Class dragged on, every minute stretching into an eternity. I couldn't focus, my mind constantly drifting back to Winter. Every time I stole a glance at him, our eyes would lock for a brief moment, and sometimes he'd offer a curt nod, a silent acknowledgment. But other times, he was distant, his eyes purposefully averting mine. It only made everything more complicated. I knew I loved Darkstalker—of course, I did. I had to. But Winter... Winter was my clawmate, my friend. I didn't even know if what I felt for him was the same thing I felt for Darkstalker. Was it possible to love two dragons at once? The confusion gnawed at me, but I couldn't seem to untangle my emotions.

The day only grew more chaotic. In Clay's healing class, the announcement came: we were going to the Rainforest for a week to study the healing herbs there. A part of me was eager for the trip, but that excitement quickly turned to dread when I saw who I was paired with for the journey: Winter. We were to stay in the RainWing huts together, just the two of us. I had to force myself not to panic. Would it be awkward? Would he... sense something?

As I packed my things, I tried to steady my thoughts, but my claws were trembling. The last thing I wanted was for Winter to see just how much he unsettled me. But then, as if sensing my inner turmoil, Moon came over to help me. She didn't say anything at first, but her knowing gaze told me she had been watching. After a few moments, she broke the silence with a casual remark.

"You like Winter."

I froze. The words hit me like a lightning bolt, and my heart skipped a beat. My claws tightened around the rucksack I was holding, and I felt a hot flush creep up my neck. "I—uh, what?" I stammered, struggling to comprehend what she'd just said. My breath caught in my throat. Was it really that obvious? Did I like Winter? The thought had never fully crossed my mind until now, and yet... Moon was right, wasn't she?

I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety swirl in my chest. It seemed so much simpler to just admit it, to let Moon know how I felt instead of hiding it behind a mask. I had spent so long convincing myself that my heart belonged to Darkstalker, but the truth was, he was so different from me. He was ancient—over a thousand years old—and so much bigger, so much more powerful. Our worlds were on opposite ends, and there were too many barriers between us. As much as I cared for him, I knew that we could never be what I dreamed we could be.

Winter, on the other talon... Winter was my clawmate, my companion, someone who had been with me through thick and thin. And, now that I was being honest with myself, I realized there was something deeper there, something that pulled at me whenever I saw him. Maybe it was always there, quietly growing in the background, waiting for me to notice.

"Yes," I finally admitted, the word tasting both heavy and freeing on my tongue. I couldn't help but smile a little, awkwardly, at the truth I had just spoken aloud. "It was obvious, wasn't it?"

Moon's gaze softened, her eyes reflecting something that felt like understanding, maybe even a little sympathy. She reached out, her talon brushing lightly against mine in a comforting gesture. "It's not bad for you to like him," she said gently, her voice warm and reassuring. "And he likes you too."

My breath caught in my throat at her words. Winter liked me? The thought felt like it had been whispered into existence, yet it was almost too much to comprehend. I hadn't dared to imagine it. But Moon's quiet certainty about it made something flutter in my chest, a cautious hope blooming where confusion had once reigned.

"I don't know what to do," I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Everything feels... complicated."

Moon gave me a soft smile, her wings fluttering as she stepped closer. "Sometimes, the heart isn't simple," she said, her words like a balm for my racing mind. "But don't be afraid to follow it. Whatever happens, you'll figure it out. Just remember, you don't have to do it alone."

I nodded slowly, feeling a warmth spread through me. Maybe Moon was right. I didn't have to have all the answers now. All I had to do was take one step at a time.

I smiled at Moon, feeling lighter than I had in days. The weight of my confession seemed to ease, replaced by a small but comforting sense of clarity. She truly was a good friend, always there with the right words at the right time, helping me see things in a way I couldn't have on my own. Her support meant more than I could put into words.

I brushed my wing against hers, the gentle gesture more soothing than I realized. "Thank you, Moon. You always know what to say."

She blushed, her face turning a soft shade of pink that matched her wings. "Oh, I-I don't know about that," she stammered, looking down at her talons.

I giggled, unable to resist teasing her just a little. "Thank you anyway for being my friend." I pulled her into a quick hug, my wings wrapping around her in a tight, grateful embrace. She stiffened for a moment, probably surprised by the suddenness, but then hugged me back just as fiercely.

When we pulled away, she grabbed her rucksack with a determined flick of her tail. "Let's go. Clay might not be mad at us, but I know Tsunami will have our heads on a spike if we don't get there on time."

I chuckled at her words, already imagining Tsunami's fiery expression if we were late. "You're right. Let's not give her a reason to show off her temper," I said with a grin, scooping up my own bag.

We left the cave together, wings fluttering in the crisp air of the mountain. The scent of the rainforest was already on the breeze, filling my senses with anticipation for the week ahead. As we flew toward the gathering point, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of excitement, despite everything. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad. Maybe, just maybe, it would be the start of something new.