The early morning sky over the archipelago was clear and cold, the kind of blue that made the sea below look like hammered silver. A few lazy clouds drifted high above, but down near the waves, the wind was sharp and fast.

It was the perfect weather for flying.

Far below, cutting through the mist like a blade, a white shape moved with impossible grace. A Light Fury, or so the rumors said. And on its back, a figure in white armor that gleamed like polished bone, face hidden behind a white mask. The mysterious rider everyone whispered about, but no one had ever caught.

The rider was not alone.

From the east, a cluster of dark shapes appeared over the horizon. Five dragons, moving fast. The Dragon Riders of Berk were out on patrol, and from the way their formation tightened, they had already spotted the white rider.

The lead dragon, a black Night Fury, banked sharply, and its rider, a young man with auburn hair and a mechanical leg, raised a hand to signal the others.

The other riders formed up beside Hiccup, their dragons tense and watchful. Snotlout's Monstrous Nightmare let out a low, rumbling growl, while Fishlegs fumbled for his dragon cards, muttering about "unverified species classification."

Hiccup's green eyes narrowed as he studied the white rider, who had not changed course.

But even as he said it, the white rider turned their head, the blank white mask facing the approaching Riders without a sound.

The wind howled between them, and the distance closed.