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Not knowing how to respond to that, I said nothing as Serali let out a small huff then climbed atop my chest, burrowing her snout against my chin. I pulled the blanket atop us both, then scratched the scales at the back of her head.

A ribbon of warmth wove its way into my heart, draining some of my worry and fear, and she let out a purring sound, burrowing closer.

I yawned loudly.Gods. I was so fucking tired …

Resting my head against the pillow, I stared up at the ceiling. "Anything interesting happen while I was away?"

Rien was quiet as he thought. "The squigs in the cliff-side have begun hatching. And I discovered more dragon's weed in the caves …"

I tried to listen, but gods … my eyes were so heavy.

"And that twisted mage told the Reaper many terrible lies about you," he said as my lids fluttered shut. "She was very displeased and punished the loud body mage severely. If he hadn't also said nasty things about you, I might have felt bad for him. Especially when he begged for mercy and let out his fluids in the middle of her office."

Despite myself, my lips curled into a sleepy smile.Serves him fucking right.

I scratched Serali's back as Rien continued. "Oh, and we saw a bunch of dragon rider mages trying to plant seeds in a patch of soil between their tents. But I don't think the seeds will grow in that soil with so little water …"

Darkness closed around me, his words soothing my worries, lulling me to sleep …

Chapter 32

Rien

"Perhaps I should help grow the fruits and bring you some before I go." A small pain flickered in my chest. Strange. "What kind of fruit do you —"

A little roar sounded from Kaiya, as it did most nights after she fell asleep.

I paused to eye her mouth suspiciously.

Why does she only make that sound when she sleeps? Is it some sort of warning growl to keep predators away?

Humans were so odd …

"Perhaps I should climb into her mouth and make sure nothing is nesting back in her throat," I said, staring at her open lips.

Serali chirped sharply and shook her head.

"Very well," I relented.

I will try again when the dragonling is not around …

Reaching out with my vines, I pulled the blanket up toKaiya's neck and moved the strands of hair off her face — a face that always pulled at me like summer flowers drew honey buzzibs.

What was it about her that tugged at me so?

Serali chirped impatiently, and I pulled my eyes away from Kaiya. "Yes, yes. Let's go," I sighed. "I know how much you want to see the baby squigs. Plus, squigs eat poppin berries. Perhaps I can get some seeds while we're there?"

Serali chirped and jumped like an excited frenix pup, and I shook my head.

She dipped down and scooped me into her mouth, then tossed me on her back. I barely caught myself, sending little vines out to wrap around her chest.

"Serali," I chided. "I'd rather make my own way —"

But the little dragon was too impatient, and she blinked us out of Kaiya's rooms before I'd finished.

We reappeared high above the city, and I groaned, clinging tighter to the little dragon. "Serali! You know I hate it up here!"

She ignored me as she always did, and I tried to pretend I was held aloft by a thick, strong tree … not her leathery baby dragon wings.