Watty's Shortlist 2023
"I have been waiting a long time to meet you."
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When two warring kingdoms hear of a magical object that will end the conflict once and for all, two rival heirs embark on a quest to retrieve it and bring their...
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Aila awoke to Ember's wing wrapped around her, the way they'd been sleeping every night. Usually she was pulled from her slumber when the dragon shifted and her blanket disappeared, leaving her exposed to the needles of ice in the air and leaving her facing his amused expression. Today it was surprising that it was past dawn, and he hadn't awoken her.
She stretched and poked him just above his wing.
His red eye cracked open in response, regarding her fondly. His wing tightened around her, almost like a hug, and Ember released a puff of warm air, sounding content.
Aila snuggled down further into her sleeping bag, unwilling to complain about a potential lie in. Comfort filled every part of her; Ember's wing was the best blanket she'd ever had, and she was certain she would miss it when she eventually left.
She fell asleep again and when she next awoke it was mid-morning. Again, she poked Ember.
"No training today?" She asked. "I'm hungry."
He finally shifted, though the act seemed reluctant.
"No," he replied. "I'll get breakfast." He shifted again and launched into the sky, leaving Aila alone to wonder what she had done wrong.
After roughly ten minutes he reappeared, and set the plate down in front of her.
"Are you okay?" She asked, chewing on a mint leaf he had brought back.
"Yes," Ember responded. "We're going to discuss the plan to rescue Splint today."
"Oh okay."
"You're going to have to make your way into Perador's palace. It is best that you avoid a fight, and so I suggest using the air. You have improved with your invisibility but you must be careful because it still carries a risk. For circumstances such as this, teleporting would be much easier, but it's extremely dangerous."
"Where would I even teleport?" Aila couldn't help her chuckle from escaping. She had never dreamed she'd ever say that sentence and have it actually mean something.
"Into the elder Ashwood's room."
Ember may as well have slapped her.
"What?!" She exclaimed.
"You once mentioned that he claimed he'd been born with his powers," the dragon explained. "I believe he's unaware of Splint's presence. If you explain it all to him, perhaps he will help."
"And if he doesn't?"
"He will," confidence dripped from Ember's tone.
"How can you be sure?" Aila asked, still doubtful, and unwilling to put her trust in the other heir again.
Ember's eyes softened. "I know what he meant to you. His actions wouldn't have hurt if you both hadn't grown close, and in order for that to have happened he must be an honorable, worthy man."
