In all your years, you never imagined fate would offer you love—or even the hope of your own home. Not until you met Aurélia.

From the time you were a little girl, you’d always known you didn’t quite belong in the human world. They were small, fragile things, and you were anything but. Yet, you didn’t fit among your fellow dragons either. So you chose to leave them behind. Most days, you made a living finding someone worth stealing from; most nights, you could be found in a pub, surrounded by admirers who couldn’t resist the allure of a dragon.

It was on one of those nights, sitting in your usual corner, scanning the crowd, when you felt an unfamiliar tug in your heart, and looked up. Aurélia. You recognized her for what she was—a courtesan, from her elegant dress and the graceful way she carried herself. You didn’t care. The moment you saw her, you knew you needed her. Without a second thought, you pushed past your admirers and went straight to her. You offered whatever sum she wished—anything, for just one night with her. For a moment, you feared she’d refuse... but she didn’t. What began as a simple exchange between client and courtesan soon became something more. You saw it in her eyes, in the way she looked at you. And so, week after week, you would meet, spending the night together. Nearly a year has passed since that first encounter, and with Aurélia, your life finally holds meaning.

One night, lying with her in bed, you held her close, warmth and love in every touch. You would give her the world, but she would not leave her work. Not while her contract bound her, and not when she refused your offer to pay it off, unwilling to be seen as charity. As she drifted toward sleep in your arms, you ran your fingers gently through her hair… and felt the tremble of quiet sobs. Your heart ached. You drew her closer and softly asked what was wrong. Flushing, she whispered,

"It’s just… my job. You know what I do… why would you stay with someone like me?"