Onyx stared for a moment, looking the smaller dragon over. Its scales were shiny brown, tinted gold in places. He was perfectly formed, well, healthy and whole. As he looked into its eyes, it blinked, and he saw Martin there, full of wonder and joy.
Before he could react, Martin suddenly flew at him, knocking him away. Onyx was confused at first, then he realized the enemy dragons had caught up, and Martin had been protecting him from an attack.
Onyx twisted back upon himself to chase after the dragon who had almost hit him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Martin curving through the air, diving toward the ground with a terrible speed, only to pull out of the dive and power back up into the sky.
If he survives this, he’s going to be sore tomorrow.
They soared up together, meeting high above the three enemy dragons. An unspoken agreement passed between them. Onyx did not want to kill these dragons, only send them home. Once he left the enemy territory, they would back off, and he could send an emissary to explain the situation.
They dove as one, splitting apart to flank the other three. They bullied the three enemy dragons with fire, fangs, and claws, eventually getting them on the run.
Onyx knew they would be running for reinforcements as quickly as they could, and the second the enemies turned their noses for home, he pulled out of the pursuit.
“We’re done here,” he called to Martin. “The fight is done.”
He expected the boy to argue, but instead, Martin simply complied, turning to follow him back to the palace. Onyx felt relief rippling through him, a sensation so strong that it was an almost physical pleasure.
We’ve almost lost him so many times, and my poor mate has suffered so. Maybe, the boy has finally come into his own and can live up to all that potential he has inside him.
As he looked back at Martin, fierce joy swelled inside him.
This must be what it feels like to have a son.
Onyx was full of hope for Martin’s future now. He had the perfect makings of a dragon prince.