Page 29 of Curvy Girl and the Single Dad Dragon
"I'm super okay with it," Ember assures her. "I've been wishing for this since you came to live with us. I even put it in my treasure."
Luna looks at me with her left eyebrow arched.
"Young dragons sometimes place symbols of their wishes or hopes in their hoards," I explain. "It's an old tradition. And, speaking of treasures," I add, straightening up. "I have something special planned for today. Now that Luna knows about dragons, and now that we've told you about us being together, I think it's time to show her something important."
Ember's eyes widen with understanding. "The cave? Really, Daddy?"
I nod. "Really."
"What cave?" Luna asks, looking between us.
I take her hand again. "Like you know, every dragon has a hoard—a collection of precious items we gather throughout our lives. When we settled here, I created a secure space for mine. Ember has hers in her room, but mine needed... more space."
"You're going to show me your hoard?" Luna asks, understanding the significance.
“Yes. Traditionally, only family and... lifemates... are permitted to see a dragon's true hoard."
Her eyes soften at the implication. "I'd be honored."
"Let's go now!" Ember tugs at both our hands. "Can we, Daddy? Please?"
"Yes, but remember what I told you about the path," I caution. "Stay close."
We head into the woods behind the house, following a trail that would be invisible to most observers. After about fifteen minutes of walking, we reach what appears to be a solid rock face covered in vegetation.
"It's hidden," I explain to Luna. "For protection."
I place my palm against a specific section of stone and close my eyes, concentrating. A moment later, the rock face shimmers and parts, revealing a narrow entrance.
"Dragon magic," Ember explains proudly to Luna. "Only Daddy and me can open it."
I lead them through the entrance into a short tunnel that opens into a vast cavern. As we enter the main chamber, I hear Luna's sharp intake of breath.
The cave is illuminated by a combination of natural light filtering through hidden openings in the ceiling and the soft glow emanating from the treasure itself. Gold coins and bars are stacked in neat piles, interspersed with collections of gemstones arranged by color and type. Artifacts from various historical periods—Roman cups, medieval weaponry, Renaissance art pieces—are displayed on carved stone shelves.
"Oh my God," Luna whispers, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. "It's like something from a fairy tale."
"Six centuries of collecting," I explain, somewhat self-conscious now that she's seeing this aspect of my dragon nature so plainly. "Each piece has significance. Either historical value, magical properties, or personal meaning."
"It's beautiful," she says, her eyes wide with wonder. "Thank you for sharing this with me."
Ember tugs at Luna's hand, eager to show off her favorite pieces. "Come see the magic gems! And the golden crown from the olden days! And Daddy's special swords!"
As my daughter leads Luna through the cave, pointing out treasures and telling stories she's heard from me, I watch them together… The two most precious beings in my world now, united in this sacred space.
Luna catches my eye across the cavern and smiles, a smile so full of acceptance and joy that it outshines even the brightest gold in my hoard.
In this moment, I know with absolute certainty that the true treasure in my long life isn't the accumulated wealth of centuries, but the love I've found with this remarkable human woman and the family we're beginning to build together.
Epilogue - Luna
"Blow out your candle, sweetheart," I encourage, holding Aiden steady on my lap as he stares at the single flame dancing on his birthday cake.
His chubby little hands reach toward the fire, golden eyes gleaming with fascination—so like his father's. Like his sister's.
"Careful," Damon murmurs beside me. "He's been going crazy with his embers."
As if on cue, our one-year-old son giggles and a tiny spark escapes his mouth, merging with the candle flame and causing it to flare momentarily.
