The dragon who stole a star from the night sky (nalu)

Chapter 18- dream of flames

Fire was engulfing all around. Strong and vicious. Every move that was made, the flames would become more intense.
No matter how hard you'd call out no one ever responded.
The only thing you could see was flames upon flames. Fire trying to burn you.
But, if you looked hard enough you could see something in the flames. A shadow that sat on the ground.
A pink blob. The figure human shaped. Who'd look up with tears running down their face. But before their face could be shown

"Ah!" The blonde haired mage jolted awake.

-Lucy POV-

The same dream. Flames so strong and hot. Wanting to eat whoever gets close.

Every night now, it seems these dreams became more intense. Though after a while Id forget the details. Just the flames that try to engulf me.

I used to get them every now and then but some reason ever since that ball I've had them more often.

I don't understand. It's terrifying but at the same time those hot intense flames feel so familiar. In a way they make me feel... safe?
I must be losing my mind. That must be the case because why else would something so intense, so dangerous, so scary, be... comforting?

But the question that lingers in my mind. The one thing that flashes through those flames.
The pink blob.

What is it?

It was crying.

The human like figure.

*knock knock*

"Come in!" I say. My thoughts still linger.

"Good morning princess. How did- oh my! You look horrible!" Serena the maid who I've recently been getting to know says.
Serena is kind. She's a year younger than me and has a spirit of a dog. Always ready to accomplish her task. Wanting to try new things. But when it comes to serious things she does it head on.

"Haha yeah. Couldn't sleep that well last night". I rub my head with my hand.

"That's no good. We can't have our precious princess look all tired and exhausted. This calls for a relaxing spa day!" Serena says her face excited.

"Haha, maybe later. I want to go for a walk in the gardens after breakfast first". I say.

Serena looks at me with a pout before saying, "as you wish princess. I'll go get your breakfast then." She smiles and bows leaving my room.

-after breakfast- the royal gardens-

As I walk along the path with the flower made walls. Along the stream that goes all throughout the gardens. I see the fish that swim in the stream. The butterflies and bees that land on the flowers for nectar. The birds that fly overhead tweeting to others near by. I watch as a squirrel is fighting another for a nut on the ground. I see the petals from cherry blossom trees flow through the air from the wind. I take in the fresh smell of all that surrounds me. Listening to those birds, to the buzz of the bees, and the peaceful silence that follows.
I walk until I'm met with an open field of green grass. A hill that leads to the most beautiful tree filled with gorgeous pink flowers covering all of the tree. I walk to the bench that sits right below the tree.

I sit down and close my eyes. Tilting my head to the sky and feel the warmth of the sun on my face. How peaceful it feels here.