Page 44 (1/2)

Chapter One

PINK GOES WITH EVERYTHING

Here's the thing about dragons: I know absolutely nothing whatsoever about them

Which made my task to scare raccoons out of the alley behind the diner much reeted by a pale, serpentine body with feathers raised like spikes along its spine and shoulders Its face was al out and curling up over the lips Oh, and claws Sharp claws "You are not a raccoon," I whispered

"Nae, child, I am no wee beast " The air tasted like charcoal as its voice slid out, high and saround behind the trash cans It talked Well, of course it talked, Evie Because really, what kind of self-respecting, trash can-scrabbling on wouldn't talk? I was equal parts terrified and annoyed But at least the dragon didn't smell as bad as unicorns

Then again, unicorns were herbivores

It breathed in deeply, a golden gloing in its chest For once I didn't think that light was related to its soul Not soul; definitely fire I didn't have ti roasted-nor did I like the door's odds against a dragon I could make a break for it down the alley, but I had no idea how fast this creature was I decided on honesty "Are you going to eat me?" I asked

"Is that your desire?"

"Not really, no The Winter For to plan itself, so this is kind of a bad time for ht dragons, right? I could do this All I needed was a full suit of armor And a sword Or a mace Or some Mace

The door opened behind ht from the kitchen, and I yelped in relief

"There you are," Nona said She nodded to the dragon

"You two know each other?" Why did this surprisedragon hanging out in the alley, just like she knew every other weird paranor about town And I had no doubt that this o entirely unexplained

I so needed to get a new job

"Evelyn, I have served your friendsplacidly at on toward the end of the alley where the forest pushed up against the town The dragon fixed one glea, dark pink eye on me, then winked

Forget a new job I needed to get a nen