But little did the travelers know, they had just fallen into a clever trap set by Splash and Reef. Splash and Reef used to set traps inside the Crystal Caves all the time as a prank to catch others. But now, this prank would come in handy as a trap.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJREUaFNlTJ
As the group moved deeper into the cave, mesmerized by the sparkling crystals, Reef and Splash exchanged knowing glances. The travelers were unaware that every step they took brought them closer to a hidden snare.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdaRt23Bzo
"Isn't this place amazing?" Tiny Wings exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Look at all the colors!"
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsK3CLoi8l
Aurora nodded, her tail flicking with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like the cave is alive."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDalpchIEx
Cole, despite his usual clumsiness, was careful not to touch the fragile crystals. "This place feels almost magical," he said.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOmf3uAla3
"Well, it is called the Crystal Caves for a reason," Splash said with a grin, guiding the group toward the heart of the cave.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8o53K1xZp
Suddenly, there was a loud click, and the ground beneath their feet gave way. The travelers found themselves caught in a net, suspended in the air. They struggled, but the more they moved, the tighter the net became.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5QNGb8W9L
"What the-?" Shadow growled, trying to free himself.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62c4v3pcrZ
Reef and Splash stood below, their expressions a mix of guilt and determination. "We're sorry," Reef said, "but we can't let you get to the Dragon's Heart."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ59KwlR9T5
Elanor glared down at them. "You tricked us!"
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ogGGoi8pb
"Trust is a fragile thing," Frostbite said, remembering the Snow Dragon's words. "And you've just shattered it."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPDPtyHZhq
Tiny Wings, still tangled in the net, looked at Moss with tears in her eyes. "Moss, what do we do now?"
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpMSOtprSZ
Moss tried to calm Tiny Wings. "Stay calm. We'll find a way out of this."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAW92j7l2a
Reef sighed. "We really are sorry, but we can't let you get the Dragon's Heart. We have our reasons."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uTXoaiCb0
"Reasons?" Aurora snapped. "You mean betrayal?"
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmTIMOJzuy
Reef and Splash looked at each other, their guilt evident. "We had no choice," Splash said quietly.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTjIGS0GE4
Just then, a familiar voice echoed through the cave. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The perfect catch to take to Lumis."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCCtdlT96d
The Snow Dragon appeared through one of the tunnels.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHzFQHhNm7
"Hey, now! We caught these travelers first!" Reef hissed.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWM6zcXEEC
The Crimson Fang leader appeared out of one of the tunnels, holding a jewel, her presence both frightening and menacing. "I will take these travelers from your claws."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnVAcrlicK
The Snow Dragon backed away, knowing how much of a danger the Crimson Fang dragons were. "Nuh-uh! Reef and I caught these travelers! And we will take them to Solara before you do!" Splash growled.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WUws4g4wz
The Crimson Fang leader sneered at Reef and Splash. "You think you can just take what rightfully belongs to me? You're fools."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqilipPc2J
Before Reef or Splash could react, the Crimson Fang leader lunged at them, her movements swift and deadly. With a single powerful strike, she knocked Reef and Splash aside, leaving them dazed and disoriented.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGzgebF7TS
The travelers, still tangled in the net, watched in horror as the Crimson Fang leader turned her attention to them. She pulled out a glowing jewel from her pouch, and with a flick of her claws, she activated it. The jewel emitted a bright, blinding light that enveloped the entire cave.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtcXwGDEl1
When the light faded, the travelers found themselves freed from the net, but unable to move. The jewel had cast a powerful paralysis spell on them.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwwfwwijQz
"Now, to collect my prize," the Crimson Fang leader said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. She carefully placed the jewel back in her pouch and began gathering the travelers, securing them with enchanted chains that shimmered with a dark, foreboding energy.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3eDqj97KI
Tiny Wings whimpered, trying to muster the strength to move. "Moss... I can't... I can't move..."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A0TstI0y8
"Stay strong, Tiny Wings," Moss whispered, her voice strained. "We'll find a way out of this."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXpBllEbl5
But the Crimson Fang leader paid no heed to their words. With a cruel smile, she lifted the paralyzed travelers and began her journey to Solara's temple. The journey was long, and the travelers felt a mix of fear and helplessness as they were carried through the rugged landscape.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3weMGCfdQh
As they approached Solara's grand temple, the Crimson Fang leader's heart pounded with anticipation. She knew the reward for capturing the travelers would be great. She marched confidently into the temple, where Solara awaited her on a high throne.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKBlUnLhJS
"Your Majesty," the Crimson Fang leader said, bowing deeply. "I bring you the travelers, captured and secured as you commanded."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0OyJIO6iL
Solara's eyes gleamed with delight as she examined the paralyzed travelers. "Well done," she purred. "You have done a great service to me."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPRLDpTYSa
The Crimson Fang leader straightened, her chest swelling with pride. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I live to serve you."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk8zqctOIz
Solara waved a claw, and her attendants stepped forward, bearing a chest filled with glittering jewels and gold. "As promised, your reward."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehTMsqMIbc
The Crimson Fang leader's eyes widened in awe as she accepted the chest. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This is more than I could have dreamed."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt6kKvOLUj
Solara's gaze shifted to the travelers. "Take them to the holding cells," she ordered her guards. "We have much to discuss."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7IzwJUbfP
As the travelers were led away, Tiny Wings managed to whisper to Moss, "We'll find a way out, right?"
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucLJKFCkID
Moss nodded. "We'll find a way, Tiny Wings. We won't give up."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzweJbVQcb
As the travelers were secured in their cells, the weight of their predicament settled heavily on their shoulders. They had been betrayed, captured, and handed over to Solara.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfymmRMyjh5
A few minutes later, Solara walked into the dungeon, where the travelers were being held in different cells. Solara paused by one and looked down at her dragonet, Tiny Wings. "Let her out. I need to have... A talk with her."
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO4Nd8Lq2q
The guards hurried to unlock Tiny Wings' cell, their keys jingling loudly in the dim light of the dungeon. The heavy iron door creaked open, and Tiny Wings hesitated, looking at Moss for reassurance.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS9UwxS6uO
"Stay strong," Moss whispered through the bars, her eyes filled with worry.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVBRWzzWBW
Tiny Wings nodded and stepped out, trembling slightly. Solara towered over her, her presence imposing and commanding.
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUtp37Ed41
"Follow me," Solara said curtly, turning and leading Tiny Wings down a long, winding corridor. The guards followed at a distance, their expressions unreadable.
