Blue Velvet

 

“You got a package from Grandma today!” Mom exclaimed.

Ashley raised an eyebrow. “But my birthday is next month.”

“She’s been planning this for a while and couldn’t wait.” Mom’s eyes sparkled.

Her curiosity piqued, Ashley opened the box. Inside was a soft blue robe made of thick velvet. “What’s this for?” she wondered aloud.

Mom looked expectantly at Ashley. “Put it on.”

The heavy velvet smelled like a campfire when Ashley tried it on. It completely enclosed her. “I think it’s too big.”

“No, it’s fine. Put the hood on.” Mom tried to hide a smile.

Ashley, however, felt a little silly as she pulled the hood up. It was so big that it covered her face. “I can’t see anything!” she cried. She tried to pull the hood back, but it seemed to have completely merged with the front of the robe. Adrenaline kicked in as she started to panic. “Help! I’m stuck!”

The fabric drew tighter around her as she tried to pull it off. It was so hot inside. Beads of sweat were running down her face. “Mom, I can’t breathe!”

She stumbled forward with her hands outstretched, trying to find Mom or anything that would get her out of this suffocating fabric. She expected to run into the couch any second, but there was nothing there. Where was Mom?

Rage started to build up deep inside of Ashley. She desperately wanted out. Savage cries ripped from her throat as she went into an all-out frenzy. Heat built up inside her as she started rolling around on the floor, using her feet and hands to push against the hateful velvet. She used her claws and teeth to try to rip herself free.

Finally, the sound of ripping fabric rang out and a triumphant roar burst out of her, along with a stream of hot flames.

She breathed in the sweet, sweet smell of pine as she savored her freedom. But where was she? Instead of her living room, she was in the middle of a forest. Spinning around, she saw that someone was watching her.

“Grandma!” Ashley cried. She wanted to give her a hug, but something was wrong with her arms. Looking down, she saw that they were no longer her own. Dark blue scales ran up and down her arms and her hands belonged to a monster. Wicked-looking talons protruded from the ends of her fingers. And were those wings that she felt on her back?

“Relax, dear,” Grandma said calmly. “We’re dragons, and you have successfully completed your first transformation.” She held up a mirror in front of Ashley.

The same blue scales covered Ashley’s face and snout. Sharp teeth gleamed, and her orange eyes were full of fire. She was about to say something to Grandma when she discovered that she had disappeared.

Instead, a purple dragon stood in her place, and Ashley smiled.