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.

Niaomi lives with her surrogate mother as a means to help protect Lithium from any future attacks from Cinderdawn. She is Lithium's bodyguard from the time she arrives at the surrogate mother's home to the time she leaves. Together, the two take care of hatchlings, play, and hunt. Niaomi is considered the "second in command" just below her surrogate mother, who is recognized as the alpha to all of her children.