Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons 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. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Messina always has all her paws full keeping her offspring in line. Not only do her adult sons hate each others' guts but she has one daughter from a quick affair with another mate, whom she kept hidden from her family. It's surely the beginning of a true tragedy, that her sons have both met the young Dorsal dragoness and not knowing who she was, both have fallen in love with her.

Messina hopes she will be able to stop her sons from hurting each other or worse.