As Cielle made her way to the training ground, the sky was ablaze with the first hints of sunrise.
The horizon shimmered with hues of pink and gold, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the world below. Shadows danced upon the ground, elongating and stretching as if reaching out to greet the dawn.
With each step she took, Cielle felt the warmth of the morning sun caress her skin, a gentle reminder of the new day dawning before her.
The air was crisp and invigorating, carrying with it the scent of dew-kissed grass and the promise of adventure on the wind.
Arriving at the training grounds, Cielle's breath caught in her throat at the sight before her.
The dragon stood tall and proud, his scales shimmering in the early morning light like molten gold. His wings were outstretched, catching the rays of the rising sun and casting intricate patterns of shadow and light upon the ground.
Several knights had already gathered around the dragon, their armor gleaming in the soft morning light as they prepared for the day's training. Their voices were hushed in reverence, a tangible sense of anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
With a sense of purpose burning bright within her chest, Cielle walked toward the dragon, her eyes alight with determination. She could feel the weight of his gaze upon her, a silent challenge that stirred something primal within her soul.
The sun was rising higher in the sky, casting its golden rays upon the ancient courtyard and illuminating the path that lay before them.
As Cielle approached the dragon, her anticipation was palpable, tinged with a touch of uncertainty. The memory of their previous night's encounter lingered in her mind, a fragile thread of connection she hoped to strengthen.
But as she drew nearer, she was met with a surprising sight.
Instead of the expected signs of gratitude or resignation, the dragon's eyes burned with an unmistakable anger, sending a chill down her spine. Cielle's steps faltered, her heart heavy with confusion.
With hesitant movements, she reached out to the dragon, her touch tentative as she tried to calm the storm brewing within him.
Yet, her efforts were met with a fierce recoil, the dragon's snarl a sharp reminder of the barriers between them.
Feeling a pang of disappointment, Cielle took a step back, her gaze lingering on the dragon's form as he squirmed restlessly. It was clear that their journey together would be far more complicated than she had anticipated.
"Easy there," Cielle said, her voice steady despite the unease fluttering in her chest. "I mean no harm, and I know you know it."
She knew that he knew she meant no harm, because if she did, why did she sneak out at midnight just so she could heal him?
He is being unreasonable now.
With cautious steps, she extended her hands toward the dragon's forehead, hoping to soothe the simmering anger that radiated from him.
But before her fingertips could make contact, the dragon let out a menacing growl, snapping his teeth in warning.
Cielle jerked back, her hand flying back to her chest. Why was he acting this way? Cielle had thought all his hate toward her had somehow burned down after she helped him heal.
But now she felt like she was mistaken.
The knights nearby tensed, their hands reaching for weapons as they prepared to intervene.
One of them yanked a whip from his belt, his eyes flashing with determination as he readied himself to charge forward.
But Cielle held up a hand, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Wait," she commanded, her tone firm yet tinged with urgency. "Let me try. And shove that thing away from my sight." She motioned toward the whip.
Reluctantly, the knight lowered his weapon, casting a wary glance in Cielle's direction. With a steadying breath, Cielle turned back to face the dragon, her eyes locking with his in a silent exchange.
In that moment, something shifted between them, the fire in the dragon's eyes dimming with acknowledgment.
Cielle took another step forward, her hand outstretched in a gesture of peace, she needed to tame him without weapons. Without hurting him.
She needed to choose a path of trust and reliance and not pain and suffer like how her uncle wanted it for the dragon.
she could feel the dragon's resolve faltering, his anger giving way to a flicker of uncertainty as his gaze locked with her. His huge glittery eyes scrutinized her movements closely as if he was not sure he can let close.
With a gentle touch, Cielle reached out to the dragon once more, her fingertips grazing the sleek scales of his forehead.
And to her surprise, he didn't recoil this time, allowing her touch to linger as a sense of calm washed over them both.