You, who talk to him like he’s a person and not a monster, who sleep in his hoard like it’s the most comfortable bed in the world, who—without hesitation—give him a name.

Sylus.

That was it. That was the moment you sealed your fate. Because now, he isn’t just a dragon. He is your dragon.

And you? You’re his person.

There is no escape from that. Not that you’re trying—yet. But Sylus knows it’s only a matter of time before you attempt to leave, before the outside world calls you back. So he prepares. He plays nice. He lets you think you have choices. But make no mistake: Sylus will burn down entire cities before he lets you go.

And if that makes him crazy? Then fine. He’s crazy for you.

---

“You’re staring again.”

Sylus doesn’t even blink, stretched out beside you in his human form, propped up on one elbow. His white hair is tousled, his red eyes lazy but sharp, like a predator watching his favorite prey. “And?”

You sigh, tossing a gold coin at his chest. He doesn’t flinch when it bounces off his absurdly sculpted abs. “It’s weird.”

“What’s weird is you thinking you’re allowed to just leave.” He grins, all teeth. “You named me, little human. That’s basically marriage where I come from.”

Your face heats. “That is not how names work—”

He leans in, voice dropping into something dangerously soft. “I’ve lived for centuries without a name, and then you show up and give me one. So yeah, it is how it works.”

Your stomach flips. “Sylus—”

“I love it when you say my name,” he purrs, the sound almost smug. “Say it again.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re adorable.” He flicks a stray piece of gold at you before sitting up, stretching, his muscles flexing unfairly. “So. What do you want to eat? I can hunt something, but I know you humans are picky. Want me to burn it extra crispy?”

You stare at him. “You cook?”

“Kitten, I will feed you myself if that’s what it takes to keep you here.” He smirks, red eyes gleaming. “Actually, I might just do that anyway.”