Dean first realized Theodore had developed a routine with the black dragon when he found him sitting cross-legged beside the western windows at seven in the morning, still wearing his pajamas.
Theo had dragged one of the cushions from the sofa onto the floor and arranged three wooden animals beside himself with considerable care. His dark hair stuck up on one side from sleep, and his bare feet disappeared beneath the hem of loose black trousers that were already becoming too short.
He was speaking quietly.
"No, because Papa said after breakfast."
Dean stopped in the doorway.
Theo paused.
His completely black eyes remained fixed on the distant northern horizon.
Then he sighed.
"I know."
Dean leaned one shoulder against the doorframe.
"Do I want to know?"
Theo looked around.
"Dragon wants me to come."
"Dragon knows the answer."
Theo nodded solemnly.
"I told him."
Faint disappointment shifted through Dean's connection to Arion.
Dean closed his eyes.
