I was keeping the dragon.
Whether it liked it or not.
That singular thought settled into my mind as I leaned back against the soft cushions of the picnic blanket, feeling the weight of Smaug's very disgruntled but also very exhausted body curled up on my lap. Its tiny, shrunken form barely took up any space, but its presence was undeniably loud. Even in sleep, its small tail flicked in irritation, its little wings twitching as if still furious about the events of the past hour.
I carefully glanced at my family.
They were all far too pleased with themselves.
