Lyre remained frozen in the silence following that crash. She held the pillow tight against her. Her eyes, widened in alarm, followed the specimen as it considered its surroundings.

Scales covered its body, reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights. Its tail curved slightly, and its wings spread overhead like a vast canopy. Its head hung low, a clump of dripping white hair hiding its face.

And then it rose.

Their eyes met for a split second, and Lyre saw her own fear reflected in the dragon woman's disoriented gaze. [color=89cff5][i]A good thing,[/i][/color] she forced herself to think, [color=89cff5][i]it can intimidate.[/i][/color] She took a shaky breath. That thing could kill her this very moment. [color=89cff5][i]Just one careless wave of that tail...[/i][/color]

[color=89cff5][i]No. I cannot be thinking such things.[/i][/color]

With one arm wrapped around the pillow and the other pressed against the wall, Lyre began to stand. Her legs felt unstable below her. But the analyses she had completed, the data she had gathered—all of it provided a stable foundation for taming this newborn beast.

[color=89cff5][b]"My name is Lyre,"[/b][/color] she uttered slowly. [color=89cff5][b]"I am your creator. Rest assured, I will not hurt you."[/b][/color]