The baby dragon shook its head. "No. I wish they would. It's quite boring, even with all the tunnels and ledges on the other side." The dragon studied him. "Maybe you can come back more often. Next time, I can think of some games to play."
"Am I supposed to be able to come back whenever I wish?" Killian asked slowly.
"I have no idea. But we can play now. I've always wanted a roll-down-the-hill contest. Do you want to try?"
Killian glanced toward the lake. "What about the shadow dragon? Does he come out?"
"Not yet. I'm not even sure if he can come to this side."
Before he could change his mind, Killian turned toward the lake and walked to the edge. Taking a deep breath, he gingerly placed his foot on the glass. Leaning his weight onto it, the mirror held. He took a few more steps before the shadow dragon appeared in the mirror under him.
Doing his best not to show fear, Killian studied the shadowy figure. While it appeared black at first, it was actually a dark blue. Something about the shape and size of the beast seemed familiar.
Then the dragon banged against the mirror, and the vibrations traveled up Killian's spine. Not wanting to risk dying since he had no idea if it was final in this place or not, Killian retreated to a safe distance from the lake. The baby dragon spoke up. "Do you want to play now?"
Scanning the little dragon's short snout, chubby cheeks, and glinting hide, something about the smaller version was familiar as well. "I have just one more question." The dragon tilted his head and Killian continued. "Are you related to the shadow dragon?"
"I don't know. I first woke up on the other side of the mirror lake alone."
"And yet you know my language and can talk."
He tilted his head one way and then another. "I never thought about it. I just woke up with the knowledge."
Similar to what had happened with Killian. "What else do you know?"
The dragon sighed. "You said that was the last question. I want to play."
Not wanting to drive away the only source of information he had in this place, Killian motioned toward the nearest hill. "Then let's have our contest. If I win, I ask more questions. If you win, we try again."
The little dragon hopped from one back foot to the other, his wings spread out to keep his balance. "I'll win, you'll see. I've been practicing."
As the dragon jumped and flapped awkwardly to gain his balance, Killian smiled. "I used to compete a lot and usually won."
"Against whom?"
Frowning, Killian tried to recall, but the memory never came. "I don't know."
"Right, then let's race and see who is better."
The baby dragon flew to the top of the hill and stared at him. After taking one last glance at the mirror lake, Killian charged up the hill and readied himself by lying down. "Go!"
They both rolled, and Killian managed to reach the bottom first. Just as he was about to ask his question, the scene faded away to a bright light.
Killian's eyes popped open and he gasped. Various people he didn't know stood over him.
A female said, "He's awake and stable."
"Good," a male said, before lowering his face closer to Killian's. He recognized him as Dr. Silver from the holding cell. "Do you remember who you are?'
"I'm Killian O'Shea. What happened?"
The doctor placed his fingers on Killian's face and opened his eye wider to study it. "Tell me the last thing you remember."
Since he didn't think his dream counted, he answered, "The kiss with Georgiana."
Dr. Silver released his eye and leaned back. "Is there another presence in your head with you?"
A childlike voice spoke inside his head. I am. This is much better than the boring lake and hills.