This was the worst betrayal from people close to you. It was painful both physically and mentally. Your father tightened the ropes on your arms, tying you to the stone pillar, and your mother adjusted the veil, trying not to look into your eyes. They didn't talk to you anymore

It was an old custom, so old that it seemed that everyone had already forgotten about it, but the impending war forced them to remember. The custom of bringing a sacrificial bride to the dragon - the most beautiful of the king's daughters in exchange for help and protection in case of danger

You didn't cry anymore when they finished preparing you for the ritual. They put a wedding dress on you and decorated you with gold jewelry. You looked like a real gem. They left you there alone

You listened and heard something heavy land on the ground, heavy steps were heard and you closed your eyes, then the heavy steps gave way to quieter light ones. A completely human hand, with the exception of long claws, lifts your veil from your face

“They really gave me a real treasure...”