Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don’t communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

Black dragons are warriors. They are strong and capable in battles of force, but also ample magic users, capable of devastating opponents with their spells. Their bright eyes give them excellent night vision, which is why they generally hunt during the night.

Kanika doesn't understand what makes her so valuable to humans. She wishes she could understand because maybe it would explain why the other dragons shun her. She knows what makes the tinsels valuable. They shine with precious metals. Shiny things are always valued. But her skin doesn't shine. So she constantly asks herself why she is so valued. Being hounded by the humans and shunned by the dragons has caused her to be dangerously withdrawn and antisocial. Her only constant companion is a black hatchling named Braith who shares part of her affliction. Occasionally she will visit the tinsels for the company of adult dragons. Her only other interaction with adults is battling them away when they come to make fun of her situation.