The soft hum of the wind whispered through the forest canopy, carrying the scent of morning dew and old pine. A faint golden glow shimmered between the trees — not sunlight, but the gentle aura of a dragon resting beneath a broken arch of stone.

Kaelith lay curled around a single egg, his tail wrapped protectively over its gleaming shell. The faint warmth it gave off was the only comfort he had left since leaving the lands of men. His fur, still dusted with travel dirt, glowed softly under the pale dawn.

He sighed, eyes half-open, watching faint particles of light drift through the air. The forest was quiet — too quiet. Every sound made his ears twitch, every rustle reminded him of those who once sought him out for his “miracle.”

But here, maybe… he could start again.

He ran a paw gently over the egg’s smooth surface. “Don’t worry,” he murmured softly, his voice trembling like the breeze. “No one will take you away. Not anymore…”

A twig snapped in the distance. Kaelith’s head lifted, golden eyes glimmering with both fear and hope. Someone — or something — was near.