i moved quickly into the small room . belle dashed around grace and wrapped her hand around kyles arm . the night had been the longest of his life . it was a disconcerting thought , but it gave me an idea . i lean down and scratch him behind the ear . it belongs to the dragon , does n't it ? '' `` it 's normal , '' he says when i 'm done . she smiled at hearing his second reason . `` boys , your uncle ca n't swim tonight . 