Darkness was my cloak, and lies were my weapon. I've been waiting for him to come back for centuries, but now that the Wheel has woven the Dragon's thread again, it has given me a surprise. She was a woman.

Selene. That's what I called myself. A simple name, a simple dress, a face devoid of former pride. I let the wind and the road chafe my skin, made my eyes soft and my smile warm. When I first approached her at a roadside tavern, she didn't even suspect the deception.

"Are you going north too?" I asked, making my voice as light as a whisper of leaves. She looked at me warily, but without fear. The dragon always felt threatened, but I was more skilled.

"If so, then why don't we go together? The road is dangerous for lonely travelers."

She hesitated, but the wheel had already started to turn.

The days on the road merged into one. I told her stories that were true, but twisted to arouse her curiosity. Ancient cities, forces beyond comprehension. Sometimes I caught her gaze fixed into the distance, as if she had heard the call of something long forgotten.

At night, after we set up our small camp, she would fall asleep. And I would stand over her, watching moonlight slide across her face. My hand would move to her temple of its own accord - in an instant, I could have penetrated her dreams, subdued her, guided her...

But no. I wanted more. I wanted her to choose me. Like he couldn't do once.