A group of guards stepped forward.
They were tall with broad shoulders and sharp features. Their scales were dark green, almost black, and they wore armor made of interlocking plates that looked like snake skin. Their eyes were amber, with slit pupils that widened as they studied the two small children.
"Halt," one of them said, his voice low and cold. "State your business."
Vlad Jr. landed on the stone terrace, his bat form shimmering as he shifted back to his human shape. Luna slid off his back, wincing as her bandaged leg touched the ground.
"We need help," Vlad Jr. said, his voice urgent but controlled. "Our kindergarten is under attack."
The guards exchanged glances.
"Kindergarten?" one of them repeated, as if the word was foreign to him.
"YES!" Luna shouted, her patience gone. "There are monsters! Worms! Big ones! They're trying to eat everyone!"
The guards didn't move.
