The morning sun barely peeked through the curtains when a soft pop echoed in Luzia's bedroom.
In a swirl of silver light, Roldan appeared, still in his sleek baby dragon form, blinking sleepily as he landed with a soft thud on the carpet.
He shook himself off, tiny wings fluttering.
Perfect, he thought. Quiet landing. No fuss. Luzia won't even notice.
He crept closer to the bed where Luzia slept soundly, her hair a brown halo across the pillow. His chest swelled with fierce loyalty.
I'll stay by her side. Always.
Before he could even hop onto the bed, the door creaked open.
"Luzia, wake up—!" Catalina's voice rang out as she barged into the room, ready to yank her out of bed by force if needed.
Her eyes landed immediately on the small dragon near Luzia's bedside.
Instant panic.
Catalina shrieked, grabbed the nearest object — a pillow — and hurled it at Roldan without hesitation.
"Monster!"
