So you're safe?

Yes, Alpine.

Good.

Are the others safe?

Of course. Though they're very curious of your guests.

They'll be gone soon enough.

Oh no, they're always welcome here. They're wonderful. They're petting me, but it's scratching an itch at the same time. Perfect.

Ooh that does sound good.

It is. If you come here in your dragon form they might let you join in as well.

It would be too suspicious, they'd ask where the 'Stealthwing' came from and then they'd know I'd seen them before.

I don't trust those other Morphwings.

Neither do I.

I still can't believe that their Alpha tried to control you.

I'm just glad that you helped me.

That was all you, Indigo. I just showed you how to avoid their mind control.

I'm guessing that won't work if you try controlling me.

The trick is simply to remember your loyalty towards your true Alpha. If you've been loyal enough to them, it works. If you try it when I control you, you'll just be giving into my control.

I thought as much.

I know you did. Besides, didn't the Morphwings say that you could reveal yourself as long as you don't reveal that there are more of your kind?

True... and they have seen me already...

And if anything goes wrong, you can always erase their memories with Camo.

No I can't. Remember what Valka did last time I erased their memories?

I hate that woman now.

Why?

She threatened one of my own pack.

I wasn't a member at the time.

Not officially, but you were as good as one of us ever since you passed that test when you first arrived here.

Test?

Remember how Stylive was playing and then Skyvolt shot at her?

Yes...

You jumped in to protect a dragon. You were prepared to give your own life for her. That's when I knew you were no threat to us. And you proved me to be correct.

Of course I'd protect her with my life.

I know that now. That's why I didn't force you away from here.

I'm glad you didn't.

So am I. You're more important around here than you realise. You keep up our numbers, you keep us safe and prepared for anything, you do practically everything around here. It wasn't a joke when we started calling you the Alpha Female. You do much more than any of us.

I'm no Alpha Female.

Again, that's only officially. We all recognise you as the leader. Even I do.

Alpine, you are the Alpha. Not me.

Then why do I just lounge around all day while you do everything for us?

Because I wouldn't tear down the entire sanctuary due to my enormous size and wingspan if I try to move around.

... sometimes I don't like it when you have a point.

I'll be inside in a minute. We can talk properly then.

Headache?

Just a small one.

You'll get the hang of this soon.

I'd better. I'll be inside in a moment.

I look forward to it, Indigo.

The moment the link reverts to its usual intensity I gasp for air, my eyes snapping open. I have to put my full consciousness into speaking with Alpine, especially in my human form, and it takes my breath along with it. Toothless looks at me in concern. "Are you alright?" He asks.

I nod, catching my breath at last. "Yeah. I'm fine. It'll get easier for me in time." "What were you doing?" He questions. "Just speaking with my Alpha," I explain briefly before I stand back up. "Let's go inside."

I lead Toothless to the nearest entrance and we walk indoors. I'm greeted with the Night Terrors, who flock around me. "Is it safe out there?" Lovelei asks. "It is now," I confirm. "But take Vanquish and Dustrose out there to clear up some fire."

With their orders made clear, the Night Terrors set off to pass the message on to the resident Sand Wraith and Scauldron. "Let's get to the others," I say to Toothless, walking again, him tailing behind me. "But if you're going to be around here you must be respectful to our Alpha and obey his command... within reason, of course."

"I only listen to those I deem worthy of my power," Toothless claims. "You let me ride you several times and you obey me almost all the time," I point out.

"Don't let it get to your head, Alpha Female," Toothless teases. "How many times do I have to repeat myself?" I sigh. "I'm not an Alpha Female!"

"Not officially, or you'd reek of power," Toothless shrugs. "But the dragons around here say that you're the acting Alpha Female
until the Alpha finds a mate. Is this wrong?"

"My pack members don't seem to think so," I reply. I halt at the stairs that lead deeper into the sanctuary. "Go down here. The end of the cavern is where the Alpha is. And where your rider is. I'll catch up in a second."

"Sounds good," he nods, following my directions. I watch him go, waiting for him to be out of sight, before taking a deep breath. I decide to try and contact Alpine telepathically.

Alpine?

Alpine?

Alpine?

I give up after a moment or two, knowing it's not worth the hassle, and just get on with my plans. I hope this doesn't backfire. If this blows up in my face, I'm dead. Literally.

But with what little faith I have that it won't, I begin, skin tingling in anticipation. It doesn't take long. It never does. Then I make my decent down the stairs, keeping slow and steady, trying not to listen to the voices in my head that are attempting to talk me out of this madness.

The logical side of my brain is what's leading the charge, but the younger, reckless, crazy side that is prone to childishness and mistakes has been caged up for too long. So with that in mind, I enter Alpine's cavern.

And nobody is more surprised than me