A Dragon's Care

A celebratory cacophony erupted at the end of the race as Arthur's upperclassmen congratulated the shifter on his win. Most of them crowded around the shifter and slapped him across the back, offering short phrases of praise and celebration.

Damien, however, was panting heavily and beyond bewildered. The shifter rubbed a clawed hand through his hair, with a shocked expression, "Arthur… By the Sun God's flames, I couldn't even afford to slow down!" he wheezed while parting the crowd that had gathered around him in search of his adversary.

Overwhelmed by the high spirits of victory, most of the Squad Six hunters had offered the shifter his limelight moment.

But a select few, Baxter and Ella, had taken note of Arthur's predicament.

Arthur had stopped short of the finish line and collapsed on the ground, lain spread-eagled and breathing badly.