The lost one

Ephraim flew through the pouring rain, his dragon wings battling the fierce winds as he carried Ares securely in his claws. Droplets of water pelted his scaled hide, the cold seeping into his very core, which was odd considering he didn't usually feel the cold in his dragon form. As they neared the sea, a flicker of movement made him glance down.

Had Ares woken up?

Ephraim descended and then shifted back into his human form, landing gently on the rocky shore with Ares cradled in his arms. He looked at the man. His eyes were still closed. Perhaps he had imagined it.

He placed Ares on the rocks, allowing some of the water from the waves to touch his body. Ares remained still. Perhaps he had been mistaken, he thought, when suddenly Ares's eyes flew open.

Ephraim was startled. The man's eyes opened wide without blinking, despite the rain pouring down. Then his gaze shifted and slowly focused on Ephraim.

"Ares?"