Aeris awoke in the middle of the night. She didn’t know what time it was or how long she had slept. Just that no light came through her window, leaving her in near pitch darkness.

Janine still lay in the bed with her. At some point in the night, a blanket had been placed on her, or the teen had woken up and gotten the blanket herself—Aeris couldn’t tell which. She hadn’t noticed anyone come in and there were no lingering scents in the air.

What she did know was that she was hungry and thirsty so she decided to grab something to eat and drink.

The hallway had slightly better lighting thanks to moonlight through some unblocked windows. Even if there wasn’t, she would be able to make her way just fine. The only problem was she had no clue where to look for the kitchens. Asking someone was out of the question and not just because she didn’t want to wake anyone up.

It was quiet and she was alone. Unlike other times, this time she didn’t feel worried or anxious. She felt at peace. The world had slowed down and she could move through it at her pace.

One of the doors was ajar and a warm glow filtered through the crack. It was unlikely to lead to the kitchens, but her curiosity had won her over.

Peering through the crack, she saw Nesse laying on the floor in front of a fireplace. From the way she lay there, she wasn’t sleeping. Aeris slowly pushed the door open and came inside.

She approached and looked over the dragoness’s shoulder. The notebook sat on the floor in front of her.

Nesse looked up and saw Aeris and yelped.

“Goodness, you scared the shit outta me!” Nesse said.

“Sorry. I saw you were awake and wondered what was wrong.”

Nesse turned back to the notebook. “Nothing’s wrong. Just doing some reading.”

Aeris sat down next to her. “Did you crack the code?”

“I’ve known the man since he started his career. I figured it out easy enough.”

 “Really? What does it say?”

“Short version: it says to protect the future.”

“Oh. How do we do that?”

Without warning, Nesse took the book in her jaws and tossed it into the fire.

“What are you doing?!” Aeris cried. She started to go after it, but Nesse stood in her path. The flames consumed the old pages with ravenous hunger, turning to ash in seconds.

Aeris sank to the floor. That book was supposed to go to Sareen. How was she going to explain it?

“Why did you do that?” Aeris asked. “Was it something I said?”

“No, it’s something he said.” She motioned to the lively flames. The soft crackling of the fire sounded like taunting laughter. It enjoyed its meal and was eager for more. “Jefferey believed in the same thing I did: knowledge is not meant to be hoarded, but some things aren’t worth sharing.”

“Why not?”

“If you know someone will do something terrible if they knew, would you tell them?”

“Of course I wouldn’t.”

Nesse nodded slowly. “Jefferey learned some things about dragons that even I didn’t know. I bet a lot of dragons don’t. I don’t know the Dracaena like you do but she can’t have that information. No one should.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just tired. Speaking of sleep, why are you up? I figured you’d sleep the whole night.”

As if in response to the query, Aeris’ stomach growled.

Nesse smiled. “Ah, well that’s an easy fix. Follow me.”

Aeris followed the Genial into the hall, but she offered one last look at the fireplace before it vanished from sight. This was bad. They had a deal. In return for training, she would do what Sareen asked. But now she couldn’t uphold her end of the bargain.

As if sensing her distress, Nesse said. “If anyone asks, tell them the book had been destroyed. It’s not a lie so they won’t hold it against you.”

Knowing it was her only option didn’t make Aeris feel better.

They continued the rest of the trip in silence. Nesse led her to the kitchen and jabbed at a nearby table with her tail. “Sit there and I’ll grab us a snack,” she said.

Aeris politely waited whiled Nesse grabbed some raw meat and bread from the food stores. It was no feast, but it would sate their hunger. Aeris was too distracted to complain about her distaste of raw meat. The bitter taste of blood reminded her of the unpleasant times she was forced to kill.

They sat there and ate their late-night snack in silence. It was clear from the way Nesse avoided eye contact and constantly shifted that something bothered her. Aeris wanted to ask what but feared she wouldn’t like the answer.

Finally, Nesse broke the silence. “Look, I don’t know how else to say this, so I’m just going to say it. Brandy and I are going west to the Dragonlands. I want you—well, you and Janine, to come with us.”

Aeris’ eyes widened. “You do? But why?”

“Honestly, I don’t like the idea of leaving you here alone. I don’t trust Terran or Maxis. Especially Maxis. Lanry is the sneakiest wyrm I’ve ever met. Windor is the only decent one of the bunch.” She took a large bite out of her remaining bread. “After seeing what you went through to get Janine back, I would hate for something to her or you for that matter.”

“Thank you, but I can’t go. There’s someone I have to find first.”

“Aeris, I really think you should come with me.”

Aeris scooted back from the table, leaving the remainder of her food untouched. “Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m trying to save your ass. Have you forgotten that you tore an entire city apart? Teresa isn’t going to let that go. Once word gets around, no place in the Human Territories will accept you, and that’s assuming they don’t try to arrest you on sight.”

She stepped around the table and sat next to Aeris. “Please. You’ve already been through so much. Jefferey went to great lengths to keep the existence of your species a secret. Don’t throw it away.”

“Wait, what did you say?”

Nesse stiffened and refused to make eye contact.

“Are there more of my kind out there? What did the notebook say?”

“Aeris, I really—”

“Don’t make me force you.”

Nesse was taken aback by the threat. “You’d really use your Call on me again to make me?”

Aeris nodded. She wasn’t budging on this. That notebook was everything.

Nesse sighed. “Talk about cold. All right, fine. I didn’t read the whole thing, but it mentioned that the Celestials were given a second chance after Tanor almost led them to ruin.”

“That doesn’t make sense. I was told Lyndria was the reason the Celestials were driven to extinction.”

“Well, they obviously missed a few because you’re here. Anyway, the journal mentioned where the surviving Celestials ran to. It’s why I burned it. That’s where I’m going when I leave. I want to confirm it for myself.”

Aeris didn’t know what to say. Of course she wanted to go. There was a chance she could see her kind. Learn more about herself. The scars dotting her side began to tingle, and she remembered what her pursuits of knowledge had earned her in the past.

“You should do it,” Tanor said.

Aeris didn’t react to the Matriarch’s sudden appearance. She remained silent knowing she couldn’t tip Nesse off she was seeing things again.

“This is your chance to not only learn more about yourself but increase your power as well,” Tanor continued. “Your kind knows their physiology better than anyone. They can teach you a thing or two.”

It was an appealing offer, but it wouldn’t be the first time an appealing offer came with a price she didn’t want to pay.

Is it true? Aeris thought. Did you really lead us to extinction?

Tanor’s tail slapped the floor with a booming crack. Nesse didn’t react to the noise. “I did no such thing,” Tanor said. “I led us to glory and greatness. I would have returned the world to the age of dragons.”

Then what really happened?

“You know what happened.”

Images flashed through Aeris’ mind, scenes of a bloody battle. Multiple dragons clashed and roared as fire, ice, and lightning tore everything apart. But that was all. The images flowed too quickly to discern anything else.

“The road to glory is paved with pain,” Tanor continued. “The life you want isn’t going to fall at your feet simply because you wish it to. You must fight for it, bleed for it, and if necessary kill for it.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. “A Matriarch is unflinching and unwavering. She lets nothing stand in her path. Not even herself.”

“Aeris?” Nesse asked. “You okay? You’re awfully quiet.”

Aeris snapped out of her trance. A quick look around the room showed Tanor had moved. She stared at something in the distance, a scowl on her face. “I’m fine,” Aeris said still staring at the Matriarch.

“Something’s wrong,” Tanor said. “Do you sense it?”

She did. There was something, a tension in the air that hovered over her like something just above her body without untouching.

“Aeris?” Nesse asked again.

Before Aeris could warn her friend, Lanry stepped into the room. Seeing him made her worry more. His eyes didn’t carry the usual drowsiness of someone who had just woken from sleep or even someone tired. He was wide-awake and likely had been for some time.

 He also didn’t seem surprised to see them in the kitchen. “Hello, ladies. I’m glad you’re here. Time is short so I’ll be brief.” He turned to Aeris with a serious gaze and her stomach sank further. “It would seem our time together has come to a close. You and your friends have to leave Strendor, tonight. It’s no longer safe.”

Aeris and Nesse jumped up. Questions and concerns fought for dominance in Aeris’ mind.

“Before the two of you ask,” Lanry said quickly. “Your companions are gathering supplies as we speak. They’ll meet us outside. I, on the other hand, will personally escort you safely outside the city walls. We’ll be a lot less conspicuous than a large group.”

Aeris didn’t move. Something was wrong. Nesse must have sensed it as well because she also remained put.

“We’re not going anywhere until you tell us what’s going on,” Nesse said.

Lanry sighed and shook his head. “Fine, but we really must be quick about it. Reban forced our hand. I didn’t have the good sense to have him monitored when he left. On his way out, it seems he paid the upper-echelons of Strendor’s fine government a visit. My guess: he warned them about Aeris’ little…‘tantrum’ in Diamus.”

Aeris tucked her head, feeling guilty.

Lanry continued his explanation. “Unfortunately, any time we might have been able to buy has gone out the window thanks to a certain someone”—he shot a yes-you look Aeris’ way—“conducting raids on her own. Eye-witnesses claim a blue dragon fled the scene.”

“Oh, come on, even if we had gone with your plan Aeris would’ve been—” Nesse began.

The Short-Snout quickly cut her off. “Now Strendor’s council members fear Aeris starting a war here and so they want her arrested. Or dead. I’m guessing dead.”

“But she’s friends with the Dracaena,” Nesse said. “They wouldn’t just kill her.”

“Oh, they’re past caring about that, love. Besides, accidents happen all the time. And even if she wanted to, the Dracaena can’t back Aeris on this without supporting her actions in Diamus—and that will put everyone in a very tough spot.”

Nesse began pacing and grumbling to herself. Aeris wasn’t sure what to do or say. This couldn’t be happening. Was she really being hunted again?

“Now are you satisfied so that we may leave?” Lanry asked, nettled. “We have a limited window before things get bloody. And I would prefer things get done cleanly. Blood takes forever to wash off.”

Aeris nodded and followed him into the hall. Her mind felt numb. This wasn’t real. Her life was over. Word would spread to the other city-states. Everywhere she would go she would be an outlaw. Everyone would know even her old master.

The thought sent a chill through her. If he learned she was still alive, would he come for her again?

Someone nuzzled her cheek, snapping her out of the dire thoughts. It was Nesse.

“You’re going to be okay,” the Genial said. “You’ve come this far. Just take it one step at a time.”

The words brought Aeris some comfort but some lingering doubts remained.

Nothing more was said as they followed the drake through the house. Aeris wasn’t familiar enough with the layout to have any clue where they were going. Eventually, he led them to what looked like a large supply closet. It had just enough space for one human to fit inside amongst all of the shelves lined with bottles and filthy rags.

Lanry brushed some buckets aside with his paw and then reached around the doorframe. A soft click broke the silence as the floor lifted, revealing a secret passage.

“Mind your heads,” Lanry said. “It’s a bit of a tight squeeze through the entrance.”

Lanry entered the tunnel first, followed by Nesse, and lastly Aeris. Tight was selling it short. The stairs were nearly vertical and the size of the entrance made it impossible to enter at full height. Aeris moved slowly, each step deliberate so she wouldn’t lose her balance and fall.

Once through the entrance, the passage opened up into a much taller but only slightly wider tunnel. Aeris stared down the dark passage. It looked like the throat of some massive beast, waiting patiently for its next meal.

Without warning, the opening closed, dropping them all in pitch darkness.

“Now we won’t have to worry about being followed,” Lanry said.

“How are we supposed to see?” Nesse asked. “I can’t see a damn thing.”

Aeris flicked her tongue rapidly. The musty scent revealed the tunnel hadn’t been used in some time. She easily sensed Lanry and Nesse ahead of her.

Lanry chuckled. “For a dragon-expert, you really don’t know much about our kind, do you? We don’t need sight to see.”

“I’m going to ignore that,” Nesse said. “Aeris, do you know what he’s on about?”

Aeris nodded then quickly remembered that the dragoness couldn’t actually see her. “We can sense our surroundings. I know how to do it, too. I think anyone could do it if they tried.”

“She can practice later,” Lanry said. He pressed the tip of his tail against Nesse’s muzzle. “Hold on to my tail, love—ah! Gently, please. Now follow me.”

Aeris couldn’t help but smile, knowing Nesse probably bit too hard on purpose.

No one spoke as they walked in the darkness. Aeris suspected it was due to them having to sense their surroundings and talking would get in the way of that. She was glad for the silence. It made it easier to listen for anyone following them. But only silence greeted her when she checked behind.

The whole way she had to calm her growing anxiety. She had finally found Janine but they were once again separated. That it was meant to be temporary was all that gave her hope. Terran, Maxis, and Windor were with her as well. The young woman couldn’t get safer than that.

The tunnel began to slope upward. Aeris hoped it led to the exit. She had no idea how long they had been walking, but her paws hurt and she was thirsty from flicking her tongue so much. Eventually, Lanry stopped and another door opened in the wall. Daylight poured through the opening, illuminating the rough walls surrounding them. Aeris gave a relieved sigh as she entered the open space of outdoors.

It felt so good to be outside again. A cool breeze washed over her scales. The sun had breached the horizon and climbed the sky, approaching midday. Looking back, the outer wall of Strendor towered over them. The land in front of them was lined with trees standing guard over the world beyond the city.

Lanry closed the tunnel exit and brushed leaves over the entrance. Even looking directly at it, the entrance was hard to pick out. The Short-Snout headed into the forest. “We’re not in the clear yet, loves,” he said. “They sometimes patrol around here. We’ll be safer amongst the trees.”

“Even if they do see us, we’re not breaking any laws,” Nesse said. “And I doubt word about Aeris has reached the entire city watch already.”

Lanry scanned the sky. “No. Something tells me it’s more than just humans we need to watch out for.”

“I doubt the dragons will want to kill the Dracaena’s favored,” Nesse said.

The drake chuckled. “Oh, you poor young thing.”

Nesse glared back but said nothing.

Ignoring her reaction, the drake turned back to Aeris. “Aeris, listen carefully, being friends with the Dracaena has put a target on your back even if you don’t see it. Even she has enemies among our kind and they will show you no mercy.”

Aeris said nothing as she followed Lanry and Nesse into the woods. Right now she didn’t want to think about it. Not until everyone was back together safe.

Eventually, Lanry stopped walking and sat on the grass. “Now we wait. I guess we can do some catching up. I know you have questions.”

It wasn’t until he looked at Aeris that she realized it was directed at her. She hadn’t thought about it before, but she did have questions. She looked at Nesse who sat down and urged her to go on. “What happened to the others after…?” Aeris asked.

“After your untimely demise? Yes, it came as quite a shock to everyone once news got around especially so soon after Reks’ murder. It didn’t help your master’s—excuse me—former master’s reputation any. Two dragons under his watch dying so close together? People talk, and I imagine Aubrey helped some of those rumors along.”

“How is she?” Aeris asked.

“She didn’t take the news of your death very well,” Lanry said, solemnly, but there was a small hint of amusement in his voice or perhaps she imagined it. “I think she blames herself for not protecting you. Either way, your ‘death’ did come with some benefits. Nearly every domesticate in Rubellum wants to read and a few clan-borns as well. In fact, some are even suggesting we start teaching whelps.”

“About time dragons on this side started educating themselves,” Nesse said.

“Perhaps you covennittes enjoy learning new things but most dragons are too stubborn to learn something they see as a human thing.”

She leered at him. “And what about you? What did you do while all of this was going on?”

“Me? I’ve been handling tasks for my Matriarch. A lot of things demanded her attention.”

Aeris tilted her head. “I thought you were born and raised by humans. How do you have a Matriarch?”

“You don’t have to be born in a clan to follow a Matriarch,” Lanry said, smiling.

“And who is your Matriarch?” Nesse asked.

“Sorry, love, but she likes her privacy. That’s all you’ll get out of me.”

“We do have a Matriarch of our own here,” Nesse said, throwing a look Aeris’ way.

The drake’s grin widened. “Come on, love, that’s too easy. I formed a pact with my Matriarch, so I’m afraid you’ll have to get more creative.”

“So what happened to your master?” Aeris asked, hoping to steer the subject away from any further arguing.

Lanry shrugged. “She keeps busy. She’s become a bit of a liability so we don’t keep in touch anymore. But enough about me. What have you been up to?”

“Pretty sure you cataloged every moment of her life,” Nesse mumbled.

Lanry, thankfully, ignored the comment and continued to focus on Aeris. “I’ve heard things about some of your adventures, but I don’t have all the details. And Janine was surprisingly tight-lipped about what you’ve done together.”

Aeris didn’t want to talk about her past. She never wanted to think about it ever again. She couldn’t relieve that nightmare of what happened the last time she was in Strendor. Not again. Not here.

Thankfully, she was saved by Nesse speaking up. “So how do you know each other?”

“Aeris and I used to frequent the same circles. Back then she didn’t have her Call. She was just the polite, soft-spoken dragoness everyone loved. And now look at her. Defying all odds and becoming a Matriarch in her own right. If I had known you were hiding such a great secret, I would have introduced you to my Matriarch.” He stretched, opening his wings wide and yawning. “But I was told to just keep an eye on you. It’s a shame Lord Strauss had other plans.”

“Wait,” Aeris said, slowly lifting her head as the drake’s words awoke something within her. “You knew about me? You knew what I was?”

A devious grin appeared on Lanry’s face. Aeris hated that look. It was the smug look of someone who knew too much. A special secret only they knew and they delighted in having that information all to themselves. She wanted to smack that look off his face.

“Someone’s gotten sharper since they broke the shackles,” Lanry said. “I guess time out here took the veil off.”

“You lied to me.”

“Orders from on high, love. You had to be kept in the dark for your protection.”

“Protection from what?” Aeris cried. “I’m just a domesticate. What do I need protecting from?”

“Aeris, keep your voice down,” Nesse said.

Aeris ignored her. All she could see was Lanry that same all-knowing smirk on his face.  Aeris growled and dug her claws into the dirt. No one spoke for a long time.

“You knew,” she said. “You knew what I am and you lied to me. Do you know what I went through just to find out what little I know now?! And all this time you knew!”

“To be fair, I don’t know anything,” Lanry replied coolly. “My Matriarch does, and she shares what she wants to. I know you’re a Celestial, but that’s all I know.”

“Then take me to her.”

“You’ll see her when she wants to see you.”

Nesse jumped up, her tail slapping the ground. “Stop jerking us around, dammit! There’s people hunting her! We’re not in the mood for your games!”

Lanry was unbothered by the statement. “I can’t say anymore, love. Just know that my Matriarch is on your side.”

“Then why can’t I meet her?” Aeris asked.

“Aeris, forget it,” Nesse said. “He’s not going to cave and screaming at him will get us nowhere.” She huffed and turned away. “I’m going to keep an out for the others. The sooner we get away from him and his lies, the better.”

She walked several feet away and sat down. Aeris wanted to ask more questions, but Nesse’s words had taken the anger out of her. There was no getting around it.

Lanry watched Nesse as he moved closer. “Before you head off with Nesse to the Dragonlands, I have something to say.” He chuckled at her shocked expression. “Is it that hard to believe I was listening? You should have a more private place to have a chat.  Anyway, mind your Call when you cross the border. Matriarchs don’t trust each other and they won’t like a stranger throwing her weight around.”

Aeris nodded. She had no intention of drawing attention to herself, but after Diamus, she knew it wasn’t her choice.

Nothing else was said for the next couple of hours. Aeris wasn’t sure how long they waited, but it was close to noon by the time Nesse returned with word the others were on their way.

It didn’t take long for Brandy, Janine, Terran, Maxis, and Windor to arrive. Windor and Maxis carried large bags, bulging with supplies, on their backs. Aeris nearly jumped for joy seeing Janine unharmed. It was only the fear of making them worry that she kept still. It turned out she didn’t have to as Janine rushed over and hugged her tight.

“You alright?” the young woman asked. “You’re not hurt, right?”

“I’m fine,” Aeris said. “What about you?”

“I hate to interrupt this little reunion of yours,” Lanry said. “But you really need to go. You have to cross the border before news reaches Peridan or you’ll be in serious trouble.”

“Wait, we’re crossing the border?” Terran asked. “You sure that’s a good idea with a domesticate? Last time she was with the Dracaena and we still had to be careful.”

Nesse stepped between Aeris and Terran. “I’m sorry, ‘We’? You’re not coming with us.”

 Now Maxix stepped forward, towering over the smaller Genial. “That’s not your call,” he said.

“I’m making it my call. I’m not trusting anyone who worked for that bastard Saller.”

Aeris squeezed between the two of them. “That’s enough! We don’t have time for this!” She spun on Nesse. “They’re coming with us.”

“But—” Nesse began.

“I don’t want to hear it! I wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for them! They’ve proven they can be trusted.” Without waiting for a response, she turned on Maxis and Terran. “I saw what happened to the dragons you kidnapped. We’re going to have a talk later. But not now. We need to go.”

She looked around, daring someone to speak up and challenge her. No one said a word. They instead stared at the ground or each other like scolded children.

Satisfied, they could move forward, Aeris started to ask Nesse to lead the way when Janine spoke up. “I’m not goin’.”

It felt like she had been hit in the gut.

“Before you say it, I gotta find Maggie.” She jerked her head towards Lanry. “He knows where she is.”

“Did I say that?” Lanry asked innocently.

“Well, if you don’t know you’re gonna find her,” Janine countered. “Aeris, I’m real sorry, but I know how much she means to you and there’s a chance you ain’t comin’ back here for a long time. Someone’s gotta find her and bring her to you.”

“Then allow me to handle that,” Lanry said. “You’re as much of target as Aeris, love. They’ll gladly go after you to draw her out. And I for one would rather not risk her setting another city aflame.”

“Good. Then it’s settled,” Nesse aid. “Let’s go. We’ve wasted enough time.”

They followed the Genial down the forest path. Aeris was glad to finally get away from Strendor. She didn’t look back as they left the city behind.