"Of Sand and Starlight" is a short story (about 30 pages long), set in the world of Requiem.
Erry is a dock rat. An orphan, she lives on the boardwalk of a crumbling town. She rummages through trash for food. She's hurt, haunted, and the sea keeps calling her to sleep forever in its depths.
Erry can also turn into a dragon.
Her magic is ancient. The magic that lets her people grow scales, breathe fire, and rise as dragons. Yet her power is outlawed. A cruel emperor rules her land, and only his soldiers may use the magic.
Erry must choose: her freedom on the boardwalk, hungry and hurt . . . or serve a tyrant as a dragon.