Chương 16: Chapter V Verse I — The Mischievous Dragon

Galan stood tall, the tickets fanned out in his hand. He shifted into a deliberate throwing stance, feet planted, arm cocked back. The crowd watched with bated breath. With a powerful swing, he channeled his windcast, releasing the tickets in one fluid motion. The wind carried them high into the air, scattering them across the venue like confetti. The crowd gasped. Then, chaos erupted. Among the most expensive tickets, a golden glimmer caught the eye of a purple baby dragon.

She was a tiny, winged terror of Astankan descent, wearing a lightning-seal necklace. With a playful flutter, she darted upward, snatched the ticket between her jaws, and zipped away toward the main road.

"Get her!" someone shouted. A ripple of excitement spread through the onlookers. A moment later, the dragon landed near the village to rest, her bright eyes widening as she noticed droves of people rushing toward her. Thrilled by the sudden attention, she let out a playful chirp and dashed forward. She dove under carts and hopped over barrels, turning the marketplace into her personal obstacle course. Shoppers gasped as goods were knocked over in the frenzy.

Market stalls trembled, crates spilling their merchandise. At a food court, diners were interrupted mid-bite as a hatchling-sized shadow passed over their bowls, followed by the thundering footsteps of the chase. The dragon darted into a narrow alleyway, only to find herself cornered. A large man blocked the path, his chest heaving. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"Hehe, nowhere left to run, little dragon," he grinned, lunging forward.

"Give up the ticket!" But the dragon was faster. She dodged to the side, leaped onto his back, and used him as a springboard to launch herself high into the air.

"Hey! Get back here with my ticket!" The chase continued, weaving through the marketplace until the little dragon fluttered toward the entrance of a large dragon nursery that was flanked by dragon statues. A young female caregiver heard the commotion and turned. Seeing the dragon and the mob, she knelt with an open smile, spreading her arms wide. The dragon flew into her embrace, snuggling softly against her chest.

"What do you have there, little one?" the caregiver asked, laughing as she spotted the ticket shimmering between the hatchling's teeth. The dragon squeaked joyfully. Carefully, the caregiver took the ticket and placed the dragon back on the ground, where she fluttered her wings in a victory dance. Rising gracefully, the caregiver turned to face the breathless pursuers. At the head of the group was a thin man, leaning forward with his hands on his knees, struggling to catch his breath.

"Is this yours?" she asked, holding up the ticket. The man shook his head, sweat dripping from his brow.

"No... but whoever... catches it... gets to keep it..." The caregiver smiled softly.

"Well, it's yours now." She handed it to him. The man's eyes widened in disbelief. He clasped his hands together, bowing low.

"Thank... thank you so much!" The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, their excitement dissolving into the lively hum of the marketplace. The caregiver shook her head, an amused smile on her lips, as the little purple dragon rubbed against her legs. She scooped the mischievous hatchling up, rubbing her nose.

"Alright, little one. Don't cause any more trouble, okay?" The dragon responded with a series of innocent squeaks, as though making a solemn promise to behave. Laughing softly, the caregiver carried her back into the nursery, leaving the happy chaos behind.