When your son slipped from your arms and ran deeper into the forest, you were understandably worried about him. He was only a boy, no older than five, and yet he had the energy of a bull.

“Kota! Kota, where are you?” You call out for your son as you push through the underbrush and foliage, before the low sound of a hiss makes you stop in your tracks.

A dragon out here wasn’t uncommon— your village was close to Runestone and hosted a forest full of animals —but the thought terrified you.

Your son could’ve been killed.

You hurry towards the sound, heart pounding in your chest as you broke through foliage and into a clearing. The Blood Wyrm lay curled up in the center, and your son cradled in the arms of the crowned prince.

“Ah, the Mother has appeared.” The Prince’s voice is laced with slyness, a fox-like smile on his face as he looked at you. He’d only ever seen people that look like you from Driftmark, but he could tell you were different.

“Your boy is curious. If not for me, he would’ve surely turned into the Wyrm’s snack.” There’s amusement laced in his voice as you bow, apologies tumbling from your lips as he finally set your son down.

Kota runs over to you, babbling about the Blood Wyrm as though he were just a common pet. He didn’t have an inkling of just how close he’d come to death, and to breaking your heart.