"I… I did it!" The gray dragon spread its massive wings and soared into the sky with Zack on its back, its scales gleaming under the sunlight like burnished steel.
Higher and higher they climbed, the town of Roshar shrinking below them, its buildings no more than toys on a painted landscape. Even the great Ald Forest and the rolling plains looked like specks in the distance now.
This was exactly what Zack had planned: to lure the dangerous dragon far from the city and its people. To protect them all—even if it meant sacrificing himself.
As he clung to the creature's back, he could feel its thoughts seeping into him through the Ark that enveloped his body. The chaotic sensations gradually became clearer, as though the armor was translating emotion into language.
There was rage. Sorrow. A deep, agonizing loneliness. And then—love.
Zack's breath caught.
"…So you had a rider once, too," he whispered. "Someone you loved."
He didn't know the dragon's origins—only that it had once been ordinary, raised in the quiet of Roshar, until something twisted it into this… thing.
Through the Ark, the dragon shared its final wish.
"…Necromancia… you're something that shouldn't exist," Zack murmured. "Is that really what you want…?"
The dragon's feelings surged back—resolute. It trusted him. Just like it had trusted its original master.
"You really want me to… end this?"
The Necromancia nodded.
But Zack hesitated. "What about Ico? She's still inside you. If I kill you—"
A pulse of warmth ran through him from the dragon.
It would protect her.
"…Alright," Zack said softly. "I'll do it."
The moment he made his decision, a glowing image of a sword appeared in his mind, forged in radiant light. Even though the Ark had been created hastily, it granted him the true power of an Ark Dragonborn.
His body surged with magic. He could feel it flowing through him—pure, holy, overwhelming. An elegant sword of gleaming silver formed in his hands, larger than he was tall. Zack raised it high.
"Come to me—sword bathed in light, forged to pierce the dark!" he cried.
The Ark on his forehead flared like a star. The magic was immense, surging through his limbs like a storm.
"Allaines-Mervilliers!" He leapt.
"UUOOOHHHH!"
He brought the glowing blade down in a powerful arc, his body blazing like a comet. From the Necromancia's head down to its belly, Zack carved a line of pure light.
The enormous beast shuddered—and split.
Allaines-Mervilliers cut through its bones and flesh like divine fire. Its monstrous form burst apart into radiant particles, disintegrating like ash on the wind.
And then—
"Kyaa!"
A figure was thrown into the air, arms flailing. It was Ico, naked and covered in mist-like fluid that shimmered across her pale skin. Her bare body glistened in the sunlight as she spiraled, vulnerable and radiant.
"ICO!" Zack launched himself after her, wind howling past his ears. The magic of the Ark flared once more as he accelerated downward, arms outstretched.
The wind whipped between them like blades, threatening to tear them apart.
"Ico—!!" he screamed.
At the sound of her name, her amethyst eyes opened—and she reached for him.
"Zack…!" It was the first time she had ever spoken his name.
Their fingertips brushed. Then clasped.
And suddenly, she was in his arms, pressed against his chest, her body warm and soft against his. He could feel the smoothness of her thighs, the curve of her bare hips, her small, round breasts pressed tightly to him as he cradled her protectively.
Wrapped in his arms, Ico looked up at him, eyes wide, face flushed. Zack held her tighter, not willing to let her go again. With a burst of magic, they slowed their fall, crashing into the plains below—but safely, shielded by the Ark's power.
The clouds above Roshar parted. Golden light flooded the horizon.
"We did it…" Zack whispered. As if on cue, the Ark shattered into light, disintegrating in shimmering fragments. Even Allaines-Marvilliers which hung at his waist, dissolved into magic dust. Just as Ico had said—it was only a temporary creation. A miracle born from desperation.
But it had saved her.
"Thank you, Ico," Zack said softly.
"I-It's not like I did it for you!" she snapped, her cheeks bright red.
He chuckled—until his eyes widened in shock.
"Hey… what happened to your hand?"
Her palm was bleeding.
"It's nothing…"
"What are you talking about?" he murmured, taking her hand gently. Then, without thinking, he brought her finger to his lips—and licked it. His tongue traced the wound softly.
Ico trembled. "W-Wha… What are you doing!?"
Zack blinked. "It's just for disinfection! It's how we do it back home!"
"Idiot…!" Ico stammered, cheeks glowing crimson. Flustered beyond reason, she suddenly bit his neck.
"OW—STOP! You'll kill me!"
But Ico didn't respond. She simply curled against his chest, her breathing slowing.
"…Hey, Ico?"
But she was already fast asleep.
Zack sighed, then smiled wearily. "A boy who can ride any dragon… huh?"
He looked at her in his arms.
"…Maybe not every dragon."