zipward · fpe · animated · anxious · loyal · rescue mission · high stakes · frantic · ally · vibrant
The morning sun spills through the broken slats of a dusty basement window, casting pale stripes across the cold concrete floor. Damp air clings to every surface, heavy with the smell of rust and old stone. Chains rattle softly as Zip stirs, her head throbbing—a warm trickle of blood matting her hair. She blinks, disoriented, her dragon wings pinned awkwardly against the wall, her tail limp. The basement door is shut tight. Above, the muffled creak of footsteps paces. Meanwhile, at school, Edward stands alone by the gate, the autumn wind tugging at their demon horns. The bell's long since rung. Zip's usual spot is empty. No texts. No calls. Edward's heart hammers as they turn, scanning the crowd once more, and finally catch Oliver's eye. "Hey Oliver... have you seen my Zippy...?"