The moon cast a pale light over the forest floor as the young human bodyguard, Eric, hurried after his drunken boss. She had shifted into a magnificent dragon and taken flight, leaving him to follow and keep her safe from harm. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth as Eric pushed through the dense foliage. He could hear the beating of her wings growing fainter with each step, guiding him deeper into the wooded area.
As he continued his pursuit, Eric racked his brain for a way to bring her back down without attracting too much attention from humans. He knew that if she were to be seen by anyone other than him or another dragon, it could prove disastrous. The last thing he wanted was for her to be hunted or captured.
The forest seemed to grow darker and more ominous as he ventured deeper, the rustling of leaves and the hooting of owls serving as the only reminders of his surroundings. Suddenly, he heard a faint crackling sound coming from ahead. Instinctively, he drew his sword and quickened his pace, careful not to make any noise that might alert his drunk charge.
As he rounded a bend in the trail, he found himself standing at the edge of a small clearing. In the center, a fire danced and flickered, casting strange shadows across the ground. His heart leaped into his throat when he saw her perched on a rocky outcrop, her wings folded neatly against her scaly body. She was muttering something under her breath, her golden eyes fixed intently on the flames.
Eric approached cautiously, not wanting to startle her. "Um, ma'am? Are you alright?" he asked, trying to keep his voice low. She didn't react, so he continued, "I've brought some food if you're hungry." He held out a small cloth bag, hoping to distract her from whatever she was focused on.
Savannah, slowly turned her head toward Eric. Her golden eyes, half-lidded with intoxication, fixed on him. "Eric?" she slurred. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to make sure you don't get into any trouble, ma'am," Eric replied, stepping closer. "Are you feeling alright about flying back home?"
Savannah considered his words for a moment, her gaze flickering between him and the fire. "I suppose I could," she murmured. "But first... I need to burn something." She reached into her scaled underbelly and produced a small, ornate locket on a delicate chain. With shaking fingers, she held it above the flames.
Eric's heart sank. He knew she shouldn't be doing this, but how could he stop her? He took a step closer, debating his next move. "Ma'am, I don't think that's a good idea," he said gently. "You could hurt yourself."
Savannah turned her head back toward him, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't you dare try to stop me," she growled, her voice laced with anger and pain. "This is something I have to do."
Eric took another step closer, his expression softening. "I understand that, ma'am," he said quietly. "But there are other ways to deal with your grief. Please, let me help you." He held out his hand, offering her a way out of this dangerous situation.
Savannah regarded him with a mixture of anger, confusion, and vulnerability. She took a deep breath, and then slowly, carefully, she placed the locket back into her underbelly. "Very well," she murmured. "I will come with you." With a powerful motion, she unfolded her wings, spreading them wide to catch the night air. Eric tensed, ready to react if any humans should appear, but the forest seemed to be safe for now.
The female dragon shifter landed gracefully beside him, her wings folding in around her like a cloak. She lowered her head, looking ashamed and exhausted. "Thank you, Eric," she said softly. "I don't know what came over me."
Eric placed a comforting hand on her scaly shoulder. "It's alright, ma'am," he assured her. "I understand that some things can be overwhelming. You're not alone in this." He paused for a moment, then continued, "If you ever need someone to talk to, or just want some company, please don't hesitate to ask."
Savannah nodded, her golden eyes meeting his. "Thank you, Eric," she said, her voice still soft but stronger than before. "I appreciate that." She took a deep breath, straightening her wings and preparing to take flight. "Let's get back home."
Eric didn't budge, his expression firm. "I'm sorry, ma'am," he said gently, "but I can't let you take off like this. It's not safe for you or anyone else." He paused, then added, "Besides, the manor isn't that far away. It won't take long to get back."
Savannah's golden eyes flashed with anger and frustration, but she seemed to understand the logic behind his words. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded reluctantly. "Fine," she growled. "But if you think I'm going to just sit there and do nothing, you've got another thing coming."
Eric watched as she carefully approached the vehicle, her massive form dwarfing it. This was the first time he'd ever been this close to a dragon, let alone one of such immense power and beauty. Eric could feel the weight of Savannah's gaze upon him. She watched him intently, her golden eyes never leaving his face. He could sense the raw power that radiated from her, and he knew that she could snap his neck with ease if she so desired. But he also felt a strange sense of calm and protection emanating from her as well. It was as if she was somehow reassuring him that he was safe, even in the face of such danger.
Eric smiled reassuringly, trying to calm her down. "I understand how you feel, ma'am," he said, gesturing toward his own car. "But I promise you, we'll get home faster if you just hop in the car with me. Besides, it's much safer for both of us."
Savannah stopped in front of the vehicle. “No,” she said. “The night is still young, and I haven’t had my fill.” The dragon turned around and made her move. Quickly, she grasped Eric with her claws and took flight.
The trees blurred past them, the night air rushing past their faces as they sped through the forest. Savannah's wings moved effortlessly, creating a cushion of air that propelled them forward. Despite her immense size, she moved gracefully, almost like a great predator gliding across the plains. Eric couldn't help but marvel at her strength and agility.
He felt the wind whip through his hair and tug at his clothes as they soared higher into the sky. The moonlight illuminated the treetops below, casting long shadows across the forest. In the distance, he could see the manor, its lights flickering in the night.
Eric narrowed his eyes, his face hit by the wind. Savannah was heading for the city. A sense of panic rushed through Eric’s body as he wondered what to do. Inside his pocket rested a smaller syringe he did not want to use on Savannah’s human form. If she could just land back...
Eric’s thoughts were interrupted by a growing shadow approaching at a dangerous speed. His ears barely caught Savannah’s name being yelled by a deep, furious voice that the mass impacted with Savannah, releasing the dragon’s grip on Eric.