Another shape stirred behind Uziel, which launched a swarm of tiny, winged creatures—baby dragons?—into the air. They flew off to perch on stalactites and stalagmites, circling the structures with wary looks at the intruders.
Mareleau shrank back. The baby dragons were only the size of a small dog, but they moved so quickly, stared so suspiciously.
Her eyes darted back to Uziel as the creature behind him fully awakened. The aqua glow of the walls glinted off opalescent scales and white feathered wings. After a stretch like Uziel had made, Ferrah bounded over the black dragon, as agile as a cat, and sat back on her haunches. Her sinuous back curved in an arch while her tail lazily coiled and uncoiled beside her. Long white whiskers draped from her maw—a rather toothy maw that was on full display as she yawned.
Uziel slithered over to Ailan, something like a purr rumbling in his throat. Ailan absently stroked his enormous snout as she spoke. “Uziel has agreed to listen to you. The others don’t seem interested in meeting you at this time, but Ferrah seems curious enough.”
“Others—” Just then, Mareleau noticed the other hulking shapes that she’d first taken for boulders. There were at least half a dozen other dragons asleep in the cave, though all were slightly smaller than Ferrah.
Mareleau’s gaze moved to the white dragon, who watched Mareleau like she was a fascinating jewel.
Or a snack.
She tightened her arms around Noah’s sleeping form.
“Would you like to introduce yourself to her?” Ailan’s expression was so hopeful, contrasting the churning in Mareleau’s gut.
She wanted to say no, to flee, to never look back, but beneath her anxiety, that bold thrill remained.
Not waiting for Mareleau’s answer, Ailan stepped closer to Ferrah, gesturing for Mareleau to follow.
Her legs trembled, but she found herself moving before she could think better of it.
Ferrah’s tongue flicked out but she didn’t startle, didn’t hiss, didn’t do any of the things Mareleau feared she’d do.
“Bow to her,” Ailan instructed. “Keep your moves slow and steady.”
Mareleau could barely hear her through the blood roaring in her ears. Her heart hammered so hard it felt as if it would climb from her throat. Yet bow she did, as smoothly as she dared. As she straightened, Ailan instructed her in what to do with her hands. She kept one loose and open at her side—which meant she had to fully turn Noah’s weight over to his sling—while she extended the other toward the dragon.
Seven devils, a dragon. I’m greeting a godsforsaken dragon. What if she eats my hand? What if she eats my baby? What if she eats me?
Her panic rose to a crescendo, but she managed to perform the correct movements. Palm toward Ferrah. Hold still. Then breathe.
Breathe.
Breathe.
Ferrah rose from her haunches and took a step toward her.
Mareleau nearly lost her nerve and leaped back, but Ailan warned her to hold her position.
Ferrah stepped closer again. Then again. Her tongue flicked in and out with every step until it glanced over Mareleau’s palm. She shuddered as it tickled her skin.
Gods, those teeth were close.
Too close.
Ferrah held her gaze for several uncomfortable moments.
Then, with a ground-shaking huff, Ferrah bounded off, feathered wings pressed close to her sides.
Mareleau’s gaze whipped to Ailan. She expected to see disappointment on the other woman’s face, but instead she wore a wide grin.
“You see?” Ailan said with a chuckle as Uziel sniffed the side of her head, his breath blowing Ailan’s black hair in messy streams. “You’ve earned her respect.”
“Thatwas earning her respect?”
“That was more than my brother ever managed. She’ll listen to you now. Somewhat.”
