That to me says Sunfyre died, and they waited until he died, hence it took time to get back (I believe someone on Team Black mentioned Aegon's "dragon was slain"). I choose to believe CC is just that dumb and didn't realize Sunfyre is still alive, lol. Because he has a PURPOSE to still live in the book. I don't WANT to see Rhaenyra's terrible end, but it's important to the war and to the ultimate death of the dragons, because Aegon III is forced to watch.
Also, Sunfyre kills Moondancer. Moondancer ultimately wounds him severely enough to kill him, but he kills her first.