Ilith decided to help by showing them, reaching into the opening with a sharp claw. They wiggled in delight. Ilith appreciated their awe, but it was making her job difficult. Finally, she managed to snag her claw on one of their shirts, dragging her prey out of the opening.
She set him down on his feet and then looked expectantly at the rest. They fought each other for the honor of scrambling out of the exit first.
Good. They were learning.
Looks like you’re not the only one who can be a Savior,Ilith said smugly as she waddled away.
Tate was quiet as Ilith headed toward the second elevator, which had already completed its descent. The dragon reared onto her back paws, sniffing at the top of the cage.
The prey her Savior had been pursuing was gone. No trace of him remained except a faint scent that tugged at long forgotten memories.
Humans clustered around Ilith, making sure to keep an appropriate distance as they gestured and exclaimed.
Ilith dropped back to all fours and sat, her tail whipping as she considered.
Where could the prey have gone?
As Ilith was considering her options, a tiny human staggered toward her holding out a skewer of meat. “Dragon. Present.”
A woman cried out, breaking through the crowd and running toward the tiny human. She fell to her knees beside the little person and gathered her into her arms.
Ilith considered the tiny human who babbled incessantly. It was obvious this human wasn’t even half as intelligent as the rest since most of what they said was indecipherable—even for a dragon of Ilith’s rare intelligence.
Still, it was commendable the tiny human put so much effort into offering her tribute. It was only proper to accept.
Ilith lowered her head, ignoring the way the woman went as still as prey. Her arms tightened around the tiny human in a concerning way.
If she squeezed like that, she might crush the tiny human’s ribs.
Carefully, Ilith caught one chunk of meat and pulled it off the stick. She gobbled it down. Yummy. She repeated the act until there was no more meat left.
It was tasty but barely even counted as a snack.
Despite that, it was a fitting tribute, well worth rewarding.
Ilith lifted a foot scratching at one of the scales along her neck. It was a little early for those scales to molt, but she only needed one.
It came loose and she plucked it from her body, holding it out to the tiny human, who took it gratefully. The tiny human waved it in the air, the light from the glow lamps embedded in the cliffs causing it to shimmer like a gem.
Ilith nodded approvingly. As an acolyte who worshiped Ilith’s majesty, this tiny human was adequate. She accepted.
You are not starting a cult,Tate said in alarm.
What cult? No, this was worship pure and simple with all the benefits for both parties.
Her decision made, Ilith leaned down, nudging first the tiny human then the woman holding them. The woman squeaked even as the tiny human patted Ilith’s nose excitedly.
Yes, yes, Ilith knew she was magnificent. The tiny human didn’t need to fuss so much. Ilith would still grant her protection regardless. Though admittedly this was a wise move on the tiny human’s part. Maybe she was smarter than Ilith had given her credit for.
Ilith rose and waddled toward the nearest building. When she reached it, she reared onto her back legs and climbed up its wall.
The emperor is going to kill me after this. I won’t even be able to blame him.
Well used to her Savior’s propensity for belly aching, Ilith perched on the roof. She’d thought long and hard about it and come to one conclusion—the best way to catch a rat was to do so from the air. They’d never expect it.
EIGHT
Ilith pushed off the roof with a powerful leap. She spread her wings, fanning them hard to get lift. She climbed slowly, enjoying the rush of wind.
