At that moment, a patrol guard in silver uniform passed by.
He smiled and reminded the children nearby, "Stay back from the cages, and don't use magic on the little creatures. They can be mischievous."
Luna quickly nodded and pulled the boy beside her half a step back.
"Got it! We'll be careful!" she said with a bright smile.
The guard gave a satisfied nod, patted the baton at his waist, and continued his patrol.
Meanwhile, the vendor playfully waved his wand, conjuring a string of colorful bubbles that drew laughter from the crowd.
Luna was caught in the cheerful mood, never realizing that trouble was about to begin.
Suddenly—CLANG!
A cage toppled to the ground.
Its door burst open, and the jewel-scaled baby dragon was gone.
It had escaped!
While the vendor was distracted with his little trick, a mischievous beastling had knocked the cage aside.
The baby dragon spread its translucent wings and slipped into the busy street.
"Ah! Careful!" the vendor cried, reaching out in vain.
He caught only a drifting feather as the dragon darted away.
The children gasped, then chaos erupted.
Some screamed in excitement, eager to chase it.
Others stepped back in fear.
The baby dragon crashed into a basket of fruit, sending apples rolling across the cobblestones.
Then it bumped a string of balloons free, which soared into the sky.
"Catch it!" Luna shouted, dashing forward.
But in the press of the crowd, she noticed the boy from earlier also rushing ahead.
He stretched out his arms to block the dragon's path.
"Watch out!" Luna warned.
Too late.
The baby dragon slipped past his legs.
The boy stumbled and fell hard onto the ground, eyes brimming with tears.
The dragon fluttered farther down the street.
Right toward a cart piled high with cargo, rolling blindly in its way.
"Somebody stop it! Don't let it get hurt!" the vendor cried.
The crowd erupted with shouts, some adults hesitating to move closer, fearing they would only scare the creature more.
Luna's heart raced like a drum.
Her lips pressed tight, eyes fixed on both the fallen boy and the dragon in danger.
She knew she had to act.
Taking a deep breath, Luna clenched her tiny fists.
Her decision was made.
She would step forward.