Shan landed softly, shifting back into his human form with a weary groan. His bones ached with the familiar pain of transition, but at least this time, he had Lanni’s vial to keep his clothes intact. He shivered as the cold bit through the layers of fabric, grateful he didn’t have to undress each time. The snow swirled around him, stinging his skin. A few flakes melted as they landed on his cracked hands, soothing him momentarily. He’d been far too long out of water, his skin tight and dry, like it was stretched over his bones. He crawled into the wagon, moving carefully, each movement feeling heavy and slow. Lanni worked to unharness herself, her breath clouding in the frigid air, while Tercala prepared to take her place in the harness. Shan felt a pang of guilt. He’d carried others when he could, lightening the load, but now he could barely stand. Loka came to sit beside him, her eyes soft with concern. She reached out, her hand hovering over his arm, but he instinctively pulled back, the touch too much. “Shan, I need to check for cold damage,” Loka reminded him, her voice gentle but firm. He shook his head, waving her off. “I stayed in the air. Check on Lanni—she was walking.” “Ray’s with her,” Loka said, leaning closer to him. She moved to put an arm around him, but he flinched again, his body tightening defensively. Loka’s brow furrowed, her expression shifting from worry to alarm. “Shan, what’s wrong? Did you get hurt?” She watched him closely, searching his face for answers. “No,” he replied, looking away. “I’m fine.” She studied him, unconvinced. “Then what is it?” She reached out again, laying her hand on his arm as she carefully read him, her eyes narrowing with concentration. “Shan, you’re drying up. Why didn’t you say something?” He glanced at her, a flash of shame crossing his face. “What for? So you can worry? There’s nothing you can do.” She bit her lip, her face pained. “Why didn’t you bathe at the last inn?” “I tried,” he said, his voice strained. “They couldn’t get enough water for me to soak in. And I didn’t want to waste their supply.” Loka sighed, scanning the snowy landscape outside the wagon. “Maybe we can melt some snow, then?” “And do what? Put it in a cook pot?” Shan shook his head, frustration lacing his words. “Nothing we have is big enough for me to fit in.” Loka frowned, deep in thought. “What about wetting some clothes? You could wrap them around yourself.” He shook his head. “The clothes freeze almost instantly. The chill cuts through me faster than it helps. I’m half tempted to strip and roll in the snow.” He managed a bitter laugh. “That’s too dangerous,” Loka said quickly, worry tightening her features. “You could freeze to death before you rehydrate enough.” Shan sighed, leaning back as exhaustion washed over him. “We’ve got two days until the next town. Hopefully, they’ll have somewhere I can bathe. Otherwise, I’ll have to until we reach the ocean.” He clenched his fists, staring at his cracked knuckles, the skin white and brittle. “If I can make it that far.” Loka reached out, her touch softening as she cupped his hand. “You will. But we need to make a plan. Staying in one form is better for now. Changing when you’re injured can slow healing, even worsening it. I’ll talk to the captains and let them know what’s happening.” Shan nodded, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Thanks,” he murmured, looking away. He hated being a burden. He knew they’d be slower with him riding in the wagon. Flying had lightened their load, but now they’d be heavier. “For now, let me heal what I can,” Loka said, her voice soft. She moved her hands gently over his arms, her magic seeping through, bringing a warmth that helped ease his cracked skin. “Thanks,” he said again, feeling her energy wash over him. He didn’t see the point, really. She couldn’t fix his drying skin; it would crack again soon enough. But he let her continue, if only to keep her from worrying too much. And, despite himself, he felt a little lighter. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands