Ever since the incident with Yaseee, Skyblue had known the healer was different. They had never had another private conversation, but whenever they passed on the paths, the dragon greeted her with a knowing smile.

Skyblue still remembered the weight of the herbs in her satchel and the voice that had told her, “You’ll have to do it yourself.”

Perhaps the healer could explain what was happening, or give her something to drink that would put everything back where it belonged. And she would keep the secret. Skyblue did not want to become the village’s favorite topic again.

She got up from the grass, shook out her wings, and went to find her.

When she arrived, she studied the tree where the healer lived. It shone with a light like the one she had discovered in Ernesto that morning. Skyblue looked at the neighboring trees: each gave off a different glow, as though its personality could be seen from the outside.

‘How have I never noticed this before?’

The dragons were surrounded by colors, too. As she passed some of them, she seemed to catch thoughts no one had spoken aloud. She quickened her pace. These discoveries were beautiful, but they were beginning to unsettle her.

‘Perhaps I’m dreaming. Any moment now, I’ll wake up.’

Before she could knock, the healer came out to meet her.

“Hello, Skyblue. I’ve been expecting you.”

The young dragon pinched her leg. It hurt. She flapped her wings, shook her head, and looked again: she was still in front of the same tree, and the healer was still smiling.

“What do you mean, you’ve been expecting me? Do you know who I am?”

“Of course. You’re Skyblue, the most special dragon in the village.”

Skyblue burst out laughing.

“That depends on what you mean by special.”

“Come in. And by the way, my name is Evarista.”