The Dragon Princess

Is it only in dreams that dreams come true? Or are dreams only for those that dare to have them? I’ve never had many dreams, either asleep or awake. In fact, there is only one dream that I have, one that I have had almost every night, for as long as I can remember. A dream that feels so real, so tangible that it makes my real life appear as the illusion. I know that I will have that same dream again tonight, and as I lay here in my bed, I am overcome with excitement. I feel a sense of going home that I’ve only ever achieved as I drift away from the awakened world. As my eyes flutter closed and my sore muscles relax, I think of Caspian and I smile. Maybe, just maybe, dreams can come true. My shaking hand reaches for the doorknob, the heavy creak the only sound louder than my thumping heart. A single bead of sweat trickles between my shoulder blades. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. My breathing falters. I step across the threshold, my bare feet sinking into the cold sand below. The chill of the night is a welcome embrace. I tilt my head back and admire the full moon in all its glory, lighting up the dunes and sandstone buildings that stretch out before me. A shadow zooms across the bright globe in the sky. I know it’s coming for me, but I feel no fear. My feet move, carrying me into the open as I frantically look around. I know that I’m supposed to find something. But what? Who? A loud crash sounds behind me and I freeze, unable to move another inch. It’s here, I’ve been found. The cold breeze disappears and I feel my skin warming, a blazing heat blowing into my back. I turn slowly, listening to my own heart beat in my throat, my blood pumping hot and fast through my body. Silver scales, icy blue eyes, and wings. I lift my hand, longing to touch the sleek creature, but I can’t reach. I step forward but get no closer. The faster I move, the quicker I sink into the sand. I struggle against the pull. The sand is up to my neck, but there’s nothing I can do to escape. The creature watches me struggle, a sad look tainting its majestic eyes. Then it flies away. I give up, surrendering myself to the earth.