---
"We'll discuss at council," he said. "First I must see to the hatchling."
Miryam struggled to climb out of her cradle again when Kai returned, determination blazing in her tiny eyes. He placed a smooth ramp of slate so she could descend without falling. She sniffed it suspiciously, then trotted down, claws clicking.
Luna watched from a short distance. She was holding the star milk bowl in her hand. Miryam tottered toward her. Luna knelt with a big smile. But when Miryam reached the last pace she halted, indecision flickering. Subtle fear tremors rippled through Kai's link.
He extended a psychic reassurance. Warm images of Luna feeding her, singing quiet moon-songs.
Miryam's scales faintly brightened. She inched closer. Luna held her breath, she was hopeful. Miryam bypassed her elbow and instead crawled onto Kai's boot, curling around his ankle.