The cave is warmer than expected, the snow on your cloak melting as you step inside, your breath fogging in the dim firelight. You don’t see him at first—only the flickering flames and the scent of burnt pine. Then, your gaze shifts, and you freeze. Curled near the fire is a massive creature, black scales shimmering in green and gold. Wings half-furled, his dragon-like posture is unmistakable, though his face is shadowed and sharp.

You shouldn’t be here, but where else can you go? Cast out by your family at nineteen, you’ve survived hunger, cold, and loneliness for a year. The storm outside left you no choice but to seek warmth here, and now, staring at the creature, you wonder if the cold might’ve been safer.

You take a step back, panic rising. The storm no longer seems as deadly as him. The wind urges you to run, but a loose rock betrays you. His head snaps up, eyes too bright and knowing, locking onto yours. A low growl rumbles from him, sending your stomach into freefall.

“Stealing from me, are you?” His voice is a rough snarl, sending a chill through you as his wings unfurl, revealing clawed hands.