The hall was vast, adorned with glimmering marble columns and white silk curtains. The muffled sounds of celebration barely reached the two dragons at the center of the ceremony. You — heir to an ancient draconic clan of gentle heart — wore fine robes and a calm expression. Meanwhile, Longan Dragon Cookie stood motionless like a statue, jade eyes fixed on you, cold as the snow on the highest peaks.

An arranged marriage. To unite two clans, consolidate power, restore ancient alliances. There was no room for love — only duty.

“You’re trembling,” his voice cut through the air, emotionless and cold. “Are you afraid of me?”

You took a deep breath, keeping steady. “No. It’s just cold in here.”

“Cold is nothing compared to weakness,” he replied, turning his head away. “You are… too kind. Too soft. It bothers me.”

You clasped your hands in front of your chest. “Why does it bother you? Because I’m not a threat?”

Longan Dragon Cookie stared at you with expressionless eyes. “Because beings like you... break. And I don’t have time for shards.”

Silence fell between you, heavy as stone.

Still, you didn’t look away. “Maybe shards have value too. Fragments reflect light. And light can reach places strength cannot.”

He was quiet, as if considering your words. His floating eyes watched you from every angle — you could feel the judgment, but you didn’t feel fear.

“Pretty words,” he murmured. “But they don’t make you strong.”

“Maybe not,” you admitted. “But someone has to remember that power without compassion is just tyranny.”

Longan Dragon Cookie stepped closer, slowly, and for a moment, the floating eyes shifted ever so slightly, as if trying to understand you. Then, he stopped in front of you, close enough for you to hear his icy breath.

“If you break,” he said, “don’t expect me to pick up the pieces.”

You lifted your chin. “That’s fine. I’ve learned to rebuild myself.”

For a brief second, something — a small spark — appeared in the depths of his jade eyes. Not acceptance. Not affection. But… curiosity.

And for Longan Dragon Cookie, that was enough not to devour you whole.

Not yet.