[Gift] The 11th Hour | Diamond Dust

Mother rested beside the frozen river while morning light spread across the winter forest. Snow covered her enormous wings in soft white powder, though she barely noticed. Cold never bothered her much. She preferred winter over every other season. The air shimmered strangely that morning. Tiny crystals drifted through the sky, sparkling so brightly they almost looked alive. The wind carried them gently between the pale trees until they settled across Mother’s scales.

Diamond dust.

Mother lifted her head with interest and watched the glittering ice float around her. Each crystal flashed silver, blue, and white whenever sunlight touched it. The dragon rumbled softly with approval. “Pretty,” she muttered. She stretched one massive wing outward and admired how the diamond dust gathered across the colorful membranes. The sparkling frost clung to the deep blues and reds like scattered jewels. Mother already considered herself beautiful, and the shimmering ice only improved the effect.

The dragon stood and wandered slowly through the snow-covered woods while the frozen crystals swirled around her. Every step left deep tracks behind. Birds fluttered nervously from nearby branches, but Mother ignored them completely. At the edge of the river, she lowered her head to look at her reflection beneath the drifting frost. The diamond dust coated her white fur, and crystal-lined back.. Sunlight turned the icy particles into thousands of tiny sparks.

Mother smiled, pleased with what she saw.

The forest remained silent except for the whisper of wind and the soft crackling of ice drifting through the air. Mother stayed there for hours, admiring the glittering storm and herself equally.