Horse Dragons have equine-shaped bodies and hooves instead of claws, which allow them to be fast runners. They specialize in running takeoffs, which are quicker than taking off from a stand-still. Horse dragons are able to stalk their prey from the ground then quickly execute an aerial attack for the kill.

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.

Irene is one of the many dragons rescued and nurtured by the wide ranging clan of humans founded by AnselaJonla. Her egg was found in a jungle and taken to a hatchery to be raised.

Once she matured, she found her lifemate, a Dorsal dragon, among the other AnselaJonla dragons. In the tradition of the flock, both dragons took the same name, Elumbra, to pass down to any of their offspring that remained within the flock.

As a hatchling, Irene barely escaped from an immortal dark sorcerer warlord who was enslaving Horse dragons. He used his magick to bind and twist their minds to his will. Subservient and mute, they were then given to his most loyal Lieutenants as mounts. His many enemies had learned to target the dragons, however, and he was always in need of more defenceless hatchlings to replace those lost in battle.

He was defeated many decades ago, but Irene doesn't believe he's dead, and thinks he's behind the attacks on the Hellpack. A Hellhorse would be very valuable to him.