Comet

Comet was tired— exceedingly so. She had been wandering for days, staggering across the shore after being forced out of her previous clan as just a hatchling. Too young to realize that it was for her own safety, she felt no resentment: only sadness.

Every now and then she let out a small whine, trudging through the sand and hoping that she could stop soon. There was no food in this area and she was beginning to falter. The hatchling managed a few shaky steps before her legs gave out and she collapsed, weakly gasping for air. She didn’t know how long it had been—less than a day—but eventually a large shadow fell over her. Exhaustion prevented her from backing away like she wanted to, but as she looked up, her eyes widened; a large guardian was standing over her, seeming to glare. A whimper escaped her and the huge dragon craned its neck to peer at her before rumbling: “I’m not going to hurt you, little one.”

She shifted in discomfort, anxious, but she couldn’t do anything to get away regardless of his plans for her. He watched her for a moment longer before scooping her up in his claws with surprising gentleness, securing her in his grasp before flying back to his own nest.

“We’ll take care of you from now on.”

“You’re safe with us.”