It was a quiet night.

The stars twinkled down at the world, innocent to everything in it.

A messenger ran through the woods, carrying with him a precious bundle. He risked a glance at the baby depending on him to get them home safely.

Still staring up at me with those giant baby eyes. No crying, no tears. Thankfully no snot. Just that creepy little, wide-eyed stare.

"Don't worry, your majesty. We'll get you safely home in no-"

An eruption of angry barking came to life behind him, reminding him there was a pack of enchanted dogs after him. Right, of course. How did I forget?

He glanced up at the treetops, hoping that by some miracle the tree's edge would come faster. Finally, the trees gave up crowding around him like curious mermaids growing fewer and fewer.

The second he saw the night sky above him, he transformed, lifting off the ground with the child safely nestled in his scaly arms. He didn't try to look at it again, both because of that strange, motionless stare it always looked at him with, and because his grey neck was too thick and long to risk another glance.

Although dragons had their own way of smiling, he couldn't squash the grin that revealed his sharp, pearly white teeth.

Sure, we aren't there yet, but there's no way they could get me no-

The split second when time slowed right before it hit him, he cursed himself for jinxing it all. Then the arrow sliced through his wing membrane, subjecting him to the ground.

He howled, cradling the baby close to his chest. Thoughts raced through his mind, all of them revolving around one in particular. Keep the baby safe.

As he quickly lost distance between him and the grass, an idea popped into his head; he acted without a second thought.

Ignoring the searing fire that ripped through his wing, he spread them open as far as they could reach. But his plan was already failing. Wind ate at his injured wing, ruining his attempt at a smooth landing. Swiftly switching to plan B, he flipped himself onto his back, once again forcing his wings out all the way.

As he plummeted towards his death, the messenger held the baby above his underbelly, careful not to lock his arms so as not to break the baby's bones.

Then the ground below finally welcomed him.