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.

Rose Ark is a bubbly dragon that loves her family dearly. Her father is Shade Ark, who she feels very close to. She and her birth mother, Raven Killer, have never spoken. Her father's wife and the dragon she calls her mother, Sophie Mouski, and her are also close, but the tie between Rose and Shade is stronger. She is best friends with her lifelong friend and adoptive aunt, Maria Ark. She admires Maria for being so laid back and happy. She is pretty laid back, too, but Maria has this pure bliss that no one else can achieve. Rose has married Fooper Treble, who she loves with all of her heart. Her father and mother, surprisingly, approve of him. Kevin Rollark tried to kill Rose when she was a hatchling, and this fact left an emotional scar. Luckily for her, her father was nearby, and he saved her and tore up Kevin. The cave laws state that one dragon may not kill another; otherwise, Kevin would be dead. Rose won't go near Kevin now, even though he hits on her, not remembering what he did.