she looked at cat , who sat huddled , shaking , on the porch steps , unable to raise her head . he 'd used a crop , and he had n't been as gentle as he had that first night . my shirt must have ridden up when i hugged dad . moments later , the dragons glided softly to the wet , tilted floors , allowing the water to drain at the sides . i reach the lift and the doors instantly ping open . then make up more rules as needed . ' three days later she was on a plane . 