Aspen (The Dragon Kings #2)(37)

The president went quiet for several seconds. “I never quite thought of it that way.”

“I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the dragons, and I believe they may be the more intelligent species. I wouldn’t underestimate them. If Obsidian says he can take care of this dragon, then he will.”

The president nodded. “I won’t do anything rash without consulting with you again, but we will not take it off the table. Let’s plan another meeting in four weeks if the problem isn’t solved. Earlier if more people are killed.”

Aspen was about to retort, but Sid cut her off. “We couldn’t ask for more, Madam President. Thank you for meeting with us.”

Sid stood, and everyone followed suit. He left the room first, followed by Aspen and the other dragons.

Jonathan put his hand on Aspen’s back, leaned over, and whispered in her ear, “I’ve never seen anyone speak to the president in that manner before, and I have sat in too many meetings with her. You are a natural. When Theo told me what happened, I thought Sid was a dead man, but now I’m not so sure. He chose wisely.”

He dropped back so he was walking with Raja, and Aspen flushed, unsure of how to take the compliment. When they exited the building, Sid reached back and took Aspen’s hand. “You were phenomenal. Thank you. Now let’s meet Darneil. He’s going to love you.”

They drove into a rather seedy part of DC, and Aspen locked the doors.

“Bring your good camera with.”

“Okay.” Aspen grabbed her backpack.

They stopped in front of a rundown brownstone. Sid looked at the others. “Come back in a couple hours?”

“Just send us a message when you are ready to go.”

Sid stepped out and pulled Aspen with. Three men stood on the corner. Each of them had muscles the size of cantaloupes, baggy jeans, and scowls. Aspen clung to Sid’s arm, but she wasn’t sure even he would be able to protect her if one of those guys pulled a gun. The men looked at the car with a glint in their eyes, but before anyone could do anything, the car was gone.

Sid and Aspen walked up a set of crumbling stairs, and Sid knocked on the door.

A young woman dressed in a halter top and mini skirt appeared. “What do you want?”

“My name is Obsidian, and I’m here to see Darneil.”

Her eyes widened. “Of course, Your Majesty, come in. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.” She waved them in, and Aspen was grateful to be in the house, though it didn’t look much better on the inside. “Do you know the way, or do I need to show you?” the woman asked.

“I know the way.” Sid pulled Aspen into the house and to a rickety stairwell. Aspen looked down. It went on forever.

“How far are we going?”

“All the way. It’s about ten stories. The trek down isn’t that bad, but going up is killer. I like to fly if I can.”

“Um, you wouldn’t fit in the stairwell.”

“I wouldn’t, but Darneil does.”

“Why’d you ask me to bring my camera?”

“Darneil loves to show off. I’m surprised he hasn’t called for you. Everyone knows you are the go to girl for dragon photos.”

The walk down was terrifying. Aspen kept both hands tightly clasped on the handrails, even then she thought for sure her foot was going to go right through one of the rotted stairs.

They rested when they reached the bottom. Aspen inhaled the musty air and ran her fingers along the wet walls. The chilly air caused goose bumps to rise on her arms.

Sid opened a metal door and waved Aspen through. They entered a massive cavern. It took Aspen’s eyes a few minutes to adjust because the room didn’t have normal lights. The whole room shone an eerie blue. She looked down at her shoes. They glowed white. Paintings of tiny brightly colored dragons covered the walls.

“What’s with the black light?”

“White light burns the underground dragon’s eyes. Shame because they are gorgeous but can’t come out. They used to be able to fly around at night before electricity. But now they are stuck inside. A few still exist in undeveloped areas, but you’d be surprised how far light pollution has spread. Besides, all it takes is one wayward flashlight, and they are blind. It’s just safer for them to stay underground.”

At first Aspen couldn’t see anything, but as they walked deeper into the cave, she noticed colored shapes hanging near the ceiling next to all the black lights.

“What color are the underground dragons?”

“Brown, but they’re chameleons, so they change color depending on their surroundings. They love it when others bring them scraps of fabric so they can try new colors.”

As Aspen and Sid walked farther into the cave, she noticed mirrors winking along all the walls. At the end of the cave they found two dragons lounging on fancy pillows in front of two large mirrors. Both were multicolored and gorgeous. The one on the left was about the size of a ferret, and the one on the right was the size of a large cat. They were the tiniest dragons Aspen had seen. She was fascinated. She had always loved the river dragons and asked her mom if she could have one as a pet. If she had known they came smaller, she would’ve searched every cave near her home for them.

The smaller dragon lifted his head up when Sid approached. Bless my eyes. Is that Obsidian I see? Aspen was glad he projected his thoughts so she could hear them as well.