Ember and the Search for Home

High on a hill stood a grand stone castle, home to Princess Mira and her best friend, Ember — a dragon so enormous he was taller than the stable roof! Mira had watched him grow from a speckled egg, a little bigger every year, until his scales gleamed teal-green in the sunlight. But Ember was easily scared. Every little noise made him jump.

Ember was scared of almost everything — thunder, shadows, even his own enormous sneezes! And he was terribly clumsy too; his great swishing tail sent teacups flying and toppled garden statues wherever he wandered. The other castle folk kept their distance. But Mira never did. She'd climb right up his tail for a cuddle, giggling, 'Silly old softie. I'm brave enough for both of us.'

But lately, Ember had grown so big he could barely turn around in the courtyard without knocking something over. One evening, the King called Mira to his study, his face gentle but serious. 'Ember has outgrown our walls, sweetheart. He must find a bigger, safer home.' Mira's chin wobbled — then lifted. 'Then I'll find him the perfect one myself.'