As he shone his lantern around, something glinted. After crouching down, he found metal. But it wasn’t rubbish or scrap. No, it was something curved, like a ring or a handle to a trapdoor.
“Daisy,” he whispered.
She rushed over and crouched down next to him. “What is it?”
He brushed the dirt and wet leaves away, revealing a large metal circle attached to a concrete slab. “This might be the bunker’s entrance.”
She clapped her hands—quietly as she could, at least, trying to follow his earlier order about being stealthy when possible—and asked, “Can you lift it? I hope so. Because it’d be awful if we have to ask the adults to help us and steal our glory.”
“We don’t even know if anything’s here yet, so let’s not start planning parades and cheers and the like.”
She sighed. “You’re no fun sometimes, Freddie. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with imagining it, even if it’s just a dream.”
Not wanting to argue since it could go on a long time with Daisy, he squatted over the ring. “Stand back a little, and I’ll try to lift it. If I can’t do it in my human form, then I’ll shift and try that way since my dragon is stronger.”
His inner beast stood a little taller inside his mind.I know I can do it. Maybe just shift first.
It will cause a faint light, and I don’t want to get caught. Let me try first.
Fine. But if you can’t lift it, promise you’ll let me try.
I promise. Now, let me concentrate.
His dragon fell silent, and Freddie took the metal ring in both his hands. “All right, here goes.”
He pulled, and nothing happened. Then he drew on his strength, using both his legs and his upper body, and the slab lifted a little. Then a little more.
But the rain made the metal slippery, and he lost his grip.
With a curse, he fell back onto his bum, and he growled in frustration.
Daisy was at his side. “Are you all right? Did you hurt yourself?”
She ran her hands over him, and for a second, he felt awkward. Daisy didn’t usually touch him beyond a quick pat or handshake.
But then he pushed her hands away and stood up. “I’m fine, just a little embarrassed.”
“Why? I don’t think I could’ve even lifted it that much! Maybe your dragon can do it.”
“I think he can. But I need to shift as quickly as possible, to avoid letting people know we’re here.”
“Oh, right, because you’ll glow a little. I forget sometimes since it’s hard to see in the daytime.”
He grunted. “Turn around so I can shift. When I’m done, I’ll touch you with my tail.”
She grinned. “I can’t wait to pet your dragon again.”
His inner dragon chuckled.She gives the best ear scratches, for sure.
We don’t have time for that.
There’s always time for ear scratches.
He mentally sighed.We’ll see. But we have to do this as fast as possible. Let’s try breaking a new record.
His inner beast bobbed his head, and Freddie said, “Turn around now, Daisy.”
She nodded and did so. “I’ll keep watch for danger.”
