Chapter 8

They arrived at her home in record time. She stepped onto the solid ground on wobbly feet. Fred knew she was grinning like a fool, but she didn’t care. Her eyes widened with wonder as he stood before her, allowing her to look her fill.

“You’re beautiful, Callius,” Fred couldn’t help herself. He was remarkable. Probably the most amazing thing she had ever seen.

She reached out a hand tentatively. She didn’t know whether she should touch him or not. He lowered his head and winked at her with one golden eye. The small gesture her the courage she needed to reach out and touch him. She ran her fingertips over the large rectangular scales that protected his chest. His heartbeat was strong and steady beneath her palm.

He leaned his serpentine head down and licked her hand where it rested with a long, black tongue. She felt the pounding beneath his scales increase. Fred couldn’t believe her eyes. A soft ethereal light began to glow under her palm.