Through the Portal

Ember's claws scraped against the school's stone courtyard as she bounced on her haunches. "Come on, let's do it again!"

The afternoon sun warmed Zephyr's blue scales as he glanced at the shimmering portal ahead — their usual way home. "You know what happens when we all jump together," he said, though excitement flickered in his eyes.

"Exactly!" Ivy's green wings rustled as she pranced in place. "That's the whole point!"

Nimbus sighed, his white scales catching the light. "One of these days, we're going to land somewhere truly dangerous."

"But not today!" Ember grinned, already positioning herself.

They locked eyes, counting down silently. Three... two... one...

They leaped.

The portal exploded with color, swirling and crackling. Instead of the familiar warm tug toward home, Zephyr felt himself yanked sideways through space. His stomach flipped. Colors blurred.

THUMP.

Soft grass cushioned their landing. Zephyr rolled to his feet, shaking his head. The air smelled different — earthier, damper. Towering trees surrounded them, their branches heavy with vines. A grand mansion loomed ahead, its white walls partially hidden behind overgrown hedges and tangled rose bushes.

"Well," Ivy said, brushing a leaf off her snout, "this definitely isn't home."