Page 19 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
Luna laughs softly, careful not to disturb Ember. "That's actually quite clever."
"Sebastian has always been strategic," I say with fondness for my brother. "He's also considerably more social than I am, maintains connections throughout the global dragon network."
"And you're not social?" she questions, looking slightly surprised.
"I'm... selective," I correct. "Especially since Ember was born. Protective instincts."
"That makes sense," she nods. "Speaking of protective instincts, should we get her to bed? She's completely out."
I glance at Ember, who hasn't stirred despite our conversation. "Yes, probably best."
I gather my daughter in my arms, cradling her against my chest as I stand. Luna rises as well, gathering scattered pillows and folding blankets.
"I can manage these," she whispers, nodding toward the stairs. "Go ahead."
I carry Ember up to her room, laying her gently on her bed and pulling her covers up around her shoulders. She sighs in her sleep, clutching her stuffed dragon closer. For a moment, I simply watch her, marveling as I often do at this perfect, impossible creature—half of me, yet entirely her own person. The greatest treasure of my long life.
When I return downstairs, Luna has restored the living room to order and is standing somewhat awkwardly by the door, as if unsure whether to leave or stay.
"Thank you for your help," I say, joining her. "You've handled an extraordinary day with remarkable composure."
She smiles, a hint of tiredness around her eyes. "It's certainly not how I expected my first day on the job to go."
"Are you sorry it did? Go this way, I mean."
She considers the question seriously, which I appreciate.
"No," she says finally. "Surprised, overwhelmed, still processing—yes to all of those. But not sorry. Ember is special, and not just because she's a dragon. I already care about her. That doesn't change because I learned something unexpected about her."
Chapter 7 - Luna
"You keep surprising me, Luna Hayes." He smirks.
"Hardly," I chuckle. "Just a normal human who happened to stumble into something magical."
He gestures toward the couch. "Would you like to sit for a while longer? Or are you tired? It's been quite a day."
I should be exhausted. By all rights, discovering the existence of dragons and completely recalibrating my understanding of reality should have left me drained. Instead, I feel oddly energized, my mind buzzing with questions and curiosity.
"I'm not tired yet," I admit. "If you don't mind the company."
"I don't mind."
We return to the couch, sitting at opposite ends this time. Without Ember between us, I'm more aware of Damon's presence—his size, the subtle heat radiating from him, the way his golden eyes catch the dim lamplight.
"So," I begin, tucking my legs up underneath me, "you've lived through six centuries of human history. That's... mind-boggling, honestly."
A small smile plays at his lips. "When you live through it day by day, it doesn't feel quite so dramatic."
"Were you in Europe during the Renaissance? Did you meet anyone famous?"
He leans back, considering. "I was, yes. And define 'famous.' History remembers some who were unremarkable in person and forgets others who were truly extraordinary."
"Fair point," I concede. "But I'm still curious."
"I knew a few artists and inventors. Had a brief conversation with Leonardo da Vinci once. Brilliant man, asked too many questions." His tone is light, but I detect something guarded beneath it.
"And you've been a metalworker most of that time? Until recently?"
