Snow continued to fall outside Ebruhan's house, covering the windows in a soft layer of white.
Inside, the warmth of the fireplace had driven away the winter chill.
Ebruhan sat comfortably on one side of the couch, while Leo sat beside him. Mia had taken up the other side, her new winter coat keeping her warm as she watched the snow through the window.
And then there was Iyas.
Who was still trapped.
Mia had him sitting beside her, one arm loosely wrapped around him while her other hand continued patting his head.
Pat.
Iyas's ears twitched.
Pat.
His ears flattened.
Pat pat.
His expression slowly became one of pure despair.
"Lady!"
Mia continued.
Pat.
"Please let me go!"
Pat.
"I am not a stuffed animal!"
Pat pat.
"I have dignity!"
Mia paused.
She looked down at him.
Then she gently ran her hand through his fluffy white furs.
"…You're really soft."
Iyas's eye twitched.
"That is not a reason to keep me prisoner!"
Leo covered his mouth, desperately trying not to laugh.
Ebruhan, meanwhile, seem not to bother by it.
Iyas turned toward him with the last remaining hope in his eyes.
"Sir Ebruhan…"
Ebruhan glanced at him.
"Yes?"
"Please."
A pause.
"Help me."
Ebruhan looked at Mia.
Then at Iyas.
Then back at Mia.
"…Hmm."
Iyas waited.
"I don't see a problem."
Iyas's jaw dropped.
"YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY MASTER!"
Leo finally burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha!"
Mia hugged Iyas a little tighter.
"You be fine,"
"No! I not fine!! Let me go!"
Pat pat pat pat.
"Lady Mia!"
Ebruhan leaned back against the couch, his gaze drifting toward the snow-covered window.
"Since you're all here, I can tell you about my plan for this winter…"
Mia looked at him curiously.
"Oh?"
Ebruhan smiled.
"I was thinking about going to the hot springs in the Azure Cherry Forest. It looks absolutely stunning this time of year."
"Azure Cherry Forest?" Mia repeated, tilting her head.
"Yept." Ebruhan nodded. "It's a beautiful place. Pink cherry trees surround a natural hot spring, and when the snow falls over the blossoms…" He chuckled softly. "It's quite the sight."
Mia's eyes immediately lit up.
"That sounds pretty!"
"It is. I used to go there…" Ebruhan paused.
His smile faded just slightly.
"…with my pack."
For a brief moment, the warmth in the room seemed to grow quieter.
Mia noticed immediately.
"Ebruhan?"
Ebruhan blinked, as though returning from a distant memory.
Then, almost instantly, his usual gentle smile returned.
"So…" he continued, rubbing the back of his head, "I was wondering…"
He looked at Mia, then Leo.
"Would you all like to come with me?"
Mia's eyes brightened at the thought.
"I would like to… but isn't it far?"
"Yeah," Ebruhan admitted. "But… not for us. It's only about a two-day flight if we go there directly."
Leo thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Then… I think I have to ask my father for permission first."
"Of course," Ebruhan replied with a small smile.
Mia, however, was still thinking about something else.
"Ebruhan…"
"Hm?"
"Tell me about your pack."
Ebruhan's expression shifted slightly.
"You haven't met them again?"
The room fell quiet for a moment.
"It…"
Ebruhan sighed, his gaze lowering toward the tea in his hands.
"I…"
He hesitated before looking back at Mia.
"So… do you remember the dragon law I told you about?"
Mia nodded.
"Yeah?"
"Well…" Ebruhan took a slow breath. "Among True Dragons like us, there is a rule that all of us are expected to follow. We are taught that dragons stand above all other beings…"
His expression became more solemn.
"And humans… are considered a lesser species."
Leo's expression immediately hardened.
He clearly didn't like hearing that.
But he didn't interrupt.
Ebruhan continued.
"So, if a True Dragon becomes bonded to a human, or is captured by humans and later escapes, our packs would see that dragon as having shown weakness."
Mia's brows furrowed.
"They would call them…"
Ebruhan paused.
"'Human-stained dragons.'"
Mia's expression twisted in disbelief.
"They'd actually call them that?"
Ebruhan nodded.
"To them, becoming involved with what they consider a lesser species is enough to stain a dragon's pride. And because of that…"
His voice grew quieter.
"Even if that dragon returned to their pack, they wouldn't be accepted."
Mia stared at him.
"Then…"
She slowly looked toward Ebruhan.
"What about you?"
Ebruhan gave a faint smile.
"That is why I haven't gone back."
Mia's eyes widened slightly.
"Because of Lumeris?"
"Yes."
He glanced toward the window, where snow continued to fall peacefully outside.
"Since I swore myself to protect this kingdom because of these people save me and showed me kindness when they had no reason to, and I chose to repay that kindness by protecting them."
His fingers tightened slightly around his cup.
"So for that reason...my pack probably would never accept me back."
Leo remained silent, his expression still tense.
Mia, however, looked genuinely frustrated.
"What kind of rule is that?"
Ebruhan blinked.
"It's so stupid."
Leo glanced at her.
Mia continued, her voice growing more animated.
"What if a dragon was unfairly captured by humans? What if they escaped and just wanted to go home? They wouldn't accept them either?"
Ebruhan didn't answer immediately.
He simply stared into his tea.
Then, after a long pause, he sighed.
"…Yeah."
Mia frowned.
"That makes no sense."
Ebruhan gave a small, almost bitter laugh.
"No…"
He looked toward the snow-covered window again.
"For proud beings like us…"
His smile was faint.
"…perhaps it never did."
Ebruhan was quiet for a moment before letting out a soft sigh.
"Let's not think about it too much."
He leaned back against the couch, his expression becoming gentler.
"I have my own pack now."
Mia blinked.
Leo looked at him.
"Wait…"
He pointed at himself.
"Me too?"
Ebruhan chuckled.
"Of course."
Leo's eyes widened slightly.
Ebruhan looked toward the window, toward the snow-covered kingdom beyond the glass.
"This whole kingdom is my pack."
His voice was calm, but there was unmistakable warmth behind it.
"The people of Lumeris. The ones I've protected, the ones I've fought alongside…"
His gaze shifted toward Mia and Leo.
"…and the people I've come to call family."
Leo stared at him for a moment before his expression softened into a smile.
Mia's tail quietly swayed behind the couch.
"So we're your pack?"
Ebruhan smiled.
"Yept."
Mia immediately grinned and puff her chest
"Then I'm the stronges...grrahhhh.. why am I keep doing that!"
Iyas and Leo look at her while Mia stop with a blush again
Ebruhan shook his head, amused.
"Some things never change."
Leo leaned forward, his interest immediately returning.
"When are we going?"
"Tomorrow, if possible," Ebruhan replied. "I just need to inform the King about my absence first. And if you want, bring some clothes and snacks for the trip."
Mia nodded thoughtfully.
"It would be better if I could just put my stuff away like you do…"
Ebruhan raised an eyebrow.
"Magic inventory?"
"Yeah!" Mia's eyes lit up. "Can you teach me after this trip?"
"I will," Ebruhan assured her. "I just need to make sure your core is stable enough to handle it first."
Mia nodded seriously.
"Then we should get going."
She finally released Iyas as the fox immediately slipped away from her grasp and transformed back into his humanoid form. He rubbed his head vigorously, looking like he'd just survived the most exhausting battle of his life.
Mia watched him for a moment.
"Traveling takes so much time to prepare…"
Traveling is complicated. Mia was already planning on her mind for it.
I need clothes. Snacks. Probably more clothes…
She paused.
She was still thinking like a human.
Despite being a dragon who could fly across the continent, use magic, she had somehow forgotten one very important detail.
I don't actually need clothes in dragon form.
Ebruhan watched her expression with quiet amusement.
"Good luck asking Sir Vinson."
Leo smiled confidently.
"He will allow it."
He crossed his arms, completely certain.
"I can feel it."
As Mia and Leo made their way back toward the estate, their footsteps crunching softly against the snow-covered road, Mia suddenly slowed.
Someone was sitting on a bench ahead.
The old man.
The moment he noticed them, he quickly pushed himself to his feet. In his hands was the scarf Mia had given him earlier, now neatly folded. And he seems to bought a new one for his neck.
"Thank you, young ones," he said, his voice carrying a warmth that hadn't been there before. "You really helped this old geezer out."
He held the scarf out toward Mia as she blinked.
"My scarf?"
Leo smiled. "Don't mention it, sir. It was the right thing to do."
His eyes drifted toward several bags of food resting beside the bench.
The old man noticed where he was looking and gave a small smile.
"I haven't forgotten what you said," he told them. "I'll share this with the others who need it."
For a moment, Mia simply looked at him,then she smiled.
"Take care, sir."
The old man nodded and with that, he picked up the bags and began walking down the snowy street. His steps were still slow, but they no longer seemed quite as uncertain as before.
Mia watched until he disappeared into the crowd,then she looked down at the scarf in her hands.
"Well…"
She wrapped it around her neck.
The scarf had originally been made for her dragon form, so in her human form, it was hilariously oversized.but somehow, it still looked good.
Mia adjusted it with a satisfied nod.
"At least Miss Korbi won't be upset with me now."
Leo snorted.
"Lucky dragon."
Mia glanced at him.
"Hah. You're just jealous."
"Of what?"
"My scarf."
Leo stared at her for a second.
"…You know, I regret giving you that idea."
Mia grinned.
The two of them burst into laughter and continued down the snowy road together,
By the time Mia and Leo returned to the estate, snow had gathered across their clothes and bodies, leaving them looking like they had just walked through a winter storm.
Inside one of the guest rooms, Vinson was quietly reading a book. He adjusted his glasses and looked up as the two entered.
"Where have you two been?"
Mia shook some of the snow from her clothes before answering.
"Mm… we went to meet Ebruhan."
She suddenly brightened.
"He taught me how to fluff my winter fur! Look!"
Mia proudly turned around, showing off her newly developed coat of black winter fluff.
"It even changed my clothes in human form!"
Vinson looked her over for a moment, his expression softening with amusement.
"I see. Still, be careful during winter. It may look pretty, but the cold can be dangerous if you aren't careful."
"Yes, sir."
Mia nodded obediently.
Then she heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.
Her eyes widened.
Miss Korbi.
Mia immediately grabbed her scarf and tossed it onto the couch before quickly transforming into her smaller dragon form.
Poof.
Her new winter mane and fur across her back remained even in small form, making her look even fluffier than before.
Mia crouched down beside the couch.
Perfect.
If Miss Korbi saw her in human form, there was a very high chance she would decide Mia needed more winter clothing.
Vinson stared at her for a moment.
"…Mia?"
Mia looked away innocently.
Before he could question her further, Leo suddenly spoke.
"Father!"
Vinson turned toward him.
"Yes?"
"I have something to request."
"Go on."
Leo took a breath.
"Me and Mia want to go to the Azure Cherry Forest with Sir Ebruhan. It would take a few days because of the trip, so…"
He clasped his hands together.
"I wanted to ask for permission."
He paused.
"Please don't deny us."
Vinson raised an eyebrow.
"Hm…"
He considered it for a moment.
"I see no reason to deny you, especially since you'll be traveling with Ebruhan."
Leo's eyes immediately lit up.
"YESSS!"
Vinson chuckled.
"However…"
Leo froze.
"You two need to promise me you won't get yourselves into trouble."
"I promise!"
Mia's head popped up from behind the couch.
"I promise too!"
Vinson smiled.
"Good."
Just then, Miss Korbi entered the room carrying a tray with tea for Vinson.
She placed the cup down before noticing the small black dragon hiding beside the couch.
"Miss Mia…"
Mia stiffened.
"Why are you staying in that small form?"
Mia looked away.
"Mm…"
She thought carefully.
"I have… a good reason."
A pause.
"A very good reason."
Korbi stared at her for a moment before sighing.
"All right, all right."
She walked over and gently patted Mia's fluffy head.
"I see you've grown some cute winter fluff."
Mia froze.
Pat.
Then Korbi walked away.
Mia slowly relaxed.
…I survived.
Across the room, Vinson smiled.
"I'll allow you two to go with Ebruhan."
Leo's eyes sparkled.
"Really?!"
He immediately rushed over and wrapped his arms around his father.
"Thank you father!!! You the best!!"
Vinson laughed softly and returned the hug.
"Just don't forget what you promised."
"I won't!"
Mia watched them with a small smile, her fluffy tail gently swaying behind her.
The Azure Cherry Forest was officially on the schedule and,once again , Mia had managed to avoid being dressed up by Miss Korbi.
A successful day all around.
That night, Leo was busy packing for the upcoming trip.
Five sets of clothes were neatly folded and placed inside his travel bag, along with a few other essentials. He checked everything twice before finally glancing toward the bed.
Mia was lying there in her small dragon form.
Or, more accurately…
She was loafing.
Her legs were tucked comfortably beneath her body, her fluffy mane and winter fluff spreading around her like a living blanket.
Mia had recently discovered something wonderful about being this size.
Loafing feels really good.
Leo stared at her for a moment.
"I'm jealous…"
Mia didn't answer.
She simply continued loafing.
Leo sighed.
"Really. I'm actually jealous, unlike me..you don't have to pack anything.. at all.."
Still nothing.
Mia's tail gave a tiny flick.
Leo shook his head with a quiet laugh and returned to packing.
"Are you excited about going there?"
Mia finally lifted her head.
"The Azure Cherry Forest?"
"Yeah." Leo smiled. "Ebruhan said it would be beautiful. Pink cherry trees, snow, and a hot spring…"
His eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"I think it's going to be amazing."
Mia's eyes softened.
"Indeed."
She looked toward the window, imagining the place already.
Then she glanced back at Leo.
"Can I sleep here tonight?"
Leo blinked.
"Here?"
Mia nodded.
"Why not?" He smiled. "You can sleep here."
Then he pointed a finger at her.
"Just… don't turn into your giant dragon form and crush me."
Mia stared at him.
Then she gave a small nod.
"Deal."
Leo chuckled.
"Good."
The room gradually grew quieter as the night went on.
Leo eventually climbed into bed, while Mia curled herself up nearby, her fluffy winter coat keeping her warm. Before long, Leo's breathing became slow and steady.
Even after he had fallen asleep, his hand remained resting against Mia's head.
Mia stayed curled beside him.
For a while, she simply enjoyed the warmth.
Then her eyes slowly closed.
And that night, the two of them slept peacefully together, already dreaming of the journey that awaited them the next morning.
Morning came far too quickly.
For Mia, at least.
"Wake up, sleepyhead!"
Poke.
Mia's nose twitched.
"...Mrrrr…"
She barely opened one eye.
"Too… early…"
Leo grinned.
"What?! Come on! Don't be a lazy dragon!"
Mia closed her eye again.
"Zzzzz…"
Leo stared at her.
Then he poked her nose again.
Poke.
Mia's eyes snapped open.
"Graahhh!"
Leo laughed.
"Come on. I'll keep poking you if you don't wake up."
Mia stared at him with the most exhausted expression a dragon could possibly make.
"…Fine."
She slowly pushed herself up from the bed and stretched, her claws extending as she let out a long yawn.
Then she noticed Leo standing nearby with two travel bags.
Mia tilted her head.
"What in the second bag?"
Leo lifted it proudly.
"Food."
He opened it just enough for Mia to peek inside.
"Apples, bread, dried meat, water…"
He paused.
"And even some candy for Iyas."
Mia's eyes brightened.
"Heh. Iyas is gonna be happy."
"Exactly."
The two of them headed downstairs.
By the time they reached the dining room, Vinson was already seated at the table, calmly sipping his morning tea. Breakfast had been prepared and was waiting for them.
Leo and Mia quickly joined him.
The morning meal was surprisingly peaceful, considering they were both eager to leave.
Vinson eventually lowered his cup and looked at them.
"Safe travels, you two. And don't make me regret giving you permission for this trip."
Leo answered immediately, though his mouth was already stuffed with bread and butter.
"Yes, Father"
Vinson stared at him as some of bread crumbs from his mouth fall on table.
"…Finish chewing before you answer me."
Leo nodded while continuing to chew.
Mia couldn't help but chuckle as she quietly returned to her breakfast, happily tearing into a piece of roasted beef.
Once they had finished eating, Leo practically bolted from the table.
"Come on, Mia!"
"I'm coming!"
They hurried outside.
The winter air greeted them immediately, cold and crisp beneath the pale morning sky.
Mia stepped into the snow and transformed.
Poof.
Her small body expanded into her full dragon for then she stretched her wings before lowering herself toward the ground.
"Hop on."
Leo climbed onto her back and secured his bags.
Before Mia could take off, Miss Korbi stepped outside.
"Careful out there, children."
Mia turned her head toward her.
"I will."
She leaned down and gently nuzzled Korbi, who smiled as she placed a hand against the dragon's snout.
Leo waved.
"Don't worry, Miss Korbi. We'll be careful."
Korbi nodded.
"Good. And make sure Mia doesn't forget to eat properly."
Mia's ears perked up.
"I won't!"
Leo laughed.
"That's the one thing we definitely don't have to worry about."
Mia gave a playful growl.
"Hey!"
With one powerful beat of her wings, snow scattered across the ground.
By the time Mia and Leo reached Ebruhan's house, he was already waiting outside.
Ebruhan stood in the snow with his wings folded neatly against his back, while Iyas was perched comfortably on top of him, apparently having decided that riding his master was much easier than walking through the snow.
Ebruhan looked toward the approaching dragon and her passenger.
"I assume your father allowed you to come?"
Mia and Leo answered at the same time.
"Yes!"
Ebruhan smiled.
"All right, then."
He glanced toward the snowy sky.
"Shall we?"
A shimmering magical barrier formed around Ebruhan and Iyas, enclosing them in a protective sphere that kept the cold wind and snow outside.
Mia followed his example, casting her own shield around herself and Leo.
She flexed her wings.
"Ready."
Ebruhan nodded.
"Then let's go."
The two dragons spread their massive wings.
WHOOM!
Snow exploded outward as they pushed off the ground, their wings beating against the cold morning air. Within moments, they were rising above the rooftops, leaving the snowy streets far below.
Leo held tightly onto Mia's back.
Then his excitement finally got the better of him.
"AZURE FOREST!"
He raised a fist toward the sky.
"HERE WE COME!"
"WOOHOO!"
Mia couldn't help but laugh as she accelerated beside Ebruhan.
The Azure Cherry Forest awaited them.