Rising of Ashes: a Dragon Story

The Unseen Departure

Several days had passed since my collaborative endeavors with the illustrious Alan Walker, and the time had come for me to return to the hallowed halls of academia. The project had been nothing short of a formidable challenge, but as the date of my return drew near, I couldn't help but anticipate it with a mix of anxiety and excitement. Reuniting with my friends and regaining a semblance of normalcy in my life felt like a much-needed respite.

As I reclined in the opulent limousine, I couldn't help but reflect on the recent whirlwind of events. My stint with TXT and their dedicated manager had left an indelible impression on my daily routine. Their insistence on arranging a limo and chauffeur to ensure my punctuality had been a testament to their commitment to my success.

I let out a resigned sigh as I gazed out of the tinted windows, watching the cityscape blur past. The ride in the limousine symbolized the dramatic contrast between my recent experiences and the imminent return to my academic pursuits. While the project with Alan Walker had been an exhilarating deviation from the norm, I was now prepared to step back into the familiar world of textbooks and lectures, albeit with newfound wisdom and experiences to carry with me.

"Are you ready?" inquired my driver, Sohn Jun-seo, breaking the contemplative silence that had enveloped the limousine. I looked up and offered a resolute nod in response. His skillful maneuvering brought the vehicle to a halt right at the entrance of my grand mansion.

Stepping out into the radiant sunlight, I opened the limousine door with a graceful flourish. The wind swept over me, and I was acutely aware of the exquisite gift I had received from Alan only hours ago. He had bestowed upon me a stunning summer dress adorned with delicate, pure citrine flowers. The intricate detailing and sheer opulence of the garment felt almost foreign against my skin, a stark contrast to the everyday attire I was accustomed to.

Yet, I couldn't deny the allure of the gift, for a gift was, after all, a gesture of kindness and affection. It adhered to a set of unspoken rules – you receive with gratitude, and you wear with pride. As I walked towards my mansion's entrance, the soft rustling of the citrine flowers in the summer breeze served as a gentle reminder of the moments shared and the generosity of a friend who had made my world more vibrant.

My favorite personal guard, Ivory, approached me with a respectful bow of her head. "Welcome back, ma'am," she greeted me, and I responded with a delighted grin. I took her hand, allowing her to lead me back inside my mansion.

As we entered, my loyal staff members paid their respects with graceful bows, and I returned their gestures with warm smiles. I granted them the well-deserved respite they had earned, with the exception of a few of my maids who remained. Among them was the head maid, Sila, who stepped forward.

"Would you like us to prepare a bath for you, ma'am?" Sila inquired. I nodded appreciatively, acknowledging her offer. "That would be wonderful," I replied, returning her smile. Sila departed with her fellow maids, leaving me to prepare for the soothing bath that awaited.

Soon, I found myself in my room, trading the extravagant attire for something more comfortable. When Sila returned, I followed her to the bath, eager to immerse myself in the rejuvenating water. The sensation of the water caressing my scales and swirling around my gently swaying tail, which hung over the corner of the bathtub, was a blissful experience that never failed to provide a sense of tranquility and comfort.

After a leisurely bath, I stepped out of the tub, wrapping a plush towel around my body. As I applied a gentle face cream, I was reminded that, although I was a dragon, my female identity called for self-care and pampering just like any mortal. I took pride in these moments, for they were a reminder of my uniqueness and individuality.