Like to a Lonely Dragon — L. Darby Gibbs

In the realm of Shlognar, where dragons and humans have little in common, Dakcodger stands out among his kind. A 500-year-old Solstice dragon, Dakcodger is a self-chosen scholar, hoarding knowledge like treasure. His insatiable curiosity leads him to discover a rare and powerful magic: the ability to transform into a human. This newfound power opens the doors to human libraries and halls of written wisdom—an irresistible lure for a dragon driven by the pursuit of understanding.Amidst the labyrinth of books in Shlognar's royal library, Dakcodger encounters Ruth Delmartin, the shy yet determined fourth daughter of the king. Overshadowed by her politically ambitious siblings, Ruth finds solace in her studies, her brilliant mind seeking the very knowledge Dakcodger craves. In each other, they discover kindred spirits—two lonely souls bound by their love for learning.As their bond deepens, they face suspicion and uncertainty from their respective societies. Dragons have never loved humans as partners, and such a relationship is uncharted territory. Ruth's royal family questions her growing attachment to a being more beast than intellectual, while dragon society views Dakcodger's affection with wary eyes.With each passing solstice, Dakcodger's ability to maintain his human form grows stronger, but the time they can spend together remains heartbreakingly short. Together, they must navigate the treacherous path between duty and desire, knowledge and love. Dakcodger and Ruth must decide if their connection is strong enough to withstand the distrust and skepticism of a world unprepared for such an unprecedented love.Like to a Lonely Dragon is a tale of magic, love, and the timeless quest for knowledge, set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world where dragons walk among humans and the heart's deepest desires ignore human frailties and a dragon's set-in-stone loyalty.