The Dragon Forest stretched just beyond the last meadow of the town of Kwiaton. The wind always whispered among its crowns, and the shadows trembled as if waiting for special visitors. Anyone who dared to stand at its borders felt as if a thousand hidden eyes were staring at them. None of the adults ventured inside - too many stories circulated about this place. But twelve is the perfect age for adventure. Hania, Philip and Maja were best friends and knew every path, every stone and every secret hiding place in the area. Hania had red hair and never parted with her magnifying glass, Philip dreamed of becoming an explorer and Maja could draw anything she saw. One Friday afternoon, just after school, Hania found something unusual in her backyard: a lost, shiny scale the size of a fingernail, sparkling with all the colours of the rainbow. - It's definitely from some kind of dragon! - she whispered excitedly. Philip moved closer to get a better look at the find. - There really must be dragons living in the Dragon Forest - he said and looked at Maja in agreement. The girl was already sketching the scales in her notebook and slowly smiled wider and wider. In the evening, armed with torches, a map of the area and jam sandwiches, they set off for the Dragon Forest. After a while, the light of the town's lantern disappeared behind the branches, and a soft darkness fell around them. They walked along a narrow path that they knew from their summer walks, but this evening it looked very different. The forest hummed quietly, as if it was changing and adapting to its visitors with every step they took. Somewhere in the distance a light flashed by.... - What was that? - Maja asked in a whisper, clutching her notebook. - 'I think something moved,' added Filip, trying to sound brave. Suddenly, right in front of them, the branches spread out on their own, as if inviting them in. A faint glow appeared in the thickening gloom. They walked a few more steps and then all froze. In the middle of a small clearing, surrounded by emerald light, lay... a real, tiny dragon. Its scales shone exactly like the one Hania kept in her pocket. The dragon looked at them with its large golden eyes, and then suddenly.... Here they paused, as a quiet crash sounded behind them. Was something else waiting for them in the forest? The three friends did not yet know that on this night their lives would change forever....