"We're screwed, Tilla. I have to leave, or the sun will catch me. I don't know if this stuff lasts once it's been opened. I don't know anything any more." Bo turned his hand palm up so Tilla could stand comfortably.

"I can't make this happen. Maybe we're not the right couple." Tilla sank to her knees.

"Hey," Bo lifted his hand, his eyes opened wide to see his best friend on her knees, hands to her face, sobbing. "Tilla, don't cry. You know I can't stand that. It breaks my heart."

* * * *

Where the night's darkness gave way to a faint glow in the east, the silhouette of a dragon rose. As it drew closer, the dragon increased his speed until he flew, like an arrow, toward the hapless couple.

As Throx bore down, Bo attempted to save Tilla from the flames he saw collecting in the dragon's maw. "Dive!" Throwing both hands toward the water, Bo hurled the packet and Tilla into the saving wet just as he dove for the ground.

* * * *

Tilla paused long enough to notice something happening in the lake, but it wasn't as important as finding Bo and getting him to the cave.

She flew over him without recognizing his charred body.