Crimson paced the floor, her quick, steady steps echoing her growing anxiety. Her fingers twined together, untying and retying in a ceaseless dance of nervous energy.
What if he’s gone? What if he’s changed his mind?
“Damn dragon!” Crimson muttered.
“What about the damn dragon?” Solstace's voice sliced through the air as he stepped into his quarters, his silhouette framed by the doorway. Crimson’s heart leaped, a tumultuous mix of relief and simmering annoyance churning within her.
"Where have you been?" Crimson asked, each word laced with the weight of unspoken fears and the echo of her pounding heart. Her voice trembled slightly with irritation as she posed the question, her eyes searching Solstace's for an answer she feared she might not want to hear.
"Not important," Solstace repl
