Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery**

I try to hide my panicked soul as I shield my body from them. Conner stands and I wince. He puts his hands up, “Before we discuss all of this, I have an idea.” I narrowed my eyes as he shook his head. “Avery, we won’t push you into doing

anything. This can be at your pace, but what I am suggesting is a quick shopping trip because you will need something to wear besides that shower curtain,” he said softly.

I looked down. He’s right, but if I take away from my savings I won’t have much to leave my adoptive parents when I go

to college. Growls started emanating from The Trio. I scrambled back, but when I did the shower curtain shifted. Clint and

Cassius both surged forward, but Conner caught them by the collars of their shirts.

“Brothers, restrain yourself. Let’s let her put some clothes on,” Conner said calmly as he pulled them towards my now

doorless doorway. “Avery, this short trip is on us. Consider it part of our penance, please.” He poked his head in, “Knock

on the wall when you are ready.”

I sat on my bed for a few minutes to make sure that they wouldn’t return until I was ready. Still wrapping the shower

curtain around me, I walked into my closet and shut the door. I rummaged through the few things on my rack before I

settled on a black knit dress that Trisha had given me. It was always too big because my body resembled a toothpick. I

any of my bras because of my boobs. I now have boobs! I am very pleased about that

gave me fits rather snugly but it

After I ran my fingers through my hair, I

and closed

heart. Once I wasn’t on the verge

with a golden crown of scales around its horn. It looked

know me as I do you even though we haven’t talked

firm yet sweet

I don’t understand. The voice resumes, “Think, Avery. Your nightmares aren’t dreams, they’re memories. There’s a reason that

know so much about me, what song did Mom sing?”

Tim, who at the time I considered my best friend. Suddenly in my head, the voice

there’s a beauty few can see. She lays in wait, sleeping, dormant until

to my bed and sitting beside

all. I reached over and started petting the dragon between her

her skin was as soft as a kitten’s fur. I hummed and sang with her,

rise

was silently sobbing as she rested her

I was upset. She looked up at me with her said glowing blue

begin to glow as I heard her voice in my head, “Avery, I am so so sorry. I did everything I

her to clarify and she explained, “I am Regina. I am your dragon. We were born as one. I have

that our parents were slaughtered took most