Page 68 of The Baby Dragon Cafe
“What about Sparky?” she asked, when she had regained some of her brain cells.
Aiden pointed, and she looked down to where Torch had picked Sparky up in her paw. Sparky looked excited, his purple eyes wide.
“Are you ready?” Aiden asked. Saphira did not think she would ever be ready for this, but at the same time she had been waiting for it her whole life. She nodded, and Aiden kicked Torch.
Torch stood, and Saphira’s stomach lurched. Letting out a surprised cry, she held onto the saddle, grateful Aiden had his arms around her, or she’d be afraid she might fall off.
“I’ve got you,” Aiden said, voice coaxing. She believed him.
Even so, the experience was equally frightening and thrilling as Torch took off into a run, her wings opening as the dragon basically ran off the hilltop.
Unable to help herself, Saphira shrieked, thinking theywould fall—but of course they didn’t. Torch took off, and then they were flying.
Wind rushed against Saphira’s face, and she squeezed her eyes shut, afraid. Her stomach flipped uncontrollably, and she tensed, her entire body clenched up.
Aiden must have noticed, for he said, “Hey, you’re okay. Open your eyes.”
Saphira shook her head, too afraid.
“Do you trust me?” he asked. Her heart pounded. Slowly, she nodded. “Saphira, open your eyes.” His voice was steady.
Gathering up all her courage, Saphira opened her eyes. Immediately, her mouth fell open with awe, her breath taken away. She had never been this high up before, and from here, she could seeeverything.
The glittering lake, its blue water shimmering under the sunlight. The rolling hills of the valley, bright green and lush. The snow-capped mountains, a stark pure white against the sky. And nestled in the middle of it all, her little town.
“Aiden!” she said, unsure what else to say. She was speechless, so she grasped his arm and squeezed, and it was like he understood exactly what she was feeling, the same wonder and awe. She felt him smile against her neck, and she leaned into his touch.
It was amazing, made even better with him by her side. She was happy to share this moment with him, to have him witness it as her companion.
As they climbed higher in the sky, the air around them turned cold, but Aiden’s arms around her were warm. They flew through the clouds, everything turning foggy, until they emerged above them, soaring over the white puffs.
Eventually, they spotted the mountaintop. From this distance, Saphira could see what looked to be a small hut nestled amongst the snow; as they got closer, she saw it was a cottage. Lampposts surrounding the cottage were lit with fires, and Saphira would bet a million dollars there was no electricity up here.
Torch landed in the snow, releasing Sparky from her paw, who immediately rolled around in the snow. Saphira shivered against the frigid air, burying her nose in her neck scarf. Aiden got off first, holding a hand out for Saphira, but as she went to move her legs, she found they were trembling. Her muscles were cramped, stuck in place.
“Um … I think I’m going to fall.”
Aiden smiled. “Don’t worry, a rider’s first ride can be pretty intense, and we did fly some distance. Here.” He put his hands in position. “I’ll catch you.”
Saphira stood on shaky legs, feeling unsteady. As she swung her left leg over the saddle, the world spun, and she thought she’d go careening into the snow, gravity taking over.
Instead, she landed perfectly in Aiden’s arms, his hands firm on her waist. She held onto his shoulders as he helped her to the ground, carrying her as if she weighed nothing.
Even when her feet were firmly planted on the snow-covered ground, she still held onto his shoulders, his hands remaining on her waist. It was freezing up here, the ground covered in a thin layer of ice, but she felt warm, anchored to him.
Saphira looked up at him, inadvertently inching closer. His eyes darkened, burning into hers. She listened to the sound of his ragged breath, her heart hammering.
His lips parted, his mouth hovering above hers.
Until they heard the crunch of ice, someone approaching. Aiden turned, and an old woman came into view. She had dark skin and long white hair in twists, a thick robe adorning her body. She looked like a character from a fairy tale, from a different era.
“Sister Mireya,” Aiden said, bowing his head. Saphira followed suit.
“Welcome, welcome,” Mireya said, her voice velvety and soft, as if she was going to recite a bedtime story.
When Sparky saw someone new approaching, he stopped playing in the snow, instead coming to stand between her and Aiden’s legs. His purple eyes were apprehensive as he regarded Mireya. Saphira reached down and petted Sparky’s head, soothing him.
Mireya watched the movement, then turned her gaze up to Saphira, looking at her with hawkish eyes. Then it was Saphira’s turn to be nervous.
