The Disaster-class Dragon did not obey the command.
It let out a low, vibrating growl that rattled through Theo's chestplate, barely tilting its massive head as it maintained its cruising altitude.
The beast was bound by a Soul Contract to Jack Kaiser, not to Theo.
Its fundamental directive was to keep the elven captain alive through the trial. Still, it felt not an ounce of loyalty, reverence, or obedience to the pureblood praetor sitting on its back.
It moved on its own predatory rhythm, banking lazily against the gale and treating Theo's frantic commands as little more than an annoying insect buzzing at its ear.
"Insolent reptile!" Theo snarled under his breath, his knuckles turning white around his sword hilt. "When I return to the capital, I will have the beast-tamers flay your stubborn hide!"
Suddenly, the dragon's obsidian scales bristled.
