Story

**Title: Ember in the Woods** In the small town of Maple Grove, there was a legend whispered among the locals about a magical creature that lived deep in the woods. Most people dismissed it as just another tall tale, but not Lily. At thirteen, she was the kind of girl who spent her weekends exploring the forest behind her house, nurturing a secret hope that one day she might stumble upon something extraordinary. One Saturday afternoon, Lily set out on her usual adventure. The sun filtered through the canopy of leaves, casting playful shadows on the forest floor. With her backpack filled with snacks, a water bottle, and her trusty notebook, she wandered deeper than usual, feeling a mysterious pull guiding her. The deeper she ventured, the thicker the forest grew, until she came upon a small clearing she had never seen before. In the center lay a peculiar bundle of twigs, leaves, and something shimmering. Curiosity piqued, Lily approached cautiously, her sneakers crunching on the forest floor. As she drew closer, she couldn't believe her eyes. Nestled among the leaves was a tiny creature with iridescent scales that glinted in the sunlight. It was a baby dragon, no bigger than a house cat, curled up and shivering. Its wings were a delicate shade of emerald, and its eyes, when they opened, were a deep, soulful amber. "Hey there, little one," Lily whispered, crouching down to its level. The dragon peered up at her with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Lily's heart swelled with a protective instinct she had never felt before. She reached into her backpack and pulled out a granola bar. "I don't know if you eat this, but it's worth a try, right?" She broke off a small piece and offered it to the dragon. Tentatively, it sniffed the morsel before nibbling it cautiously. Lily smiled. "I'll call you Ember," she decided aloud, enchanted by the warmth that seemed to radiate from its scales. Ember flicked its tail in response, as if approving the name. As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, Lily realized she couldn't leave Ember alone in the woods. But taking a dragon home? That was bound to be complicated. Still, she couldn’t abandon it. "Okay, Ember. Let's get you somewhere safe," she said, wrapping the dragon gently in her jacket and placing it in her backpack, leaving it open so Ember could peek out. The walk back home was filled with whispers and giggles as Lily told Ember about her life, school, and the stories of dragons she had read in books. Ember listened, occasionally chirping in response. When they reached Lily's house, she snuck Ember into her room, setting up a cozy nest in an old laundry basket lined with blankets. Over the next few weeks, Lily and Ember became inseparable. She learned that Ember loved apples and had a penchant for shiny things, often collecting bits of tinfoil or marbles that Lily brought home. Ember's presence brightened Lily's days, filling them with a sense of wonder and adventure. However, keeping Ember a secret proved challenging. Lily's parents were used to her spending time in her room, absorbed in her books or drawings, but they started to notice the odd noises and mysterious scorch marks on her homework. She needed to find a solution before someone discovered her secret. One evening, as she sketched Ember in her notebook, an idea sparked. The legend of the Maple Grove dragon was known, but what if she could convince everyone that it was just a harmless myth? If she shared stories about their adventures without revealing Ember's existence, maybe it would keep prying eyes away. So, she started a blog under a pseudonym, weaving tales of a girl and her dragon friend exploring hidden realms and solving ancient riddles. Her stories quickly gained a following, with readers fascinated by the detailed and imaginative world she described. Lily's plan worked better than she expected. The blog became a sensation at school, and she overheard classmates debating the truth of the dragon tales. Meanwhile, Ember remained her cherished secret, thriving in the safety of her care. One crisp autumn day, as the leaves turned golden and the air grew cooler, Ember's scales began to shimmer more vibrantly than ever. Lily sensed a change and realized that Ember was growing up. She knew in her heart that the forest was calling Ember back. With a heavy heart, Lily prepared for their farewell. She packed a small pouch with Ember's favorite shiny trinkets and a few apples. Together, they walked back to the clearing where they first met. "Ember," Lily said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You've been my best friend and the most incredible secret. I know you need to go back to where you belong, but I'll never forget you." Ember nuzzled her hand, a soft purr vibrating through its