Strax was walking down the palace's inner corridor when he spotted Scarlet leaning against a carved ice column, her arms crossed and the expression of someone who already knew something was about to happen—and didn't like it.
Before he could say anything, she narrowed her eyes.
"You're going to disappear again, aren't you?"
Strax didn't answer immediately. He simply approached and, with almost solemn care, leaned forward, pulling Vex away from his chest.
The little dragon let out a displeased sound the instant she noticed the movement.
"Hey—" Scarlet began, but stopped when Strax placed Vex in her arms.
The hatchling hesitated for a second.
Then settled in.
She lay against Scarlet's chest as if it were… acceptable. Not preferable. But acceptable.
Scarlet blinked, surprised.
"…look at that," she murmured. "You're really going to use me as a babysitter."
"Just a moment," Strax replied calmly. "I need to take care of something. Alone."
She stared at him, serious now.
