Chapter 8

Yale looked at Clay, “What do you mean?”

Jenna nodded and interrupted, “ Yeah…what does that mean?” both men looked at her and then back at each other.

"Queen Angela used the time clock and changed her destiny.  Maybe this human can do the same," said Yale.

Jenna smirked, “My name is Jenna.  Talk about me not having manners.  You didn’t even ask for my name, and you didn’t even introduce yourself, Yale.  I just know your name because he said it.”  Both men laughed they had been referring to Jenna as the human this entire time.

“As I was saying.   In Jenna’s timeline, there are no supernaturals.  Maybe she can help us end this war and save all of us," said Clay.

Jenna sighed, “There is nothing in any of our history books about this war. Supernaturals are just make-believe.”

Clay nodded, “But you came from a different timeline, so maybe you’re the key to changing everything.”

"In books, supernaturals are scary.  Vampires kill humans and drink their blood, dragons are ferocious, werewolves are feared, and witches are deemed crazy.”  Jenna said with a look of worry on her face.

Both men smiled, “So most of that is true, but we all follow rules and a code.”

Jenna looked at them both, “a code?”

Clay nodded, “Yes.  Each type of supernatural, as you call us, has a king or a queen.  There are laws we all follow.  How do you think we have lived in peace for centuries with humans?”  Jenna nodded.  That made sense.  She didn’t understand what made Queen Angela decide to do this if things were working so well.

“So what do we do?” asked Jenna.

"I think we need to call a council meeting with each king or queen.  We need to tell them about you and what’s going on.”  Stated Yale, a look of determination on his face.

Jenna swallowed. “Are you sure that’s such a good idea?”

Yale nodded, “ You said we are extinct in your timeline.  What if it was the other way around?  Would you want your species to go extinct?” asked Yale.  Jenna shook her head without hesitation.

“Exactly!” exclaimed Clay. 

"In the morning, we will fly to Dragon’s Palace and meet with my father,” Yale said.

"Your father?” asked Jenna.

Clay grinned, “Yeah, can you believe that oversized lizard is a prince?”

Jenna smirked, “I can now.”  Yale glared at her and Clay.

“Well, let us figure out where we're sleeping," said Yale, quickly changing the subject.

Jenna looked at both men, “I would like to sleep next to the fire if that’s ok.  It’s a bit chilly In here.”

Clay nodded, “That’s fine.  We will sleep In our usual places.”  Yale yawned as he walked to the bed in the corner of the cave.  Clay brought over a bear skin rug for Jenna and laid it out in front of the fire.  She lay down, and Clay covered her with the blanket she had been using, walking over to the couch and lying down.  The air was cold, but the fire kept her toasty.  The snoring from both dragons echoed through the cave.  She sighed as she tried to cover her ears, glaring at both of the dragons in their sleep.  She missed her earbuds.  Right now, she would prefer to hear the Morgs screaming at each other rather than this loud, obnoxious snoring.

She rolled over, trying to get comfortable but couldn’t.  She sighed as she looked at them both and got up, walking outside of the cave and finding a spot to sit against the mountain.   Jenna looked out into the night sky; it was breathtaking, the number of stars she could see.  She wrapped the blanket around herself and marveled at the expanse of space that stretched on into infinity.  Jenna breathed deeply; the air was magnificently clean.  There were no pollutants in the air and no light pollution to destroy this marvelous view.

She thought about what Clay had said.  How could she change their destiny when she couldn’t even change her own?  She was just a child that no one wanted; she thought about Melanie and Max.  What would they do without her?  Even though she kept her distance from them, she loved both of them. She sighed and hear footsteps came.

“What are you doing out here?” asked Clay.

Jenna smiled, “Did you know that you both snore… like incredibly loud?  Like so loud that it sounds like a beast is attacking?”

Clay laughed, “ You know, I’ve heard that before but never believed it, but thanks for confirming it,” he grinned.

Jenna sighed, “I guess I kind of miss home… even though I didn’t really have one.”

Clay looked at her, “Are you an orphan?”

Jenna shook her head.  “No, but my mom couldn’t take care of me, so I was given to other people.  We have something called foster care for children with parents who can't take care of them.  You can either stay with that family forever if they choose to keep you, or you get moved around over and over again.”

Clay looked at her, “You got moved?”

Jenna nodded, “Yes… I've been in three different homes.  That’s not as bad as some kids, but it also isn’t easy.  My mom is a drunk.”

Clay sighed, “I’m sorry, Jenna.”

Jenna shrugged, “I’ve never had control over my own life, and now you want me to save your species.  That’s a tall order, Clay.”

Clay laughed, “We just want you to try, is all.”

Jenna nodded, “And I will; just don’t be surprised if I have no idea what I’m doing.” She chuckled.

"Fake it until you make it, right?” said Clay with a one-shoulder shrug and smirk.

Jenna nodded, “I suppose.”

Clay smiled as he looked at Jenna, “Well, I’ll make you a promise.  As long as you try, we will be your family.  We will protect you and keep you safe.  I promise to never give you to another home unless you choose to go."

Jenna laughed, “Deal.”  Clay smiled as he moved closer to Jenna, and she rested her head on his shoulder.  She had only met him today, but she believed him.  This wasn’t just about changing their destiny though; it was also about changing her own destiny.  She soon fell asleep, leaning against Clay.  Tomorrow she would meet a dragon king.