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.

Guardian dragons have large shields on the end of their tails. Although the shields appear to be heavy, they are light, yet nearly unbreakable. Guardian dragons use their tail-shields, as well as their wings, to deflect attacks and protect others. Often, they will guard the eggs and hatchlings of a nest while others are away. They are generally peaceful, and will not retaliate unless necessary. They have no need to forage or hunt, as they are fed by those they protect.

Pain floods his senses, threatening to overwhelm him. His stomach wrenches as his nose catches a searing scent; tugging on painful memories. Nights by the fireside with his siblings, his family's loving gazes warming his heart. Especially hers.

Her gold eyes, which he'd prayed so long to see again. He'd cried for nights over the loss of his little sister.

Then he and Pace found her again. Little had he known she was much different than the little hatchling who once rode his back with joyful cries of elation. He still could see Vexie's golden eyes glaring callously at him before he felt the searing pain of hellfire burning his blue hide and forever marring him.

Then she turned to her other brother and to his horror, she bit him upon his lower back, a sickening snap filling the air. Yet she left them both alive before returning to her brutal cult, Creorluna. As he endures another wave of pain as the healers assess him, he wonders if, in fact, little Vexie is gone forever.