Mina grinned back at her. Of course she did.

«It means no more doors,» Pixit thought with a groan.

Punching the air, Jyx ran in a circle, jumping and hollering. “Tomorrow, we fly!”

Pixit shook himself like a wet dog. «Really?»

Yes, really! Mina threw her arms around his neck. She could feel his excitement bubbling inside her—​he’d been looking forward to this ever since Chauda had been approved for flight with her guardian. The school doctors had told them that as soon as Pixit exceeded door width, he’d be ready too.

“No more boring story time with Professor Dino!” Jyx cheered.

Mina had never thought it was boring, but she knew Jyx didn’t agree. As much as she wanted to fly like the other guardians, Mina liked listening to Professor Dano’s version of Alorrian history and his explanation of how storm control worked: no beast created weather; it merely manipulated what was already there. She found that fascinating. There was no point in saying that to Jyx, though. Instead Mina said, “Thanks.”

Mid-twirl, Jyx stopped. “For what?”

“For waiting.”

Jyx could have started her practical lessons as soon as Chauda was approved, but she’d said she’d wait for her partner. “Sure. Best friends do things together.”

“Yes, we do,” Mina said. For someone who liked to be alone, it was a big thing to say. And she surprised herself by meaning it.

«Can I say I told you you’d find a great new friend here?»

You can say it.

«Told you!» Pixit chirped happily.

Laughing, Jyx grabbed Mina’s hands and swung her around in a circle. They spun, both laughing, until they collapsed in Chauda’s nest.

Outside, on the charred practice field, Mina climbed onto Pixit’s back. She fit snugly into the curve of his neck, between his shoulder blades. His feathery scales were wonderfully soft. Beside her, Jyx was already mounted on Chauda.

The school doctors had given their okay after breakfast. Now it was up to Professor Dano to officially pronounce them ready for the next stage of lessons.

«We’re ready,» Pixit said confidently.

Remember, he said just walk first. Get used to having me on your back, and then we’ll try to lift off. Her heart thumped hard. This was it! Today they’d fly! She’d dreamed about this for so many years—​the next step toward becoming a real guardian!

As Pixit walked forward, Mina began to slide to the left. «Hold on!» Grabbing on to one of his scales, she pulled herself upright. He took another step. Soon they were trotting in a circle.

“Excellent!” Professor Dano called. “That’s enough for today!”

But they’d just started! And they hadn’t even gotten off the ground!

«I can do it!» Pixit said. «I’m ready!»