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They both jumped out of bed, and Arabella rushed to the room next to theirs. Switching on the light, her heart skipped a beat.
Instead of a human baby laying in Freya's crib, there was a baby gold dragon.
Her first thought was to sob—few children who shifted so young ever shifted back.
But her dragon growled. She is our daughter. She can overcome anything.
Finn murmured in a soothing voice, "That's my lass, a gold dragon like your dad."
Freya moved her head to meet her father's gaze, letting out a small roar.
Since Finn was better at calming their daughter than her, Arabella stayed where she was and watched both of them closely.
Finn took another step and put out a hand. "That was an impressive roar as well, for one so young. I'm sure you'll have all the lads fuming they can't do a roar like you, Freya."
The baby dragon didn't roar again, so Finn took another step. It took everything Arabella had not to rush over and scoop up her daughter.
Putting his hand in front of Freya's snout, Finn murmured, "Let me pet my fiery lass, aye?"
Arabella dug her nails into her palm so hard they probably drew blood. But she stood still, waiting to see what Freya would do.
After a few more beats, she bumped her snout against Finn's hand. He moved to scratch behind her tiny ears. "Aye, there's nothing like a good ear scratch, especially when you're wee. I remember how flaky my skin was as a lad."
Freya met her dad's eyes before hunching down and jumping into Finn's arms.
As their daughter cuddled against Finn's chest, he murmured, "Call Layla."
She was torn between staying and doing as he asked.
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sp; Her beast spoke up. Finn will take care of her. We need Layla's help.
Before she could change her mind, Arabella raced into the hall and into her and Finn's room. She picked up her mobile and dialed Layla.
The doctor picked up on the second ring. "Arabella? What's wrong?"
"Freya's shifted into her dragon form."
Thankfully Layla's voice remained strong, which helped keep Arabella from panicking. "I'll be there straight away. I'll call Sid on the way, too, just in case she's learned anything since last evening."
"Hurry, Layla."
"I will, Ara. Staying strong and collected is the best thing you can do for the bairn."
The line went dead and Arabella lowered her phone. Melanie's soft voice came from the doorway. "Is everything okay, Ara? We heard the running."
Arabella explained the situation and added, "I know it's a lot to ask, but can you keep the twins occupied? I don't want their own inner dragons to come out and think to try the same thing."
Melanie engulfed her in a hug. "Of course. They're still asleep in the second nursery, with Tristan watching over them. I just wish there was something else we could do."
Leaning back, she met her sister-in-law's eyes. "As much as you hate it, you can't fix everything, Mel."
"Just make sure you realize that, too, Ara. Have faith in the doctors and everything will work out. No one is better at finding a solution and cure than Dr. Sid."
Swallowing back the emotion choking her throat, she bobbed her head. "I know."
Melanie smoothed back Arabella's hair. "Then go to your daughter. Tristan and I will protect the rest of your family for as long as you need."
