Nails scraped against the tender outer shell, attempting to claw free from the darkness. A faint, high-pitched squeak of life echoed through the prince's bed chamber. Yu Qiang’s eyes fluttered open, waking from his uncomfortable sleep on the cold wooden floor, a makeshift pillow of folded blankets beneath his head. He cradled the dragon egg, feeling its warmth through the thick shell. Each little ...

Three sets of footsteps echoed against the chipped tile floor of Pensly Junior High, moving much faster than the hall monitor would allow. The trio navigated the maze of hallways with the ease of seasoned students, passing the cafeteria and gymnasium in a blur before arriving at their destination: Principal Poggins' office, widely considered the dullest place in the entire school.

Julia, the tall...

The chill of winter’s breath draws near,

It is sharp as the man’s own blade.

Silver gleams from reflecting snow,

Delicate as a harp to the untrained ear.

A beautiful weapon if just for show,

Yet lethal in the hands of a man.

The golden hilt is cold to the touch,

But the man would never dare let it go.

The wolf bares its teeth,

Sharper than any sword.

It growls, starting to retrea...