****Magnus's POV****

Magnus's patience had already been wearing thin when they first arrived at the Dragon Spring. But now two hours had passed, and his anger levels were beginning to spike. His friends were chatting amicably amongst one another, ignoring his pacing in front of the water pool. They were used to his frustrated behavior after years of experience.

If only Maia were here, she would agree that all this waiting is absolutely awful. At least he still had his faithful companion. Midnight Sparkles continued to trot along behind him, glued to him like his shadow would be.

"Magnus, could you please stop pacing? It's beginning to make Simon anxious." Clary called out to him, despite Simon's protests.

"I'll stop moving around only once the dragons show up."

And maybe not even then. While Catarina was almost certain the dragons who came to this spring would not be hostile, Magnus couldn't help having his own doubts. His friends were much too optimistic in regards to the scaly freaks, to the point where it was probably a borderline safety risk. Whenever he saw the light in their eyes as they discussed the brilliance of dragons, he could not help but wonder why they became friends in the first place. He reminded himself of all the good qualities his friends had. Simon's fright over almost anything, Clary's bravery and resilience, Cat's intelligence and outpouring compassion.

"Well you might be walking around for awhile then. Wouldn't you rather save all that energy just in case?" Cat said.

He swung his head in her direction, intrigued by the implications of her words. "In case of what dearest Catarina?"

His friend held his gaze, the intensity in those dark eyes never wavering. "In case something comes out of the woods to attack us. There are plenty of bears and wolves living in this area."

Magnus resisted the urge to sigh. Why do I even bother hoping for the correct response. These people will be dragon lovers till their deaths. And maybe even beyond that, if those scaly wretches don't get them killed.

He was so lost in thought he almost didn't hear the flapping sound. It came in the wind, barely overhead by the violent water splashing down onto the ground. Magnus halted in place, Midny's snout poking at the back of his neck curiously as he looked up at the sky. His eyes narrowed up at the clouds. There was a large shape up there now, eclipsing the white sunlight. It was impossible to tell it's color from so high up in the air, but he could tell by the shadow it cast on the ground that the dragon had to be huge up close.

"At last. We have incoming," Clary said. It was as though the sight of the dragon brought her relief. Magnus had no idea why such a monster would put his friend at ease. Out of all his friends, she was the one who was obsessed with dragons the most. Clary talked about dragons like they were a part of her, something tied to the very depth of her soul.

Simon and Catarina were getting to their feet with the redhead. Magnus swung bad up onto Midnight Sparkles in one swift motion. He kept his swords sheathed for now, along with the quiver and collapsible bow which remained strapped to his back. If his plan was to work, it was best to appear non-threatening. Father claimed dragons to have small brains, but Magnus knew better. Dragons aren't stupid, despite how evil they are. I must be careful as I proceed. Otherwise I'll end up as mincemeat.

"Get prepared for landing in 3. . . 2. . . 1." Catarina counted down as the dragon swooped down to the Earth. A red female dragon landed on the stony ground, her dark eyes sweeping the scenery.

"Wait for us!" Another voice called out. Magnus looked up in time to see two more dragons in the air.

"No guys! Don't land! Don't land!" The darkest dragon called out from its spot still up in the sky. The other dragons did not seem to care. A golden dragon was the next to touch down. He was a bulky thing with long spiraling horns.

"Come on! It's safe! These little humans mean no harm!" The red one shouted up to the only dragon still airborne.

"I'm coming down, but only to make sure you idiots don't get yourself killed."

The final dragon touched down with an air of regality his other two companions did not possess. Blue eyes flirted over Catarina, Clary and Simon before finally meeting Magnus's gaze. This dragon was all dark and brooding, a glimmering pattern underlying his wings. Bluish streak marks were visible down his throat and stomach. Whoever this dragon was had to be important.

Realization struck him a heartbeat later as those blue eyes bore into his own golden ones. It can't be! It just can't!