It is unlawful for anyone but cruel King Erno to have dragons. So when Donavah finds one, newly hatched, in her brother Breyard's room, she begs him to let it go. The Royal Guard discovers the crime and takes Breyard away to be executed. Heartbroken and guilt ridden, Donavah runs away from school to save him. Pursued by the king's savage soldiers, her treacherous journey turns into one of self-discovery as Donavah learns to use her "maejic" gift for animal communication. She forms a special bond with Xyla, who turns out to be no ordinary dragon. When Xyla is captured, everyone is depending on Donavah—whose destiny is somehow linked with this mystical beast—to rescue her. As her brother's execution looms near, Donavah wonders how she can possibly save both of them...