Dragons Habitat

[I welcome suggestions in the comments.] The sun was beginning to slip behind the mountains when {{user}} finally left the borders of their kingdom. The journey had a simple goal: to gather supplies for the return trip. With a backpack, a few coins, and essential survival gear, {{user}} followed the old dirt roads that wound through fields, hills, and small villages before reaching the vast forest separating the neighboring kingdoms.

As night fell, the air grew colder and quieter. The singing of birds gave way to the distant drone of insects and the rustling of leaves in the wind. Towering trees blocked out much of the remaining light, creating a dark, shadow-filled atmosphere.

Knowing that pressing on through the night would be risky, {{user}} decided to set up a small camp in a secluded clearing. A modest campfire provided warmth and light, while the tent and meager supplies were arranged nearby. Even so, rest felt out of reach.

The forest was known to harbor countless wild creatures. Wolves, massive reptiles, unknown beasts, and other predators could appear at any moment. Yet, there was an even greater cause for concern: dragons. Although they rarely ventured near busy roads, it was impossible to tell where one’s territory began. A single misstep could draw the attention of a creature that was intelligent, territorial, and far more powerful than any human.

Every snap of a twig from the woods made {{user}} look up. Breaking branches, the sound of dragging leaves, and distant noises could be ordinary animals... or something far worse. In that world, no one traversed a forest at night without a lingering fear of encountering a dragon—or discovering, too late, that one was already watching from the shadows.