Celina lied on her back and stared at the ceiling, breath shallow, trying not to move. The room was dark, woods completely burned out, leaving nothing but ashes and the distinct smell behind. She blinked a few times, eyes bleary and adjusting to the lack of light, slightly disoriented for a moment or two.          Last night was real. The more she thought about it, the more breathlessness Celina experienced. She behaved like an oblivious fool all this time, doubting Javier when he's been trying to help her. Her body felt numb as she recalled the broken expression on his face, the defeated look as he watched her leave.          The young woman knew he tried to stop her from leaving. She saw his reflection in the mirror of the car but remained motionless. Heartlessly Celin

The little girl in pigtails perched on one of the towers, her legs crossed together. Celina was merely six years old when she learned that her father trained dragons. It was fascinating, igniting curiosity in her; that's why she followed him.     Her mother would have forbidden her, but Celina skillfully sneaked away. Sitting by the railing, she got to watch the entire scene unfold in front of her eyes. It was breathtaking, watching as the dragons soared in formation across the sky, performing elaborate manoeuvres, shooting at targets both grounded and airborne with their claws or fire darting out of their mouth.   Celina's eyes widened, watching as the dragons, as mighty as they stood, leaned in front of her father. One of them let her father stroke the maw, eyes rolling back. What was happening? How could her father not fear for

"Thank you", Celina had to say out those words, a sigh escaping her lips. It got overwhelming for her—their stares, those questions and everything in general. The dragon rider had to get out of there, breathe without feeling her lungs burn. Only that if she walked away, it would appear rude.     "Anything for you, my love", He whispered, gazing into her eyes.     The moment they stepped inside the warmth of his room, Celina could feel the air go thick and heavy, sizzle with something she's become far too familiar with.   His icy, solid body pressed to her the next moment, his arms encircling and clutching her tight. She sagged back, her legs moments from giving out if not for Javier pressing her against the solid wood

As Celina stepped out of the bath room, fully dressed after a long hot shower, she noticed it's not raining. Despite that, the clouds were hanging low, and it's still dark and bitingly cold. With a sigh, she still zipped up her jacket and wandered out of the room.   On her way to the kitchen, there was something buzzing and whirring in her ears.     Beth was the first one to greet her in a cable knit sweater that screamed the eighties and a cup of steaming tea. The young woman's lips curved in a warm smile, sinking into the nearby chair.     "I'm sorry for yesterday."     The housekeeper tutted her lips, waving. "I am