James was confused as to why Luna wasn’t coming back to their world anymore. Eustace could tell he missed her presence because she would look after him while he was at work. The little water dragon, though able to fly and swim, holding his breath for long periods of time, was still very vulnerable. The other dragons, especially the earth dragons, could kill him by accident simply by rolling over and squashing him if he wasn’t quick enough to get out of their way. The fire dragons were the water dragon’s opposite and though there was no animosity between them for their contrary elements, a fire dragon was deadly to a water dragon. Perhaps an adult could extinguish their flames but little James was not big enough yet and wouldn’t be for many years. As for wind dragons…they were notorious for their violent games. James could fly with them but if ever they started nipping and attacking, he would dive into the water and they would chitter indignantly at his convenient and vast hiding space.

  Eustace couldn’t trust the other dragons around James yet. They were still infants, powerful and dangerous, like he used to be. He had nearly killed Bethany when he’d dragged her to his world, not realising his own strength or how fragile a human’s body was.

  Before Luna, James had spent many hours at House of Figs in the lounge room, watching movies and discovering puzzles and toys. While distracting, they didn’t do much to expend James’ energy.

  Now, with Luna staying in the real world for an unknown amount of time, Eustace had to bring James with him every day to House of Figs. There were times where he could leave him with Bronwyn and her family so that James could play with Elrond but James’ true nature had to be kept hidden, accidental soakings aside.

  None of the other worlds were deemed appropriate or safe enough for the little water dragon. Even Atannica which was a beautiful venetian styled city on top of a lake and threaded through with canals was not safe. But as Rafael said, it wasn’t so much unsafe for James. It was more the humans who had just thrown off the millennia long enslavement of the vampires.

  “The last thing the humans there need is a dragon sighting.” He added and everyone agreed.

  So James came to House of Figs and was distracted by puzzles and movies as much as possible. But a little boy only has so much attention to spare and more energy to burn than a preschool of toddlers.

  “Was this what I was like before Bethany arrived?” Eustace asked as he soaked up the water James had doused the café in. A little like needing the toilet, sometimes James had a sudden and violent urge to release water…and this time he didn’t make it outside.

  Thankfully the café had been empty.

  “No,” Rafael grunted angrily, “you were worse because you were the size of an adult.”

  Rafael’s ire was expected. His beloved coffee machine had been hit with a water spray and Rafael was worried about it working. James stood in the middle of the café looking as guilty as could be. Bastian, who was mopping behind the counter and standing next to Rafael, hit him with the mop. Rafael glared at him.

  “What?” He demanded.

  Bastian jerked his head and Rafael twisted and saw the little boy who was about three seconds from bawling…and they didn’t need any more water in the café.

  “This place needed a good clean,” Rafael tried and failed to sound light-hearted, “and if the machine doesn’t work…well…we can claim it on insurance.”

  “I doubt the insurance company will accept, ‘electrical fault due to dragon soaking’, as a viable reason to pay.” Rob remarked.

  James sniffed, a big tear rolling down his face. Eustace was concentrating on removing the water from any books that had been hit, leaving the rest of the café to the others. He realised too late that James was about to unleash another torrent.

  Just then Jo and Luna arrived with several bags.

  “…can hang them on the portable clothing rack I’m pretty sure is still in the…study…oh dear…”

  Jo’s bespectacled eyes took it all in, recognising a familiar sight. She’d experienced more of Eustace’s immature impulses in the past than anyone else. To her credit, and a tribute to her love of people before things, Jo didn’t allow her lament to continue.

  “Never mind James,” she said kindly, “accidents happen.”

  James’ lips trembled. Luna’s heart went out to him, the little boy who’d ‘wet’ himself…and his surroundings. She dropped her bags and knelt, her arms open wide. James ran into them without a second thought and let her embrace him. Eustace’s heart ached at the sight. James adored Luna. He missed her terribly.

  They sat in a dry armchair while the others cleaned the café, removing the water until there wasn’t a drop left where it shouldn’t be. Then they returned to their various worlds.

  “Is Bethany at Jet’s?” Eustace asked, setting a book on its pedestal and opening the dry pages so that it was displayed as nicely as before its soaking.

  “She’s having dinner there tonight.” Jo nodded. “Luna and I bought some clothes for her from that new store.”

  “Query, can I take those for you Luna?” Rob picked up the bags, already anticipating a yes even as Luna nodded.

  “And the clothes rack from the study…” But Jo was too late. Annie was already bringing it down from upstairs.

  “Would you like me to take the rack to the house Rob?” She asked demurely.

  “That would be acceptable.”

  Eustace blinked. He might have imagined it but there was a slightly cool tone to Rob’s emotionless voice. He looked at Jo as the two artificial beings left the café.

  “Are they going to be alright?”

  “I hope so.” Jo sighed.

  Eustace gave a lopsided smile. “We are quite the handful at times, aren’t we?”

  “Worth it though.” Jo promised then patted the footstool. “Would you sit, Eustace? We need to talk.”

  “Alright…”

  They sat in a triangle, James on Luna’s lap, breathing in her calmness while Jo sat in another armchair and Eustace straddled the footstool.

  “I’ve been talking to Bronwyn about Luna’s pregnancy and discussing her thoughts with Luna. It looks very much like it will progress just like a human pregnancy, about the same length of time too although there are many unknowns…” She paused to take a breath. “The thing is…I have never been pregnant…no one in our unique family has been. In our extended family we have Bronwyn, Elke and Gwen…”

  “An elf, a werewolf and a human carrying a werewolf child.” Eustace nodded.

  “Given that Luna is inherently human, carrying what we believe is an inherently human baby…I think the knowledge of the real world will be of greatest use to you.” She took a pamphlet out of her pocket. “This was pinned up on Glenwilde’s town community centre notice board. A small team of midwives host ‘The baby journey’, a weekly gathering over twelve weeks and talks about different things like breastfeeding, the birth process, the unborn baby’s development…and they answer questions as well.”

  Eustace took the piece of paper and glanced over the words. Thankfully his exposure to House of Figs meant he could read although not nearly as well as some of the others.

  “I think you and Luna should attend.”

  He looked up in shock. “Us?”

  Jo nodded. “Luna can’t read yet so all the baby books in the world can’t help her…and to be honest, I’m not that keen on online programmes. I think you need to hear about this sort of thing from experienced humans…real people.”

  Eustace’s jaw fell open. “Us?” He repeated.

  Jo laughed. “I can come with you for the first couple to make sure you know where to go and how to act…but yes, you two.”

  Eustace cringed. “Maybe I wasn’t clear,” he said, burning with shame, “me?”

  Jo’s fingers wrapped around his and she squeezed. “Yes, Eustace. You. I trust you. You’ve come so far…I know you won’t endanger House of Figs.”

  Her words were a balm against his humiliation of his previous behaviour and a validation that he had indeed matured.

  “I guess…it can’t hurt.”

  Glenwilde’s Town Community Centre was in a large brick building on the corner of the main street and one of its side streets. It was two stories high with awnings over the large windows and tables bolted to the pavement outside. Inside was a large, rather empty space with a wide staircase on the side that led to the upstairs area. In one corner was a low stage where a band or small orchestra could play or karaoke could be performed. According to one of the numerous fliers that was pinned to the notice board, they had amateur musician night once a month with local artists entertaining anyone who listened. There were sometimes gallery exhibitions in the centre and the upper storey’s underside was littered with hooks and wires that allowed for frames to be hung, lights to be draped or streamers to hang.

  “They often use this space for wedding receptions,” Jo explained as she led Luna and Eustace inside, “it can hold four times as many people as House of Figs.” The sign on the door said ‘open’ with a baby’s cartoon face beneath. As they entered they saw some other couples heading up the stairs with more of the cartoon baby papers showing signs that the group was held upstairs.

  On the floor above there were dividers that could be stretched out to segment the space for multiple events or pushed back in case it was one or two big events. Downstairs it was all floorboards. Upstairs it was carpeted in dark green with golden lampshades on the wall.

  A bright faced woman covered in freckles beamed at them when they reached the top of the stairs. “Welcome to ‘The Baby Journey’.” She said in a rehearsed but entirely sincere manner. “My name’s Gayle and I’m one of the midwives hosting this evening. Can I ask who you are?”

  “I’m Johanne West,” Jo explained, “and this is Eustace and Luna.”

  Gayle wrote their names on sticky labels and held them out. “Makes meeting people so much easier when they have to decipher my handwriting.” She laughed. “Great talking point. Now, there’s tea and coffee on that little stand over there and there are packets of biscuits as well. Feel free to mingle. We will start in just a few minutes.”

  Jo led the way, Eustace and Luna following. Eustace glanced around. The couples around them were talking softly, the carpet helping to deaden some of the echo. The women were in various stages of pregnancy, some larger and others looked like they’d swallowed rockmelons. Eustace caught Luna’s gaze, her eyes widening at the sight of the large bellied women.

  She was wearing the same outfit Jo had given her but this time she’d put shoes on. Some of the couples whispered as they glanced at her and Eustace. He realised they were rather…striking in their looks. Luna had white hair and his own white hair was capped with blue tips. Not even his baggy cargos and sloppy tee made him look any less remarkable.

  The tea and coffee station didn’t thrill them. It just didn’t compare to House of Figs. Eustace took a packet of biscuits because he felt like he was a snob if he didn’t concede to something but was alarmed at how loudly the little cellophane wrap rustled.

  By now there were seven small groups assembled.

  A man with very short hair, rosy cheeks and glasses cleared his throat. “I think that’s going to be everyone for tonight. Why don’t we lose some of the chairs and come in a bit closer.”

  Gayle busied herself with taking away the excess chairs that were arranged in a semi circle. Eustace and Luna followed Jo’s example and sat on the chairs.

  “Great. Well, it’s wonderful to see you all here. There are some familiar faces and some new ones. I think we should just do a quick introduction in case no one can read Gayle’s handwriting.” She laughed good naturedly. The man beamed. “My name is Tim and I’m a midwife.” There were a few chuckles at this, mostly from the other men and he nodded. “I know, I know. Not exactly PC,” Eustace made a note to ask Jo what that meant, “I began my medical career studying to be a doctor…but I wanted more time with patients…and there was a distinct lack of men in the midwifery field so into that spartan pool I jumped. I’m an eight year fully qualified veteran and last week I helped deliver my two hundred and thirty second child…and my two hundred and thirty third…it was twins.”

  He gestured around the room and everyone said their names and were prompted by Tim to state their stage in the pregnancy. There were three couples to Eustace’s right and three people to their left.

  Meg and Ryan were five months pregnant.

  Elijah and Stella were three months pregnant.

  Chris and Megan (as opposed to Meg) were four months pregnant.

  “And…are you three together?” Tim asked curiously.

  “Yes. My name’s Jo West and I’ve come with Eustace and Luna as moral support.” Jo explained.

  “Moral support can never be underestimated.” Tim nodded. “So Eustace and Luna, how far along as you?”

  Eustace faltered and looked at Jo. “Far along?” He whispered.

  “Just two or three weeks.” Jo offered.

  “Very new.” Tim chuckled. “While some of the things we talk about might not be where you’re at in your pregnancy, don’t feel alarmed. We’ll go through everything and if you have any questions, just let myself or Gayle know, alright?”

  They nodded mutely.

  Freya was next to Jo. She was a very thin, anaemic looking woman with shadows around her eyes. She spoke so softly that if Eustace didn’t have dragon hearing, he mightn’t have heard that she was fifteen weeks pregnant. Tim didn’t ask her to repeat herself and smiled warmly before turning to the last couple, Susan and Elinor. Elinor was two weeks into her second trimester but as Eustace didn’t know what a trimester was, he was as clueless as before.

  “Mother and daughter?” Eustace asked as softly as he could. Jo shook her head. “Sisters?”

  “I’ll explain later.” She whispered under her breath knowing he could hear it.

  “Tonight we will be covering gestation,” Tim nodded towards Eustace’s threesome but he got the feeling it might have included Freya as well, “a fancy word for development, of the unborn foetus, from conception, week by week until full term. Gayle’s handling the tech tonight so we should be working. I’ll just dim the lights.”

  He did so and a machine projected images onto the wall. Tim narrated his way through the series of pictures, likening the unborn child to pieces of fruit, reminding everyone that the Glenwilde vegetable growing competition was not to be used as reference as one woman saw a giant rockmelon one year and nearly died of fright at the size her baby would be. Eustace listened intently. Tim was very knowledgeable and anticipated many of the questions that would be asked. He had a friendly, almost motherly way of speaking and somehow managed to put everything in a way that didn’t sound overwhelming.

  Numerous times Eustace wanted to look at Luna and see how she was handling it. On top of the baby information, this was a deep dive experience for her regarding the real world. Technology, lots of people…awful tea and coffee facilities and biscuits that Eustace couldn’t eat because he was sure everyone would hear him crunching away let alone opening the rotten packet.

  “Now, as a disclaimer, I will say that all these facts and figures are averages…statistics…everyone’s pregnancy journey will be different. No one’s will be the same. Do not panic if you don’t have cravings or you find wanting all sorts of strange things…or you aren’t as big or as small as other people…your regular obstetrician appointments and midwife checkups will make sure your baby and you are healthy…and we’re always here for questions…which means I can turn on the lights,” they all blinked and winced as he did so, “and open the floor to any questions anyone has.”

  There was a short silence before Meg asked a question and Tim answered it efficiently.

  This question seemed to jolt everyone out of their slideshow stupor and the questions began to flow quite naturally. Megan, not Meg, seemed to know everything and liked to put her two cents worth in even after Tim had answered the question perfectly well. From the wry glance he gave Gayle, Eustace suspected they were used to Megan’s ‘knowledge’. Elijah asked about swollen ankles and Stella moaned and covered her face.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “They don’t know I’m talking about you, love.”

  Susan and Elinor asked questions as well. Eustace, Luna, Jo and Freya remained silent. Eustace’s mind was too overwhelmed with facts to find any space for questions. Luna sat with her hands in her lap, quietly observing. Jo looked at both of them with raised eyebrows as though asking them if they had anything to ask. She smiled and didn’t press the issue. Freya sat in her oversized, somewhat tatty jumper, tugging at the sleeves as though their length wasn’t long enough.

  They didn’t linger afterwards although they were caught by Gayle on the way out. Eustace suspected she was checking to see if they found the information useful and whether they’d be back.

  To Eustace’s surprise, Luna spoke for the first time.

  “We will be back, thank you.”

  On the way home they collected James from Jet’s house where Bethany had been babysitting him. Eustace picked him up and they walked up to House of Figs where Luna peeled off to go to Rob’s house.

  “Thanks for coming tonight.” Eustace blurted.

  “It was very informative.” Luna said quietly. “I am sure the knowledge will be useful.”

  Eustace glanced at Jo who smiled reassuringly at him. Then he took James into his world and made sure to check on the eggs in the nest…and tried not compare different sized eggs to foetuses.

  Luna made her bed, feeling a sense of pride that she could do so. She now knew that the bottom sheet was a ‘fitted’ sheet, the top sheet was a ‘flat’ sheet and the plush white blanket was a doona which went inside a doona cover. The rectangular white cushions were pillows and went inside their matching pillowcases.

  Normally she would make the bed first thing in the morning but Rob had laid carpet in the bedroom so all the furniture had been shifted out. Luna admired his capacity for efficient work. The carpet was perfectly installed within a few hours, soft and plush beneath her toes.

  She left the bedroom to collect the clothes rack and put it inside the empty walk in robe. Rob had not yet built shelves or drawers in the wardrobe, citing that the bathroom was more urgent. Luna didn’t mind. She liked seeing her clothes hanging neatly from hangers or folded in piles beside it. She retrieved her clothes which had been draped over the kitchen counter and put them back in their place.

  Luna glanced out of the window. Days were shortening. Winter was approaching.

  She drew the curtains closed. While she preferred them open, she was told that heat escaped from the glass panels more easily than anywhere else. But with carpet lining the floor, she hoped the room would be a little warmer.

  House of Figs was finished for the day. Rob returned from his job, changing into his coveralls. He had a comely, friendly appearance which Luna liked and he was always mindful of her and her state of being.

  “Query, are you going to your baby group tonight Luna?”

  “I am.”

  “Be sure to take something warm to wear. It is becoming chilly at night.” Luna blinked and stared at him. Rob frowned. “I was attempting to be…nurturing…of your condition. I would not wish you to become ill.”

  She felt herself smiling. Eustace didn’t say things like that. He just looked guilty most of the time…and rarely looked her in the eye. Rob didn’t have those kind of emotional hurdles for which Luna was incredibly grateful. It helped stave off the sinking feeling that she was entirely and completely out of control and comfort.

  “I have a longline cardigan,” she quoted, recalling the furry knitwear she and Jo had purchased, “which is more than sufficient, thank you.”

  Luna knew Rob tried to work as quietly as possible when she was in the house, avoiding tasks that required power tools or made loud noises. Though she was too early for dinner, she picked up her cardigan and left the house, going through the gate that adjoined the two properties and crossed the courtyard towards House of Figs. She was surprised to see Abram van Helsing emerging from the Observatory, fixing his cuffs and pulling his jacket straight.

  “Luna,” he greeted with his warm smile, his fair hair tied back from his handsome face and blue eyes that were just like his children’s, “how are you this evening?”

  “I am well.” She replied. “I was not expecting to see you tonight.”

  Abram had weighty responsibilities in Atannica after the reign of the vampires was ended. He was seen as the people’s champion, advocating for the rights and safety even of vampires who had endured the breaking so that they could be human again. But his heart was in House of Figs and never let any opportunity go by to spend time with Johanne, Rafael and Adela. Luna knew it wasn’t as much as he wanted but he’d given his word to help the people rebuild their society and governing structure for two years.

  “The council meeting was cancelled so here I am.”

  He opened the door for her and she slipped inside, Abram following. Jo was sitting at a table with Annie, looking over their investment portfolio which was supplying the funds needed to pay for Rob’s house. Jo looked up and brightened at Abram’s presence.

  “You’re here!”

  “I am.” He beamed and walked over to her, taking her hand. “I hope you don’t mind. I’ve got the entire evening to spend with you.” Jo’s expression seized while her eyes flickered upwards to the stairs where Eustace was descending, James in his arms then across at Luna. Abram’s joy dimmed. “I…unless you have plans?”

  Luna knew what Jo was thinking. She’d been going with herself and Eustace to the baby gatherings. Though she had talked about not needing to come all the time, it hadn’t been discussed whether that time was coming.

  “She doesn’t.” Eustace declared with authority. “Luna and I do but Jo is free as a bird. Right?”

  His question wasn’t about if he was right but rather, if he was trusted.

  Jo smiled at him. “Right.”

  It was after dinner, after Jo walked Eustace, James and Luna to the front door that she faltered.

  “Are you sure you two will be alright?” She asked softly. “I did think you didn’t really need me there anymore…but I wasn’t sure how you felt about going on your own.”

  “We’ll be fine, won’t we Luna?”

  Luna nodded.

  However, fine wasn’t quite the right word to describe the evening.

  Another two couples were at the meeting but Ryan and Meg were away. Luna couldn’t quite put her finger on it but there seemed to be a tension in the air. Freya was even more introverted than usual, picking constantly at the fraying edge of her jumper, her legs bare despite the cold front that had moved unmercifully in.

  Unfortunately Tim wasn’t able to host the evening so a new midwife, Janice, was running the show with Gayle making sure the technology worked like it should. Luna wasn’t sure Janice and technology were compatible. She was a much older woman with a no nonsense expression and a matter of fact way of speaking that she guessed was supposed to project calm control…but seemed to put everyone in a defensive mood.

  The topic that evening was the birthing process. Janice gave her list of facts succinctly about the before and after while saying they had a clip to fill in the middle part. Then she asked if anyone had any questions.

  “Yeah, I’ve got one,” Chris cleared his throat awkwardly, “so…how long after birth…before you can you…you know…”

  Janice answered it without hesitation as if she had heard that stammered question many times in the past. “It is recommended that, due to the chance of infection and to give a woman’s,” she emphasised ‘woman’ rather sternly, “body time to heal that you wait six weeks before engaging in intercourse.”

  “Six months!” Elijah cried, looking up from his phone, demonstrating that he could not multitask.

  “Six weeks.” Janice said so dryly Luna wondered that he didn’t shrivel up into a husk.

  Stella snatched the phone out of his hand. “Good to know where your head’s at.” She snapped, putting it in her handbag which was on the far side of her from where he sat.

  “Now we’re going to watch a video of a woman giving birth. Lights!”

  The lights went off and Gayle worked her technology magic to cause imagery to project onto a screen. There was a little introduction at first, citing the mother’s age, health and any relevant pregnancy details. Apparently she had declined pain medication. Luna noticed Susan nodded approvingly while Elinor swallowed. Then there were several clips of the mother’s labour methods, walking, a long shower and her breathing techniques. Her deep throaty moans made Luna’s spine tremble. She caught the glance from Eustace out of the corner of her eye but kept her gaze fixed firmly on the screen.

  The narrated voice said the woman had laboured for eleven hours before she was dilated enough for giving birth.

  Then the imagery switched and Luna couldn’t quite make out what she was looking at. She hadn’t looked at herself in any other way except the mirror in her bedroom. When the camera panned up a little she saw the mother’s face, red and sweaty, her large belly blocking everything from the waist up, Luna suddenly realised the woman’s legs were spread wide, camera planted directly in the middle and was pointed at the curly haired gap in between.

  The woman’s moans, which had been delightfully melodious up until that point, became grunts and howls in between panting then more straining. Luna could hear midwives or possibly the woman’s husband saying ‘push’ and ‘you can do it!’ but her yells would drown out most of the words as her belly and hips flexed.

  Luna was shaking. She couldn’t stop. The screaming, the sobbing…she was hurtled into her subconscious through a door that had been sealed for hundreds of years. And just when it couldn’t become even more horrific, the baby’s head crowned. The mother gave a blood curdling cry as the head continued to emerge, bloodied with hair plastered across its red skin.

  Luna’s own blood was churning and her eyes were widening with fright. Eustace’s hand clamped onto hers. “Luna…” He whispered. She looked at him and he jerked back slightly. “Pull it together.” He hissed.

  Luna put her head down and didn’t look at the rest of the video. She could feel her dragon features surging beneath the surface, rage and grief churning within her body. Despite looking away, she could hear the final gasps and sobs then laughter as the baby gave a bellowing cry. But Luna couldn’t hear any of it. She was lost in her memories, trying to find her way out again.

  When the lights came on everyone winced.

  Tim would have reassured the panic stricken parents, the terrified mothers, the horrified fathers and promised that millions of babies had been born and millions more would be. He would have explained in further detail what had happened and told some of his own stories about mothers over the years.

  Janice stood up the front and asked in her stern, no nonsense voice, were there any questions?

  No one said anything.

  No one asked a question and no one looked at another person.

  The meeting was concluded rather quietly. Gayle tried to brighten their moods at the top of the stairs but even her natural friendly manner wasn’t enough to lift them from their terror.

  Once they got outside, however, many of the couples had much to say to each other.

  “Playing games on your phone while we’re at the baby group!” Stella snapped at Elijah as they got into their car. “Worried about when we’re going to have sex after the baby’s born? You’ll be lucky to sleep in the same bed as me ever again!”

  Luna was in a daze as though she’d undergone a physical blow. She could feel Eustace leading her away from the centre, crossing the street where Susan and Elinor were standing by their car beneath a streetlamp that glowed in the darkness.

  “…after that, I’m taking every drug they offer me!”

  “No you’re not! This is my baby as much as it is yours…”

  “How dare you tell me what I can and can’t do to my own body!”

  “You were the one who said you would sign up for the donor program!”

  “And you said you’d support me!”

  “Drugs will harm our baby! I want it to be all natural!”

  “There’s nothing natural about any of this!”

  Their anger, their fury at each other which was triggered by the video and the rather callous way in which it had been presented, was causing Luna to spiral out of control. She could barely breathe she was so frightened, screams in her head, a face, a hateful face filling her vision.

  Luna walked like she was drunk, staggering, breathing erratically. Eustace got her to the cul de sac but rather than go to Jet’s house to collect James, he took Luna straight to Rob’s house. He was working on the kitchen and looked up at their entrance.

  “Query, is everything alright?”

  Eustace could hardly say yes.

  “I…little bit of a shock tonight. Could we have some time to talk?”

  Rob nodded, putting his tools away and walking out of the house. Eustace knew Rob could probably hear their conversation no matter where he was on the two properties but couldn’t conceive of talking to Luna while he was in the room.

  “Luna…talk to me.” He begged. “Tell me what’s going on. You nearly changed in that room! I could see the scales starting to glisten…you could have killed the baby!” He could almost see the words bouncing off her head. “Luna…”

  “Don’t touch me…” She yanked herself out his grasp. “Don’t…don’t…”

  Eustace stared at her, stunned. “Luna, it won’t be like that for us. We’re different. I don’t care if you need all the medication in the world to get through this…”

  She put her fingers to her face. “This is all your fault…”

  Eustace jolted, the coldness of her voice like a slap. “My fault?”

  She turned to him and he recoiled from her irises which had darkened to purple with little flames dancing inside them.

  “You did this to me.”

  “What? The baby?”

  “You and your ‘talking’ to get to know one another…you did this! This is your fault!”

  Eustace’s jaw tightened. “It wasn’t like you said no!” He snapped, reacting to her snarling accusation.

  "How could I have possibly known what it would be like!”

  He was aghast. “You started it, smacking me with your tail and leading me on a sexually charged chase! What did you think was going to happen?”

  “I thought I was going to lay an egg!”

  “You’re not a damn dragon!”

  “And you’re not human!” Luna’s lips were trembling. “You…you just couldn’t wait to experience it, could you? You just had to know what it felt like, what humans find so fascinating that they can’t stand the thought of waiting six weeks before doing it again!” Her hands were hooked into claws and Eustace could see her nails were growing, her pointed teeth appearing. “You did this to me! You used me and then you abandoned me! You didn’t care about me or this baby!”

  “Luna,” Eustace grabbed her hands, wrestling her into his chest, “stop! You’re changing! Stop!”

  “Luna, stop!”

  The voice echoed like a thousand tiny waterfalls, rushing past so that the air, which felt like it was close to boiling, suddenly cooled. Luna gave a little gasp then sagged, Eustace catching her as she all but fainted in his arms. He brushed the hair from her cheek, the darkness that had been creeping over her body fading.

  “Luna?” He looked up as Bethany dashed across the room. “What did…”

  “I let the incantation out, just for a moment.” She knelt by Luna’s side. “I hoped the authority it possessed from Ah’Man and Gar’Dian would keep Luna from blazing out of control.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I felt you pass by our house and my soul churned so strongly I knew I needed to get here as fast as possible.”

  Eustace lifted Luna’s body and carried her to the bedroom where she sank into a fitful doze.

  “I don’t know what happened,” he whispered, “we watched a video of a woman giving birth…and Luna nearly fell apart then and there. When we got home she ripped into me about how it’s all my fault and that I was only after my own…” His voice cracked, his palms pressed to his eyes. “Bethany, I swear…I didn’t…”

  Her fingers lightly stroked his hair and she made gentle soothing noises. “For all her calm, controlled fa?ade, I think Luna is a very damaged young woman.”

  “What do you mean?” Eustace squeezed out of his tight throat.

  Bethany knelt beside him on the freshly laid carpet and they both stared at Luna.

  “Genetic memory…she knows what the mother dragon knew, hundreds of years of murderous, controlling intent…but what if that’s not all she knows?”

  Eustace swallowed. “You mean, about the fall of utopia?”

  “I mean, about her parents…” Bethany pressed her lips together. “Eustace, did you ever think it strange that Luna is a human who can take dragon form?”

  “I thought that’s what all the humans…oh…” He closed his eyes, feeling foolish. “Of course they couldn’t. They were pure humans and dragons were pure dragons. The first dragon that could take human form was…” His words trailed off, his skin prickling with horror. “She can’t be…” He breathed. “Can she?”

  “I think, whatever the truth is, it was so traumatic she buried and blocked it…and whatever happened tonight let it loose again.”

  Luna slept for days, shivering, muttering incoherently in her sleep then settling down again. Sometimes she twitched and other times she lay like the dead. Those at House of Figs who could watch over her did so. Eustace fetched Bronwyn who decided that Luna was well in body and that it was her mind that was enduring hardships.

  “Stay with her as much as you can,” she urged, “but do not interfere, particularly you, Eustace. Your dragon state could trigger an unconscious shift even if you were to simply use your skill of healing.”

  Those who didn’t need to sleep such as Rob and Annie kept watch over Luna at night and during the day the others spared what time they could to juggle shifts between each other. Eustace wouldn’t let James in to see her. He was concerned that Luna’s conscious state might frighten the little boy.

  “There isn’t anything you can do, Bethany?” Eustace asked when he relieved her from her post.

  “I’m afraid not. This isn’t a coma like Aunt Jo’s, Eustace. It’s mental trauma. She’ll get her way through it eventually.”

  Eventually was three days after Luna had fallen unconscious. Eustace had nodded off during his vigil. Out of all of them, he’d been the most consistent by her side and the constant strain had taken its toll. Somewhere in his dreams he felt a blanket drawn around his shoulders, his body sinking happily into comfort and warmth.

  Then the notion that he’d been covered jolted him out of his sleep and he sat up, Luna’s cover falling from his body. The bed was empty. Luna was gone.

  He leapt to his feet and scampered through the house, whispering frantically, “Luna?!”

  “Eustace…”

  It was Rob’s voice. Eustace followed it to the Observatory. The eternal guardian nodded towards Eustace’s door which was open.

  “She is there, sitting on the edge of the isle.”

  “Thank you.” Eustace eased past him and walked onto the island that held the door and floated above the ocean that thrashed far below.

  Luna wore the same clothes she had been in the night of the baby meeting, the night she had descended into hysteria. There were no obvious signs of terror about her now but Eustace had a terrible feeling that it was simmering beneath the surface…

  “Luna?” He called softly, sinking to the ground next to her. “Can you hear me?”

  Her face was frosted, her breath like fog but she wasn’t shivering. Perhaps she had hoped that the chill of the high altitude night air would numb her from whatever it was she was feeling.

  “I’m here, Luna…” He put a warm hand around hers. “I’m here…”

  She gave a little gasp as though the spell that held her frozen was broken with his touch.

  “I remember it all, Eustace…” She gave a small sob. “All of it…I was so little I locked it away in my mind so that I didn’t have to remember…but it’s all come flooding back.”

  Eustace didn’t push or ask questions. He just sat with her.

  “My mother was the daughter of the human ruler. She was beautiful and young and vibrant…with her whole life ahead of her.” The corners of her mouth turned down. “Then the scientists rejoiced in their success. A dragon possessing all four elements…that could take human form. Even my mother was caught up in their jubilee, celebrating their…brilliance…”

  The wind blew coldly, her white hair flying out like a banner.

  “He was welcomed to their table, his presence held up as perfection. He was…swarthy, darker than Bastian and his hair was black like shards of onyx, his eyes equally as dark. He smiled and simpered, basking in their adoration…all the while seeding rebellion and dissention among the dragons. He taught them how to change, how to use their elements to help generate human form…and the drunken glee the humans felt about their creation faded into horror at the abomination they had wrought…”

  She licked her lips. “But before the truth of his nature was known by all…he worked his will upon my mother. She was smitten, overcome with desire from his sensual eyes and powerful body. Of course she didn’t allow herself to fully submit, riding on his back when he was a dragon, feeling herself bind to him with a soul-tie…and then he promised he would never impregnate her…but that he desired to know love and to show her how much he loved her…”

  She shuddered. “For a time he kept his word…then…” She gave a terrified little sob. Eustace gripped her hand even tighter, frightened she might leap from the isle to escape the memories. “He…became…offended,” she skirted around the offense and Eustace didn’t press her for it, “and…decided to make her suffer.”

  Her fa?ade of calm cracked. Eustace put his arms around her, drawing her close.

  “Don’t stay there,” he whispered, “move on…”

  “But the baby wasn’t like the others. My mother carried me…a human child…and during the length of the pregnancy, utopia fell into ruin. I was entrusted to my grandfather’s counterpart among the dragons, a female dragon, a mother many times over. She kept safe all the eggs in the fortress where my father was created…and me. My mother, my grandfather…even my father…everyone was killed and the fortress sank beneath the ocean.”

  She leaned against him, sagging into his arms. “I was alone with the dragon mother until the eggs began to hatch. Beautiful little baby dragons with no idea that their world was gone.”

  “What of their genetic memory?” Eustace couldn’t help but ask.

  “The mother wiped it. They had no knowledge, She didn’t want them to know what had happened to their parents, to their world...” Luna’s blue eyes turned to his. “I saw you hatch, the only water dragon egg out of hundreds…thousands…I wanted to play with you. I wanted company so much…and I knew how to change form…”

  “So the mother made a way for the dragons to leave?”

  She nodded. “And I was left alone. Then the world tried to right itself with eggs appearing, attempting to thrust the dragons into a greater state of maturity…and the dragon mother called to you.” She sniffed. “I was so excited at the thought of seeing you…of seeing anyone. I…was waiting for you to come…and the dragon mother…”

  “She swallowed you whole because you knew the truth about the world. She truly despised humans, even though she had been bound to one…”

  “And the only way to protect myself was to form a shell around my body…and go to sleep…for hundreds of years…until the day I was taken from her lifeless corpse and laid in the nest, still in my shell.”

  Eustace didn’t know what to say. What could he say to her horrific and grief filled tale?

  Bethany was right.

  Luna very broken and damaged.

  “What happened that night at the baby centre?” He asked as gently as he could.

  “The cries of the woman in labour echoed my own mother’s cries and they hammered against the blockade of my memories until they came pouring out without mercy,” sparkling streams of tears ran down her cheeks, “I saw his face…his scorn…as he…”

  Eustace wrapped his arms even more firmly around Luna as she shook. He wondered if she might go to pieces in his embrace. “Forgive me Luna. I never meant for…”

  Her fingers laid across his lips, silencing his words. “I was wrong to accuse you. I’m sorry.”

  There seemed to be little more to be said. After a time Eustace suggested they go back to the real world where Luna could have something to eat and shower…and try to move past the trauma which had come back to her when she least expected it.