The guards barged in suddenly, as if they were excited for an interesting case. It took more than all of Melt’s willpower to not force them back out.

  "We demand that Starfish come straight to the palace immediately." A bulky guard commanded, looming over Bubble as he cowered. The nerve of some dragons. Drown stepped to Bubble's side, pushing him behind her.

  "She's not here," Drown responded. She opened her wings slightly, shielding Bubble from the guard's reach.

  Melt stood in the shadows of the room, but the smaller guard in the back spotted him. Her eyes stared at him in fear. Ripple made a noise. Melt looked over at her and realized he wasn't in their mother's room. Ripple beckoned him to hurry, so he quietly crept towards the bedroom door. The door shut quietly behind him.

  "Did anyone see you?" Ripple whispered.

  "Never mind that," Lichen piped in, "I'm still tired." She climbed on top of Melt and laid down, wrapping her arms around his neck and her tail around his.

  "Why do we have to hide?" Weed whined.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  "I should've told you earlier, I know." Ripple whispered, picking at her claws. "Before… Starfish left, she… uh… She told me-" Ripple trailed off, unsure of how to say anything.

  "She told you," Melt encouraged.

  "She… wanted us to hide?" Ripple tried.

  "Bullshit, Ripple. Spit it out," Weed said harshly, a bit too loud.

  "Who was that?" An unfamiliar voice said from the other side of the door. Must be one of the guards.

  "Nothing, I assure you," Drown's voice said. "Where are you- Hey! You can't just barge in here! I want to see a warrant!"

  The bulky guard burst through the bedroom door, gills flaring. He stared in startled confusement for a second before circling the hybrids, the other guards following suit. Their spears were pointed towards them as they sidled closer to each other.

  "Why are you here?!" Drown demanded, battle ready.

  "Who are these dragons?" The bulky guard demanded back.

  "They're my siblings," Drown tried. The guards were silent for a second, then burst out laughing. The guards finished and got serious in a split second. Melt heard Drown hiss, so he looked towards the door and saw yet another SeaWing. This one was bigger, older, and more scarred. Must be a head guard, or maybe a general.

  "By the order of the Queen, you are hereby under arrest for fraud, kidnapping, and harboring a fugitive."