The Reign of the Dragons: Chapter 3: My Dragon

I froze.

What??!!

Did he just call me his master?

I stared at him, my mind scrambling for an explanation.

How did I become his master? Was it just because I had this dragon tattoo? Or was there a deeper meaning behind it?

He seemed to understand my shock. He raised his head, his glowing crimson eyes locking onto mine. They were filled with truth—trust.

He wasn't lying.

I was his master.

I finally managed to find my voice.

"How... am I your master?"

He smiled. "The tattoo, my master. It only appears to those worthy of commanding me. And you... you are one of the finest I have ever served."

I blinked. One of the finest?

I couldn't help myself. I had to ask, "How do you know I'm worth it?"

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't degrading myself. I was pretty damn confident in my skills. But this was a dragon—a legendary being. You'd want to know why such a creature deemed you worthy, wouldn't you?

Though, I won't lie... a part of me felt smug.

The dragon's expression softened. "Master, do not look down on yourself. You are fated to rule alongside the other dragon rulers. But to answer your question, it is not I who decides whether you are worthy. Fate itself has chosen you. And fate... has impeccable judgment. It is my greatest honor to serve you."

I smiled.

No, scratch that. I was beyond happy.

I was dancing on the inside. But on the outside? I could only blush at his words.

Damn it, stop blushing!

My face was on fire.

I cleared my throat and said, "Please get up. You don't need to kneel in front of me. And just call me Jane—no need for 'Master'."

He stood but shook his head.

"My apologies, but it is my duty to call you Master."

I sighed.

I understood.

It wasn't about force—it was about respect. About duty.

I knew that feeling well. I, too, had once addressed someone as 'Master' because of their position. It wasn't submission—it was responsibility.

"Fine," I said. "But at least add my name to it. Just 'Master' feels way too formal."

His lips curled into an amused smile. "As you wish, Master Jane."

I sighed again, but at least it was better.

Then, his smile faltered.

"You are the first to accept me so quickly." he admitted. "Most of my previous masters hesitated for days. Some even rejected me out of fear. They could not accept a servant who was more powerful than them."

He lowered his head, his gaze falling to the ground.

Oh, for god's sake.

Now I had to console a dragon.

I reached out and tugged on his sleeve.

He glanced at me, startled.

"Look at me." I said softly.

He hesitated... then obeyed.

"Can you crouch down a little?" I asked.

He did.

I placed my hand on his head and gently patted him.

"You are the legendary Eternal Flame Dragon," I told him. "Of course you're stronger than them. Stronger than me. That's the whole damn point."

He blinked.

"If you weren't strong, how would you protect me?" I continued. "And if we were stronger than you, why would we need dragons in the first place?"

His crimson eyes widened slightly.

"And one more thing." I met his gaze, my tone firm. "Don't you dare call yourself a slave. A dragon being a slave to humans is an insult to your entire race. You are protectors. You've saved humans countless times."

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.

I gave his head another soft pat.

"Never look down on yourself," I said. "And if you ever do... I will personally remind you—again and again—until you believe me."

A slow, genuine smile spread across his face.

He nodded.

I smiled back.

"Alright, now tell me—what should I call you? I can't just keep saying 'you' all the time."

He seemed thoughtful for a moment.

"My first master called me 'Red' because of my hair, my eyes, and my clothing," he said. "I... liked that name. None of my later masters thought to name me."

Something inside me twisted at that.

The first master gave him a name. The others didn't even bother.

"Then 'Red' it is." I said.

He looked almost... grateful.

Suddenly, a rustling noise came from the trees.

I stiffened.

"Red," I whispered urgently, "get back to being a tattoo."

He nodded. "We can communicate through the mind, Master Jane. If you need me, call for me—even in your thoughts. I cannot emerge without your permission."

I barely had time to nod before he disappeared.

The instant he vanished, my tattoo reappeared.

I turned toward the noise—

And saw her.

The one person Jane had loved the most.

Narda.

Her face was twisted with worry, but the second she saw me, relief flooded her eyes.

She ran toward me and pulled me into a tight hug.

I froze for a moment.

Then, I melted into her warmth.

In my past life, I had been an orphan. I had never known a mother's love.

So now?

Now I would bask in it.

"When he took you away, I was worried sick!" Narda said, her voice trembling slightly.

I smiled at her. "Nothing happened, Mother. He just left me here." I sighed dramatically. "But now I'm scared. I just woke up, and I didn't know where I was. I wanted to go home, but I had no idea which way to go... so I waited."

Narda nodded, still holding me tightly.

"Come on, then." she said. "Let's go home."

As we started walking, a voice echoed in my mind. "Master Jane... please be careful. I sense danger."

I mentally nodded.

I had a feeling that Red was right.

Click 'Chapter 4' to read the next chapter.