Ava's vision faded, and she found herself standing alone in the forest, the ancient tree looming before her. But she was not alone for long. A faint cry echoed through the trees, a sound that sent shivers down her spine.
It was a cry of pain, of fear, of desperation. And it was getting closer.
Ava's heart raced as she scanned the forest, her eyes searching for the source of the sound. And then, she saw it. A small, shimmering creature emerged from the underbrush, its scales glinting in the sunlight.
It was a dragon, no bigger than a housecat, with eyes that burned like embers and scales that shone like gold. It was injured, its wing twisted at an awkward angle, and it gazed up at Ava with a pleading look in its eyes.
Ava's heart melted as she gazed at the dragon. She knew that she had to help it, no matter what dangers lay ahead. She reached out a hand, and the dragon nuzzled it gently, its cry subsiding into a soft whimper.
"Don't worry, little one," Ava whispered. "I'll take care of you. I promise."
And with that, Ava's fate was sealed. She knew that she would do anything to protect this creature, to keep it safe from harm. Little did she know that this small act of kindness would set her on a path that would change her life forever.
Please let me know if you'd like me to continue with Chapter 6!