Page 62 of Sanctuary with a Dragon
We’re safe here,I told Elandor.Let’s just try. What’s the worst that could happen?
You might turn into a raven or a puppy before you’ve put me back,he said dryly.
I froze.That’s… a good point.
Let’s hurry and hope everything works out.
That’s not a plan,I protested.
He laughed so hard I couldn’t help smiling.
Alaric, entirely aware of our conversation, just said, “Try not to damage me too much,” as if people summoned Elandor out of him all the time.
I rubbed my hands together. “Okay. First step—dreamscape sight.”
I focused inward, calling on the magic that had worked before. When I opened my eyes again, goldenthreads shimmered around me, drifting lazily in a wind that didn’t exist. The movement distracted me, but I forced myself to focus.
I wanted to keep Elandor connected to this plane but outside Alaric—ghostlike, smaller, and safe. Maybe the size of a large dog.
After picturing the outcome carefully, I opened my eyes.
Elandor perched on the coffee table.
I bit my lip.
Treasure, I think we’ve hit a snag.
I clapped a hand over my mouth, but burst out laughing anyway. “Why did you end up… so small? I told my magic to make you the size of a very big dog!”
Then your magic has a wicked sense of humor.
I held out my hand for him to climb onto just as Alaric came out of the kitchen. He took one look at pocket-sized Elandor and nearly choked on laughter.
Oh sure, laugh. Get it all out of your systems.
Alaric set a plate and soup bowl beside me and sat down.
I kissed his shoulder—the nearest spot I could reach—and smiled. “This all looks really good.”
It does,Elandor sighed wistfully.I suppose I get no food in this form.
“The perils of being pocket-sized,” Alaric said with a grin, taking a bite of his sandwich.
I nodded sagely, pretending to be serious. The chileverde was delicious. It was spicy and rich, the cilantro-lime rice bright and soothing against the heat.
“It could be a children’s book,” I said with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Elandor the Little Dragon and His Adventures.”
Elandor groaned, curling up on my shoulder. I could barely feel him, just a soft warmth against my neck.
Mock me all you like, but I got what I wanted,he said smugly.
“And what was that?” Alaric asked, amused.
To be near my mate, and to comfort her.
“Thank you, Elandor,” I whispered.
Alaric’s smile softened. “Yes. Thank you, Elandor.”
