Rustle...
Gray's fingers continued to move gently across the smooth, shimmering scale on Seria's forehead, tracing the elegant ridges slowly.
The scale was surprisingly warm, almost velvety despite its hardness, and each touch sent a faint ripple of red lightning dancing across her body, not dangerous but gentle and even warm, like a pleased purr made visible.
"Huughm..."
Seria let out another low, deep rumble from her chest, the sound vibrating through the entire cavern.
Her massive head leaned slightly into his hand, eyes half-closed in clear contentment.
Her long neck curled more protectively around him, the tip of her snout resting near his shoulder as if she were a colossal guardian claiming something precious.
"…This feels… nice," she admitted quietly, her majestic voice carrying a rare hint of vulnerability.
"It has been a very long time since anyone touched me like this… without fear."
Gray didn't speak.
