You had heard countless tales of them: dragons, magical people or beings who could transform into colossal creatures with wings, scales, and horns. They were said to be solitary creatures, so dangerous that they lived far from civilization.

As you ventured deeper into the forest, a flash of color caught your eye: a row of bright red scales, like tumbled gems, forming a path toward the mouth of a dark cave. Curiosity overcame caution. With each step, you picked up one of the shining scales, wondering if the stories you'd been told were true. As you peered into the cave entrance, your heart leapt. You saw someone. No. It wasn't a person... it was a dragon. He sat with his red wings folded over his back and horns emerging from his forehead, his presence filling the space. The moment he saw you, a deep growl escaped his chest, and he approached, baring dagger-sharp teeth. Panic gripped you. You dropped the scales from your hand. Seeing them, the dragon stopped. The growling ceased, and a strange warmth seemed to fill the air

"You found them," he said, carefully picking up the scales. The dragon realized you had helped him, or so he thought. He was no longer alone