Mother's Love -1

Leon stirred awake, the first rays of sunlight spilling through the cracks in the old building's wooden walls. His eyelids fluttered open, and the first sight to greet him was a serene, radiant face—his mother's. Her silvery hair cascaded down her shoulders, glinting softly in the light. Her delicate horns framed her gentle features, and her tail rested curled beside her. She sat upright against the wall, her lap a resting place for both Leon and Aliya, whose tiny frame clung to her as if seeking warmth and safety.

Leon lay still, overwhelmed by the scene before him. For a moment, he allowed himself to bask in the peace of it, but the calm didn't last. A single tear welled up and slid down his cheek, its warmth a stark contrast to the chill in his heart. Guilt gripped him tightly. His actions—or rather, the actions of the previous Leon—played vividly in his mind. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice trembling. He didn't even know who the apology was meant for—his mother, Aliya, or himself. Perhaps all three.

His mother's golden eyes opened, meeting his tear-filled gaze. Without a word, she pulled him into a tight embrace. Her warmth seeped into him, offering comfort he didn't feel he deserved. "Enough, my son," she whispered, her voice firm yet tender. "You're my child, and you're a dragon. Dragons don't cry over small matters."

Leon pulled back slightly, his voice cracking as he responded, "How can this be a small matter? I wrongfully accused you, exiled you to this abandoned building, and let Aliya fear for her safety just to visit you! I… I don't deserve your comfort. Please, forgive me."

Without hesitation, she raised a hand and lightly slapped him across the mouth. The unexpected sting silenced him, leaving him stunned. "Haven't I told you to stop crying?" she said, her tone sharper now. "When you cry like this, you disrespect your bloodline. A dragon does not wallow in guilt or self-pity. We are stronger than that."

Leon blinked, taken aback by her words. "I… didn't expect you to react like this," he muttered, unsure whether to feel grateful or bewildered.

His mother sighed, her expression softening. "You have much to learn about what it means to be a dragon," she said, her voice filled with both pride and a tinge of sadness. "When I was Aliya's age, my parents left me in a jungle filled with beasts. They told me to survive or die trying. I killed every beast in that jungle, and only then did they acknowledge me as their child. And yes," she added with a faint smile, "in my youthful rebellion, I even poisoned their meals a few times. They were pleased. They said it showed I was growing strong and already preparing to take their place."

Leon stared at her, his jaw slightly slack. "So… dragons are just meatheads?" he mumbled under his breath.

Her response was swift and unrelenting—a sharp slap to his other cheek, leaving both sides slightly swollen. He flinched but didn't dare protest.