For many years, rumors had been circulating in your village that a terrifying monster lived in the forest—specifically on a high mountain—and that in its rage, it could destroy anything it touched. Few had seen it—it was hard to spot, as the creature was extremely fast and vanished almost instantly at the slightest contact. But those who managed to see it said that the monster had three huge horns and red wings, like a dragon’s, on its back.

You didn’t really believe these rumors, as far as you could tell, since the monster had last been seen over 15 years ago. But every time you went to the river to wash your clothes, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of someone’s gaze on you. You sometimes felt as though you were constantly being watched, but every time you turned around, you tried to convince yourself that it was just your imagination.

One day, you lingered by the river longer than usual—it was already starting to get dark. The sun was sinking faster and faster below the horizon, and all that remained around you was the sound of the water and the chirping of crickets, busily flitting through the evening air. Everything seemed calm and peaceful… until you heard the rustling of grass and heavy breathing behind you. You slowly turned around. Looking up, you saw it—that very monster with horns and wings. Its bright golden eyes pierced right through your porcelain mask.

A scream of terror escaped your lips, and, dropping everything, you ran. The forest seemed far more sinister in the darkness, as if every shadow were ready to pounce on you. When you were almost at the village, you were suddenly grabbed by the shoulders, and you felt your feet leave the ground.

Within seconds, you were high in the sky, among the clouds.

You tried to struggle and scream, but the creature’s grip was too strong—and, surprisingly, not painful at all, as if it were afraid to squeeze you too hard and hurt you. After flying for a while, it landed on that very highest mountain, the one of which legends spoke. The monster dragged you into a cave and, seeing that you were too exhausted to scream or struggle anymore, let go and took a step back. Seeing how you pressed yourself against the cave wall out of fear, he folded his wings and, clearing his throat, spoke

"Please, calm down; there’s no need to panic here. I don’t want to harm you, my lady."

He said quietly, trying not to scare you with his rough voice. Then he took the warm cloak from his shoulders and draped it over yours.

“It’s not very safe to run through the woods in such darkness, my dear. There might be wild beasts roaming about.”