The baby was squirming and gave a tiny yell. His hands were fisted. He gave another cry, louder this time. He sounded fine. His skin was pink but looks could be deceiving.

“He looks fine,” Candy whispered. “Please tell me he’s okay.” She couldn’t see all of him. Her own body was in the way.

The healer shook her head. “You have birthed a daughter.”

“What?” Torrent’s voice lashed through the silence. “There has to be some sort of mistake.” His voice cracked.

The she-dragon shook her head. “No mistake, my lord. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” Candy could hear the panic in her voice. Her little one mewled and she reached for him… her. This was confusing. Surely they could discuss it. She wanted her baby. It didn’t matter what sex it was as long as the little one was fine.

The healer lifted her child, holding the baby in both hands. Her daughter’s hair looked wet. “I can scent that…” the healer paused, looking down. “I’m sorry, my lord, the baby’s scent…”

Torrent howled. It was the most anguished sound Candy had ever heard. He turned and left the room. Left.

Candy couldn’t help it when a tear slipped out. She had just given birth. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. “What’s wrong?” She already knew the answer to her question. She knew deep down. “Why did he leave?” she whispered.

“Your daughter is perfect in every way.” The older woman put the baby onto her chest. On instinct, she closed her arms around the tiny body. The little one was warm. She squirmed and cried out. Candy felt panicked. Her heart was racing. She was breathing far too quickly. Then she looked down. It was like the world slowed down. Like everything stilled for a moment. She felt a love like nothing she had ever experienced before.

“Hello, baby,” she managed to choke out through her tears.

“She is a beautiful girl.” The healer gave her a nod. “You did well, child.”

“She’s human, isn’t she?”

The she-dragon nodded. “Yes. Very human and very healthy in every way.”

“Can you give us a moment please?” Candy looked down at her daughter as she spoke.

“Yes, but I can’t stay away too long. You still need to birth the feeding sac.”

Candy nodded. “Thank you.” The older woman walked to the door. Candy looked back down at the child in her arms. The healer was right, she was perfect. Her eyes were big and very blue. The little cherub was almost bald with just a few strands of hair on her head. The soft downy tufts were blond.