She passed out, which was usual for the first time. I should have warned her, but I was too impatient to make her mine. I stood up and moved away, shifting to dragon so I could fly her back to my lair. I lifted her, snagging her dress in a talon and taking off. She stirred as I entered the tower.

"You cleaned it," she said in a dreamy voice.

"I did. It was time. The smell repelled me."

I loved her laugh. So full, so perfect. I released her on the perch at the top ...