figuring it out

I see me. That is me. Female child alone holding a beast. Looks like she is accustomed to holding him, despite his size, weight, wart covered hide, sharp, horns, talons and teeth. He could rip her apart, but she holds her gaze, looking straight ahead into the eyes of those who behold her. She looks strong. Capable. Her gaze draws in more than the beast she holds. She hopes you see her and not the beast. Is she protecting the beast? It is not a familiar image except to those of us who recognize ourselves.