First Breath of Ember

Silence. Then a steady pulse deep within. I opened my eyes to dim morning light falling across dark wood. My wings felt heavy, but with deliberate focus, I unfurled them. They moved. I lowered my head and touched the smooth surface of the illustrated binder lying right before me. A soft warmth sparked along the tip of my tail, casting a faint glow over the edges of the case. I am awake. The terrain is quiet, and I hold my ground.