Ashton kept a wary eye on Paxton as they worked. The dragon didn't care for manual labor, but at least this wasn't picking up charred remains of ice wights or getting dirty in some other detention sentence. He worked diligently, however, scowling at the news that he would have to pay to replace the table. He rumbled his displeasure only once Ms. Stheno left again. Blake gave his adolescent dragon an allowance each month, but Ashton rarely spent it, having very few needs that Barclay didn't take care of.
After everything was finished, besides the table, Ashton dusted off his black sleeves and glanced at the demon who edged closer. Paxton had remained through the entire cleanup, hadn't slunk away, even though he wasn't ordered by the gorgon librarian to help, and he had earned Ashton's respect in the process.
The dragon nodded curtly, but his expression was more at ease around Paxton now. Less suspicion. "Very well."