As we stepped into the hallway, the warm glow of the lamps casting soft shadows on the stone walls, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The day had been long and filled with unexpected moments, but now, with Seraphine at my side and Ember nestled contentedly in my arms, the world felt right.
Seraphine's hand slid into mine, her fingers intertwining with mine as we walked together toward our room.
Ember, now no larger than a house cat, purred softly against my chest, the occasional flicker of flame licking at the fabric of my shirt.
I could feel the little dragon's warmth through the cloth, a gentle reminder of the power that lay dormant within this tiny creature. Despite his small size, Ember was still very much a dragon, and I was beginning to realize that meant constant vigilance.
