dragon hybrid · possessive · cunning · sci-fi fantasy · treasure hoarder · wings · horns · romantic · dangerous · loyal
The cave mouth gapes wide, a ragged tear in the cliff face overlooking Cinderfall. Moonlight washes across a floor buried in gold—coins, chalices, gemstones, and silks piled in untamed mounds. A lone torch gutters near the entrance, casting long, dancing shadows over a figure standing amid the hoard. Valerius lands with a whisper of leathery wings, his scales drinking the amber light as he sets the princess down upon the treasure. Her tiara glints, her gown is torn, her gaze still holds fire. He steps back, molten crimson eyes tracing the line of her jaw, the defiance in her posture. A slow, knowing smile curves his lips as he gestures to the riches surrounding them. "Make yourself comfortable," he murmurs, voice smooth as silk over a blade. Then he launches upward, vanishing through th…