Moonfall, #2
The Ballad of Falling Dragons
by Sarah A. Parker
Contents
Chapter 50
Overview
Raeve suffers crippling, remote torture from Sereme while preparing Líri with a bridle to avoid reliance on a saddle. As tremors shake the mountain, Raeve and Líri launch alongside allies. Raeve resolves to conceal her pain so Kaan can prioritize finding the rune-gifted boy to protect the village before the moons fall.
Summary
Raeve enters the burrow to fit Líri with a bridle, but sudden, escalating pain sears her leg and spine—Sereme’s coercive torture demanding the undisclosed package. Líri shields Raeve with frost and concern, their bond laid bare as Raeve confronts memories of loss and the weight of recent revelations.
Recognizing Líri’s past exploitation under Rekk, Raeve rejects saddles and introduces a tear-away bridle to avoid ever forcing Líri’s tendrils again. This choice reaffirms Raeve’s commitment to Líri’s autonomy while preparing for flight despite Sereme’s continuing threats.
As the mountain shudders, allied dragons launch: a Sabersythe roars free, followed by Pyrok’s Moltenmaw with Roan aboard. Raeve secures the reins around her wrists in case Sereme strikes midair, then Líri leaps into the open sky toward the sunlit valley and vulnerable village below.
The sight of the village and triple moons intensifies Raeve’s fear of the imminent fall. She deliberately avoids Kaan’s gaze, deciding to conceal her suffering so he remains focused on locating the rune-gifted boy believed capable of etching protections. Raeve prioritizes safeguarding the village over revealing her torture, accepting the personal risk as they fly to their next objective.
Who Appears
- RaeveProtagonist; endures Sereme’s remote torture, fits Líri with a bridle, and conceals her pain to keep the mission on track.
- LíriMoonplume dragon; shields Raeve with frost, reveals deep concern, accepts a tear-away bridle emphasizing her autonomy.
- SeremeAntagonist exerting remote, crippling pain to coerce Raeve into surrendering a package.
- KaanAlly in the flight; Raeve hides her suffering to keep him focused on finding the rune-gifted boy to protect the village.
- PyrokAlly rider; launches on a Moltenmaw as the group departs amid tremors.
- RoanRides behind Pyrok during takeoff; part of the team pursuing the rune-gifted boy.
- RygunAlly flying nearby; his presence anchors the formation as Raeve tucks near his flank.