragon's mighty scales.
It was not lost on Ragnar that this behavior was an urgent message, a communication transmitted through their blood of dragon bond.
His heart sank as he realized that Sophia was trying to convey something of utmost importance.
"Ymat, calm down," Ragnar urged, his voice a soothing reassurance as he patted the dragon's head.
Yet, despite his efforts to console the agitated creature, Ymat persisted in his restlessness, stepping out of formation and tossing his head as if profoundly disturbed.
Sophia, Ragnar realized with a mixture of hope and trepidation. She was alive, albeit her presence was fading, like a dimming ember struggling to endure.