Chapter 1

Drake stirred in his cave, his immense silhouette framed against the fiery hues of the setting sun.

His onyx-black scales shimmered faintly, as though embers smoldered beneath them.

Though his breathing was slow and steady, his molten gold eyes betrayed the storm churning within.

A deep growl rumbled from his chest, resonating through the stone around him.

His claws dug into the rocky ground, carving furrows as restless energy surged through his powerful frame.

Shaking his mane of spines, he exhaled sharply.

The fire of estrus burned in his veins, making it impossible to focus. He paced near the entrance, his obsidian scales catching the faint light of the setting sun.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered, his deep voice echoing through the stone walls. "All this energy, and for what? Nature’s cruel joke, that’s what." He huffed, shaking his massive head. "I need to get out of here."

As he stepped into the open air, the cool mountain breeze did little to calm him. His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply, trying to catch the scent of the world beyond.

The estrus period was a time of great powers and great vulnerability, a time to be feared because the strongest dragons could be taken during this period. And he, a matured and experienced dragon, knew the risks.

He had seen dragons who had lost themselves completely during the estrus period, who had become mindless beasts driven solely by their desires.

He shuddered as he recalled memories of his first estrus period. He had to look for a young female dragon who had strayed from home to ease himself.

He could not let that happen to him.

He had to find a way to control his desires, to master the fire that burned within him, or at least get a mate. Though it wasn't easy to find a true mate.

His kind were very loyal, only having one mate in their lifetime. That was what he desired, but his first estrus period made him do otherwise.

Now he was ready to right his wrongs.

But he knew he couldn't get it here. He had to leave the cave.

Besides, he wasn't used to staying in a place for long.

With a snarl, he moved towards the edge of the cave. He stepped into the open air, the cool mountain breeze washing over him.

It offered little comfort, only teasing him with scents of distant lands and life. He sniffed the air, pausing for a moment, but then a faint, acrid tang caught his attention.

"Magic," he growled, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the treeline below. "Humans."

Before he could react, a streak of blue light shot from the trees, slamming into his side.

The impact sent him staggering, and a net of crackling energy spread across his body.

He roared in fury, thrashing against the spell.

"You’ve got to be kidding me!" he growled, his tail whipping around to strike the ground with a thunderous crash. "Attacking me now? Do you have a death wish?"

From the forest below, a group of robed magicians emerged, their staff glowing with runes. The leader stepped forward, his voice loud and confident. "You’re weakened, dragon! We know that—"

Drake laughed, his voice a deep, rumbling sound. "Weakened? What makes you think so?"

"For centuries we have studied your kind. Strong and fearsome creatures you are, but a time comes when you lose that vigor. We know what you are going through. We have been waiting patiently for it. Estrus has drained your strength," The leader mocked, a grin playing at the corners of his lips. "Surrender now, and this doesn’t have to get ugly."

The dragon was furious. "We'll see about that," He snarled.

He lunged forward, his claws raking the earth as he fought against the magical net. The magicians began chanting in unison, their spells weaving together into chains of golden light that wrapped around his wings and legs.

Drake roared, flames erupting from his mouth and scorching the air. "You think your little tricks will stop me?!" he bellowed, straining against the bindings. "I am a fire incarnate! You don’t stand a chance!"

But the fire of estrus sapped his strength.

His movements became sluggish, his roars less fierce. A chain lashed around his neck, forcing his head low.

He struggled, smoke pouring from his nostrils, but his body betrayed him.

"You’re fighting a losing battle, dragon," the leader taunted. "This heat makes you vulnerable. You can’t even control your form."

Drake’s eyes widened at the words, and for a moment, panic flickered across his face. "No," he growled. "I will not—"

Before he could finish, his body convulsed.

The golden chains tightened, their magic reacting with the instability in his form.

His massive frame began to shift, the obsidian scales melting away to reveal pale, human skin. His claws retracted, his wings vanished, and in moments, he was no longer a towering beast but a man, collapsed and gasping on the ground.

The magicians approached cautiously, their staff still glowing.

The leader smirked, looking down at the disoriented figure. "Well, well. Looks like we were right. You’re not so fearsome now, are you?"

Drake glared up at them, his golden eyes still burning with defiance. "Don’t mistake this for defeat," he spat, his voice hoarse but filled with venom. "You’ll regret this."

"Maybe," the leader said, his tone smug. "But for now, you’re coming with us."

The magicians encircled him, their spells forming a containment field. He tried to rise, his body trembling with exhaustion, but it was no use. The magic was too strong, and his weakened state left him powerless.

"I’ll get out of this," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the hum of magic. "And when I do, you’ll all pay."

"Now, now, little creature, you seem to have misunderstood us," The leader said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "We do not want to hurt you in any way. We only want to help you."

"Humans!" Drake retorted as he spat on the floor. "Your kind have no heart—"

"—Ah, but I do. It may be black, but it still beats, pumping blood into my body." He added, cutting Drake off. "Just like yours is beating to the rhythm of your desires."

He took a few steps towards him, but far enough from his reach. Though in his human form, he knew Drake was still dangerous.

He smiled at the dragon. "But don't worry, I'll help you quench the raging fire burning inside of you."