10 Chapter 10

10 When Azmina was starting to feel very dizzy, Buttercub purred in her ear. "The Tree Queen sent a message via the birds. She wants to see you all."

"Then let's go!" said Azmina. She, Willa, and Naomi each did one last somersault before zooming down through the treetops. Now that the sunshine was back to full strength, the forest looked even more lovely. Dappled light filtered through shining leaves. The grass and flowers seemed brighter than ever. Azmina felt the sun's gentle warmth on her back as she and the others swooped toward the glade. Best of all, the terrible feeling that the Shadow Sprites were lurking had faded. Faded, but not disappeared completely. Azmina was pretty sure that the troublesome sprites were not going to give up so easily. "There's the glade!" called Naomi, and together they swooped down toward the heart of the Magic Forest, where the sunlight seemed brightest of all. As they came in to land and stepped through the shimmering air, the birds burst into song. What a

welcoming party! Azmina thought her heart might burst with pride. The Tree Queen swirled into human form, smiling warmly. "Well done, Glitter Dragons! You were given a challenge that many would have found overwhelming. You succeeded brilliantly." "We almost messed up. A few times, actually," admitted Azmina.

The Tree Queen smiled gently. "Yes, but you always figured it out in the end. You have the makings of a truly fantastic team. Those glow bees would be proud." Azmina, Willa, and Naomi grinned at one another. Being praised by the Tree Queen felt very, very good. "Here's the magic apple," said Azmina, pulling it out of her bag. But the fruit was now withered, like a forgotten apple at the bottom of a school bag. "Sorry," she said, gulping. "I don't know how that happened. It was fine before." "Don't worry," the Tree Queen reassured her. "The apple has served its purpose. This just means this part of the quest is complete." As she spoke, the apple gave a little shudder and with a loud pop, disappeared into a cloud of sparkling dust. The dust made Azmina sneeze seven times in a row! Willa and Naomi couldn't stop laughing. Even the Tree Queen was chuckling by the end of Azmina's sneezing fit.

Once everyone had calmed down, the Tree Queen addressed the Dragon Girls once more. "I am proud of you, Glitter Dragons," she said. "It is difficult for a new team to find its feet—or its claws—but you are well on the way. Now you must return to your homes and rest. You'll be missed if you stay here any longer. But I need you back tomorrow. There are even bigger challenges ahead. Can I count on you all to return?" "Of course!" they chorused. "But how do we get home?" Azmina asked, suddenly eager to see her mom again. "You return the same way you came," said the queen. "Choose a travel charm from something nearby to focus on, then say the chant." A golden leaf twirled down through the air and landed in front of Azmina. She picked it up, noticing that Willa and Naomi were also holding objects, although she couldn't see what they were. Azmina clasped the leaf, focusing on its beautiful color and the soft, cool feel of it.

Just before she began to chant, she heard Naomi say, "Azmina, let's meet up at lunchtime tomorrow? To talk Dragon Girl business?" Azmina grinned and nodded, too pleased even to speak. She wasn't the new girl anymore. Now she truly belonged! Azmina, along with the other two Glitter Dragons, began to chant: Magic Forest, Magic Forest, come explore.