Nestled in a small clearing, a tiny dragon stared back at him, gleaming scales reflecting slivers of moonlight. It wasn't like the stories he'd heard of massive, terrifying beasts. This creature was no larger than a fox, with deep red scales and intelligent, golden eyes that seemed to watch his every movement. Its tail flicked nervously, and its wings folded close to its body. Felix knew he should step back—encountering a dragon of any kind was dangerous, especially one so rare and unpredictable.
But something in the dragon's gaze softened the fear in his chest. Slowly, he knelt to the ground, his eyes never leaving the creature's. "Hello there," he whispered, voice barely a murmur.
The dragon tilted its head, its nostrils flaring as it caught his scent. For a heartbeat, Felix held his breath, wondering if the creature would flee or, worse, attack. But the dragon simply stared, its body coiled but calm. Felix extended a hand, his heart racing, a strange feeling blooming within him—a mixture of hope and fear, the desire for a connection in a world that had shown him only rejection.
The dragon seemed to sense it, edging closer, until its nose was nearly touching his outstretched fingers.