Angels and Devils XX

"Soon" in Lukan's case still turned out to be several years. Twelve years and eight months after he began his training, the graduation officer finally approved him to graduate. They still held Temerity back.
"I'm supposed to meet the dragons today," Lukan said nervously. He was sitting on Temerity's bed, postponing going to the ceremony as long as possible.
"You'll do fine," Temerity assured him. "Not all soldiers bond to a dragon. Whether you do or don't doesn't mean anything."
"I won't. I know I won't. They'll be able to tell I wasn't ever supposed to graduate."
"Nonsense," Temerity said. "You worked twice as hard as any other cadet."
"But I'm still not even half as good."
"You have a mind for strategy. That's important."
"I guess so..."
"I'm right and you know it. Now let's go, you're going to be late."
Lukan reluctantly stood up and followed Temerity downstairs. The officers were waiting for him. Temerity squeezed his shoulder, then went to sit in the stands.
"Lukan Naroiára," the graduation officer said. "Are you ready to meet the dragons?"
Lukan hesitated, then nodded. The officers led him out into the field. Several dragons were circling overhead.
"If one is interested, they will fly down," the graduation officer explained. "Always let them act first."
Lukan nodded again and the officers left the field. Lukan waited patiently. A few of the dragons flew away immediately. A couple others flew lower, then away. Lukan heard one of them scoff and his shoulders slumped.
"Don't listen to him. He's always a jerk," another voice said. Lukan spun around to see a huge purplish-black dragon hovering just above the ground.
"Oh... Okay." Lukan looked uncertain.
"Not very confident, are you? Well, that's okay. My mom always said I have enough confidence for ten dragons, so I can probably handle that part. You're Lukan, right? I heard you can grow wings! Is that true?"
"Oh... Yes, I can. Not very well, though," Lukan said.
"Well, we'll work on it. I'm Evae. Do you want to try working together?"
Lukan's eyes widened. "Are you sure? I'm not very-"
"I'm positive! Trust the draconic instincts."
"Well then... I'd be happy to work with you."
"Great!" Evae nudged Lukan's head with her snout, looking at the officers. "This one's mine now."
Lukan smiled slightly. The graduation officer stepped forward.
"Lukan and Evae," they said, "welcome to the Order of Brim."