Shadow of the Dragon

Chapter One: Moonlight

I stared at myself in the faded glass of my sapphire framed mirror. Its golden edges curled into rebellious stars, each of their six points reaching out, grasping for something beyond their reach; Freedom. Removing my shadow, I angled my head gently to the left, smiling slightly as the window light kissed their metal surfaces, giving them the illusion of a twinkle.

With a sigh, I unclenched my fists, pressing my soft pale palm against the cool, firm surface. My reflection mirrored my movements. She reached towards me with her opposite hand, meeting mine behind the glass. Staring into her eyes, only I could see behind their cleverly constructed mask, subtly tricking the world into believing her happiness.
I felt a twinge of pity deep in my heart.What would it be like, I wondered, being forever trapped in the confines of this somber reflective surface?

I shook my head, allowing my arm to fall back, my hand returned to my lap, clasping fingers with the other.

After a long moment, my reflection did the same.

"So..." I dragged my gaze away from her. "My hair is red now?"

I felt the ivory comb bring its tiny pointed teeth down the back of my scalp, rudely brushing my ears. They twitched in irritation.

Lily briefly glanced up, before returning to her perilous task of attacking my knots. Anyone else would have quit long ago, for many a comb and brush had fallen before my crimson curls.
"It would be even more so if you let me wash it." She sang in a deceivingly song-song voice.
I whipped my head around, accidentally knocking the comb out of her perfectly manicured hand."Deal! Just let me ditch the meeting."

Tucking a strand of emerald hair behind her ear, she glanced briefly at her left hand, now empty. Expressionless, she reached down and retrieved the little comb from the confines of the musty shag carpet.
Purposely, she returned to her seat, delicately plucking off six individual clumps of pink fluff, tossing them aside. She made a real show of it. One hit my nose. "Head forward Moonlight." Was her only reply.

I crossed my arms sullenly, forced to stare through reflection once more.

A minute after I forgot my question, she replied. "Tempting as that is, I am afraid I cannot allow it."

A fly buzzed into my range of sight, humming as it flew. I listened to those tiny transparent wings brushing rhythmically against the fuzz on its delicate body. My eyes lazily traced its intricate circular motions above my head as I steeled myself for the next wave of tangle eradication.
"You could lose track of me for the afternoon." I pondered, more to myself, my mind drifting towards thoughts of freedom.
"Not even a possibility."
Without even glancing, Lily swatted the fly out of view with a flick of her dusty speckled wing, hard enough that it was probably the soft thud I heard against the back wall. Poor thing never stood a chance.

She yanked downward violently through my split ends.
"Ow!" I spun around in my chair. "Uncool!"
As usual, she ignored me. Nodding in satisfaction, she proudly set the comb on the side table.

I jumped up, ruffling my feathers in relief. "That was two hours too long." I moaned.
I don't understand the point of brushing hair. It'll just gets tangled again.
"Besides. It's stupi-" I froze. Something was... off.

In a flash, my eyes darted around for possible escape exits.
I eyed the window, a small stained glass hexagon peeking behind fraying lilac curtains. After brief consideration, I determined it too small. The door: already barred shut. And I quickly dismissed the walls. I had checked them earlier. Completely solid. Unbreakable.

My reputation preceded me.

Knowing all this already, Lily approached my bedside table. I heard the steady click of her nails on the dreary wooden dresser leaning alone in the corner, apparently deep in thought, until she held up a long blue gown.  Noting my expression, she rolled her eyes. "Surely it would not be the end of the world to willingly wear a dress for once in your life."
Frowning, I stared down blankly at the bedazzled cloth. The diamond neckline alone must've cost an arm and a leg. I've never been one who likes to bring attention to myself, it was hard enough to go unnoticed as is.
When my pleading look failed, I scowled. "Why do you hate me, Lil?"