Page 61 of Escaping my Dragon

“A battle that would likely crack the planet in half, so let’s wish for a different solution. Night, hatchlings.” An ironic thing to say, given the sun still shone, albeit behind a hazy layer.

“Hey Tiggs, wanna see if we can spot Leviathan from above?” Persephone called out, waggling her wings.

“Yesss!” The orange runt hissed in excitement before flinging himself into the air.

Persephone followed more gracefully, drawing Abaddon’s attention until my tail slapped across his horns.

“Hey,” he grumbled.

“If you want to keep your eyes, I’d suggest being careful what you stare at.” I didn’t bother to hide my jealousy.

“As if she could seduce me from you. She doesn’t have your splendid bulk or your aggressive attitude.”

My chest puffed with the compliments. “I am rather attractive and amazing.” No point in coyness.

“Makes me wonder why, despite knowing of your existence, Leviathan chose a human to procreate rather than you or Persephone.”

“It is rather insulting,” I huffed, only to quickly add. “For Percy, of course. I only want one dragon to inseminate by eggs.”

Abaddon’s nostrils steamed. “We shall make grand hatchling.”

“Did you want to join the others and see if we can spot Leviathan fishing?”

“I’m more curious about the mountain he emerged from.”

I knew Abaddon well enough to figure out why. “You want to check out his hoard.”

“Assuming he has one.”

“Let’s find out.” And maybe keep a treasure or two.

Chapter Nineteen

An agitated Noah paced the common room. “I just don’t get why you are intent on treating it like a rock star.”

“I mean, he is bigger than anything else ever seen on Earth.” I couldn’t help the sarcasm.

Noah glared.

I shrugged. “Listen. We don’t have a lot of options. As you mentioned earlier, we have no way out of here. Ain’t no way they’re letting a plane or ship come close that isn’t military.”

“I’m sure they’re working on a way to extract us.”

“Working with little information. My interview will show what we’re up against. The might size. The intelligence. The arrogance.” I couldn’t help but add that last bit.

Finally, a little light bulb lit in Noah’s head. “You’re milking it for weaknesses while stalling for time.”

I tried to not wince as he said it aloud. Immediately, his lips flattened as he realized his mistake.

“I wouldn’t worry about blabbing too much aloud. For all we know, it can read our minds. After all, it can speak inside of it,” Joslyn stated, lounging on a chair, legs dangled over the armrest.

Valid point. “We also can’t forget he’s not stupid. He’s been listening to us. Studying us. He’s aware what we’re capable of.”

“And thinks he can handle it,” Noah scoffed.

“Maybe he can, or he’s psyching us.” I rolled my shoulders. “Doesn’t matter. We know next to nothing about Leviathan. Will an interview help to ensure he doesn’t destroy the world? No way of knowing, but it can’t hurt to try.”

“This could be a ploy to get you close. You might not return alive.” Noah remained the grounded and grim voice of reason.