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Saltwing

fantasy◐ Teen
5 contributors · 4 paragraphs deep

She wraps the hatchling in her coat and carries it toward the sea-gate. It is heavier than it looks and keeps slipping. Behind her, a lantern flares. 'Who's there?' a guard calls. Nerai freezes in the dark.

She bolts for the gate, but the guard is faster. He grabs her arm. Then he sees the silver eyes peeking from her coat and stops. 'That's the runt,' he says quietly. 'I helped haul its mother in. Go on, then. Quick, before I change my mind.'

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Nerai carries the hatchling far down the coast to a hidden cove the breed-masters never check. She comes back every night with fish. Weeks later its wings are strong and bright, and it lifts off the water for the first time, screeching with joy.

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