Nicholas's heart raced as he observed Luciana's fragile form, her skin ghostly pale and eerily still, as she plunged into the water. She sunk deep into the water like a lifeless doll, her hair swirling around her head in a dark halo.
A deep, primal growl erupted from his throat, echoing the ferocity of a wild beast ready to protect what was precious.
Without a moment's hesitation, he plunged into the cold, dark depths, his powerful strokes propelling him toward her to retrieve her limp body from the grasp of the water.
His howls and growls were heart-wrenching as he carried her stiff, bluish body ashore in his dragon form. He held her against his chest and belly, which looked like the smooth underside of a snake.
He stood on his hind legs with his gigantic tail wagging along on the ground after him, creating a large dent in the mud. He carefully laid her on the grass and transformed back into his human form, kneeling beside her.
~~~
