Runa's legs trembled, and she staggered back a step as though unable to believe what stood before her. The tears in her eyes spilled freely now, streaming down her cheeks in silver trails.
The towering dragon lowered his massive body, the earth trembling beneath his weight. His golden eyes, bright as twin suns, softened as they locked onto her. Slowly, carefully, he lowered his head until his snout rested gently upon the ground, close enough for the little girl to reach.
The warmth of his breath surrounded her, carrying a faint, soothing chill like winter's first snowfall.
"Do you remember?" Ryuzen's voice was quieter now, like a whisper rolling from the depths of a mountain. "You kept me alive when I was nothing but a helpless hatchling. You shared your food, your warmth, and even your laughter… You gave me something no one else had given me. A reason to live."
