Page 43 of The White Dragon's Dilemma

“Did you send Claw with them?”Grant’s hands were on his hips.

He did not wish the Claw anywhere near Caden and Tilly, but now…

“There was no need,” Valerius stated.

Ellen's eyes widened hugely.“But the Faith--”

“Would not hurt Caden,” Chione interrupted.“He’s the symbol of everything they hope to accomplish.”

“And Humans First?”Grant stared daggers at him.

“They arehumans,” Valerius said softly.“And Caden is a Dragon.”

“Caden is aboy,” Grant argued.

“No, Caden is amanand the ninth Dragon Shifter,” Valerius corrected him.

Chione stirred beside him and he gestured for her to speak, “I know for you, as a father, he will always be a boy.But he was not a boy even before joining with his Spirit. Caden is worth a million Claw.”

Ellen's hands met in front of her, her fingers lacing together tightly, as she said, “But he’s so new to this!”

“Yes.”Valerius got up and stepped down to her.He took her hands in his.Her eyes widened.“Ellen, I know that as his mother you want to shield him from danger, from pain, from all bad things.”

“You think we’re not recognizing Caden’s strengths?”Grant looked fierce.

“I want to protect him too,” Valerius said with a smile.“But he is a Dragon Shifter and that means…”

“That no one can protect him?”Grant’s shoulders slumped.

Valerius reached over and put a hand on Grant’s shoulder.“Not completely, no.He must be allowed to grow and learn, even if… evenasit is painful for those who love him to watch.”

There was silence as both parents nodded.

That went well! Now perhaps--

“What is that symbol in the sky?”Grant asked.

Damn.

Valerius’ gaze met Chione’s.She lifted her shoulders as if to say,You’re in it now!Do your best!

“Oh…that…” Valerius smiled tightly.

“And why does Raziel look so… mopey?”Ellen asked as she looked at his Spirit in the mirror.

“Oh…that…” Valerius repeated with a tight laugh.“It’s sort of connected.”

Chione stared studiously at her tablet.He knew that she believed he shouldn’t lie to the Bryces.And really, he shouldn’t.Hecouldn’t.But how to begin this?

“The news is saying that it is a sign that Caden has… ah,matedwith one of the other Dragons,” Ellen stated.

“Mmmm, well, that’s not totally accurate.”Valerius smiled way too brightly.

Grant’s gaze narrowed.“Nottotallyaccurate?”

Valerius let out another of those tight little laughs.“Ah, well, you see, it is--”

“Raziel ispining,” Ellen stated as she considered his Spirit.

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