The Last Moon Dragon – 2/9

The day started shyly, with the moon still stuck in the sky like a stubborn stain refusing to disappear. The ground of the clearing was cold, damp, and a little uneven, with sharp stones and exposed roots that seemed determined to trip up anyone who wasn't paying attention.

Kaelthys opened one eye and saw Lyra sleeping, completely sprawled out, mouth wide open, hugging her sword with one leg over her backpack. A deep snore escaped her lips, mixed with mumbled complaints about bread thieves and greedy dragons.

The dragon turned slowly, so as not to startle the human, and just watched. He had never seen anyone sleep like that, so unceremoniously, so free. He felt a twinge of envy at her lack of concern. He brought his snout closer, curious. She had a strange scent, a mix of sweat, rusty metal, and mint, probably because of those colorful candies she always carried. He sniffed harder, just to tease her, and almost laughed out loud when she made a face even while asleep.

Unable to resist, Kaelthys let out a low growl, just to see what would happen. Lyra stirred, muttered something about "don't steal my bread," and rolled to the other side, covering her face with her arm. The dragon grinned, showing off his sharp teeth, and thought maybe having company wasn't so bad, even if it was a noisy, quirky human.

Not long after, Lyra woke up with a jump, eyes wide open. She looked around, not quite sure where she was. When she saw Kaelthys, she looked startled for half a second, then relaxed and gave a teasing smile.

"You always watch people sleep, or is it just because I'm irresistible?" she asked, sitting up and stretching without any shame.

Kaelthys answered, feigning indifference. "I was considering whether it was time for roasted human for breakfast, but I decided you're too skinny. Wouldn't even make a good soup."

Lyra burst out laughing, running a hand through her messy hair. "Oh, you're sweet! If I'd known, I would've eaten more yesterday. But since you survived my nighttime symphony, tell me—where's the coffee?"

The dragon looked around dramatically, like someone searching for a lost luxury. "Here, there's only bitter roots, muddy water, and, if you're lucky, a depressed fish. Don't expect a grand feast."

"Alright, I'll make do with stale bread and any fruit without worms," she replied, rummaging through her backpack and pulling out a bruised apple, a slice of stale bread, and a suspicious piece of cheese.

Kaelthys watched, intrigued. "Do you carry food for a month in there, or are you moving in?"

She shrugged. "Going on adventures with grumpy dragons requires planning. You never know when the big guy will get hungry and decide to switch up his diet."

As they shared their makeshift breakfast, the dragon decided to show some initiative. He dragged his claws along the ground, went to the edge of a shallow pond, and stirred the water until a half-drowsy fish appeared. Kaelthys grabbed the fish, shook it, and brought it back as if he'd won a hunting contest.

"There, added some protein. Want some?"

Lyra took the fish, inspecting it with disgust. "I've eaten worse. Once tried frog stew at a food contest in Dry Village. Wouldn't recommend it."

The two of them ate, exchanging jokes and stories. Kaelthys told about a mage who tried to tame him with romantic poetry and ended up flying naked over the forest. Lyra countered with the tale of a prince who thought he was half-horse and tried to neigh at gala balls.

When they finished, Lyra wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and hopped up. "Enough lazing around! Let's explore. I bet there's still something interesting here, even if it's just a brave mouse or a buried gold coin."

Kaelthys stretched, his joints cracking in protest. "Fine, but if you find a rusty coin, it goes straight to your account, got it? I only accept payment in cheese."

Lyra climbed onto the dragon's back with surprising skill for someone so clumsy while sleeping. She held tight to a notch between his scales. "Ready? If you fly too low, I'm pulling your ear."

Kaelthys gave a guttural laugh. "Just don't pick up dragon lice, I've heard they stick to humans forever."

With a powerful beat of his wings, they took off. The cold wind hit Lyra's face, making her scream with a mix of excitement and a little fear. The dragon climbed high, gliding above the ruins, giving a melancholy panorama of a world in pieces. Even so, Lyra seemed fascinated.

"From up here, everything looks smaller. Even sadness feels less scary, don't you think?"

Kaelthys nodded. "Only those who fly know what it's like to forget the weight of things, even if it's just for a few minutes."

They flew to a rocky plateau, where the sun was starting to draw golden lines on the horizon. The landing was a bit rough, with Lyra nearly face-planting, but she got up pretending it was nothing.

They explored together, finding little relics: rusty coins, pieces of old armor, a broken golden ring, and a tiara with fake gems. Lyra stuffed everything into her backpack, saying she might need it to bribe a goblin or, worst case, trade it for a decent loaf of bread.

In the middle of exploring, they heard a growl. A pack of skinny wolves, hungry eyes shining, appeared among the rocks. Lyra drew her sword, ready for a fight.

"Don't worry, big guy, I'll take care of these fuzzballs."

Kaelthys blew a puff of smoke just to scare them. The wolves bolted, disappearing among the trees. Lyra pouted.

"Not even a decent fight! I needed some exercise!"

The dragon laughed. "If you want a real challenge, I could toss you in the lake and bet how long you can last without floating."

She shot back, tossing a stone at him. "Show some respect! I'm the three-time belly-flop champion."

Further on, they found an old firepit, some bones, and an inscription on a rock: "Here lies one who dared to challenge the impossible." Lyra grew thoughtful.

"I think that guy just needed company. Like you, dragon."

Kaelthys pretended not to hear, but the words echoed in his head. Before he could answer, a sweet scent filled the air, totally different from everything else around. Lyra raised her nose, sniffing.

"Smell that? Smells like a good dessert. Maybe some crazy wizard opened a bakery out here?"

Kaelthys sniffed, suspicious. "Must be magic. Nothing here has ever smelled that good."

They decided to follow the trail, walking side by side. Lyra started making up wild theories, saying maybe they'd found the legendary factory of sugary dreams, or a goblin baker was testing new whipped cream spells.

The dragon played along, betting the culprit was a unicorn addicted to candy, or a fairy obsessed with chili pepper ice cream.

With every step, the smell grew stronger, more enveloping, almost hypnotic. Even without knowing what they would find, their hearts raced, as if the universe was about to hand them a big surprise.

And so, they went on together, laughing, teasing each other, trusting that whatever they found, at least this time, they wouldn't be alone.