| •The Runaway• | Book #1

Prologue

TONIGHT was quiet and silent, the full moon was high above the sky, Flame gazed out of his nest to watch the stars shining. He shivered a little as cold wind tickled his feathers, fluttering his eyes open he looked back to see her mother who was tucked in her nest, her head tilted forward so she can look at her son. "What is it, dear?" Her mother got up and made her way slowly beside him. "Mom, where do we go when we die?" Flame asked, he looked up at the stars again. His mother, Flare stood quiet for a second before she gave him a soft smile. "That's a sudden question, little one." Her mother settled down beside Flame and looked up at the shining moon, her own eyes seemed to shine while she gazed at it, but Flame couldn't tell was her eyes shining with happiness or sadness. "When creatures die, they go and dance with the stars. Every star you see is your ancestor, those who lived before you." As Flare talked, Flame's eyes seemed to widen curiously. They dance with the stars? Flame looked up at the sky again.

"Aren't they sad to leave everyone behind?" Flame asked innocently. Her mother looked down at Flame and placed her wing on his shoulder so she can pull him closer to her body. "Of course they are. But every year at full moon they come back and we get to see them, but not for long I'm afraid..." Her mother spoke softly. Flame tilted his head at one side. "Does that mean I can see my dad?" Flame asked, he never met his dad, all he knew was that he was a brave warrior who fought in the great battle few years ago between dragons and creatures. Dragons are evil and they're greedy, all they ever want is gold. That's all they care about. "... Yes. You'll probably see him next year, by then you'll be able to fly." Her mother said, Flame flapped his wings in excitement. He can't wait to learn how to fly, he's never been out of his nest yet. Once he learns how to fly, he will fly anywhere and everywhere, no one will match to his speed! "I'll be the fastest flier!" Flame said with pride.

Her mother stared at him, yet said nothing. "Let's go to sleep. It's late." Flare whispered, Flame felt disappointed but either way he nodded, knowing he can't complain. Her mother is right, it is late. Flare was already in her nest, she made herself comfortable as she sat down with her feathers fluffed to make more warmth. Flame hurried after his mother and snuggled close to her before his eyelids closed slowly every second. 'When I learn how to fly, I'll go anywhere I want, I'll be free and happy...'