The insect boy flew over to them, still holding the golden flag. "Good race, dragon," he said.
Drake blinked. "You talked to me," he said, surprised.
"You were fast. Your tail is clumsy, but you are fast," the insect boy said.
Drake puffed out his chest. "My tail is not clumsy. My tail is... expressive."
The insect boy shrugged. "Whatever. Rematch next year?" he asked.
Drake's face broke into a wide grin. "YES," he said.
They nodded at each other, a new friendship forming in that small gesture.
The butterfly girl fluttered over. "Can I join?" she asked softly.
"More flyers, more fun," Boo said cheerfully.
She smiled.
On the ground, Alina watched them land. Drake's wings folded, and Boo floated down beside him. Luna hobbled over, leaning on her good leg.
"You didn't win," Luna said bluntly.
"I know," Drake admitted.
"Are you sad?" Luna asked.
Drake thought about it. The race. The tangle. The penalty. The fourth place.
