Chapter 2

  Scattered Baits (2)

  It had barely been a minute since the storm had descended upon the training grounds of Grindelwald Magic Academy—yet in that short span, chaos had already taken root.

  One moment, the air had been calm—as students stood within their summoning circles—and the next, the sky tore itself apart. Purple-black lightning split the clouds, thunder crashing so violently, shaking the earth beneath the students’ feet.

  The pressure of rampant magical energy pressed down like an invisible weight, forcing many students to their knees and take shelter.

  “Everyone, fall back!” Miss Xu shouted, her voice cutting through the storm.

  Miss Diona was already moving, extending her staff, erecting barrier after barrier as she pushed students away from the storm’s center.

  “But even as they worked, both instructors felt it.

  This wasn’t a natural phenomenon.

  Then—

  Like a passing gust, the storm collapsed.

  The wind vanished. The thunder fell silent. The clouds thinned as though erased from the sky.

  From the fading arcs of purple lightning, Alicia emerged.

  She stood at the center of the scorched summoning circle, her academy uniform fluttering weakly in the lingering breeze. Cradled carefully in her hands was a small creature covered in black scales, its body no bigger than a kitten’s, its long tail coiled loosely around her wrist.

  Regis didn’t hesitate.

  She sprinted across the field, ignoring the aching pressure still clinging to the air.

  “Alicia!” she called out, skidding to a halt in front of her. “What happened?!”

  Her gaze darted from Alicia’s pale face to the unfamiliar creature in her hands.

  But then Regis froze.

  She forgot the storm. Forgot the presence of that catastrophic being she had felt moments ago.

  Her eyes locked onto Alicia’s expression, knowing something was off.

  Alicia didn’t look sad. But she wasn’t smiling either.

  Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her eyes distant—as if something inside her hadn’t quite settled yet.

  “…Are you alright?” Regis asked quietly, unease creeping into her voice.

  Before Alicia could answer, hurried footsteps approached.

  “What happened here?!” Miss Xu demanded, arriving beside them, her gaze immediately sweeping over Alicia for injuries. “Alicia, are you hurt?”

  Miss Diona followed a step behind; her eyes already fixed on the creature in Alicia’s hands. Curiosity overwhelmed her concern.

  “…Should I assume,” she said carefully, “that this is your summon?”

  “…Yes,” Alicia replied after a brief pause.

  For a moment, Miss Diona glanced back at the other summons still standing in the field—those that had somehow managed to remain. They were silent. Unnaturally so.

  But their eyes told a story far louder than words.

  Their eyes flicked toward the tiny creature in Alicia’s hands… and then, almost in unison, they turned away.

  Miss Diona frowned when even Frostveil refused to answer to her telepathic message, then slowly lowered her gaze to the small being Alicia held. At first glance, it looked harmless—something between a black salamander and a lizard, with faintly folded tiny wings along its back.

  “So,” Miss Diona asked gently, “did you manage to form a successful pact?”

  Alicia swallowed.

  “No,” she said, a bitter edge slipping into her voice. “It’s… temporary, I think. But it refuses to go back. It wants to stay with me.”

  Miss Diona blinked.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful!” she said brightly, clasping her hands together. “Forming a connection at all is nothing short of a miracle. You should give it a chance, Alicia.”

  As if responding to her words, the small creature let out a soft purr and rubbed its head against Alicia’s palm, snuggling closer.

  Alicia stiffened—then relaxed as if not to raise any suspicion.

  Miss Diona leaned in, eyes sparkling.

  “So, what kind of creature is it? A lizard-type summon, perhaps?”

  The tiny creature suddenly coughed, as if it had choked on air.

  Regis’s face went pale.

  And then—

  Alicia laughed.

  The sound burst out of her, as if something heavy had finally lifted from her chest.

  “Yes,” she said, smiling at last. “You’re right. It’s just a lizard with tiny wings.”

  “Oh! Well, even so!” Miss Diona said, far too enthusiastically. “Once you start bonding, I’m certain you’ll find plenty of reasons to cherish it.”

  Her voice was overly encouraging, almost pushy—as if she could sense Alicia’s hesitation and refused to let her give up, even if this wasn’t the summon she had expected.

  “Yes, Miss Diona,” Alicia replied, her smile softer now.

  Miss Xu exhaled, finally allowing herself to relax. She clapped her hands sharply, drawing the students’ attention.

  “Alright, everyone. The situation is under control,” she announced. “Students who have already formed their summons move to the side and continue practice. Those who haven’t—Miss Diona will supervise you.”

  ◇◇◇

  Few seconds back, in the eye of the storm, I clearly refused the Black Dragon from making a summoning pact with me.

  “I’ve decided,” I said, meeting his big eyes. “I won’t be forming a contract with any summon.”

  The tiny black dragon stared at me, utterly shocked.

  “…You rejected me,” it whispered.

  “Yes.”

  “In my cutest form?”

  “Yes.”

  “Especially in my cutest form.”

  “Yes,” I repeated, thinking he didn’t hear me the first time.

  “No… No... no… that can’t be possible.” The black dragon went into a trance for a moment as if the rejection hit him hard.

  Regardless of the reason behind his shock, my decision would remain unchanged.

  After all, I don’t need a summon. Then there’s also no reason to keep something I don’t need.

  This way it’s better for both the black dragon and me as well.

  “But why me? If you just want to be summoned into this world. You can be a summon for my little sister. Or go to dad.” I asked.

  “Its still too early for her to summon me. And as for the current True Demon Lord, he is just not someone I can get along with. For now, this is my only chance, so I am not going back.” The black dragon said adamantly.

  “Even if you say so, I’m cancelling the magic circle,” I said, reaching forward.

  “Noooooo—!”

  The protest cut off abruptly, turning.

  “Ahhh—!” I screamed in pain.

  Before I could react, something clamped down on my hand.

  “I will not let you.”

  Pain shot up my arm as the black dragon bit down, refusing to let go. I shook my hand instinctively, trying to pry it free, but it held on with surprising strength.

  “Let go!” I shouted.

  The black dragon only tightened its grip.

  “Fine—fine!” I gasped. “I won’t! I won’t cancel it—!”

  The pressure on my skin vanished.

  “Yippee!”

  The sudden cheer caught me completely off guard.

  For a moment, it felt as if the ancient, dignified voice I’d heard earlier was now completely replaced by something almost childish.

  I yanked my hand free at last and staggered back.

  “…You did that on purpose. Didn’t you?” I muttered.

  The dragon tilted its head, eyes gleaming, acting innocent as if it didn’t know what I was talking about.

  “Since you’re so stubborn,” I continued, pinning the dragon with a glare, “there will be conditions. I’ll keep you with me for two weeks. If you’re of no use to me during that time, you’re going back. No exceptions.”

  “Fine. I accept. You will soon realize my worth.”

  “Good. Then you’ll be living with me at the academy.”

  “Excellent! Then I shall make you the ruler of this academy and force everyone to bow before you!”

  “I already said don’t interfere with my normal life,” I snapped. “That’s condition number two. Don’t do anything unnecessary that draws attention.”

  “…Fine,” the dragon said after a pause, feeling a bit grumpy. “As you can see, this form fits perfectly into human society. I do not radiate even a trace of my majestic spiritual energy.”

  It puffed out its chest proudly. Even though it was just about the size of my fist.

  “I have also warned the other spirits not to reveal my identity. They will keep their mouths shut.”

  I exhaled slowly.

  “At least you’re not a complete idiot lizard,” I said, some relief creeping into my voice.

  “…Stop calling me a lizard,” it growled. “I am the most powerful, majestic dragon—and the king of the spiritual realm.”

  “Whatever,” I said flatly. “We’re going back. Now behave.”

  With that, I dispersed the storm completely. The violent clouds unraveled into nothingness, and I transferred the summoning circle into the royal demon crest to maintain the dragon’s temporary manifestation.

  When I landed back on the training field, the black dragon curled quietly in my hands.

  Almost instantly, everyone rushed toward me. Regis, miss Xu, and miss Diona as well.

  But once the tension settled and the instructors took control, the class slowly resumed as if nothing extraordinary had happened.

  By the time the sun dipped low, casting long golden shadows across the training grounds, the summoning class finally came to an end.

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  Every student had succeeded.

  The field buzzed with excitement, as summoned spirits lingered near their partners as if reluctant to part.

  Miss Diona stepped forward, her expression warm, almost nostalgic.

  “Today,” she said gently, “is a day I believe both you and I will remember for a long time.”

  The murmurs quieted.

  “You have all found summoning spirits you will bond with, grow alongside, and rely upon in the years to come. I am looking forward to seeing how far you progress when we meet again officially next year.”

  Her gaze softened as it swept over the remaining students.

  “And for those who were unable to find any summon today—do not worry. There is always a spirit perfectly suited for you, waiting for the moment you are ready. Continue growing here at this academy, day by day… and I hope I’ll have the pleasure of meeting them as well.”

  She smiled.

  “Goodbye, everyone.”

  Among the successes, Ingrid stood out—practically glowing with pride.

  Floating beside her was an Aqualope: a creature shaped like a seahorse, its body sleek and translucent blue, with delicate antler-like fins branching from its head. It drifted through the air as if swimming through invisible currents.

  But despite the overall joy…

  There were two exceptions in the entire class.

  Regis was one of them.

  She had tried until the very last moment—adjusting her magic, calming her breathing. But not a single spirit answered to her call.

  I already knew why.

  And so did she.

  “Is there anything you can do. You said you were the king of the spirit realm.” I whispered to the black dragon in draconic tongue so no one could understand us nearby. Since we hadn’t formed a proper summoning contract, we couldn’t talk to each other telepathically.

  “…This isn’t her fault. It’s just the way she was born. Her magic is too violent. Spirits are instinctive beings. To them, she feels like a natural calamity. They will either flee… or refuse to respond at all. Even if I am a king, forcing a summon goes against the laws of the spirit realm.” The black dragon murmured.

  “I see so you are useless,” I muttered sighing.

  I clenched my fingers slightly. “…She’s already suffered so much because of this. Is there really nothing I can do?”

  “It’s not your fault. It’s just the way it is now. There’s always a point in time we just have to adapt to what we are handed over. She is a strong high elf, so you do not need to worry.” The black dragon said calmly as it slowly tried to close its eyes and doze off in my arms.

  “I know that already,” I replied hastily, but also a little surprised by the wise words that came out of this small reptile’s mouth.

  Ahead of us, Regis slowed her steps and glanced back.

  “Regis, are you okay?” I asked gently, stopping beside her. “You look exhausted.”

  She forced a small smile. “I’m fine.”

  “You should rest,” Ingrid said. “Let’s head back.”

  “Yeah,” I added.

  Regis nodded. She didn’t have a resigned look on her face, but she didn’t show much enthusiasm either. As if she had expected this outcome long before today ever arrived.

  Regis remembered her days back in the elven kingdom, Ascalon, where even forest spirits refused to interact or get close to her.

  Just as we turned to leave—

  “Regis.”

  A voice stopped us.

  A girl stepped forward from the edge of the field—the other exception.

  The one who hadn’t failed to summon… but had refused to.

  She had chestnut-brown hair tied into twin tails. A red coat hung loosely from her shoulders, swaying as she approached.

  She smiled faintly.

  “Regis, why don’t you introduce me to your friends here?”

  The air felt strangely still between Regis and her for a moment.

  But then Regis turned to Ingrid and me and said, “Meet Rhea. My new roommate.”

  ◇◇◇

  A girl tried to quickly open the door, twisting the lock.

  It didn’t budge.

  Rain hammered against the walls outside, relentless and cold. Her breathing grew heavier with every second, her soaked clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin, leeching away her warmth.

  It’s locked.

  She fumbled through her jacket pocket with dirt-stained hands, finally finding the key. With a quick turn, the lock clicked open and she slipped inside—

  Click. And the door closed back.

  Thud. A shadow dropped behind Rhea. Before she could turn back, her body froze.

  Something cold and sharp pressed against her back.

  The girl’s instincts flared instantly. She raised both hands, still gripping a large, dirt-covered sack. It looked heavy, filled with something unmistakably big.

  “Who are you?” the girl asked, keeping her voice steady.

  “Don’t turn around,” a firm voice replied. “I’ll be the one asking questions. Who are you, and how did you get inside?”

  “Could you move the arrow away first?” the girl said carefully. “It’s making me nervous.”

  “No.”

  The single word left no room for argument.

  “Then at least let me put my bag down,” she said. “Then we can talk.”

  There was a brief pause.

  “Fine. But don’t do anything stupid—or I might make a mistake too.”

  The girl swallowed, feeling that her threat wasn’t just for show.

  Slowly, exactly as instructed, the girl lowered the massive bag to the floor. Then she turned.

  Pointed ears.

  “You’re an elf,” the girl said in surprise.

  “I said, don’t speak.” The voice shouted back.

  The girl fell silent, but the tension on her forehead began to ease.

  First—why are you?” the elf demanded.

  “I… I live here.”

  “That’s impossible. I live here too, and I’ve never seen you.”

  “Oh,” the girl said, blinking once. Then she smiled. “I see. So, you must be my roommate.”

  “…Roommate?”

  The elf hesitated, but realizing the situation, she finally lowered her bow.

  “My name is Rhea. And I came back to the academy today,” the girl said, brushing wet hair from her face.

  “My name is Regis,” the elf replied.

  An awkward silence followed.

  “Ah! I was so scared just thinking about who would attack me in my own room,” Rhea said lightly.

  “It’s two in the morning. Of course, I’d be on alert if someone I’ve never seen breaks into my room.” Regis snapped.

  Rhea laughed softly, letting out a tired chuckle. “Right. Can’t blame you, I guess.”

  She dragged her muddy bag to the side of her bed, took off her soaked coat, and headed toward the bath.

  “Are you alright?” The words left Regis’s mouth before she even realized she had spoken.

  Rhea paused, one foot already inside the bathroom. For a brief moment, her face went hollow—empty.

  “What could happen to me?” she replied lightly. “I’m just craving a bath.”

  “Right,” Regis said quickly.

  Rhea disappeared into the bathroom, the door closing softly behind her.

  Regis watched her go, eyes narrowing for just a second.

  ‘It must be the rain.’ Regis thought.

  Her gaze then drifted to the massive bag resting on the floor in the shape of containing something oval.

  ‘What’s inside?’ Regis thought.

  ‘…Whatever. I don’t care.’

  Then she looked away.

  …

  The next morning, when Regis woke up, she only found her roommate’s bed empty again.

  “And here I was planning to invite her to breakfast with us.”

  ◇◇◇

  We were back at the Grindelwald Magic Academy girls’ dorm, gathered inside my room.

  And by we, I meant far more than just Ingrid and me.

  Regis had come along, naturally—though she stood a little apart, accompanied by her new roommate, Rhea.

  Athena and Hana had also dropped by unannounced, claiming they were just paying a visit, though I suspected they had sensed something unusual long before arriving.

  Every one of them was fixated on the little creature resting comfortably on my lap.

  The black dragon lay curled comfortably, wings tucked close to its body, tail swaying lazily as if it belonged there. The contrast was almost absurd—this was the same being that had torn open the sky not long ago.

  There was, however, a faint tension in the air. Rhea and Regis barely spoke, exchanging only brief glances before looking away. Whatever had passed between them earlier hadn’t fully settled yet.

  Athena, on the other hand, looked genuinely surprised. After a long day of teaching, she clearly hadn’t expected to find a summoned beast curled up in my arms.

  “The moment the storm appeared,” Rhea said cheerfully, stepping closer, “I thought something terrifying would emerge. I can’t believe you summoned something this adorable.”

  She crouched slightly and reached out her hand.

  The dragon sniffed her fingers, head tilting.

  Then—thud.

  It smacked her hand away with its paw and turned its face aside in clear rejection.

  “She smells pleasant,” the black dragon said in the draconic tongue. “Unlike normal humans. She is… different.”

  “You are not allowed to eat her,” I whispered back.

  “What do you take me for?” he scoffed. “I don’t eat humans. They all taste bad—and impure.”

  Takes one to judge the flavor.

  Athena watched me closely.

  I could feel her gaze, expectant—as if waiting for an explanation, a confession, something. But I couldn’t bring myself to meet her eyes.

  Instead, I looked away.

  Out of everyone in the room, she was the one who could see through me.

  And that terrified me.

  “…Doesn’t keeping it summoned all day drain your magical energy?” Ingrid asked, tilting her head. “I don’t think I can summon mine again until tomorrow.”

  “I think I can manage,” I replied shortly.

  “Can this lizard play tag with me?” Hana suddenly asked, eyes sparkling. “I wonder how fast it can run!”

  “…Yeah,” I said after a brief pause. “Go ahead.”

  As if suddenly awakened, the dragon lunged and tried to chomp Hana’s arm.

  But Hana dodged effortlessly, laughing as she baited him again—already fully immersed in the game.

  “Wait—I never gave her permission to touch me!” the black dragon shouted in draconic tongue.

  To everyone else, it came out as nothing more than an adorable chirp from a cute summoned beast.

  By then, Ingrid and Regis had—as usual—already started arguing over something again, something they never bothered to include me in.

  Rhea, witnessing this dynamic for the first time, hurriedly tried to calm them down—only to fail spectacularly. The two of them had already stormed outside, voices rising as they headed toward the open grounds, clearly intent on—settling things properly.

  Hopefully, this time.

  Meanwhile, Hana was chasing the black dragon, laughing loudly as she darted in circles around the trio, leaving along with them.

  “Hey—stop that!” the dragon protested in draconic tongue as it was looped around.

  To everyone else, it sounded like an excited squeak.

  —Good job, Hana.

  If you keep this up, I’m sure he’ll get fed up and leave on his own.

  And just like that, the room grew quiet.

  Only Athena and I remained.

  “Alicia,” Athena said gently, “is everything going well with your new life at the academy?”

  “Yes,” I replied too quickly.

  “I’ve heard many things about Miss Xu,” Athena continued. “They say she’s an extraordinary teacher. Is that true?”

  “Yes.”

  “And your classmates?” Have you managed to fit in?”

  “Yes.”

  “And your summoning class,” she asked, watching me carefully. “Did it go smoothly?”

  “Yes,” I replied—then felt a faint stab of guilt. Still, no real harm had been done. As for the storm… the weather these days can take a turn for the worse anytime, and no one can predict it anyways.

  “Good,” Athena said. “But you haven’t formed a contract with the dragon.”

  “Yes.”

  The word left my mouth before my mind caught up with the trick.

  “…Ah.” I froze.

  Athena smiled softly.

  “So, you knew it was the black dragon.”

  “Of course,” she said calmly. “I already told you—our powers are connected. I felt the massive spiritual energy you summoned today. It could only belong to the Conqueror of the Spirit Realm.”

  “I just… didn’t want to,” I said quietly. “There was no reason to form a contract with him.”

  “But I thought you always wanted a pet,” Athena replied lightly. “And this one’s cute too. Just the way you wanted.”

  She said it so casually—like she’d read through my most forbidden diary from my previous life.

  Just how much of it did she look through?

  “Yes…” I said. “But after what happened, I could never… keep one…”

  My throat suddenly tightened. My mouth felt heavy, as if something dark and unbearable had surged up from deep within, choking me from the inside.

  “Alicia?” Athena moved instantly, patting my back as I coughed. “Are you alright?”

  “…So,” Athena said softly, her hand still resting on my back, “it really was true.”

  I stiffened.

  “But that was never your fault.” Athena finished.

  Those words hit harder than I expected.

  “You knew about that, too,” I murmured. Hiding anything from Athena really was impossible.

  She shook her head. “You don’t have to talk about it. Not now. What matters is—” Athena met my eyes. “You’re free now, Sachi. Free to choose what you want, and how you want to live. That freedom is something you earned through your own hard work. So don’t bind yourself to the shadows of the past.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said, lowering my gaze. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

  Athena smiled and placed a hand over mine.

  “There’s no need to apologize,” she said softly. “Whether you choose to have a summon or not—that decision belongs to you alone.” Her expression softened further. “Wasn’t that the reason you became strong in the first place? So, you would never lose something precious again?”

  She paused, then added quietly, “I think you should give it a try too. I know you can.”

  My chest tightened.

  “…Yes. You’re right.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Athena said softly. “Now, why don’t we join the others outside and play with them?”

  Before I could respond, she took my hand and gently pulled me along.

  Her smile lingered—warm, as if she was proud of me.

  She’s terrifyingly kind.

  But how could I really forget?

  My gaze drifted to the black dragon, frantically running from Hana as she chased him across the ground, laughing without restraint.

  —Every time I look at that creature, it reminds me of that day.

  I shouldn’t have remembered it at all. Forgetting would be so much easier.

  So much kinder.

  Afterall it’s just a matter of two weeks.

  ◇◇◇

  “Ahh, I’m so tired,” Regis muttered as she dropped onto her bed.

  She glanced sideways.

  “…Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, noticing Rhea staring at her with sparkling eyes.

  “I knew you were beyond beautiful—even for an elf,” Rhea said dramatically. “But who would’ve thought you’re an actual, real-life elven princess? She leaned closer, overflowing with emotion.

  “Who would believe a commoner like me would end up roommates with royalty? I can die happy now. Honestly, if you asked, I’d even lick your feet—”

  “Eww—no!” Regis recoiled. “That stupid Ingrid really can’t keep her mouth shut.”

  Rhea laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

  “And your friends are incredible too! A cute maid, a duke’s daughter, and even the princess of another kingdom, who’s also a teacher.”

  She paused, tilting her head.

  “But your friend with the mask… why don’t you tell me about her?”

  “There’s nothing more you need to know,” Regis replied firmly. “She’s my friend. And her name is Alicia.”

  “…I see.” Rhea hummed thoughtfully. “Do you really think she summoned that creature herself?”

  Regis narrowed her eyes. “Why do you doubt her?”

  “Oh, I don’t,” Rhea said quickly, waving her hands. “I was just wondering…”

  She hesitated for a moment and then quickly changed the topic, “Aren’t you frustrated? That you weren’t able to summon anything from the spirit realm?”

  Regis went quiet.

  “…Yes,” Regis admitted after a pause. “I am.”

  She stared up at the ceiling and continued. “But it’s not like I can change that by forcing it. I’ll just have to wait—and find my own way.”

  Rhea blinked, clearly taken aback.

  “…That’s incredible,” she said honestly. “You think really mature for your age.”

  Regis glanced at her. “Since you’re asking me questions, let me ask one too. Why didn’t you try summoning? You dropped out of the class completely.”

  Rhea smiled.

  “It’s simple,” she said, eyes drifting toward the large bag resting beside her pillow.

  “I plan to become a monster tamer.”

  Regis turned slightly. “…A monster tamer?”

  “More specifically, a dragon rider.” Rhea continued, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “To me, beasts are my equals. I don’t want to bind them with contracts and turn them into servants who have to obey my every command.”

  “It’s not like summoning contracts are slavery,” Regis protested.

  “I know,” Rhea replied calmly. “My way of thinking is a little radical. I’m not forcing it on anyone. It’s just… they’re like family to me.”

  She smiled warmly.

  “This is what I want to be. And I’m happy.”

  Regis’s eyes widened on hearing Rhea’s dream as if she felt something bloom inside her.

  Then, with a playful grin, Rhea added, “I’m sure you’ll have an amazing summon someday. You’re a high elf, after all. All fairies are gonna love you.”

  “A-Alright, alright,” Regis said quickly, face heating up. “Enough already.”

  She turned away, pulling the covers over herself.

  “I’m going to sleep.”

  Within moments, Regis’s breathing evened out—fast asleep.

  Rhea watched her quietly for a while, then moved to her study table.

  Careful not to wake Regis, she pulled out a small, worn diary and opened it beneath the dim glow of the lamp.

  She flipped through the pages—each one filled with rough drawings. Dragons of every size and shape.

  Sketches of herself eating with them, hunting monsters together, sharing fruit beneath open skies. Dragons soaring through endless skies, the wind tearing through their wings as she clung to them, laughing.

  One drawing showed her sliding playfully along a massive dragon’s tail. Another showed her sleeping peacefully in a cave.

  Her lips curved into a faint smile.

  She turned the page again.

  And a single drawing filled it.

  A giant red dragon, its jaws wide open, releasing an inferno that swallowed everything in its sight.

  The flames on the page blurred as memories surged forward.

  Fire. Screams.

  The scent of ash.

  Everything she had cherished—everything she had called home—burning away, reduced to nothing.

  Her breath hitched.

  Droplets fell onto the paper, smudging the ink.

  Suddenly—

  Thump.

  Rhea froze.

  A faint tremor came from beside her bed.

  She snapped out of her trance and turned her head sharply towards the large bag lying on her bed.

  ‘Did it just… move?’

  “…I must be imagining things,” she whispered.

  She clenched her fist.

  “The dragons are my family,” she said quietly. “And I will protect them—no matter what.”

  Turning the page, she reached a fresh, empty sheet and held her pen steady.

  “There’s little time left before they put their plans into motion. It’s time I scatter the bait.”

  ◇◇◇

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