He squeezed me. “Don’t ruin the surprise.”
Ember approached, timidly butting his head against Tandor’s ankle. He flinched, pulling me with him as he jumped. “Oh! Hi, small dragon!”
“He has a name,” I reminded.
“I know he has a name.”
“Just saying.”
“Has he just been hanging out here?”
I stepped away to get a better look at the small creature. “He sure has. And the place is still standing.” I was strangely proud of the little dragon. It was a pretty low bar to praise the creature for not causing catastrophe but… wins were wins.
“You are the Hand of the Dragons, after all. It makes sense.”
“Arbitrary title,” I grumbled.
“You underestimate yourself.”
“I do not. I think very highly of myself, thank you very much.”
He planted a kiss on top of my head. “Of course, princess. I’m just saying. You’re incredibly powerful. You’re capable of bringing inanimate objects to life—a dragon would surely sense that power.”
My cheeks warmed but I brushed him off. “Whatever. I think he’s just tired from chasing around sprites all morning. Fiella and Redd should be about ready. Think you can wrangle the monster into a secure enough grip to transport over there?”
Tandor considered the small beast. “I should be able to manage that.”
I glanced around the room. “Sprites? Think you can help us?” I peered into the broken cauldron, too. “Hex? We’re going to need the whole team to help with this one.”
“Of course, Godsblood. Whatever you need.”
I sighed through my nose. It seemed the name would be sticking. “Thank you.”
This should be easy enough.
The short trip to Fiella’s was an absolute nightmare.
Ember had kicked and squirmed and spat hot air and sparks like his little life depended on it. Hereallywanted to explore the town again.
Not on our watch.
Tandor, fates bless him, was quaking with the effort of containing the small beast. His sleeves were singed, his face was flushed, and I could hardly even see him through the swarm of sprites perched all over him, trying to help.
And Hex, too, was curled up in his grasp, trying to squash the dragon into submission.
It was a rough journey.
After what felt like hours, and after several close calls, we finally arrived at Fiella and Redd’s cottage on the edge of the Greenwood Forest.
I pounded on the door. “Open up, vampires! We’ve got a special delivery!”
The door opened just a crack. Fiella’s honey-gold eye was hardly visible. “Oh! Kiz! I didn’t expect you.”
I shoved on the door, trying to ram her out of the way. “Yes, you did.”
“I must have forgotten! It’s really not a good time, why don’t you come back later?—”
“I know what you’re doing. Quit stalling.” I pushed on the door harder, but my witch strength was no match for her vampire muscles.
