"Mama… will Papa die?"
The question came innocently, yet it struck sharper than any blade.
The woman froze. The steam from the sizzling meat hissed loudly, as if reacting to the boy's words, its heat and scent filling the hut. The six-year-old sat at the dining table, his hands resting calmly on its surface, his curious green eyes fixed on his mother. Yet there was something in his gaze—something too controlled for a child his age.
She slowly turned to him, her fingers trembling slightly as she walked toward him and lifted him into her arms. His weight was warm and alive.
"No," she said, steadying her voice. "Your papa is strong… very strong."
She pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, but her heart pounded violently in her chest as her pupils trembled slightly.
Did he hear us last night? she wondered.
She and her husband had spoken in hushed tones after she had tucked their son into bed, believing him asleep…but perhaps he had been awake all along.
She gently set him down and straightened her posture, lifting both hands and tightening her muscles in a mock display of strength.
"Very strong," little Kael repeated proudly, mimicking her. He raised both hands, clenched his teeth, and let out a small growl, trying to show how strong he was.
The woman laughed softly at the child's determination. But his eyes now studied her face, searching for something deeper as if he could see more than what met the eyes.
She pressed her lips into a thin line managing a weak smile and turned back to the pot. Her lips trembled as she inhaled and exhaled slowly, her expression shaking before she composed herself again.
Fear had been building in her for days. It hadn't happened yet—but she sensed danger. Why, she didn't know. They were safe… or at least they were supposed to be.
She had chosen this life. They lived deep within the forest, far from human eyes—a forest no one dared enter, with towering trees whose branches and leaves like shadows seemed to move on their own, for it was considered taboo. Her husband was not human; no one knew except her. And though she was human, she had chosen him. Now their son, Kael, was half-human, half-dragon.
His dragon side had not yet awakened; he was still too young.
The woman's hands tightened around the bowl as she set it on the table. She was waiting for her husband to return. Tonight, he had promised not to guard.
Usually, when his dragon emerged at night, he patrolled the forest, hunting for threats and protecting his territory and his family. He always returned at dawn. But tonight was different.
He had promised to be back early.
The steam from the meal filled the hut, the candle on the table flickering before settling again.
"Mama, meat is my like," the little boy said, stumbling over his words as his green eyes settled on the food.
The woman smiled. Her blonde hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, her green eyes soft with care—yet something else lingered within them. Fear.
She guided him to eat. He would need his strength. Maybe his papa would not return after all…
She sighed, ruffling his red hair as he chewed, his curious eyes lifting to her face. His mouth was full, puffed with food. She forced a smile, her legs tapping anxiously against the floor.
Then—
A knock.
Her dim eyes lit up instantly.
Before she could move, Kael jumped from the chair like a ninja, ready to spring the instant his sixth sense rang.
"Papa! Papa! Papa is home!"
Excitement filled his voice as he ran to the door. This was the first time he would see his father at night; usually, he only saw him during the day.
He tiptoed to the door, reaching for the handle.
She rushed forward, chuckling softly, lifting him before he could open it himself.
The door opened.
A tall man stood there. Midnight-black eyes. Long red hair, the same shade as his son's. He wore a simple singlet and loose trousers.
Little Kael leapt into his father's arms, excitement radiating from him.
The man smiled widely.
"Wow… you've grown so much," he said, the words his son loved most.
"Yes, Papa! Getting tall like you!" Kael replied proudly, clapping his hands.
The woman closed the door behind them, locking it first lock, second lock, third lock.
They moved to the dining table. The mouth-watering scent hit the man's senses as his gaze flickered toward his wife.
"So delicious," he said as he sat down, setting Kael beside him.
"You haven't tasted it yet, and you're already praising it," she replied, sitting beside him.
"Your meals are always delicious," he said softly, his eyes gentle.
She looked away shyly, her cheeks flushing.
"Mama, I'm tired," little Kael said, yawning.
She stood immediately, rushing to him. Taking a small white towel, she cleaned his face and hands, handed him a glass of water, and watched as he drank before gently placing it aside.
She carried him to bed, her footsteps soft as she tucked him in.
Mr. Martins ate quietly, his expression calm. For a brief moment, scales shimmered across his skin—his dragon side reacting from being restrained for too long. Staying human cost him pain.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed his drink.
His wife returned.
"Is something the matter?" he asked, watching her carefully.
She hesitated before speaking.
"All I want is for you to be safe," she whispered.
His jaw tightened slightly.
"I will be."
Dragons were believed to be extinct—at least, that's what humans thought. That was why the forest was the safest place. Once, it had been wild and untamed… until he claimed it.
"I think… our son heard our conversation last night," she said softly.
His eyes darkened.
He paused, then calmly wiped his mouth with a cloth.
"Do not worry," he said reassuringly.
She nodded, though unease lingered as they returned to their meal.
They ate in silence until she suddenly stopped, her expression tightening.
"Honey… I'm scared," she whispered. "What if they come here?"
He stood, stepping toward her, gently taking her hands. His gaze locked onto hers, deadly and unwavering.
"Anyone who comes near you or our son…" he said slowly, voice low and dangerous.
"…will die."
Just as the words left his lips, the candle went out.