“Hi, Cobalt,” I said. “I’ve got something to tell you.”
His expression brightened with amusement. “Oh? What’s that?”
“We decided to go on a big adventure together,” I announced, lifting Wolfy into the air. “I’m gonna explore the world and add to my hoard!”
Cobalt chuckled. “I see. That is a big adventure. And the two of you will be traveling alone?”
“We’re not alone. We have each other.”
My older brother nodded. “Well, you’re not a dragonet anymore. If you feel mature enough to fly out into the world, then you should do it, Violet. It will be a good learning experience.”
I broke into a wide grin. I knew I was ready. At seventeen, I was nearly an adult. And as a dragon, I was stronger and fasterthan any possible danger in my path. A single claw swipe or breath of fire was more than enough to protect myself.
“You’re not going far, are you?” Cobalt asked.
I hadn’t really thought about it. I figured I’d go where the winds took me. After all, it was a big wide world, wasn’t it? I might get intoxicated by adventure and fly all around the planet.
“Dunno yet,” I replied, shrugging.
Cobalt stood from his seat and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “I don’t want to discourage you, Violet, but since this is your first time leaving the island, I suggest you stay close. Enough to fly back home, anyway.”
I mulled that over, then nodded. His suggestion made sense. It would be nice to know my home was nearby.
“Okay,” I said.
“One more thing,” Cobalt continued. “Since you’re still young—”
“I’m notthatyoung,” I argued with a scoff. “Thystle and the twins are way younger than me.”
“This isn’t about Thystle and the twins,” Cobalt argued gently. “This is about you. You’ll always be my little brother.”
I groaned. “C’mon, Cobalt. As far as dragons go, I’m an adult.”
“Almost.”
“Fine,” I admitted, crossing my arms and tucking Wolfy into my elbow. “I won’t go far.”
“Not too long, either,” Cobalt went on, kind but firm. “I want you back home in two weeks. Does that sound fair?”
Two weeks was plenty of time to explore. Cobalt’s offer was more than fair. Plus, if I adhered to his rules, he’d be more willing to let me go a second time.
“Deal,” I said.
We shook on it, then I dashed to my room to pack a light bag. I vibrated with excitement. It was fun on the island, but Iwanted something new. I had to know what was beyond the sea. I knew it was impossible, but it almost felt like a distant voice was calling out to me, a beckoning whisper in my ear.
I shoved my necessities in my bag, the most important of which was my ever-present companion, Wolfy. He was an ancient, well-loved plushie Cobalt acquired for me ages ago. His white fur had long since turned gray, and parts of his stitching had needed to be redone over the years. My brother Crimson wasn’t the best at sewing, but he tried his best to fix the popped seams. The first time he fixed Wolfy, Crimson asked why I still carried the toy everywhere. He thought it was childish. Well, I thought he was stupid. Crimson hoarded suits, and he wore one constantly. I hoarded plushies—didn’t it make sense that I always had my favorite with me?
I patted Wolfy’s head before tucking him safely inside the bag. I didn’t want him getting roughed up by the sharp wind when I took off at full flying speed.
“There. All ready,” I said to myself.
Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I dashed downstairs. I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to my brothers. They’d miss me, after all.
By the time I reached the living room, Cobalt was already there explaining my trip to everybody. Jade and Crimson seemed proud, while Thystle and the twins looked on the verge of tears.
“You’re leaving?” Aurum blurted out the second I walked in.
“Without us?” Saffron added.
