Page 101 of The Baby Dragon Cafe
“I’m alright,” she told him, pulling back and holding his face in her hands. “I’m alright.”
“Was that it?” he asked.
“No, I need to go in,” she said. “There’s a dragon guarding the gems, and I need to take one.”
His grip around her tightened with fear, but then he released a measured breath.
“I know you can do it,” he said, voice low. “I’ll be waiting right here.”
She smiled, bringing his mouth down to hers. He kissed her firmly, then pulled away before he got carried away. Aiden rested his forehead against hers.
“Good luck,” he whispered.
She pulled away from his arms, the air cold around her. Sparky fluttered up and licked her face, wrapping his little paws around her neck. She squeezed him.
Then, she faced the cave. It was dark and gaping; from here, she could not see the contents except for a brief glimmer here and there. She stepped forward, and suddenly, she was afraid.
Maybe this was silly, but she couldn’t shake the insecurity deep within her. If she successfully retrieved the gem, she would wear it so everyone would know without a doubt that she belonged.
Taking a deep breath, Saphira entered the cave. Darkness surrounded her completely, but she kept going, until she felt warm air blow against her face.
She took a step closer, and all of a sudden, light filled the cave: white, black, red, and blue glittering gemstones shining all around her. And in the center lay a sleeping dragon.
With a swallow, Saphira stepped closer. Then, the dragon woke.
She jumped back, heart trembling as the dragon came fully awake, rising up. It was the biggest and oldest dragon she had ever seen, double the size of Torch and the other dragons she had interacted with. It was also a different breed than the four she was accustomed to in Starshine Valley; this one had green and gold scales, its eyes a kaleidoscope of different colors.
She had never seen anything like it—she hadn’t even known such a creature existed! Such a sight now was a wonder, even if it was frightening. And itwas.
The dragon registered her and released a low growl, sending a shudder down her back.
She released a shaking breath, rooted in place as the dragon’s face came closer. She had the sense that she could not just pluck a gem from the wall; she needed to let the dragon assess her first, earn its permission.
Then, the dragon roared in her face. Its hot breath blasted against her, her ears splitting, and she cried out with fear, squeezing her eyes shut. As much as she wanted to run, Saphira stood her ground, holding still.
The dragon quieted, and she opened her eyes to find it was inspecting her now. The dragon got closer, sniffing. Saphira’s heart pounded.
Then, the dragon seemed to make a decision. She braced—but it bowed its head to her.
Even though she was shaking, Saphira lifted a hand and petted the dragon. It purred, then settled down.
Oh my god.
Saphira took a cautious step away from the dragon, but it was unperturbed. She went to the cave’s walls and picked a gem: the one that was the most beautiful to her. It caught her eyes immediately. It was black and purple, the size of her fingernail.
She looked back at the dragon, who nodded its head at her. Then, Saphira turned around and stepped toward the light until she had exited the cave. Behind her, the dragon exited the cave as well; once it was out in the open mountain air, it stretched, and she realized it was even bigger than she’d realized.
The dragon tilted its head back and roared in the sky, erupting colorful flames against the clouds. Saphira gasped at the beautiful sight as Aiden wrapped his arms around her from behind. They watched the fire, stunned.
Then the dragon went back into its cave, leaving her.
She was still shell-shocked; she couldn’t believe she had done that.
“Saphira,” Aiden said, holding her face in his hands. She looked up and met his searching eyes.
Saphira opened her hand, and they both looked down at the gem in her palm.
“I belong,” she said, voice a whisper.
