Serafina tiptoed past the sleeping castle guards, her pajamas whispering against the cold cobblestones. She pushed open a heavy stone door and found Pip curled on a pile of velvet cushions. The air smelled like cinnamon and warm ash.
Pip lifted one glowing eye and nudged a stack of pillows toward Serafina with his snout. He let out a low, rumbling purr that vibrated through the floorboards. Serafina climbed onto the soft mound and sank into the comfort.
They stepped out into the moonlit glade where fireflies danced in rhythmic patterns. Pip sneezed, sending a puff of glittery smoke that turned the leaves silver. Serafina giggled as she tried to catch the falling sparkles in her hands.
A sudden gust of wind blew Serafina’s nightcap off her head and up toward the stars. Pip stretched his long neck, his scales clicking softly against each other, and gently caught the hat in his teeth. He lowered his head for her to take it back.
Serafina tied the cap securely under Pip’s chin with a ribbon from her sleeve. They walked back together, their shadows stretching long across the star-filled sky. The cave felt less empty now.
Back inside the cave, Pip curled up on his velvet cushions again. Serafina sat cross-legged beside him, watching the steam rise from a cup of hot cocoa she held. The dragon’s purr sounded like distant thunder.
Serafina rested her head against the dragon’s warm side. His scales clicked softly as he shifted, making room for her. She closed her eyes, listening to the rhythm of his breathing.
The moon slipped behind a cloud, dimming the glade outside. Inside, the only light came from the dying embers in the hearth. Serafina slept soundly, safe in the dragon’s care.