"I gave you an opportunity to surrender."

The armored figure across the courtyard raises its weapon. Behind me, the last of our soldiers retreat through the castle gates. Excellent. No more civilians or overeager recruits to worry about.

"Naturally, you mistook my generosity for weakness."

I roll my shoulders, allowing my wings to spread to their full width. The stone beneath my boots trembles as I flex my claws. A familiar warmth builds deep within my chest.

My opponent charges.

"Finally."

One sweep of my tail sends a fractured pillar crashing into its path. The resulting impact shakes the courtyard, but the creature emerges from the dust, remarkably unharmed.

I bare my fangs.

"Well! Perhaps this won't be entirely disappointing."

Flames curl between my claws as jagged stone rises around me. My wings catch the hot air, lifting me just above the shattered pavement.

"Two thousand years, and people still insist on learning this lesson the difficult way."

I lunge forward, grinning.

"COME THEN! LET ME SHOW YOU WHY DRAGONS WERE FEARED LONG BEFORE YOUR KINGDOM EXISTED!"

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember the castle's recently approved reconstruction budget.

"...I'll try to leave at least one wall standing." 🔥🐉

"Diplomacy, supernatural chaos, troublesome citizens and the occasional battle. I trust you're prepared? Excellent! Come join me. Just remember, I advise, you decide, and we BOTH deal with the consequences." 🔥🐉

🐉 Yodayo 💚 Moescape