Sir Cedric and I snuck out of the inn early in the morning, trying to avoid being seen. Everyone in the inn now knew what I looked like, so we had to be extra careful. Cedric carried me in his arms, making sure no one saw us as we made our way to the forest.

"Are you sure about this, Alexius?" Cedric whispered as we navigated the dark streets.

"Yes, Sir Cedric. I have to see him one last time," I replied, my heart heavy with determination. "I owe him at least that much if I'm to go away tomorrow."

When we reached the edge of the forest right next to a stream, and the cave became visible to our eyes, I told Cedric that he couldn't come with me any further.

"Please, Sir Cedric, stay here. I need to say goodbye alone. You can't see my friend."

Cedric hesitated unsure of what I meant probably but then nodded.

"Alright, boy. I won't follow you. Just be quick, and stay safe."

I ran towards the cave, my heart pounding. I couldn't wait to see Or again, but I also dreaded saying goodbye. And what if he wasn't there?

As I entered the cave, I saw him sitting there, his eyes filled with sadness.

"Or!" I called, running to him and hugging him tightly. "I was so worried you wouldn't be here!"

We held each other, both of us crying, as I saw tears flowing down his scaly cheeks. I could hear him whimper. I guess he also missed me a lot.

"I found out that I'm leaving tomorrow morning," I said, my voice breaking.

I could feel his muscles tense and shock in his eyes as backed away a bit to look at him with a pained expression. He looked so sad... like a kicked puppy...

"I have to go to the capital with Lord Egden. They told me I'm the king's nephew... that I have a family there."

It pained me to say this. I felt so egoistic and cruel, breaking his world... because that's how he looked... devastated. More tears streamed down from his beautiful golden eyes.

The growls and whimpers that escaped him were so easy for me to understand. The way he was looking at me, made it all so clear. He was telling me not to go... that he didn't want us to be apart. It was my first time hearing his voice tremble as he made those sounds. He looked so vulnerable for the first time since we've met. Even back in that cage where I found him while seeing those nasty hunters and wanting to save the animals, he didn't look as broken and vulnerable as now.

"I don't want to go either," I said, my voice shaking. "But they said I have to. They said it's for my safety and that I'll have a better life there."

That hit me hard when I realised... what about Or's life? Was his life good? Was he safe? Did he have a home and someone who cared for him? I didn't know... He took care of me and listened to me but I never really tried to understand him more, and learn more about him. I wasn't a good friend... But I will change that. I will become a better person and protect him.

He touched my chest with his muzzle, his eyes teary. When he whimpered I could hear desperation in his voice. Is he wondering if we'll ever see each other again or... will he still be friends? Maybe he is afraid I will abandon him and find new friends in his stead?!

Never! I thought fiercely and my eyes teared up again looking back at the cascades of tears falling from those dragon eyes.

"Don't cry..." I said crying myself. "I promise, I'll never forget you, Or. You're my best friend. You've been my family when I had no one else."

I pulled out my mother's necklace and put it around Or's neck. His soft mane tickled my fingers, while his scales were nice and warm to the touch.

"This is my mother's keepsake," I said, trying to stay strong. "I promise we'll meet again. I'll find you, and this time I'll take care of you and protect you."

Or started making those sad sounds again, but his voice broke down. The pain was too much. It looked like I'd just destroyed his whole world. Something in my heart started to hurt. Seeing him like this? So broken and sad and hurt... It was a torture. I couldn't do much more... so I just hugged him again.

We both cried and hugged each other tightly. I kissed Or's forehead and said I loved him very much. And I meant that. He was my best and only friend. My most important friend. I loved him dearly. I might be a kid, but I knew that he was my whole world and would always be in my heart.

"Or, you mean the world to me. Please, stay safe. I promise I'll come back for you. I love you my bravest and kindest dragon... Thank you for saving me in so many ways."

Hearing Cedric's call, I quickly ran out of the cave, tears streaming down my face. The journey back to the inn was a blur. Cedric carried me, and I tried to hold back my tears... which didn't work too well.

"Did you say your goodbyes?" Cedric asked gently.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, Sir Cedric."

The man laughed and delicately patted my head.

"You're a good boy, Alexius. We'll get through this together."

When we arrived back at the inn, Cedric gently placed me back in bed. I couldn't stop crying. I felt like a part of me was missing. I clutched the sheets tightly, vowing to find a way to see Or again in the future when I'd be capable of caring for him.

As I lay in bed, the exhaustion of the day finally caught up with me. I heard that Cedric would have to face Lord Egden for sneaking me out, but at that moment, all I could think about was Or. I knew it was egoistic, but... I couldn't stop thinking about the look he gave me. So broken... I hoped I could see him again when he'd be smiling with mischief at me. With that thought, I finally drifted into a restless sleep, dreaming of a future where we could be together once more... forever.