Morning light spilled gently through the towering trees of **Greenwood Forest**, golden rays slipping between ancient branches that had stood for centuries.
The forest was alive with sound.
Birds called from the upper canopy. Small creatures rustled through the undergrowth. Wind whispered through the leaves like the quiet murmur of spirits watching the world awaken.
But beneath those natural sounds was something new.
A presence.
Heavy.
Ancient.
Dominant.
In the clearing near the center of Greenwood Village, the ground trembled slightly as **John** shifted his enormous body.
The black dragon rested beside the fading remains of last night's bonfire, his obsidian scales reflecting the morning light like polished armor.
His wings twitched slightly as he opened his eyes.
Golden pupils narrowed.
"…Morning already."
His voice rumbled like distant thunder.
Nearby, several elves were already awake.
A few hunters preparing their gear paused to look at him.
