They’re shapeshifters. That much was obvious to me now.
Not just wolves.
Not just a panther.
The bird set me down and hopped after me as I stalked toward the towering creatures. Each of which looking as big as a castle as it peered down at me.
The red one crooned softly and lowered his head to rest along the sand. He dropped to his belly and awaited my approach.
When I drew near enough, I put a palm to each side of that massive, intimidating snout. Peering into nostrils bigger than me as it tipped its nose down enough, I could peer into those huge eyes. Recognizing the vivid sky blue the moment I saw them.
Mardichi.
“What are you?” I asked softly.
It huffed and a tendril of smoke rose from a nostril. Smelling acrid.
Like eggs kept too long.
“Dragons.” Sebastian appeared f
