Nick skidded to a halt when he heard Serapis’ voice, but only paused long enough to make sure the dracons were coming down the hall.
	At the prospect of someone at the door, in this weather, Thayva hurried behind her husband and Nick. At the door, she placed a gentle hand on Nick’s shoulders when he went to open it. She shook her head, and guided him behind her, letting Serapis open the door.

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	Seaella’s small body shook with sobs, the tears running down her cheeks only mingling with the drops of water already plastering her short hair to her face. She leaned her weight against the door, trying to steady herself for another round of knocking.
	She gave a surprised shout when the door pulled inward, momentarily knocking her off balance. But she hopped quickly to her feet, her free hand going to the dagger at her belt. Her eyes widened as she took in the two beings standing directly in the doorway. Though neither lizardfolk nor dragons, they bore a resemblance to both, a mix she had never before seen in her short life. But, peeking out from behind the female of them, was a male elf who looked around Valera’s age, his eyes wide in surprise. The two locked gazes for a fraction of a second.
	Not knowing what else to do, and with her sister in desperate need of care, Seaella quickly collected her bow and Valera’s staff, her eyes never leaving the dracons. Though the staff was much taller than her, she leaned it against a shoulder, wondering if she could use it if these two odd beings ended up being foe instead of friend.
	Valera moaned softly, her body still limp, as Serapis helped her inside, her silvery-green cloak dripping with rainwater.
	“Get her to the infirmary,” Thayva told Serapis, Seaella following at their side, careful to not let her sister or the dracon out of her sight. “I’ll get the healers.” With that, she turned and hurried down the hall to where the staff had gathered.
	“Who [i]are[/i] you?” Seaella demanded of Serapis, her voice frantic. She flinched as another peal of thunder rumbled through the house. She glanced behind her as she noticed the elf-boy following them.