I then realized it instantly. I made the wrong decision... I was wrong, I thought I saw the mercy in him. I thought he would change.... I thought that this would change. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I could be acquaintances with this dragon, maybe even friends...

But, no. That's the problem with me... I see both sides of people, and I try to see the better side of them, more.

I wanted this to turn okay, I wanted this to be over, and I wanted these creatures, even the dragons, to be happy.

But I made the wrong decision.

I wasn't going to submit to this fear that he was trying to get me to do. My grip on Athena was tight, and I stood strongly... Though, in my mind, I felt like I was going to collapse.

I could feel his huffing from his nose on my fur, and I could tell that at any given moment, he would try and hurt us.

He swiped.
This time, I wasn't quick enough to dodge, but I indeed held my stance, and I took the swipe for Athena.

Echo and Lucy's gasps could be heard in that moment, and their paws racing at the speed of sound were also heard.

I could feel my paws start to heat up, meaning Athena was trying to use her power. She chirped at me, and I could tell she was angry.... Who was she angry at? Me? The dragon? Did she want me to release her?

Ah. That's it... She wants me to release her...

I hesitated, being the protective wolf that I was, but I wanted her to have her freedom, and so, I released her.

She soared up in the air, and her wings were light lightning or bolts of light flashing across the sky...

She went for the dragon, at full speed, too.