Winter had fully set in, and a thick blanket of snow covered the surrounding countryside —a reminder of the uneventful months that had passed since the incident that shook the Academy.
A small sliver of light slipped through the curtains, hitting the face of a white dragoness as she stirred in bed. Khi’nai squinted, rubbing the crust from her eyes and sighing tiredly. The repeated nightmares and panic attacks had been taking a toll on her sleep schedule, and her long, messy, black mane getting everywhere did little to improve her mood.
At least it was the weekend. The Academy would be closing for the winter holidays soon, and she could finally get some rest at home—without homework or classmates pestering her about her appearance.
Just as she tried to drift off again, a pale green head appeared at the door.
“Morning, sleepyhead!” Flora’s voice was as chirpy and cheerful as always—much to Khi’nai’s annoyance.
“Are you decent?” Flora asked as she stepped inside.
Khi’nai groaned in response.
Flora giggled softly and sat on the bed beside her friend. “I’ll take that as a no. The nightmares again?”
Khi’nai sighed. “Same as always. I keep seeing him getting killed. The blood, that nasty goop stuff…[BK1] “
Flora sighed, wrapping a wing around Khi’nai’s shoulders. “Well, at least it’s over, right? The bad guy blew up, everyone’s safe, and we can go on with our lives like normal again.”
Khi’nai shrugged. “I guess.”
Flora nudged her playfully. “Hey, cheer up, would ya? It’s winter holiday—we’re free. Let’s get away from this musty old school and have some fun. Who knows, we might even meet a few nice drakes over the weekend.”
Khi’nai groaned. “I’m not really in the mood to gallivant right now.”
Flora scrunched her muzzle. “Fine, how about we just get hot chocolate and see where the day takes us? My treat. And no boys—just the two of us. Maybe I can do something about that bird’s nest on your head.” She lifted Khi’nai’s messy mane with a claw.
Khi’nai snorted. “What’s wrong with my bird’s nest?”
Flora laughed. “Look, I love nature, but a bird might actually roost on your head if we don’t do something.”
Khi’nai smiled weakly. “Fine. I’ll go along with your little adventure.”[BK2]
Flora clapped her hands excitedly. “Great! I’ll get ready, see you in a bit!”.
Khi’nai groaned in response.
The warm water felt comforting against her scales as she stood in the shower, but the thoughts swirling in her head wouldn’t go away.
“Please, please, please don’t leave me.”
“Honestly, don’t cry for the little bastard, he’s just a traitor. He forsook his Sacrament for something pointless, like friendship”.
Khi’nai felt a lump in her throat that she couldn’t swallow.
“Why couldn’t I do anything about it?”
“Don’t let me go…”
A voice pierced through her thoughts.
“Khi’nai!”
A sudden embrace. Warmth against her. A wet muzzle pressed against hers. Khi’nai blinked, suddenly aware of Flora’s green wing wrapped tightly around her.
“Hey, look at me”. Khi’nai’s emerald-green eyes met Flora’s yellow eyes[BK3] .
“It’s going to be okay; you did everything you possibly could have”.
Khi’nai said nothing.
Flora gave her a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s finish up. We’re hogging the showers.” Her voice was soft, comforting.
Khi’nai swallowed the lump in her throat. “Sure. Sorry about that.”
Khi’nai rubbed a towel roughly through her damp mane. Flora chuckled.
“It looks even wilder now—very bird nest. Let me help you with that.”
She sat beside Khi’nai, gently brushing through the tangled strands of dark red.
“You know,” Flora mused as she worked, “you’re a very pretty ‘ness. You really should take better care of yourself.” She rubbed her chin in thought, studying Khi’nai’s mane as if planning something intricate.
Khi’nai sat still, lost in thought.
Flora was right, of course. She had been neglecting herself ever since the incident—feeling unworthy of care, attention, or even appreciation after what had happened. She sighed. Flora’s gentle presence was comforting. The two had been friends for as long as she could remember.
Flora’s parents were never very caring toward her. Their wealth had made them cold and indifferent, keeping their daughter at arm’s length with money instead of love. And yet, despite that, Flora had turned out… surprisingly warm. Surprisingly kind.
Khi’nai had always wondered how Flora remained so chipper despite her parents’ treatment. Always looking at the bright side of things, no matter how bad they seemed. Blissfully naïve to the chaos that surrounded her.
Flora hummed to herself as she finished her work. “Hmmm. Not bad, if I do say so myself.”
She took a step back and grinned. “Now, if I were a drake, I’d be all over you right now. Take a look.”
Khi’nai turned to the nearby mirror. Her mane had been neatly braided in ornate patterns, woven carefully from the crown of her head down her neck. Khi’nai felt herself crack a pained smile.
She did look nice. Tired, but nice.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Flora beamed. “That’s what friends are for, right? Need help picking an outfit, too?”
Khi’nai smiled, swallowing the lump in her throat again. “Please. I’d like that.” Flora chirped happily and took her hand, leading Khi’nai back toward her room.
[BK1] Book 1: Chapter Ε and Chapter Ζ
[BK2] Khi’nai begrudgingly gives up at this point, similar to Book 1: Chapter γ. A consistent theme in their relationship.
[BK3]Eyes will be become a consistent theme of Book 2
