I woke up to a large crack of lightning and jumped up, my adrenaline rushing. Blinking, I look around at the dark room until another crack had me tripping over the slippers I keep by my bed. Clumsily falling to the window, I check outside for the storm.

Nothing. The sky was peaceful and the sun would be up soon. I frowned but flipped around as another crack sounded. A few smaller ones followed and I froze. An invader? Maybe it’s a thief, here to steal my stuff while I’m asleep. I crept forward as quietly as I could, which wasn’t very quietly, and leaned against my dragon egg. Using it as cover, I glanced around the sides for any movement.

Mutliple smaller cracks went off and I felt the dragon egg _move_. My eyes widened at the thought of it hatching right now. I cautiously turned and inspected the egg. Large cracks had formed and smaller ones had spiderwebbed between them. I started hyperventilating. The egg can’t hatch, it’s too soon! Aethan hasn’t returned with the faeries yet! Without their help, I might not survive its hatching. With that thought I fainted.

When I woke up, it was to a loud ear piercing cry that had my hair standing on end. I shuddered and looked up, first seeing the broken eggshell and then the monster peaking out of it. My breath came in short puffs as I tried to back away without making any noise. I was doing good until it started moving around and I gulped.

The beast‘s head swiveled to look in my direction. It’s eyes glowed in the darkness and as it zeroed in on me, my heart stopped. It began shaking and wiggling, destroying the shell around it. My eyes tried to roll back again but I brought myself back to consciousness so that I could try to escape.

While the dragon was distracted by the cracking wall holding it back, I hopped to my feet and made a run for it. I heard another shriek and the ground started trembling as the thing gave chase. Tears flew out of my eyes as I ran for my life, hoping that I could get outside before it caught me.

The monster stepped on my legs right before I got to the door. I cried out as half of me was crushed under its feet, the rest of my body stretching for the door. I couldn’t reach it. This was it, I could feel the beast’s hot breathe on my back. I was going to die.

Just as I was about to give up, the door swung open.

Aethan and two faeries rushed through and the doorway, scaring the beast enough for him to back off me. The two faeries followed the retreating dragon, getting ready to use their magic. Aethan ran to me and cradled my head in his lap.

“Claeri are you alright?” He asked, scanning my crushed legs. “Don’t worry, the faeries will be able to fix you up.”

“I’ll be okay. You’re here now so I’m going to be fine.” I gave him a weak smile and grabbed his hand.

I could hear the commotion going on behind us, but I wasn’t really in the mood to watch. So Aethan and I stayed there and just enjoyed one another’s presence until the faeries were done.

“Alright,” One said, dusting off they’re hands. “We’re done. He’s shrunk down to the size of an ant. Although, he will grow to be as big as a mantis.”

The other nodded and then gave us more details. “We’ve also restricted his wings until he’s three and bottled his fire, which you’ll be able to return to him whenever you feel ready.”

I gave them a grateful smile. “Thank you so much.”

They nodded, smiling back.

“Would you be willing to fix Claeri’s legs?” Aethan asked, gesturing to my mangled lower half.

The first faerie cringed. “Of course, that looks painful.” He knelt down beside my legs and started his healing process.

The second pulled out a paper and quill. “All I need is a name and the adoption will be complete.”

Aethan and I looked at each other. I’d almost forgotten about naming him.

“We could name him after your great aunt.” I offered.

“We could also name him after your dad.” He told me, leveling a knowing look.

“But I know how much aunt Zilphy meant to you.”

Aethan smiled and kissed my forehead. “Why not both? We could do Jyraen Zilpha.”

I smiled. “I love it! Jyraen Zilpha.”

We turned to the faerie who scribbled that down before stamping the page and handing it to us. “Alright. Aethan and Claeri Mahkzi, you have officially adopted your own son and dragon, Jyraen Zilpha. Congratulations!”