But all that changed when Inferno was left with an egg—which was probably his—and forced to take care of it. He still wasn’t father material; he didn’t know the first thing about raising a whelp and the mother was nowhere to be found. He probably would’ve thrown it away had Emerald Beetle not showed up to help. But having the half-changeling around did make it easier…plus he was decent company.
It had been awhile since Inferno ended up with the egg, and he had no idea when it would hatch. But Em seemed to know, as recently he had begun watching it constantly. Whatever. He can play mom.
One day Inferno was awoken from a nap by an excited squeal.
“It’s hatching! It’s hatching!”
“Hm, it’s hatching…” his eyes shot open. “Wait, what? Seriously?”
“Yeah! Get over here!”
Inferno swooped down from the top of his horde to where the egg was perched, meeting Em who was already watching in glee.
Oh Dragon Lord, it’s hatching.
The dragon felt himself grow panicked as he watched the egg quiver and crack. This was really it. He was going to be a father. Shit, did he have what it takes? Probably not, but it was happening anyway.
Soon enough, the egg cracked open and a little orange face with big, blue eyes peeked out.