Chapter 3That night, neither Alec nor Tuxtax slept but both feigned sleep in hopes of solitude.
In the night the pool of water bubbled and frothed, announcing the arrival of yet another new guest. In an instant a woman’s form rose out of the water, and sat on the edge of the pool.
Alec smiled sadly. “Mother,” he whispered, recognizing his foster mother.
“Alec, darling!” Caerula cried, her arms outstretched.
Alec yearned to shun her, hoping to hide his hurt, but in seconds his resolve broke and he ran into her embrace.
“Alec, love, why did you leave us? You’re still hurt, you should be with us, healing at home.”
“Cazort is dying. The dragon killed Mama and Papa, and now it’s killing him. And I can’t—” he sobbed, “I can’t watch another person I love die.”
“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry,” s
