Page 24 of Dragons & Dumplings

Nate is closer to me than I think he's been before. Except that can't be true. We've been baking together for years, there's no way that we haven't stood closer than this. Maybe it's just because of what Veronica said to me that I'm even noticing.

"Evie," he murmurs.

"Yes?"

"I..."

Crack.

We both jump, turning to look in the direction of the oven. For one horrible moment, I think something is broken, but then there's some kind of scratching sound from inside it.

"The dragon!" I rush over and grab one of the oven cloths, pulling open the heavy metal door as if it's nothing. My eyes widen as I take in the cracked egg and the tiny green dragon sitting at the centre of the oven as if it hasn't just scared us. "Hello," I say.

The dragon cocks its head to the side and blinks its large eyes as it looks at me. It lets out a loud chirp.

I hold out my arm, not entirely sure what I'm supposed to be doing. The dragon has less hesitation and climbs onto my arm. "Ow, you're hot," I protest as the tiny claws dig into the skin of my bare arms, leaving some red patches in their wake. I'm going to have to use some of the burn ointment I have stashed in my room later.

Nate hands me one of the oven cloths, but it's already too late, the dragon has made its way to my shoulder where the sleeve of my dress protects me from any more burning.

"Are you hungry?" I ask the dragon.

It chirps again.

"Well, I only have custard buns. Do you like those?" I pick one up and hold it out.

The dragon leans forward and sniffs it before taking a nibble. It must decide it likes it, because soon, the entire custard bun has disappeared.

"Is it allowed to eat that?" Nate asks.

"I have no idea," I admit. "I might have gotten bored reading Artie's book. I'll do better now." I scratch the dragon behind its horns. It closes its eyes in response and lets out a low rumble that I assume means that it likes it.

"Hi," Nate says, stepping closer. The dragon looks at him, seeming to welcome his attention.

"What do you name a dragon?" I muse.

"Whatever you want," he responds.

"Well, yes, but whatkindof name do you give one?"

He shrugs. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"I've no idea. So maybe a name that works for both. And something to do with fire," I respond. "What about Ember?" I ask the dragon.

It just gives me a blank look in response.

"All right, how about I call you Ember for now, and we'll change it if it doesn't feel right."

The dragon lets out a chirp. I'm not sure if it's because it understands me or not, but I suppose it doesn't matter.

"The book did say that hatchlings were best kept in a nest in the fire for the first few weeks. Should I put Ember back in the oven?"

"Maybe best not," he responds. "An egg is one thing, but I don't think my father will be pleased about a living creature in her oven."

"Oh, right. I guess you'll be coming to my bedroom with me, then," I say to Ember. "But we'll come down here to visit all the time."

Nate chuckles and leans back against the workbench. "I wouldn't expect any different. Maybe you should go get Ember settled so that you can find out what they need?"

"Are you sure? We still need to tidy up here."

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