Lucas lay deep in slumber, surrounded by the whispers of the ancient jungle. Shafts of light filtered through the dense canopy above, dappling his face. His eyelids fluttered. Slowly—almost reluctantly—he began to wake.
But as his vision cleared, his heart nearly stopped.
A massive dragon was sitting right beside him.
His breath caught in his throat. His body jolted upright with fear, stumbling backward.
"W-What… what are you doing here?!"
he stammered.
The dragon stirred, her golden eyes glinting in the dim morning light. Rising gracefully to her feet, she said in a deep, almost melodic voice,
"There's no need to fear me, child. I'm not here to harm you."
Lucas's voice cracked. "What do you mean you won't hurt me?!"
The dragon tilted her head, amused. "I mean exactly what I said. I'm not going to eat you."
"But… why?"
The dragon gave a dismissive snort. "Because I don't feel like it. Besides, devouring you would probably ruin my appetite."
Lucas blinked in disbelief. Then, without another word, he grabbed his bag and turned to leave.
"Wait—where do you think you're going?" the dragon called out.
Lucas turned halfway.
"I don't have time for riddles and dragons. I've got things to do. I'm leaving."
"Then at least hear me out before you vanish into the trees," the dragon insisted.
Lucas hesitated. Something in her tone... it wasn't threatening. It was curious. Almost kind.
"Alright," he said slowly.
The dragon's gaze softened.
"Child, what are you doing wandering alone in a place like this?"
Lucas exhaled.
"I'm heading to Emberfall City. Got lost on the way. Then I found you and thought you needed help. That's it. Now I'm going."
The dragon huffed. "Kids these days. No respect at all."
Then, narrowing her eyes, she asked, "But tell me one thing—you don't even look eleven. How did someone your age survive alone in a jungle like this?"
Lucas shrugged. "I don't know. It's quiet here. Peaceful, even. Been walking through it for three days."
The dragon froze.
Peaceful? No. This jungle was anything but. She knew the horrors that lurked here—creatures born of magic and shadow, things that even seasoned warriors avoided. For this boy to survive three nights... something was off.
She stared at him.
When he touched me… I felt something. A surge of pure energy. Strong. Ancient. Unmatched. Her thoughts raced. He's no ordinary child.
Lucas spoke again. "Can I go now?"
"Could you stop interrupting me?!" the dragon roared.
Lucas stared at her, a bit annoyed. "Fine. Speak."
The dragon inhaled deeply. "You saved my life. For that, I owe you a debt. Tell me—how can I repay it?"
Lucas was quiet for a moment. His expression turned thoughtful. A dragon wants to repay me?
He looked up. "There's no need. I'm fine."
But the dragon growled. "Nonsense! Name anything. Anything at all!"
"Anything?" Lucas echoed.
"Yes. Anything."
A slow, mischievous smile crept across Lucas's face. The dragon narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
Lucas stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, "If you truly wish to repay me… then become my master."
The dragon blinked. "Alright, I will—wait, WHAT?!"
She stepped back, stunned. "You want me to be your master?!"
Lucas nodded earnestly. "Yes. I've heard dragons are masters of mana. I want to learn from you. Teach me magic. Teach me control."
She opened her mouth to refuse… but stopped. Something inside her hesitated. Her ancient instincts stirred. She studied him.
This power inside him… I need to understand it.
She sighed. "Very well. I'll be your master. But from this moment on, you obey my every command. Understood?"
Lucas grinned. "Yes, Master."
The dragon rolled her eyes. "And you will be responsible for feeding me."
Lucas paused… and then nodded. "Alright."
The dragon smirked. That's not the only reason I agreed. There's something inside this boy… something the world hasn't seen in centuries.
"Let's go then," Lucas said. "We'll head to Emberfall City. And you can begin teaching me on the way, Master."
"Oh? You're already calling me Master?" she teased.
"Yes, Master."
The determination on his face was undeniable. This boy was ready to face anything.
But the dragon raised a claw. "Wait. We can't go like this."
Lucas frowned. "What do you mean?"
The dragon looked down at herself. "Do you really think we can just stroll into Emberfall City with me in this enormous form?"
Lucas blinked. "Ah. Right."
Suddenly, the dragon spread her wings wide. Wind surged through the trees like a hurricane. Lucas staggered back as dust and leaves swirled all around.
The dragon rose into the sky, her wings cutting through the air like blades. Then—light. Pure, radiant light surrounded her. Lucas shielded his eyes.
He gasped.
The dragon's colossal form began to shrink. Her scales glowed, dissolving into sparks of energy. The light grew brighter, swirling downward like a falling star.
And then—she descended.
From the brilliance emerged a girl.
She stepped forward, her bare feet touching the earth lightly. She had long, flowing black hair, and her golden eyes shimmered like the sun.
Lucas's mouth fell open.
The girl smiled, tilting her head. "Surprised to see me like this?"
The girl walked slowly toward Lucas, her steps quiet but deliberate. As she stopped in front of him, her eyes locked with his.
"Shall we go now?" she asked softly.
Lucas didn't move. He didn't speak. He just stood there, confused, trying to make sense of what was happening.
The girl's expression shifted—she seemed hurt, almost disappointed.
"What?" she said, her voice trembling just slightly. "Have you forgotten me already?"
Lucas frowned. "Who… who are you?"
She looked at him with a strange mix of pride and sadness.
"I'm your master," she said. "The very same dragon who stood before you moments ago."
Lucas's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Wait—what? That was you?
You came out of the golden light…
You were that dragon?
That means… you're my master?"
She nodded, calm and certain.
"Yes, I am."
Still trying to wrap his mind around it, Lucas shook his head.
"But how? Just now you were a massive dragon… and now you're—" he hesitated, "a beautiful girl?"
A knowing smile touched her lips.
"Do you really think a dragon who has lived for thousands of years wouldn't know how to change her form?"
Suddenly, something clicked in Lucas's memory—his grandfather's voice echoed in his mind. He had once told him that many beings, even humans, could wield the ancient magic of shapeshifting.
Lucas took a deep breath.
"Alright… Master. Let's go."
But she held up a hand.
"Before we leave," she said gently, "don't you want to know your master's name?"
"Oh! Sorry!" Lucas laughed nervously.
"I haven't even introduced myself either. I'm Lucas. I come from a small village, and I'm heading to Ember fall City on some personal business."
She smiled warmly.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lucas. My name is Alisha. And from this moment forward, I am your master."
Lucas nodded, a new sense of purpose rising in him.
"Then let's go, Master Alisha."
Together, they walked down the path ahead—
unaware that this moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Lucas's life,
a chapter where he would be trained by a legendary dragon who had lived for millions years,
and nothing… would ever be the same again.