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Two months went by since Ember and Spyro met. They had grown close and had their bedrooms across the hall from eachother. Spyro had tought Ember about the world, the fable of the purple dragon, and about Malefor. They sat at a table in the temple library. Ember struggled to learn how to read, but she tried her best. A book was laid out in front of him and Spyro pointed at letters. "Okay, so what's this letter?"

Ember strained her eyes and tried to read it. "Ummm. Uhh... capital I?

Spyro shook his head. "No. It's a capital T. Remember, capital I has a line on top and on bottom."

"Oh, right."

"Now what's this one?"

"Uhhhhh. Is it a lowercase i?"

"No. Lowercase j. A lowercase j has a curve underneath."

Tears formed in Ember's eyes and she began sniffling.

Spyro noticed Ember crying and put one arm around her. "Ember, what's wrong?"

"This is so hard! I can't do it!"

"Don't say that, Ember. It seems hard, but learning to read and write is one of the best things in the world. I believe in you, Ember."

Ember wiped away a tear. "I'm glad there's someone who cares about me. You're my only friend, Spyro. I'll cherish our friendship forever."

Spyro laughed and replied, "So will I, Ember. I hope that one day other dragons will befriend you. You're a great friend to have."

Ember's eyes lit up. "I am?"

"Of course! You're kind, you're sweet, you think about others, you're beautiful-"

"What was that last one?"

Spyro blushed a little. "Umm. I said you're graceful!"

"Oh." Ember seemed disappointed, but she shook it off and smiled. "It's getting late. I should get back to my room."

"Alright. I'll be in the temple if you need me."

Later that night...

Spyro sat on the roof of the temple looking up at the two moons. He sighed with confusion. "What do I say? Can this really be happening?"

"Hey, Spyro." Cynder flew in and landed next to Spyro. "What are you doing out here so late? You'll get a cold!"

Spyro looked up and smiled at his friend. "Hi, Cynder. I'm just sitting here. Thinking."

Cynder sat down next to him. "Do share."

Spyro thought about it for a second and took a deep breath. "Cynder, do you ever get the feeling like you need to say something, but you can't? Like you desperately want to say it, but you can't?"

Cynder smirked at the irony. "Spyro, you have no idea. I always have that feeling."

"So you know what I'm talking about then?"

"Absolutely!" 'Is this what I think it is?' she thought.

Spyro fumbled with his thumbs (Or whatever dragons have) and looked down. "I have... this friend... I haven't known her for very long, but I feel as if there's a connection between us."

"A friend, eh? Is she pretty?" 'Spyro's leaving a sign! This is it!'

"She's beautiful! She's the most elegant creature I've ever seen! But it's not just that... This girl... has a very dark past, and I just feel so much pity for her."

Cynder's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were filled with hope. 'A dark past? Like serving Malefor my whole life? He's talking about me! He loves me!'

"She has trouble making friends and only feels happy when she's at home."

'Just kiss him already, damn it!' she told herself mentally.

"Cynder, I want to tell her how I feel, but I can't bring myself to say it."

"Well..." 'Great, now we're both stuck.' "If you really care for your friend, just talk to her more often. I'm sure you'll be able to tell her once you're comfortable."

Spyro got up and smiled. "Thanks, Cynder. Thank you for listening. And thanks for your advice. I'm glad to have you as a friend. Good night." Spyro jumped and flew into his bed room window.

Cynder put her paw over her heart and cried tears of joy. "He loves me... He truly loves me... Now I just need to wait until one of us has the guts to say it."

Spyro landed next to his bed and pulled over the covers. He was about to climb in when he heard a knock on the door. "Who could be up at this hour?" he asked himself. He made his way to the door in the dark and opened it. "Ember, what are you doing up?"

Ember had a look of concern on her face. "I was sleeping in my room and I heard something. It sounded like someone was stomping. I tried to ignore it, but I later got a feeling like I was being watched. Now I'm too scared to sleep in my room." Even in the darkness, it was evident she was crying.

Spyro gave her a comforting hug. "It was probaly just a nightmare, Ember. But if you want, I'll switch rooms with you."

Ember hugged back and said, "Thank you, Spyro. But tonight, can I sleep with you? I'm afraid."

"Of course, Ember." They let go and Spyro closed the door. "I'll even lock the door for you." He locked the door and also closed the curtains. He helped her to the bed and tucked her in. "There. Feel better?"

Ember nodded. "A little."

Spyro got in bed with her and they shared the blanket. This was the second time they slept together. The first time was Ember's first night in the temple. "Good night, Ember."

They both smiled at each other. "Good night, Spyro." The strong aroma of Spyro's scent filled the room. It helped her fall asleep quickly.

Spyro loved Ember's smell when sshe was this close to him. He closed his eyes and drifted off into sleep.

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