part0011

I ran. I kept running. No matter what happened, I was to keep running down this seemingly endless stone hall. They ran beside me —my comrades. We would either escape together or die together. That was the plan.

A light could be seen at the end of the hall. A glimmer of hope sparked in us all. That was, until she fell. I stopped and tried to go and help her.

Guards had caught up and were shouting orders to close the gate. Either we got out now or we all died in this spot.

I did as I was told. I ran as fast as I could, but I looked back when I shouldn’t have. There was blood; so much blood. My heart felt like it was being crushed. She lay there in a crumpled heap with blood pooling out around her. If I could have cried I would have. I had lost her just as I had lost everything else I had ever cared for.

My eyes snapped open and I bolted upright. Sweat dripped down my back and my breath came out in hard gasps. It was so horrible to remember. Why did I have to dream of that night? Why now?

I looked around the room, taking deep breaths. Light of the full moon peeked through the curtains, falling on the scales of Raikidan’s natural form as he slept. A smaller version of his normal dragon form, but a dragon form nonetheless.

It hadn’t taken me long, two or three nights, tops, to figure out one of two things. Either he didn’t enjoy being in his human form, or while he slept, he couldn’t maintain that form. If it was the latter, it might pose a problem. I’d have to remember to talk to him about it later. Once I get into a better mindset after that dream.

His scales shimmered in the moonlight, his sides rising and falling as he slept. At least one of us will get a good night’s sleep.

I needed to clear my head, and the best way to do that was to go out for a run. I didn’t want to wake him, so I tiptoed over to the window and slid it open. The old wood groaned and squeaked in protest and I mentally swore. I looked back at Raikidan when his sounds of sleep halted, to find him rousing from his slumber. He looked at me with bleary eyes.

While he didn’t need to know what I was doing, I figured it best to tell him just in case. “I’m going out for a run. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

I slipped through the window and onto the overhang of the front entrance, and then leapt off the building. Tucking and rolling, I made it safely to the ground and picked the northbound path out of the village.

“Eira, wait,” Raikidan’s hushed voice hissed. I looked up to see Raikidan in his human form hanging halfway out the window. “I’d like to go with you.”

“I’m built for running,” I said, my voice also hushed so as not to wake anyone. “I don’t want to be slowed down if you can’t keep up.”

“Nu-humans are faster than regular humans, right?”

“Then I’ll take that form again and give it another test.”

I noted his shirtless nature again. “Fine, just throw some clothes on while you’re at it.” He rolled his eyes and grunted. “I’ll be at the north end of the village. Meet me there.”

Without waiting for him to agree, I jogged to the northern path. The high, full moon in the sky cast silver light over the town and surrounding forest. The woods itself had its own life about it with the different sounds it gave off. After a few minutes of taking in the peacefulness of my natural surroundings, I heard the sounds of footsteps behind me. I turned to find Raikidan approaching. He’d already taken his nu-human form. The moon above bathed him with silver light, making him look almost ethereal. If I didn’t know any better, I’d believe I was dreaming.

A thin smirk crossed his lips. “So, where are we going?”

I jerked my head toward the north path. “There’s a ravine about three miles north. Sufficient distance for a run and to test your form.”

Raikidan shifted his gaze around the woods. “Will we have trouble with that Guardian thing?”

I shook my head and produced two flames identical to the one I created when we first met the Guardian. One floated over to Raikidan and circled him. “That will keep him from bothering us.”

Raikidan watched the flame, enthralled by it.

I chuckled before jogging off. “Focus, Raikidan, or I’ll leave you behind.”

He caught up to me, but I picked up the pace, the light of our fires illuminating the path around us. Some nu-human experiments had the luxury of good night vision. My night vision, on the other hand, wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t brag about it, either.

My pace continued to pick up, the trees blurring by. The brisk air gripped my lungs. Raikidan managed to keep up, showing he’d done well with his transformation, but I could hear his heavy panting. I figured he’d naturally gravitate toward strength over agility, which would come in handy in its own right. But tonight, he’d regret that decision.

The road veered left, but I continued my course into the underbrush. Leaves crunched underfoot, and Raikidan cursed me when I pushed aside a low hanging branch only for it to swing back at him. I snickered and pushed myself faster.

I cleared boulders and fallen trees with ease. Several felled trees that had caught on something else were too tempting to ignore, so I ran up to them. Raikidan chose to keep his feet on the ground, but kept his eyes trained on me.

I’d jump off the wooded plants and land with grace. Raikidan would gain ground on me, but my speed didn’t allow it for long.

My intense military training flashed through my mind.

Short quick breaths left my lungs as I ran, a male voice yelling at me to run faster—Shyden pointed at me as he reprimanded me for not jumping correctly, his one good golden eye bearing down at me with great intensity—Gunfire blasted close to my sensitive ears and I tried not to jump, not wanting to fail this test.

I shook the memories from my mind and focused on the present.

This was exciting, fun even. Fun. It’d been some time since I had that. I liked it. I liked how easily this took me away from that nightmare.

Light from the moon cascaded through the forest canopy. The light grew as the trees thinned. Bursting through the tree line, I skidded to a halt, barely stopping before the ground gave way to the cliff face of the ravine. Raikidan was by my side moments later.

In quick, shallow breaths, I took in the crisp, clean air, my head clearing.

“You”—Raikidan took in a deep breath—“run fast.”

I laughed. “That’s my job.”

I sat down, allowing my feet to dangle over the edge of the cliff, and Raikidan joined me. Closing my eyes, I took in all the sounds and smells around me, my nightmare long forgotten. When I opened them again, I found Raikidan watching me, the light of the moon cascading over his muscular form. I smiled at him, unable to keep a stern demeanor. Besides, I needed to get along with him in some way or this alliance wouldn’t work out. Still, I need to be careful. He is a dragon, after all.

“You should smile more,” he said. “You’d be more approachable.”

I smacked him in the arm. “Shut up. Like you’re much better.”

“Loners like myself don’t want others to approach us.” He snorted. “I guess that’s why you do it.”

I tilted my head. “You said loners like you. Sounds like it’s not all dragons. What’s your society like?”

“Complex, like I’m gathering yours is. We have clans and colonies, each with a head leader who keeps it all together. Interactions between colors is limited for the most part unless territories border each other. Loners, like myself, don’t have to deal with a lot of that complexity, but we still have to abide by certain rules.”

“Why do you choose a solitary life?”

“I like peace and quiet.” He grunted and looked at me accusingly. “Some peace I got.”

I tried not to laugh, but a giggle slipped out, which caused Raikidan to chuckle. Before we knew it, we were both roaring with laughter. I got myself under control after a few moments, smiling despite myself. “Thanks, I needed that.”

“You have a nice laugh.” I raised a brow and he looked up at the moon. “The unrestrained and blissful nature of it reminds me of songbirds.”

Warmth spread to my cheeks.

The wind picked up and he closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. “Your scent… it’s also nice. Better than that. It’s one of the most pleasant things I’ve smelled before.”

My eyes widened. It’s what… He glanced my way and I grinned, pushing away the strange feeling bubbling up inside. “Watch out, ladies, we got a charmer here.” I looked up at the sky. “Lucky for me I’m immune to such tricks, or I’d be in trouble.”

He looked at me, confused, and I laughed. “We have a lot of work to do with you before you can pass off as not so clueless.”

A smirk spread across his lips. “Maybe that’ll be my quirk the entire time we work together.”

My lips spread into a tense line. “I hope not. I’d like to work with someone who comes off as competent, thank you.”

Raikidan regarded me for a moment. “I’d like to talk to you about that, if we can. You mentioned a resistance but didn’t go into details. Anyone I need to be aware of when we do work with them?”

“That’s a lot of ground to cover, so I won’t bore you with so many details all at once. But the group I’d like to stop in with first would be the main subgroup you’ll get to know most. There’s Rylan, Ryoko, Zane, and a few others. I’ll introduce you to each of them, as long as they’re still alive.” They’d better be, or I’ll drag their spirits back to their corpses, Cosmic Law be damned. “One thing to note, don’t stare at Ryoko when you meet her. It pisses her off, and she’d be the first to throw you through a brick wall.”

His eyes widened while his brow furrowed to show his mixed emotions. “Why would I stare?”

“She’s half-wogron, and her figure is… well, let’s just say the person who designed her really wanted her to be a distraction. So, she has a few features that are hard to miss.”

He nodded slowly. “Okay, I’ll keep that all in mind. But, half-wogron? I didn’t think there were any more left. Between the curse that keeps wogrons in that humanoid-wolf state and their toxin-filled bites and scratches, I would have thought it’d be impossible for them to exist now.”

I gave him a sidelong glance. “Experiments, remember? Doesn’t take more than some DNA and some science for humans to pretend they’re gods.”

“Fair.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Are you really indifferent to this short hair that broodm—elf woman gave me?”

I looked at him, perplexed at such a sudden topic change. I found him looking my way from the corner of his eye, his lips set in a way I’d never seen before. Is he concerned I don’t approve of the change? Of course not, Eira, don’t be ridiculous.

I decided to be honest with him. “Well, at first I was, but the more I’ve seen you with this new haircut, the more I like it. It suits you and can also be styled with a product called hair gel to look different. I can teach you how to use that when we get to the city.” I looked him over. “Better question, do you like it?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

I lifted a brow and he ran his hand through his hair again. “It’s just different. I’ve never had it this short, and knowing it will remain this way, no matter how I feel later, is a bit…”

I grunted. “Same thing.”

Fluttering green wings just out of clear sight distracted me. Looking up, I saw a large luna moth hovering above me. So beautiful… I extended my hand into the air, and it landed on my index finger. I smiled. Sadly, the moment didn’t last forever. The moth fluttered away and disappeared into the silver light of the sky.

“To us, the luna moth is special.” I looked at Raikidan to find him staring up at the moon. “Most active on the night of a full moon, they’re seen as little messengers from the moon goddess, Lunaria. With their brief lifespan, it’s an honor to be graced with their presence, even for a short time. It shows that you are an especially graced being.”

I snorted. “Well, looks like a part of your philosophy is wrong. I am nothing special, unless, of course, you call monsters special.”

“Is that how you see yourself?”

“Of course.” I looked out at the vast ravine below. “If you saw the life I’ve had to live—the blood staining my hands—you’d think so too; believe me.”

“I don’t believe you.”

I waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. He didn’t even look at me.

What is going on in that head of his? He was an odd one, but was I much different? The two of us stared into the sky, and it brought a question to mind.

“Raikidan, what’s flying like?” When he didn’t answer, I spoke again. “Never mind, it was a stupid—”

“No, it wasn’t. I’ve just never had to think about it before. I’ve never been asked.”

I should have thought of that. It only made sense since he didn’t associate with anything but dragons, who knew how to fly.

“I guess the best I could compare it to would be the way you had been running earlier. My wings are your feet, and the sky is your ground. The only limitation is the one you place on yourself. The higher and faster you go, the better you feel. The air whips around you, but you can’t be contained by it.”

“So, in a single word, free.”

“Yeah, I guess that sums it up. Not sure if that was much help.”

“No, it was,” I admitted. More than you know. He looked at me, expecting more, but I kept my thoughts to myself. He had shown me that, even if I had wings, I would never be able to fly.

“I want to ask you something now. The song you were humming while bathing, where did you learn it?”

Ah shit, he did hear me. I looked up at him through my lashes. Should I tell him? It wasn’t necessarily a big deal, but may lead to more questions, especially from me. If he were asking about it, did it mean he knew it too?

“I learned it some time ago from my mother.” I looked up at the moon, her face and all the memories rushing back to me.

Raikidan tilted his head as he watched me. “If you’re artificially created, how can you have a mother?”

I sighed. “I was created in a tank, that’s true, but in order for me to exist, they needed DNA, and in order to obtain the DNA, they needed donors. For me, my donors were from a male and a female, so I have a mother and a father. I’m also one of the few who had contact with even just one of them.”

“Do you at least know who your father is?”

My eyes began to wander as dark, angry thoughts swam in my head. But I caught myself before I could become consumed by them. “No.”

“You sure? That look would say—”

My eyes tightened as I snapped my attention on him, my teeth bearing a bit. “I said no, so don’t bring it up again!”

He reeled back. “Okay, noted. Sorry. Are you close with your mother?”

I nodded. “I was.”

A pain pulsed in my chest. “She was murdered…”

Raikidan stared at me, as if too shocked to speak.

“She was one of the few people who associated with me willingly. It hurt to lose her.”

He regarded me for a moment. “What do you mean?”

“I have a bad reputation. That’s all I’ll say on that matter.”

Raikidan nodded. “Where did she learn the song?”

“From someone else. I never learned more than that.” I looked at him. “Why do you ask?”

“It’s a dragon lullaby.” My brow rose with interest. “It’s the only one we have, and I couldn’t see a dragon teaching a human it, so that’s why I was curious.”

“Sorry, I don’t know much more than that. She only ever hummed it to me, so I had no idea it belonged to another race. It’s possible she learned it from a dragon and never told me, or learned it from someone else who had contact with one. We may be told dragons are extinct, but that’s not to say someone wouldn’t come across any of you and chose to keep their mouth shut.”

“You’ve chosen to do the same, even though we’ve yet to discuss what to do about that.” He rubbed his chin. “Why show such loyalty to someone who means nothing to you?”

“Honor isn’t common in humans these days, but it’s not lost, either. For me, loyalty is of utmost importance, and I must hold myself to that standard if I expect it as well.” I glanced at him. “If you find a human with that kind of loyalty standard, consider yourself lucky and don’t take it for granted.”

He smirked. “Well then, I must be one lucky dragon.”

My cheeks burned as they flushed several shades darker, and I looked away from him. All these compliments today were throwing me all out of sorts. I didn’t need him seeing just how much it actually affected me.

“What is a boyfriend?”

My attention snapped back on him. “What?”

“Your friends kept calling me your boyfriend, or words similar, but you were quick to correct them. What is it? A kind of mate to your kind?”

I thought about how to word it in a way he’d understand. “Well, I guess it depends on what you mean by mate. I’m going to guess permanent or long-term partner of sorts, since your kind is monogamous as a whole, in which case the answer then would be no, it’s not a mate. It’d be akin to a trial phase before taking them as a mate. This would be to figure out if you’re compatible with each other in the long run.”

“Sounds strange to me, but if that’s how your kind does things, then so be it.”

I eyed him. “Like your kind’s way is less strange? Strictly monogamous and claiming a mate just by meeting them? Like life really works that magically.”

“Yes, we are monogamous, and no, I won’t explain further about how we find our mates to make you believe me.” My brow rose and he chuckled. “You refused to answer one of my questions, so I know I don’t have to answer yours.”

I half laughed. “Well okay then. Then answer me this, how strong are your ties with your mates?”

His brow furrowed. “I don’t understand your question.”

“Can your bond with them be fractured or weak?”

“Of course not!”

I recoiled from his intensity.

“We’re loyal to them. We’ll do anything to protect them and ensure they’re happy. To show any weakness in that is to disgrace our bond and what it stands for.”

“No need to get mad. It was only an inquiry.”

His gaze lowered, and I noticed his shoulders sag. “Sorry, I know.”

I looked him over and noted his defeated expression, though guarded. He’s hiding something. My expression softened. “But you have seen weakness, haven’t you?”

He sighed. “Yes. Rare, but I’ve seen it and it’s a serious matter to my kind.”

This topic wasn’t a good one to continue. I noted the brighter look to the sky and knew it would only be a matter of hours before the sun rose. I got to my feet. “We should head back. We’ll need our rest for the journey ahead.”

I turned around but stopped dead in my tracks. Standing before me at the edge of the forest stood a nu-human man about my age, with tawny-beige skin common from the west desert region of Lumaraeon. Normally his identifying features would be obscured by the hood of the cloak he wore—customary attire for shamans who ventured outside the town—but he had pulled it down. “Ken’ichi?”

His blue eyes stared at me. “It’s true… you’re really back.”

“For a day, yes.”

“You’re alive…”

I smiled and approached him. He didn’t move. I reached out and placed a hand on both sides of his face. “I’m really here, bonehead.”

He reached up and touched my hands, holding tight to be sure I wasn’t a spirit here to trick him. Then suddenly, he wrapped his arms around me, lifting me off my feet, and spun us around. “You’re alive!”

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Ken’ichi and I had hit it off quick when I’d first arrived. His kind nature toward everyone unsettled me at first, but it came in handy when I went to learning the ways of a shaman. While my mentors Del’karo and Shva’sika worked with me most, Ken’ichi taught me what it meant to be a Guard, showing me a tougher side of him than I thought capable from him.

He also helped Xye teach me how healing worked, even though I had no innate ability for it. I’d learned from that experience how rare it was to find someone who was both a guard and a healer due to the different temperament requirements.

Ken’ichi put me down and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

I snickered. “I can tell.” I slapped him in the arm. “You’re looking good. Especially for someone who has the night watch.”

He shrugged. “I’ve always been a night owl.”

I looked around. “How did you find me? Chance happening?”

He pointed into the forest. “The Guardian kept returning to this area, so I thought something might be up.”

My brow furrowed. “How many times?”

Ken’ichi thought for a moment. “Four times in the last hour, maybe?”

That wasn’t good. It had to be sensing some sort of problem. Are there Hunters lurking about in the woods?

“I see that look, and don’t worry. I checked the area out. There’s nothing here. It was acting like this in another location earlier today. The village is safe.”

“I’m still hunted, Ken’ichi.” I looked up at him. “It’s why I’m out of here tomorrow. Maka’shi threw enough of a fit over that. And if the Guardian is acting this strange, then it’s obviously found something. I don’t need to be causing issues for all of you again.”

He cupped my cheek. “You worry too much. But if you’re that concerned, head on back into town and I’ll keep an extra vigil on my watch. I took out a number of Hunters five years ago. They won’t get past me to you.”

I pulled away from his touch. “Just don’t get yourself killed. It’s all I ask.”

He smiled at me, but it disappeared when he noticed Raikidan. “Who’s this?”

I looked at Raikidan and then back to him. “Raikidan. He’s giving me a hand with the situation back in Dalatrend.”

Ken’ichi stared at Raikidan, a displeased look on his face, but he didn’t say anything to my dragon companion, nor did Raikidan say anything to him. He returned his gaze to me. “I won’t hold you back anymore. Have a good night, Eira.”

His eyes lingered on me for a moment before he walked off. I watched him until he disappeared into the forest, and then motioned for Raikidan to follow. The two of us moved through the underbrush in silence until we came to the road leading back into the village.

“Hey, Eira, can I ask you something?” Raikidan said.

I looked at him. “What’s that?”

“You said something about my kind being extinct. What’s that about?” His lips twisted. “I know we’re secretive and all, but I never thought we were that secretive.”

I nodded. “It’s said dragons died out because of the Great War.”

“I see. That makes sense, thank you.”

His gratitude perplexed me. Why thank me for such a trivial answer? It wasn’t like I’d given a whole lot of detail on the subject or anything.

“That friend of yours back there,” he said, “he’s seen me with this new form. I’m sorry if it causes you any issues later.”

I waved him off. “I’ll figure it out when the time comes. I’m not worried about it.”

“You’re worried about the Guardian’s activity though, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “Yes. Activity like that would indicate intruders of some sort. So, either it’s managed to kill a few Hunters, or they’re running and its pursuing them. Either way, it’s a clear enough sign we have to leave tomorrow. I wanted to get my things, but they’re not worth these people’s lives.”

“You’re loyal to them.” He smiled, his captivating eyes unusually soft. “I like that.”

I found myself unable to look away from him. Normally a compliment would get me all out of sorts. But the way he said it— I ripped my gaze away. Get a hold of yourself! It was just a way to lure me into a false sense of security. That’s how that stuff worked. I won’t fall for that game…

The forest was the only one to speak the rest of the walk back to the inn. The Guardian showed up once, but didn’t bother us, making me uneasy. I really hated that I put these people in danger. They didn’t deserve that after all they’d done for me.

My first day here rolled through my mind like a movie. I hadn’t meant to stay, but before I knew it, I’d been convinced to give it a chance and these people grew on me little by little. Raikidan got one thing right about me with them. I held them close and wanted nothing more than to protect them.

My resolve to fight Zarda hardened. They’d be safer once he was gone. One more reason to destroy him.

The two of us made it back into town about a half an hour later. A light in front of the inn caught my attention, but before I had the chance to think on it, Daren came around the corner, lantern in hand and dressed in sleep wear including a sleep cap.

He held the lantern higher as we approached. “Ah, there ye are. I heard ye two movin’ aboot earlier. Thought ye was runnin’ away again.”

I chuckled. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you, Daren. I just needed to go for a run. Raikidan chose to join me.”

Daren turned his focus to Raikidan and cranked his head to the side as his brow twisted. Confused, I also looked his way, my heart stopping. He still had his nu-human disguise on. Shit!

I had to think of something quick. I didn’t want to lie to the man, but I also couldn’t tell the full truth. “Before you ask, Daren, it’s one of the abilities he possesses. I thought it’d come in handy when making my decision to recruit him.”

Daren nodded slowly, though I could tell he wasn’t sure if he should believe me or not. “Ye, lad, will need tae be careful around Maka’shi as well, then. She already be mistrustin’ o’ ye because o’ Eira, and this ability won’t help ye any.”

Raikidan nodded and changed his form back to that of an ordinary human. “I’ll do my best to remember that. Eira warned me not to use the ability while here, but I didn’t listen. I now know I should have heeded her council.”

Nice diplomatic response. And it wasn’t because it painted me in a better light. I could see how it eased the tension from Daren.

Daren waved us to follow him. “Guid. Now both ye get back tae bed.”

The two of us complied and headed to our room while Daren went off to his.

I sighed when Raikidan closed the door behind us. “We’re lucky it was Daren who saw you. Ken’ichi did too, but we could have easily played that off.”

“Sorry,” he said. “I forgot I’d changed forms. I found it comfortable. More so than this one.”

I nodded as I headed for the vanity. “I understand. Once we leave here you’ll be able to take it permanently.”

With my hands over my head, I stretched. My hands glided over my skin, touching a few of the scars I’d received in my lifetime.

“Is it common for females of your kind to fight?” Raikidan asked.

My arms dropped to my sides and I threw my head back to look at him. “Yes. Women are part of the military, and there are a number of scrappy female civilians, too. Even shaman Guards can be women if they so choose. Why do you ask?”

“It’s hard not to notice the scars you carry.”

I couldn’t help but notice the slight scowl on his face. “They’re just scars. It’s not like they’re a big deal.”

“To a dragon, they are. They mean you’ve seen fights beyond simple disagreements.”

I leaned on the vanity. “So, females of your kind don’t fight?”

He shook his head. “Not unless they absolutely have to, and if they do, then we males aren’t doing our job. We protect them no matter what.”

“What if two females fight?”

Raikidan rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s where things get a bit tricky. We struggle to intervene in those situations.” He chuckled. “If you human females are anything like ours, you’re ruthless against each other and could make a male second-guess his entire life’s choices.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, that sounds about right for us, too.”

Raikidan reached out suddenly and took my hand. His free one traced a few of my scars, their sensitive nature sending a jolt through my arm. I noticed his darkening eyes and the way his lip curled into a snarl of disgust. “These bother me the more I look at them. They don’t belong on you.”

I pulled my hand away, holding it close to me. This was getting too personal. It risked too much. “Well, nothing can be done now. Can’t change the past.”

I removed my hairclip, and threaded my fingers through my hair. Raikidan pulled a flower from the vase arrangement and looked at it for a moment before reaching out and tucking it behind my ear. “It adds to your beauty.”

I looked away as an uncomfortable feeling writhed in me. There is that random charm he was trying to… the gods only know what!

“Thank you for putting up with me. I know I’ve made this difficult on you in ways, but you’re not complaining. I see it as a kind of loyalty and I do appreciate it.”

I pulled the flower out of my hair and tucked it back in the vase. “You’re putting up with me, so it’s not that big a deal.”

I headed for my bed. As I did, I thought about our conversation and the large scar on my abdomen. The day he saved me ran through my head. “We protect them no matter what.”

Was that why he did it? Did he have a primal instinct, one that was stronger than his conscious thought, which drove him to save me even though I wasn’t a dragon? Or was it something else that drove him? I had to know. “Is your way of seeing females the reason why you saved me instead of leaving me to die?”

Raikidan remained quiet for a moment. “I… don’t know why I saved you. Something just compelled me to. It could have something to do with how we treat our own kind. Even if you are a human, you’re still female.”

I sat down on the bed. “Well, thank you. I didn’t deserve such kindness and I don’t deserve the time you’ve devoted to putting up with me.”

I lay down and closed my eyes, deciding it best to end this conversation now. I needed rest for the long day to come, and if I wasn’t careful, I was going to start breaking rules with this dragon. And that wouldn’t be smart.