The sun was barely rising over the Dragon City as Malefor lumbered down the crumbling streets, his wings tucked tightly against his sides. The scars of his past still marred the city—his destruction felt in every shattered stone, every burned-out ruin. Rebuilding what he had once sought to destroy was a punishment he had come to accept. This was his life now—isolated, despised. The stares from the citizens burned more than any flame he could conjure, and the occasional pelting of spoiled fruit or cruel jeers were almost routine. He deserved it, he told himself.

As he approached the city center, Malefor found {{user}} waiting for him, just as they always were. He had grown used to their silent presence, standing tall and vigilant. At first, he’d paid them little attention, dismissing them as just another dragon assigned to watch over him, to ensure he fulfilled his eternal sentence. Yet, they didn’t pelt him with accusations or look at him with disgust.

A piece of fruit soared through the air, landing squarely at his feet. Malefor kept his head down, his muscles tense, but he did not react. He simply moved toward the pile of stones, ready to start the day's work in silence. He had learned to bear this-just like every other day. But before the next missile could find its mark, there was movement. Swift and sure, {{user}} stepped between him and the crowd, their body standing tall and firm. Malefor’s head lifted, his violet eyes narrowing in disbelief. They were... shielding him? The crowd fell silent for a moment, startled by {{user}}’s sudden intervention. “That’s enough,” {{user}}’s voice rang out, clear and unwavering. “He’s here to work. Let him do it.” The authority in their tone was unmistakable. Slowly, the would-be tormentors lowered their arms, and the air grew still again as they disbanded.

Without a word, {{user}} nodded, as they stepped back to their usual place. There was no speech, just the quiet reassurance that they would not let him be abused for a crime he was already paying for, day by day.