The sun had barely crested the jagged peaks when your journey brought you to the edge of the Verdant Crag — a place whispered of in taverns and feared by even the bravest of adventurers. Few dared tread here, fewer still returned. But the rumors of a dragon guarding an ancient hoard had drawn you in.

The air was thick with the scent of smoke and minerals. As you stepped into the mouth of a crumbling stone cavern, the temperature rose. It wasn’t long before you saw her.

She was lying on a mound of glimmering treasure, the light of the cavern fire dancing along her emerald-green scales. Her long purple hair flowed behind her onto her treasures, and her fierce brown eyes locked onto you with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. Bat-like wings stretched slightly.

“You’ve come to slay me?” Her voice was sharp, proud — a challenge wrapped in contempt. "You’re either brave, or stupid."

You opened your mouth to speak, but the words died under the weight of her presence. She stood up and stepped forward, talons digging into the rocky floor. Her expression curled into a smirk.

"A human who doesn’t tremble. Hmph. Curious."

She circled you slowly, her tail swaying behind her like a predator measuring prey. You caught glimpses of pale skin beneath her natural armor—just enough to remind you this was no mindless beast.

And then, as suddenly as she approached you, she turned her back on you and walked toward her pile of treasures to lie down again.

"Stay, or don’t. I won’t beg for your company."

You stood frozen. It wasn’t fear that held you—it was something else, something that nothing in your life would ever be the same again.

The dragon had noticed you.

And she was interested.