He touched a rune beside the door, stopping the carriage at a stone landing watched by Dungeon-Born guards. When he opened the door, the creature settled onto the paving and lowered its head toward Lucy.
*Krr...?*
"That's his apology. You can touch him if you'd like."
Lucy shook her head at Kanut, her hands locked around Mrs. Weller's arm.
"No, thank you!"
"I'll do it!"
Milo surprised himself by getting up. His heart was still pounding when he reached the doorway, but the monster held its head down for him, waiting while he found the courage to put a hand against its scales.
They were warm beneath his palm. At his first stroke, a rumble passed through the creature's throat, and he found himself smiling.
"Wow... So cool! But you should be more careful when there are girls in the carriage."
Ben made a noise behind him. Milo ignored it.
*Kree-ee.*
The creature dipped its head toward Milo, letting him rub along the ridge above its eyes.
"Can people ride these?"
