HOMECOMING

PROLOGUE

By: Scarlet Moons

A door creaked open slowly, the rusty hinges disturbing the silence that had earlier since claimed the night. A head peaked out from behind the door frame of the chief's house revealing auburn tresses that framed a freckled face. Emerald eyes scanned the area before him to make sure they were alone.

Keeping his footsteps light, he stealthily slipped from the cover of his home and into the night, his faithful dragon following diligently behind him. The boy softly closed the door behind him. His father would surely not wake from his deep slumber, but just to be extra careful, he made as little noise as possible. He slipped to the side of his house to where he had made sure to store his things the day before. The teenager hauled a large wicker basket over his shoulder and quickly adjusted his flying harness.

Together, boy and dragon made their way through the village. The boy winced at each slight squeak of his prosthetic as they hobbled towards a certain house located on the outskirts of the village. He sneaked to the edge of the house and softly cupped his hands over mouth, letting out a low whistle. Soon, rustling from inside was heard and a rope was suddenly thrown from a window, dropping to hang just a few inches above the ground. Moonlight danced off of blonde hair as a girl expertly slipped into the night. She threw a bag over her shoulder and slid down the rope.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" The boy whispered as she landed soundlessly beside him.

She only smirked. "Don't think you're bailing on me now. Wherever you go, I go."

The boy smiled softly before the girl's dragon landed rather noisily behind them and squawked loudly.

"Stormfly! Shhh! Be quiet girl!" The girl rushed to the dragons side, running a hand over the rough scales. She then hoisted herself up and onto its back before looking at the sky. "We better leave. Dawn will be here shortly."

The boy gave a curt nod before carefully climbing onto his own dragon. He glanced behind him, his mouth drawn into a tight line. Clenching his eyes shut, he forced himself to look away from it. He couldn't be having second thoughts. Not now. Not when they were finally about to do it.

The girl gave him a reassuring smile to which he returned. That was all he needed.

Just as the moon was ascending into the night sky, two silhouettes could be seen flying off over the dark churning waters of the ocean.