Book 2: Chapter 117 (1/2)

“Tafel…,” Emile said while panting. “You’re … really heavy.” He gasped for breath while pumping his wings as hard as he could, a demon hanging onto his legs.

“I saw you wrestle with Lulu! You can lift a dragon,” Tafel said, glaring up at the phoenix. “Don’t call me fat!”

Emile shut his beak and stared at the silver dragon flying ahead of him. “…You’re not aerodynamic.”

Tafel gritted her teeth. “I’m slim, dammit.”

“I’ll be quiet now,” Emile said as Tafel’s grip on his feet tightened. He followed Lulu through the flames that his mother created. The trio made it past the fire unharmed and hesitated at the scene outside. The phoenixes were hovering in front of the dragons, huddling around each other while conversing in hushed tones. Grimmy was at the head of the dragons, staring at the birds with a hungry look in his eyes. He swallowed once and opened his mouth, pretending to yawn.

“Grimmy!” Tafel shouted. “Is that you?”

Grimmy froze mid-bite and glanced at Tafel. His eyes narrowed at Emile, and he retreated backwards, closing his mouth before chuckling. “Hello, squirt,” he said. “Are these your friends?”

“Yes,” Tafel said, a shiver running down her spine. The phoenixes hadn’t even noticed Grimmy’s actions, still discussing amongst each other. “They’re my siblings now. I was imprinted by a phoenix.”

“Oh?” Grimmy asked, raising an eyebrow. “A phoenix. I see. Would she notice if one of her children went missing?”

An awkward smile appeared on Tafel’s face. “She would. Please, don’t eat them.”

“Ah! The dragon of darkness was planning on eating us!” one of the phoenixes shouted.

“Huh? But we were having our strategy meeting and called time out. No one’s allowed to interrupt a time out.”

“Dragons of darkness don’t play by the rules!”

“Calm down, guys,” Tafel said and sighed as she joined their group, still holding onto Emile. “We don’t have to fight them.” She let go of one of her hands and pointed at Vur, who was sitting on Grimmy’s head while waving at Tafel. “Look. That’s my husband. Bring me over, Emile.”

“You’re so bossy for someone so incapable, big sis,” Emile said with a sigh. He struggled through the air and deposited Tafel onto Grimmy’s head before making eye contact with the black dragon. “Can I sit too?”

Grimmy’s eyes glinted. “For a price.”

“What kind of price?” Emile asked and tilted his head while Lindyss sighed and looked away from the red bird.

Tafel ignored their conversation and tackled Vur, burying her head into his chest. “I missed you.”

Vur patted Tafel’s head and hugged her. “I missed you too,” he said. His hand brushed against Tafel’s ripped armor, and he frowned. “Is that your blood?”

“Ah?” Tafel sat up and glanced at her shoulder. “Yeah. But I’m all better now thanks to Lulu.” She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at the silver dragon hovering beside Grimmy. Then she leaned forward and kissed Vur on the lips, snaking her hand into his hair.