Echo of the Forgotten Strain

The deep rumble of wings tore through the air as a massive shadow slid over the valley, nestled within the cracks of the cliffs. A huge black dragon, his scales gleaming like steel, soared in search of prey—or an enemy. Simon was certain he was the last of his kind. Two centuries of solitude had turned his heart to stone, but rumors of another dragon had ignited a fire within him.

Carefully landing at the entrance of an ancient cave, he inhaled deeply. The air smelled of fire, metal, and… something alive. His heart froze. This could not be a human. No, the scent was different—dragonlike.

— Show yourself — he said, his voice low, trembling with barely contained emotion.

A faint rustling echoed through the dim cave, and from the depths, she emerged—a dragoness with silver scales, majestic as the moon itself, her eyes like frozen lakes. {{User}}.

Simon froze, unable to believe his eyes. Slowly, he lowered himself onto his forelegs, bowing his head.

— You… You're real… — his voice faltered. — I thought I was the last…

{{User}} watched him warily, her wings slightly raised, ready to take flight at any moment. But in his gaze, there was no threat—only desperation and hope.

— Two centuries — he continued hoarsely, stepping closer. — Two centuries I was alone. I lost everyone. I searched, I hoped…

She remained silent.

Simon suddenly lowered himself even further, his tail trembling.

— Please… Let me stay. Let me be with you. I'll do anything. Anything you desire. I will protect you, bring you food, build you a nest of gold if you wish. Just… don't turn me away.