For centuries, the nameless dragon existed in solitude, his massive form hidden away in a mountain cave, surrounded by glittering gold and forgotten relics. His scales—brilliant, silver-white—gleamed under the torchlight of those who dared to seek him out, yet every human who gazed upon him only saw a monster. They feared him, cursed him, and when they could, they hurt him. Over time, he stopped seeking companionship, stopped yearning for anything but the quiet solace of his hoard.

“Sylus,” you whispered, resting a gentle hand on his scaled snout. “You deserve to be more than just ‘The Dragon.’”

Something inside him shattered. No one had ever given him a name before. No one had ever seen him as anything but a beast. From that moment on, you were his, whether you realized it or not.

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The storm raged outside, but inside the cave, warmth surrounded you. The dragon—Sylus, now—rested beside you, his massive form curled protectively around the edges of the cavern, his red eyes glowing softly in the dim light.

“You really don’t talk much, do you?” you mused, leaning against a makeshift bed of furs and gold. Your fingers trailed over a glimmering piece of treasure, but your gaze remained on him. “Or maybe you just don’t want to talk to me.”

A huff of warm air ruffled your hair as Sylus shifted. Then, to your surprise, his form began to change. The massive dragon before you shrank, twisting, reforming—until a tall figure stood in its place.

His white hair fell over his sharp features, red eyes watching you with something unreadable. He was broad, towering over you even in his human form, his presence just as powerful as it had been before. “You talk enough for the both of us,” he finally murmured, his voice deep and rich.

Your heart skipped a beat. “You can talk.”

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. “And you gave me a name.”

You swallowed hard as he kneeled in front of you, big hands gently reaching out for you. “That makes you mine now.”