The Dragon's Hatchlings

by minniexwrites

Summary:

Felix was cursed to live as a human by day and a dragon by night, he hides and guards the last three dragon eggs while knight Hyunjin hunts him.

By moonlight they fight, but by sunrise they fall helplessly in love. As the line between enemy and lover become blurry, the truth unravels itself.

Notes:

minniexwrites ♡ twt

Chapter 1

Rain threaded through the dark forest of the mountains as Felix descended from the clouds. His black wings, with a purple shade, straining against the weight of the eggs in his belly. His wings carried the weight of his body, as his muscles tensed up every few minutes. Even through the wind that wracked his body, his mind mapped the wind direction, scented the trails, analyzed the safest routes farthest away from the kingdom.

Pain could be endured, carelessness could not.

Another contraction tensed his body mid-air.

Fire flashed between his teeth as he swallowed a cry, smoke pouring from his nostrils in a thin, trembling stream. He angled downward, folding one wing to slip between the trees. Branches scraped his scales, sparks flared where bark caught against the heat of him. The forest smelled of wet earth and moss and distant iron.

Think.

He could not return to the cavern near the peak, he was too exposed if the knights came searching. He needed shelter that did not look like shelter.

Through the curtains of rain, he saw a collapsed cottage at the forest's edge. Stone chimney still intact, roof sagging but mostly whole. Abandoned long enough that green leaves had claimed the walls and the door hung crooked on one hinge.

Shelter.

He landed behind it, claws sinking into mud, wings shuddering as another wave of pain ripped through him. His body demanded release of his eggs, now. He forced himself to move anyway, shouldering the door aside with careful precision rather than force.

Inside, the air was dusty and dry, the faint smell of smoke from a long cold winter months ago was still lingering.

"Ah," Another contraction bent him nearly in half.

He lowered himself to the floor delicately. The muscles of his wings trembled violently, scraping against the wall as they spread open, reacting to the pain. Heat radiated from him in suffocating waves, turning the damp air to steam.

It's time to lay my eggs.

The pain was not quick and sharp, it was torture. A deep, splitting pressure that spread through bone forcing his massive frame to strain and flex against it. He pressed his horned head against the floorboards carefully as tears slips his eyes. His large claws hooked desperately into the wood, as he relased a painful groan. He felt the egg spreading his vagina open.

The first egg came with a shudder that rattled the cottage walls.

It was smooth, larger than a man's helmet. He smiled softly at it as he huffed deeply. The first egg carefully landed on the nest of old blankets he had dragged beneath him with trembling claws. He had gathered them the moment he entered. He grabbed anything soft enough to cradle fragile life.

But he did not allow himself to rest.

The second contraction was worse.

Fire spilled from his mouth as he released another inner growl. His wings slammed outward, tearing through a shelf along the wall. Wood splintered on itself and the chimney slightly cracked. He huffed as the pain shot up his spine once more.

"A- almost," he rasped to himself, voice distorted in his dragon throat but soft all the same. "You're almost done."

The second egg followed.

Then the third right after it.

Each one was a piece of him, each one pulled from his body with unbearable force. By the end he was shaking violently, claws hooked into the blankets as the pain faded from his body.

When it was done, rain tapped against the broken windows.

Felix laid panting tired, smoke curling faintly from between his teeth, every muscle trembling in aftershock. For several long moments, he focused on relaxing with the sound of the rain.

Despite the ache splintering through his body, he shifted onto his side. He drew the blankets inward, building a cradle around the eggs as his limbs shook softly. He nudged them closer together, aligning them so their warmth gathered around each other. His sharp claws adjusted the fabric cautiously.

They glowed faintly in the dim cottage moonlight. Veins of soft gold pulsed beneath their pearled shells.

Three of them, alive.

His chest tightened, not from pain this time. But from how he had created three lives that were part of him. His own hatchings, three innocent lives that will grow under his care.

He curled his immense body around them, folding his wings like a shield. Heat seeped from his scales. The perfect amount of heat to warm them.

Outside, thunder rolled over the mountain. Felix lowered his head beside the nest, golden eyes sharp despite exhaustion. He stared, admiring the fragile curve of each shell. The thought of them being exposed to the outside world then terrified him. He realized that now, he also has to protect them. Until they grow strong enough to fend for themselves. But at this moment, they were vulnerable.

The cottage didn't guarantee safety. Especially the forest that surrounded them, every sound mattered, every unfamiliar scent was considered a threat.

"I will keep you safe," he murmured, smoke feathering gently over the blankets as he fell asleep.

 

 

Spring came gently to the mountain.

By dawn, the rain had thinned into mist, and the forest breathed green again. Felix moved carefully through it in his dragon form, slower than usual, his body still tender from the night before.

Before anything else, he secured the cottage.

He nudged his eggs one by one into a hollow where the earth dipped shallow and warm. Not in the cottage, the structure itself was already calling for visitors so he had to hide them where no one would pass until he came back. With meticulous precision, he layered blankets, moss, grass, and dry straw over them. He adjusted the stones around the earth to redirect the heat, calculating how long warmth would last in his absence.

He needed food, his body demanded it.

The forest teemed with life in spring. Deer picking through fresh shoots, rabbits darting between roots, the distant rush of water streams. Felix hunted not viciously, but with efficiency.

A single stag would be enough.

He found one near a clearing, but he descended too fast. Pain lanced through his side as his still-weakened muscles betrayed him mid-lunge. The stag bolted. One caught Felix along a tender seam beneath his scales.

His body heated up suddenly.

The heat surged through his veins, his body folded in on itself, bones shifting, scales dissolving into skin. The transformation ripped through him mid-breath, a silent scream muffled behind his clenched teeth.

When it ended, he was on his knees in the undergrowth, bare and bleeding.

Human.

He stood there for a minute to catch his breath, grabbing the pieces of clothing that fell from his dragon form's wrist. He slid into them, "I should wake up earlier to hunt." 

Then, he suddenly heard metal shifting... Leather creaking and footsteps that crinkled some leaves.

Felix scented a human nearby, too close.

He cursed himself for hunting so near the lower slopes. Fresh blood slid between his scales where the stag had struck him.

He forced himself to move, dragging his body toward a large brush. He could not risk leading anyone back toward the cottage. Not like this, not weakened.

He heard them takes some step with their heavy boots crunching the leaves. A voice heard in the distance but unmistakable.

"Easy… I won't harm you."

Felix's heart stuttered. He could not fight in this state. Not without risking exposure, not without risking the eggs.

The footsteps broke through the brush, he lifted his head. Armor polished and dark hair damp with mist, sword hanging at his side.

Their eyes met. It's the knight he's familiar with.

Hyunjin.

Felix did not show fear. Instead, he let his breathing steady, let his gaze sharpen with quiet intelligence rather than panic. He folded one hand over the wound at his ribs, though the blood was already slipping between his fingers.

Hyunjin's expression shifted to concern the moment he saw him.

"You're hurt!" the knight gasped, stepping forward cautiously, as though approaching something fragile rather than threatening.

"I slipped..." Felix replied softly. His voice, unlike his dragon's, was deep but gentle. "The rocks are treacherous this time of year."

Hyunjin knelt without hesitation.

Felix fought the instinct to retract when the metal came close. Instead, he studied the knight's face with careful curiosity, memorizing it. This was the man hunting him. The one who would gladly drive a blade through his heart if he knew.

Yet his hands were rather... gentle.

He peeled back the blood-soaked fabric and inhaled sharply. "This isn't from a fall..."

Felix met his gaze calmly.

"I'm Hyunjin," he said quietly, tearing a strip of cloth to cover the wound. "A knight of the Ember Order."

I know you are, Felix thought to himself.

Outwardly, he only inclined his head. "Felix."

Hyunjin worked with surprising care, cleaning the wound with water from his flask. Felix did not flinch. Not when the cloth pressed too firmly, not even when pain flared behind his ribs. Hyunjin's fingers lingered, slightly too long as he secured the bandage.

"You shouldn't live this far up the mountain," the knight murmured. "It isn't safe."

Felix's lips curved faintly. "What's there to fear?"

Hyunjin hesitated. "Dragons."

Something almost like amusement flickered behind Felix's golden eyes. "Have you seen one?" he asked.

"Not yet, but I will," Hyunjin said with a grin.

Then, Hyunjin stood reluctantly. "You should rest. I might take a while but I'll return soon with proper supplies to help with your recovery."

Felix's pulse skipped. Return?

"That isn't necessary-" Felix was interrupted. 

"I'd like to," Hyunjin replied, almost shyly.

Not even a minute later, Hyunjin left with one final glance over his shoulder, memorizing Felix's face. Only when Felix was certain that the knight was gone did he allow himself to exhale shakily.

 

 

Night fell, the dark sky painting over the mountain. The curse seized him again at sunset, turning him back into dragon form beneath the trees. His wound split open along scaled flesh.

He launched into the sky despite the pain.

Hyunjin was to visit him again, he had to find new shelter before he came again. Hyunjin had been too close, too curious, too kind.

Felix searched, scanning for caves untouched by humans, for cliffs hidden by waterfall spray, for hollowed stone deep enough to conceal three fragile lives.

Every option held a threat or too much exposure, frustration burned hotter than fire in his chest.

At last, exhausted and aching, he circled back toward the ruined cottage. It was imperfect but it was hidden enough and his eggs were still safe. He landed silently behind it, folding his wings tight. He listened to his surroundings before he slipped inside and uncovered the nest.

The eggs glowed faintly at his return, warmth responding to warmth. Felix curled around them, wounded body forming a shield.

He hopes to find a better place soon.

That same night, the forest felt different as he flew in the air. Alive in a sharper way. Then, he saw the man from hours ago.

Hyunjin.

Felix's pupils narrowed to slits. The knight moved with purpose tonight, cloak stripped away, armor in matte leather and steel instead of a polished shine. As though, trying to disguise himself within the forest.

He's smart, Felix thought.

The dragon did not flee. Instead, he launched towards the daring knight.

The rush of air came from above the treeline, casting a monstrous shadow over the human. Hyunjin reacted instantly, rolling aside as Felix descended in a burst of flame that set the grass hissing and black.

Steel flashed upward, protecting himself.

The spear grazed Felix's shoulder, skidding off scales of metal. He twisted mid-air, tail whipping low. Hyunjin ducked but not fast enough. Felix landed heavily, claws gouging trenches into the earth as he slashed his armor with his metal-like tail.

Hyunjin rose again, breathing hard, eyes wide as he re-focused. "You're real."

Felix answered with a blaze of fire.

Hyunjin dove behind a boulder as flames consumed bark and brush, heat blasting outward in suffocating waves.

When the fire vanished, Hyunjin was already moving. He sprinted through smoke and leapt, hiding behind a tree.

Felix turned too late.

The blade punched between two scales along his ribs, the exact place still weakened from before. The spear did not go deep enough to kill, but deep enough to whimper in painful agony.

The Dragon's roar shattered the night.

He stumbled back, wings flapping violently. The force knocked Hyunjin off his feet. The spear tore free as Felix launched up in the air, blood scattering in red droplets over the ground.

Hyunjin shot up, watching as the dragon vanished into the dark sky. He didn't smile but his chest rose and fell like he had just touched something sacred.

 

 

Morning came merciless and bright. Felix woke on the forest floor, human again. Pain spreading across his body before the memories of last night.

He sucked in a sharp breath and rolled onto his side, fingers pressing instinctively to his ribs.

Blood.

The wound was there, smaller than it had been in dragon form, but still, just as deep.

He closed his eyes briefly. "I was careless..."

Felix forced himself upright and stumbled back toward the cottage, each step was steady enough to hold himself up until he reached his eggs. He pulled aside the moss and dirt with his trembling hands. All three eggs remained warm. Intact, soft golden veins still pulsing faintly beneath their shells. Relief flushed into his body, washing all of his anxiety away.

"I'm here... Sorry for taking so long..." he whispered.

Only then did he allow himself to tend to his own injury. He headed home relieved with his eggs in his arms.

He boiled what little clean water remained and bit down on folded cloth as he cleaned the puncture on the old dusted bed. His hands were steady despite the pain. Then he stitched the wound himself with thin thread salvaged from the cottage's ruined linens. Each pull of the needle burned, but he did not cry out.

When it was done, he laid back against the old bed, sweat cooling against pale skin. Exhaustion dragged at him heavily now, recovering from the lost blood.

He moved to the nest and carefully lowered himself beside it, curling protectively around the hidden hollow beneath the floorboards. One arm draped over the blankets as though he could shield them in this smaller body.

Sleep took him with the soft glow of eggs warming against his side, hopeful that they could live another day. The cottage fell quiet as he breathed softly.

 

 

By afternoon, Hyunjin stood within the stone walls of the castle. The great hall smelled of oil and steel, and sunlight spilled through the narrow windows. Across from him, two knights leaned against a long table cluttered with maps.

Changbin crossed his arms, pleased. "You actually found it..."

Chan, tilted his head. "And you're still alive?"

"I'm more agile than you think," Hyunjin defended.

"It breathes fire. Being agile is not enough for us, humans." Changbin snorted with light laughter.

"No," Hyunjin insisted quietly. "It watched me and it calculated my moves. It didn't blow fire wildly like you think."

Chan's expression shifted, seriousness overtaking his face. "But did you strike it?"

Hyunjin nodded once. "Believe or not, I did strike it On its ribs, left side."

Changbin let out a low whistle. "Good hit."

"It will be weaker now then," Chan said thoughtfully, moving toward the map spread across the table. "We should look for it's hideout. There must be a pattern with where you found it."

Hyunjin stepped forward, pointing to the lower forest slopes. "It stays on this side of the mountain."

Changbin grinned. "We could smoke it out."

"No," Hyunjin said immediately. "that's too reckless."

Chan glanced between them. "Then, we could corner it and capture it."

They leaned over the map together. They plan it out in detail and Hyunjin agreed to the strategy. They planned to capture the Dragon, but his thoughts were somewhat elsewhere, not on the beast.

When the meeting ended, he paused near the hall doors, glancing once toward the distant mountain visible through the window. Thinking about the boy he had seen, fragile and thin, freckles covered his cheeks and nose. His hair was long and his voice was deep. Yet, he was alone near an area that Hyunjin was slightly familiar with.

Hyunjin did not know how close he had come.

And miles away, Felix slept beside his three fragile lives, unaware that the hunt for their mother had truly begun.

 

 

A week passed, plans were made and being settled.

Hyunjin spent the week in strategy rooms, tracing lines and circles on parchment maps, memorizing wind currents, listening to Changbin argue while Chan refined their traps. Silver daggers and bolts were ordered. Scouts assigned to rotating watch along the lower slopes.

It was all coming together.

Between the discussions of steel and snares, Hyunjin found his thoughts drifting to the forest. To the pale hands stained faintly with blood, to the golden eyes too striking for a simple mountain house.

After the eighth day, he rode alone towards the mountain.

He left his heavier armor behind, trading it for leather and a traveling cloak. His sword remained at his hip, always, but the spear was absent.

The river cut clear through the forest. Sunlight sitting across its surface, scattering shards of light over moss and stone.

Felix stood barefoot at the bank.

He had chosen the spot carefully, open enough to see an approach, distant enough from the cottage to avoid suspicion. His trousers were rolled to the knee, pale fabric loose against his long pale legs. His bright hair caught the light where it fell against his cheek.

He was not pretending to gather herbs, he was observing the reflection angles in the water.

He sensed Hyunjin before he heard him, the subtle rhythm of breath, the faint shift of gravel under his boots. His body went still for a few seconds, then he turned to see the knight.

A soft, friendly smile was planted on his face.

"I hoped to find you here," Hyunjin admitted.

Felix tilted his head slightly. "You hoped?"

Hyunjin stepped closer to the riverbank. "I brought the supplies I promised... Proper bandages and some edible dried fruit."

Felix's gaze flicked to the clothed bag at his side, then back to his face. "You really didn't have to. But, I see that you're very persistent."

A hint of warmth entered Hyunjin's voice. "Only when something really captures my interest."

Felix felt the words like heat against skin. He gestured to the woven basket resting on a flat stone. Inside, laid bundles of picked greenery, lavender, feverfew, and thin stems of mint.

"You've come on a good day," Felix said lightly as he leaned down towards a certain spread of feverfew, "The river brings rich soil... these grow stronger near moving water."

Hyunjin crouched beside him, studying the herbs with surprising attentiveness. "You know their uses?"

"I have to," Felix replied. "Nature provides what it can if you pay close attention."

Hyunjin glanced at him briefly. "And what does feverfew provide?"

"Relief from pain," Felix answered without hesitation. "Headaches. Inflammation. Sometimes stubborn fevers."

Hyunjin's gaze lingered on Felix's profile. "And yarrow?"

Felix plucked a stem between his elegant fingers. "It slows bleeding." He lifted it up, inspecting it carefully.

A flicker passed between them, their hearts beating softly against their own chests. Hyunjin's eyes dropped to Felix's ribs beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. The wound had healed enough in eight days, not fully, but enough for Felix to move around without restraints.

"You heal quickly," Hyunjin observed.

Felix met his gaze calmly. "I'm glad I did. Have you found what you're hunting?" he switched the topic suddenly.

Hyunjin leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. "Not exactly."

Felix's pulse quickened, "Perhaps it does not wish to be found."

"It's my job. And they're a threat to the kingdom people... Dragons have a history of burning down farmland," Hyunjin said quietly in sadness. "They murdered livestock, and who knows what else they could do?"

Felix's brow furrowed, "Animals defend their territory, the same way you're trying to defend the kingdom."

"You speak as though you understand it..."

Felix's fingers stilled against the herbs. "I understand survival. I may not live in the kingdom, but I always protect my home."

The river rushed between them.

Hyunjin stood first, offering his hand. Felix hesitated before taking it. Hyunjin noticed that his skin was warm and it made his chest flutter. Their hands lingered a moment longer than necessary, they both stared at each other for a brief moment before pulling away slowly.

The knight's eyes flickered between their hands and Felix's eyes. "You don't have to live out here alone. You could come with me to the Kingdom, I know a friend that could help you-"

"Hyunjin, please don't insist. You barely know me... I was destined to die on these mountains. It calls me and I chose to thrive under the trees," Felix answered sternly.

Hyunjin simply chuckled, shaking his head playfully, "Who's the persistent one now?"

Felix rolled his eyes and turned away playfully. But as he took one step forward, he felt a sudden pull from the end of his hand. His body gravitated towards it, his body turned quickly, stumbling just a bit.

Enough for their faces to be a few inches apart.

They stood frozen in place, letting silence linger for a few seconds before Hyunjin finally spoke. "I want to know more about you. I don't want to visit you just because I'm interested..."

It was too romantic, they barely knew each other.

"What's that suppose to mean, Hyunjin? We've only met once before this."

"You're pretty, and brave for living out here on your own... You're different. You've captivated my attention. Is that too hard to believe?"

Felix's heart drummed in his chest, the confession made him slightly confused as he didn't feel like pushing him away. He was completely aware that this was the same knight that would slice his head off if he had the chance. Falling in love meant giving him an open opportunity to kill, to end the precious lives of his unborn hatchlings before they even had the chance.

"I can't put my heart on the line..."

Hyunjin looked deeply into his eyes, seeing the faint sentiment of sadness hidden behind them. He simply sighed, "I'll return in three days. Felix, please meet me here at this time."

Felix's lashes lowered slightly, evading his eyes. "Don't trouble yourself."

Hyunjin's gloved hand quickly grasped the other's hand, lifting it up carefully, guiding Felix's fingers up to his lips with a gentle grip. He planted a soft, yet slow, kiss on his knuckles.

"I'll prove myself worthy."

 

 

Hyunjin returned three days later.

 

And then, two days after that.

 

Each visit lasted longer and the tension grew stronger. They began sitting closer, shoulder brushing shoulder. Sometimes, Hyunjin would call him pretty, cute and adorable.

He liked the compliments but he never reciprocated verbally, Felix was afraid of becoming attached.

Felix spoke of the constellations visible from the mountain peak, reciting their positions from memory. Hyunjin spoke of castle corridors that echoed at night, of his childhood training bruises, the first time he held a sword and realized it was heavier than glory.

They spoke while walking through the trees, as wind blew and brushed their hair gently.

Felix listened with careful attention. "You don't seem like the other knights..."

Hyunjin smiled faintly. "You've met other knights?"

"A few enough to compare their behavior and beliefs with yours," Felix replied.

On the fourth visit, Hyunjin removed his gloves while they spoke. It felt intentional. Felix's breath caught when Hyunjin reached to brush a stray leaf from his hair with his bare skin. Then, it slowly hovered lower, stopping on his cheek as his heart clenched at their closeness.

Hyunjin's touch was gentle, he caressed it softly.

"You should come visit the village market, since you don't want to go live in town," Hyunjin suggested quietly. "The villagers are nice, it must feel very lonely up here."

Felix's lips curved with a bittersweet expression. "I prefer peace and quiet... Having you visit me is enough."

They eventually sat in silence, Hyunjin's hand still lingering close to his head as they stared into each other's eyes. Hyunjin then cleared his throat as he retreated his hand in shyness. Felix felt the attraction forming since they met, he inevitably started to fall for the dangerous knight.

It frightened him because he knew exactly what Hyunjin was capable of. If he ever found out the truth, he would feel like Felix deceived him.

When Hyunjin's knee brushed his, he didn't move away.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the river gold, Hyunjin rose reluctantly.

"I'll come to see you again, Felix." he said.

Felix stood as well, careful to maintain composure. "You don't have to tell me that every time," he laughed softly.

Hyunjin hesitated, but then stepped closer than before, close enough that Felix could feel the heat of his breath mixing with his.

"You're unlike anyone I've ever met," Hyunjin murmured.

Hyunjin's hand hovering over his wrist as the sunlight beamed down on them. Felix's heart was racing, his mind and his heart were battling against each other internally.

Felix's breath thinned. "So are you."

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" Hyunjin asked softly.

He shook his head with a smile, "Not directly."

"Well then," Hyunjin whispered, standing only three inches from his face, eyes staring deeply into the other, his thumb is placed on the tip of his chin. "Felix, you're beautiful... And I really want to kiss you right now. May I have the pleasure?"

Felix thought about it for a second, maintaining eye contact with Hyunjin until he slowly nodded.

"You may kiss me."

The air grew thick with unspoken emotion. Hyunjin leaned down to press his lip on his, warm and sweet, two hearts finding calmness in a single touch. The warmth presenting itself between their lips perfectly as their hearts fluttered happily. Felix could inhale his manly scent. His body became hot as his hands gripped Hyunjin's shirt with the sense of wanting to pull him closer.

They separated briefly afterwards, both of them smiling excessively as they said their shy goodbyes.

Then, the sun was sinking gradually. 

When the first shadow stretched long across the water, Felix's expression changed. He lowered his head in frustration because he knew that tonight, Hyunjin would hunt for him again.

And he's helplessly falling for the knight.

Felix never planned for this, he never expected a knight to charm him so easily when those were the exact people he spent years avoiding.

Worst of all, the transitions have been more painful recently, and Felix did not know how long his heart and his body could keep up.

 

 

Sunlight travelled through the castle hall. Hyunjin sat across from Chan and Changbin at a long, polished table cluttered with maps and scrolls. He stirred his tea absentmindedly, fingers brushing the rim with distant eyes.

Chan leaned forward, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You've been… distracted lately, haven't you?"

Hyunjin stiffened slightly. "I've been focused on the hunt." he said evenly.

Changbin chuckled softly, elbowing him lightly. "Focused on the hunt? Or thinking about the pale freckled boy by the river?"

Hyunjin's jaw tightened. "He's not a boy! He's clever, observant, and very cautious. I- I don't know anyone like him." He paused briefly.

"We kissed last time."

Chan whistled at the confession, leaning back in his chair. "Oh, well that changes everything! You finally found someone to keep your stress levels low," he teased.

This was very amusing to the both of them.

Changbin grinned as he leaned over to question him even further. "Did you ask him to be your boyfriend yet?"

Hyunjin's fingers flexed around his cup, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. "I'm waiting for the right time..."

Chan and Changbin exchanged a knowing look, they knew their friend well enough that Hyunjin never prioritized romance in the past. He's always kind of been known as a workaholic in the castle.

"Ah, the 'right time'..." Chan said teasingly. "He'll either wait forever, or either miss his chance."

"I say, you go this week and tell him how you feel. It seems like he's also into you," Changbin smirked.

They both gave Hyunjin reassuring looks to boost his confidence, but it wasn't helpful at all. Hyunjin stayed silent, eyes distant, thoughts returning to Felix's quiet, radiant presence by the river.

One thing was true, he was special. Anyone who would come across him would take the chance to court him and Hyunjin couldn't let that happen.

He must confess his love.

 

 

Hyunjin arrived with a woven basket and high determination, one golden afternoon.

He had cleared a small patch of moss near the riverbank, laying out a blanket with precise care. The sun filtered through new leaves, dappling Felix's bare arms and casting faint shadows over his delicate features.

They had an amazing conversation while eating. They spoke about the forest, the herbs, the shapes of clouds, and their favorite stories from their childhood. They felt as though they bonded over the simplest things. It felt as though they knew each other for many years and neither of them felt threatened or unsure about each other's presence.

Hyunjin reached for Felix's hand once, letting it linger over the edge of the blanket. Felix's pulse jumped but he did not pull away.

By the time the last rays of sunlight dipped into amber, they were closer than before. Their bodies leaned onto each other, whispering sweet nothing into each other's ears while sometimes Hyunjin left soft kisses on Felix's face, or on his hair, or playfully on his ear.

Felix's side still ached faintly from the old wound, but Hyunjin's careful touch made him forget that it existed.

Their bodies finally pressed together, warmth and breath mingling as they talked about everything and nothing, until caution gave away entirely. In the heat of the moment, Hyunjin's hand brushed a familiar scar along Felix's exposed ribcage, his shirt lifting slightly from the wind.

Felix froze for a heartbeat. "It's nothing," he said softly, almost dismissively, eyes avoiding Hyunjin's.

Hyunjin studied him, suspicion briefly flickering but eventually faded, simply because he trusted Felix. There was no reason for him lie about the orgin of his scar, and he wasn't obligated to tell him.

"Okay," Hyunjin whispered, fingers brushing away lightly over the mark.

They were still just as close, and when they lifted their eyes, they stared deeply into each other's eyes without saying a word, feeling an intense pull towards the other.

Finally, Hyunjin leaned down to kiss Felix, kissing him lovingly with determination. Felix didn't push him away, his hands quickly made their way to Hyunjin's neck, fingers tangling into his long hair, nails slightly scraping his scalp, sending shivers down Hyunjin's spine as he was pulled in impossibly closer.

They smacked their lips together vigorously, inhaling each other's scent. Hyunjin's hand slid up from Felix's clothed chest and stopped at his neck, fingers tracing his jaw and carefully tightening his fingers on the side of his neck possessively, making Felix's breath hitch slightly.

Hyunjin wanted to devour him, but he took his time studying every patch of Felix's skin.

They stayed like that for a while, hands roaming over their bodies with more confidence as their tongues explored each other's mouths. Their bodies slowly moving with the rhythm they had built with every heated second.

Hyunjin pulled back gently, he chuckled softly as he heard a low whine come from Felix's lips. "Do you wish to feel more pleasure than this?"

Felix nodded slowly. "Yes, please."

Finally, Hyunjin leaned down and kissed Felix's neck desperately, making the other moan softly as his hands scrambled in his hair. Hyunjin's hand slid under his shirt, softly caressing his bare skin as it made its way up again. He left a trail of kisses from Felix's collarbone to his chest, his teeth grazed Felix's nipples over the fabric, torturously biting them as he lifted his eyes up to see the other's reaction.

Felix moaned softly, slightly arching his back at the electrifying sensation. 

"You like that?" Hyunjin asked smirking as he looked up from below.

Felix nodded shyly, cheeks turning pink. "Need more," he whimpered.

In one quick movement, Hyunjin pulled his own shirt over his head, revealing his toned body and muscle-tight arms. Felix stared at him in awe, with his lips slightly parted, his breathing becoming heavier at the sight. Hyunjin helped remove Felix's shirt as well, revealing his pink nipples and thin waist, the pale skin covered in tiny specks that resembled a sky full of stars.

Hyunjin wasted no time. He kissed the younger's chest and licked his skin, hands firmly holding each side of his slim waist.

"You're so perfect. The most beautiful thing I've ever laid my eyes on," Hyunjin groaned as he kissed further down to his lower abdomen.

Felix continued to whimper softly from embarrassment, the sensation slightly starting to overwhelm him. Hyunjin's hand slid down, stopping just at the end of Felix's pants and underwear. He slowly pulled them all the way down, sliding them completely off his pale body.

When he tossed them aside, he looked over to Felix. He stared at his pale and frail legs that were pressed together, slighty lifting them and covering himself with his hand hovering shyly over his mouth. Hyunjin slowly crawled closer to him, placing his hands on Felix's knees as he gently spread his trembling legs open, revealing his glistening pussy, already wet in anticipation. 

"Oh my, what a nice surprise," Hyunjin smirked as his eyes filled with more lust. 

Hyunjin adjusted Felix's position, now he was laying on his back placing his hands on the backexposing his leaking pussy, his pink folds presented right in from of him deliciously.

"Let me have taste..." He quickly lowered his head, placing his lips over his folds.

Felix threw his head back, slightly arching his back as he released a surprised moan. Hyunjin flicked his tongue and sucked his clit deliberately. Felix trembled softly, feeling his pussy slick up.

"Oh- Hyun- hmm-" A broken moan released with every lick of his tongue.

He had set his goal in mind. Felix's toes curl as Hyunjin licked every fold, sometimes focusing on his clit which made Felix release high-pitched moans.

"You're so sweet, could eat you all day, baby," Hyunjin chuckled, his chin covered in his liquids.

He dived down again, one hand aggressively fondling Felix's ass while the other raised his calloused thumb over Felix's clit, rubbing it gently. It shot an electrifying feeling up Felix's spine.

"Yes- Hyunjin- Please!" Felix cried out. His thighs pressed each side of Hyunjin's head, as the other continued to lick up his pussy rapidly.

After only a few minutes, he slid two fingers into his pussy, making soft squelching noises as Felix moaned lowly.

"The slide was so easy, you're so wet," he teased.

Felix shook his head as he felt the intrusion at his entrance, the finger curled as they slowly pumped in and out of him, his walls tightening around his fingers as the pleasure dominates his body. "Faster..." Felix groaned in annoyance.

Hyunjin obeyed and pumped his fingers at a faster pace, "You're so wet, it's so sloppy. I could take you right now."

He re-adjusted slightly to press deeper into Felix and the other let out a loud moan. "Ah- Hyunjin- right there! Please!" Felix yelled as his body slightly shook.

He found his prostate. Hyunjin slid another finger in, Felix felt the painful stretched but eased into it with every intrusion. Hyunjin's fingers were long enough to reach the deepest part of his hole.

"Don't cum yet, you still have to take my cock."

After a moment, Hyunjin slid his fingers out and he covered his dick with their mixed leaking liquids. Felix looked down to see Hyunjin's large, red throbbing cock. He never felt so desperate for cock in his life.

"Hurry... Need to feel you," Felix whimpered.

Hyunjin jerked himself off a bit, spreading the juicy fluids all over his pulsating cock. He slowly rubbed the head of his cock on Felix's entrance, rubbing him a little before guiding it in carefully. Felix arched his back as he felt his tight walls stretch at the thickness.

"Mhmm- fuck," Felix moaned loudly.

They were both breathing heavily as they took a moment to pause. Hyunjin realized that he wouldn't last long with how tight Felix was, even though he just recently bottomed out. He leaned down, hovering over the other as he adjusted their position one last time. Felix hooked his legs around Hyunjin's waist to pull him closer.

The radiant sun and the glimmering water flickered light on Felix's laid out body, he looked devastatingly beautiful like this. All fucked out with dazed eyes and puffy pink lips.

"Are you okay?" Hyunjin breathed out.

Felix nodded, his hands held onto Hyunjin's biceps lightly. "Yes... you can start," he said as he took one deep breath.

Hyunjin pressed a soft, warm kiss on his lips before pulling his hips back slowly. They both inhaled deeply, biting their lower lips at the pleasurable feeling. Hyunjin thrusted into him slowly. Felix released another exhausted moan as his body shook in pleasure. Hyunjin leveled down to his chest, teasing his nipples in between his sharp teeth, causing Felix to arch his back.

"Don't tease..." Felix snarled as his fingernails dug into Hyunjin's flesh.

His movements at first were uneven, but he quickly found the perfect rhythm for every thrust, the velvety walls tightening around his dick as he thrusted faster into him. The friction caused the heat to become unbearable, they moans became uncontrollable with every roll of hips.

"You're so fucking perfect," Hyunjin groaned.

The sound of squelching and low grunts surrounded the forest and echoed into the trees. Felix could feel the blanket heat up under him with every push and pull, the thick cock inside him reaching a deeper part inside him.

"Hyunjin, Ah! Deeper... I can take it, Mhm," he moaned.

There was no hesitation, Hyunjin thrusted into him with more force to dive in deeper. Their skin clapped repeatedly as their mixed liquids leaked out of Felix's abused hole beautifully. 

"Mhmm- Yes, there- Hyunjin," Felix moaned in-between each thrust.

The second Hyunjin picked up his pace again, he angled himself over the other, he started pounding directly into his cervix. Felix's walls tightened instinctively, making Hyunjin groan his name in a low tone again and again.

Felix fingers ran through Hyunjin's hair, his body becoming weak. "Fill me up- Ah! Mhm- Make me yours."

His thrusts became erratic, messy as their skin burned at every slap. He felt the way Felix sucked him in deeper, his pussy was so hot and leaking so much. Hyunjin's breathing was heavy as sweat dripped down his forehead. "So fucking tight-" he growled.

He thrusted into him forcefully a few more times before Felix's pussy finally clamped down tightly. Hyunjin groaned deeply, his cock twitched inside him, barely moving with how tight Felix's walls clamped down on him.

Finally, Hyunjin also reached his climax, he tensed up as his cock released his semen inside him.

"Fuck. Take my seed..." Hyunjin groaned into his ear.

Felix's brain felt fuzzy and his eyes rolled to the back of his head, his jaw hung wide open as he released one loud moan. Felix shook violently as he orgasmed. Both of their bodies trembled, groaning in pleasure as Hyunjin painted his walls white, releasing into him without any worry in his mind. Felix twitched as he returned from his high, breathing out brokenly as Hyunjin pulled out carefully. 

Once Hyunjin slipped out, he looked down to see Felix's pussy ooze out some of his cum. He bit his lips down, enjoying the sight.

Then, Hyunjin looked up at Felix and leaned closer to his face. "You're mine. Nobody will ever make you feel good as I did," he said before kissing his lips gently.

Felix knew that the possibilities of being impregnated by a human were very low, especially if his species weren't in heat. According to past studies, Dragons would reject the seed naturally. Special cases were extremely rare so Felix wasn't worried about pregnancy. His body wasn't ready to reproduce again any time soon.

As soon as Hyunjin laid down beside him, he took a deep breath, regulating their breathing as they both got comfortable in each other's arms.

"I never met another man with... a female reproductive system," Hyunjin barely croaked out, feeling shy as every word slipped out.

Felix smiled as he looked up at him, "I'm able to reproduce, my biology is unique. But fear not, you won't be dealing with any children of your own soon... I take herbal medicine to prevent it from happening."

Hyunjin hummed as a response, seeming slightly disappointed at the fact.

They remained intertwined until night fully fell, the forest alive with spring sounds around them.

As the air got colder, they rose together, Felix's hand still in Hyunjin's as they walked back through the moss-lined path to the cottage. Moonlight reflected off the river, casting silvery trails along the forest floor. Felix's heart raced from the realization that he had allowed someone to see him in the most vulnerable way.

And despite fear, he refused to move away. He wanted Hyunjin, he wanted him close.

As they stood, Hyunjin squeezed his hand once. "I'll visit again soon, My Love."

Felix's heart pounded happily at the endearment. He let the warmth spread through his chest, also settling beside the hidden nest once more, heart full, yet alert.

The eggs were safe, and the night was quiet.

Everything was okay, for now.

 

 

The night pressed down like a velvet curtain, the mountain's silhouette jagged against a silver-washed sky. Felix had left the cottage hours earlier, body fully dragon, muscles still sore from the previous week's fight with Hyunjin, wings cutting through the cold, damp air with measured power. His ribs ached faintly where the spear had grazed him, but he ignored it.

Below him, he heard a few soft crunches of footsteps, too purposeful to be random.

Hyunjin.

The Dragon's nostrils flared once again. The knight moved carefully, spear held high and ready, eyes scanning the tree line as he approached. His movements were precise, trained, but careful.

Felix shifted low, wings folding slightly, claws digging into soft earth. He exhaled, smoke released from his nostrils, masking his scent. Golden eyes glinted in the moonlight. He did not roar, he simply waited.

The knight froze a few meters away, spear in position. Their gazes met, and the forest seemed to freeze around them.

The Dragon lunged first, wings flapping and tail sweeping low. The ground trembled under his landing. Fire spat from his jaws, not to kill but to warn. Hyunjin rolled aside, barely avoiding the blaze, landing with a thud, and he raised the spear again. The knight attacked with practiced skill, striking at the joints of his wings, aiming to unbalance or wound the dragon. Felix lifted himself midair, twisting, and avoiding every movement with ease. Each strike of his claws met steel with sparks, the sounds echoing through the trees.

Then, Felix hesitated.

Hyunjin lunged, spear aimed for the soft underbelly of the dragon. Instinct screamed at him to strike. Yet, Felix did not strike back with full force, he twisted his body to restrain him. The spear grazed his scales lightly, leaving shallow lines instead of deep wounds.

Hyunjin froze mid-motion.

Did the dragon just hesitate?

The golden eyes of the creature met his, he didn't understand but he felt like he had been recognized. Hyunjin slightly stumbled back, his spear lowering, curiosity filling in his chest.

Could a dragon know the difference between life and death? Could it really understand the weight of a life it might take and chose to spare it?

Felix watched carefully, breathing smoke in slow puffs. The tail that could have ended Hyunjin's defense swept lightly, missing every time, brushing earth instead of his flesh. 

The Dragon spared my life.

Hyunjin's mind raced, heart hammering with fascination. Every instinct trained to kill a dragon disappeared in that instant. There was intention behind those movements, the Dragon was telling him to leave.

And the golden eyes were determined. Felix backed away slowly, wings lifting to carry him into shadow again. He didn't flee, and he didn't strike again.

Hyunjin remained where he stood, spear lowered now, sensing the immense power in the Dragon's body. His chest rose unevenly as he caught his breathe.

For some reason, the Dragon chose to spare him.

 

 

Sunlight spilled through the cracks in the ruined cottage, pale and soft against the warm haze of spring. Felix stirred slowly, eyes blinking open to the gentle glow of dawn. The wound along his ribs throbbed faintly, reminding him of the fight from the night before, but there was no panic.

He rose, stretching limbs that still ached, and moved toward the hidden nest. His hands hovered over the eggs, golden veins faintly pulsing beneath the shells. Relief washed over him as he adjusted the blankets and moss once more, pressing each egg slightly closer together so their warmth pooled evenly.

Then he turned to himself.

Water boiled slowly on a makeshift stove, cloth was dampened and pressed to the shallow wound from Hyunjin's blade. Felix cleaned the cut with meticulous care, mindful of every motion. The pain was sharp but bearable. As he wrapped the wound carefully, he allowed himself a moment to recall the night. The way Hyunjin had moved. The subtle hesitation in the dragon's mind, reflecting on his own actions.

Even in the memory, his pulse quickened.

Felix sank to the floor beside the nest, letting exhaustion settle into his bones. His body curled around the eggs protectively, fingers brushing soft blankets, he took one deep breath. For a long while, he simply rested, oddly comforted as he stared at his three eggs.

Meanwhile, miles away, Hyunjin stood in the high stone corridors of the castle, spear resting casually against his hip. Chan and Changbin leaned casually against a railing nearby, watching him.

"So?" Chan prompted. "Did you confirm if it's the only dragon there? Did you see any others?" he sighed as he fixed his gloves.

Hyunjin's jaw tightened. Clearing his throat nervously, "I saw the same one... but it acted different this time." he admitted quietly. "The dragon- I felt like it recognized me and spared me for some reason..."

Changbin laughed softly, nudging him. "Spared you? Maybe you've made a new friend," he chuckled.

"That doesn't make sense though... Hyunjin was trying to attack it, right?" Chan asked.

Hyunjin was just as confused as he was last night. "I've wounded it once and it had a chance to kill me... I don't understand..."

Chan shrugged, unable to come to a conclusion. "Sounds like it isn't scared of you anymore..."

Hyunjin exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. The other two just looked at each other briefly and sighed at the same time.

Changbin smirked. "At least we know that it's the only one we need to focus on right now. We should inform our Chief on this information."

"He's right," Chan nodded. "If any more of them appear, we will need more than the three of us. We've told the chief about the plan but we didn't get an approval yet so, we still have to wait."

Something didn't feel right to Hyunjin.

 

 

The forest was quiet that morning. Hyunjin walked through the woods until he saw an interesting lead. The undergrowth parted almost reluctantly, revealing the entrance to a cavern concealed by jagged stone and a curtain of hanging vines.

Hyunjin crouched, hand on his spear. The air inside was cool, damp, scented with moss and a faint mineral. His eyes scanned the shadows.

There, shinning faintly under the sunlight...

Three golden eggs nestled in a shallow hole lined with blankets, moss, grass, and straw.

Dragon Eggs.

Hyunjin's breath caught in his throat.

He dropped to one knee, careful not to disturb the fragile warmth surrounding them, he looked around to briefly scan for a possible lingering mother. This was evidence of careful protection, small scorch marks on stones, crushed leaves forming subtle paths, clawed indentations softened by moss.

The dragon wasn't a mindless predator. It was a guardian. His hand hovered, uncertain, over the edge of the nest.

"It's protecting them..." Hyunjin whispered, voice barely audible.

The realization sank in, heavy and almost disorienting. All the tales of fire and terror about the deaths and hunts... That's only one side of the story. The dragon he had encountered, spared him even though it had eggs to protect. It could've easily ended Hyunjin's life but instead, he let him free with a warning to stay away because it recognized that Hyunjin wasn't a real enemy.

Meanwhile, Felix roamed the forest above, flying restlessly. The curse pulsed violently through him, claws trembling as his bones shifted beneath his skin. He landed heavily in between the trees. His transformation had become unpredictable, erratic recently. Every heartbeat spent thinking of Hyunjin created a feeling of vulnerability and attachment he had never allowed himself to feel.

He groaned low, wings folding tightly, fire tickling his throat involuntarily.

Tonight, the shift is almost unbearable.

He fell to the forest floor violently, body convulsing, bones wrenching painfully, scales thickening in jerky, uneven motions. The world blurred around him, the sky spinning overhead.

If he failed to hold on. If the curse took over his body... He could die.

At last, trembling and gasping, he completed the shift. Dragon form solid, powerful but his body was aching and his muscles trembled. 

Felix doesn't want to go through this anymore.

 

 

A few days later, Hyunjin returned to the forest.

His hand brushed against Felix's chest as they sat together near the river. They sat up, supporting the weight of their bodies with their arms behind their back, just talking and laughing in between words. His fingers traced his chest casually at first, over fabric, and then froze.

Beneath the thin shirt, he felt a scar, subtle but unmistakable, the exact ridge of a claw mark he had carved into a dragon during one of his earliest hunts. Hyunjin's heart skipped as it made the connection. The warmth of Felix's chest, the softness of his skin, and the ridge of the scar pressed into his mind with violent clarity.

The fact that Felix never took him to his home, his unique reproductive system and his beautiful facial features. Everything was deeply connected, it was all right in front of him.

Hyunjin leaned back slightly, holding his breath, eyes narrowing at Felix. Suspicion ignited as he finally connected the obvious truth.

Felix felt the atmosphere changed around them. The moment Hyunjin's touch lingered too long, fingers pressing lightly against the familiar ridge. His body stiffened, pulse racing. His golden eyes flicked up, slightly worried.

"Hyunjin?" he called softly, voice careful.

"Felix, this scar can't be nothing... nor is this a coincidence..." His voice trembled slightly, caught between accusation. "I don't even know if I believe myself when I say this but, I think you're the Dragon I'm looking for."

Silence filled the space between them.

Felix's jaw clenched at the sudden reveal. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, to transform and disappear but his heart betrayed him. The thought of leaving him now, when Hyunjin was already emotionally so close to him, was impossible.

Hyunjin swallowed hard. "All this time, you've only been trying to protect your eggs... weren't you?"

Felix's body froze, "How do know about-"

"I stumbled upon them just a few days ago," Hyunjin explained softly. "I didn't touch them or hurt them... I don't know why, but I wasn't capable of doing anything to hurt them."

Felix suddenly stood up quickly, stumbling slightly before clearing his throat as his heart raced.

"Do you plan on hurting them, now? If I was the Dragon you were looking for... Would you kill me?" Felix asked with a trembling voice.

The forest's air brushed through the leaves, softly rustling over the tension. The wind blew aggressively, as the sky slowly changed into a darker shade.

"No! I don't want to- I'm a knight and I have expectations from the castle- Felix, it's not that easy. I..."

Hyunjin sounded like he was begging for him to understand the pressure he was held upon. He sounded desperate, yet he didn't move from where he was. His mind couldn't organize his thoughts.

The sky bled orange and purple as twilight stretched across the mountain. As if, Felix's emotions controlled it. He turned his back towards Hyunjin before he could finish talking. 

Felix got up as quickly as he could and ran for his life, tears instantly falling from his eyes as the wind swiped them off his cheek. He heard Hyunjin call his name, but he chose to ignore it and kept running. His heart pounded with defeat and dissapointment, he knew this day would come but he never prepared mentally for it.

He reached the cavern and his body started to ache, it started to burn just like how it did during every transformation. 

Tonight, I will not hide.

Dragon form, scaled and massive, he crouched near the cavern's mouth, tail coiled protectively around the eggs. Every muscle ached, wings unfolded widely, golden eyes scanning its surroundings.

Hyunjin stepped forward slowly, spear in hand, but not raised fully. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths, but his eyes... they were focused. A hint of recognition and disbelief still lingered in them.

Felix's claws scraped against stone, sending tiny showers of dust into the air. Fire curled faintly along his jaw, a warning and a promise.

"You need to leave," he rumbled, voice low, yet layered with something Hyunjin couldn't quite name.

Hyunjin froze for a heartbeat, hearing the voice in a creature that was feared, made his body shake but he stood confidently with his back straightened.

"I need to see you with my own eyes," he said terrified.

The golden eyes narrowed down. The spell, the curse, the intense pull toward the knight was making his emotions battle against each other. It made his strikes slower, his instincts tempered.

Hyunjin raised the spear, and Felix lunged at him.

The forest erupted in chaos.

Wings slammed against trees, claws ripped at dirt and stone, and fire hissed through the undergrowth. Hyunjin dove and rolled, spear striking at joints, tail sweeping past but not fully aimed to kill. Every attack was precise to defend himself, an unwilling dance of predator and hunter.

And Felix hesitated again.

The memory of Hyunjin's touch, his hand against his chest earlier, tracing the scar, slowed down his strike. His claws grazed the knight's shoulder instead of slashing his skin. Fire spat past his body, setting grass into flames but missing the human entirely.

Hyunjin's heart hammered loudly in his chest, not with fear but with an odd thrill. He saw the hesitation in Felix's eyes, the choice he made to hold back from killing him.

"Felix... You're more than a beast to me," he muttered between breaths, ducking another swipe.

The Dragon landed with threat, claws leaving deep holes in the earth. His body heaved with exhaustion and the bitter ache of attachment. As the knight advanced again, he held his spear high to swipe if needed.

"Why spare me- Mhpf- if I'm a threat to you and your eggs?" Hyunjin yelled loudly, voice tight with frustration and wonder as he dodged every swipe.

Felix finally paused briefly, golden eyes locking on Hyunjin's. "Because..." he started. His pride, his fear of the knight, and instinct to flee was all tangled. "Because I care about you..."

The confession hung between them. Hyunjin's chest rose sharply, spear lowering in defeat.

"But, do you care about me, as much as I care about you?" Hyunjin's voice softened, as he regulated his breathing.

Felix's tail twitched, wings lifting slightly. "Yes. And it makes the curse worse. Every heartbeat I spend near you... It drags me closer to death."

A moment of stillness descended over them. Hyunjin stepped closer, eyes locked on the dragon's golden gaze. "Then let me help you," he said, hand trembling slightly as it hovered near Felix's scaled chest.

"I promise, I won't hurt you or your eggs."

Felix's entire body tensed, claws scraping at stone and yet, the pull was irresistible. The curse, the desire, the need to protect and to be near Hyunjin with the instinct to flee was confusing his body. With a sudden exhalation, the dragon lowered his massive head, eyes softening, nostrils flaring as smoke drifted lazily.

Slowly, Hyunjin's hand touched the ridge of a scar along Felix's chest with a pounding heart, the first time he's ever laid his hands on the cold, metallic texture.

The fire of the forest seemed to dim, the only sound the low rumble of Felix's throat and the knight's steady breathing. The tension between them collapsed into one raw moment. Hyunjin's hand lingered, fingertips brushing against scale and skin, and Felix leaned into the touch, wings lowering in surrender, a low rumble vibrating through his chest as his clenching heart began to ease into a comfortable rhythm.

The Knight understood the truth.

Dragons were just like them.

"I'll return in the morning. We have to talk about this," Hyunjin sighed with a soft smile as he caressed the other gently.

"Can I really trust you?"

Hyunjin nodded, understanding where the worry came from. "You can kill me if if you don't."

 

 

Morning came quickly with a warm breeze. Felix laid near his hidden nest, his slim arms stretched on the floor as his head rested on them. His chest ached but from the weight of his tangled emotions and his eyes lingered on them with a glint of worry.

The curse burned more than ever during his morning transformation. Every heartbeat, every thought of Hyunjin, twisted his body with pain until it faded.

Hyunjin arrived right as he was done, his breathing was uneven and his body shook. Hyunjin held him close, whispering soft praise. Finally, Felix explained Hyunjin about the hybrid dragon-human species that exists in the current generation. He explained briefly that he was cursed with pain from a witch that despised them. He was one of the unlucky few that encountered the witch before she was captured and taken care of. Hyunjin listened carefully without interrupting, his hands held onto Felix's fingers gently as he took in every word.

Hyunjin finally knew the truth.

Felix laid in bed for a while after their talk, his body needed to recover more frequently from the recent episodes of torture. Hyunjin prepared some chamomile tea as Felix sat up slowly on the edge of the bed.

"You shouldn't push yourself so hard, you did so well," Hyunjin said softly, kneeling a careful distance in front of him.

Felix gave a small, tight-lipped smile. "I'm... managing," he murmured, even with the sharp ache in his ribs and the curse clawing inside him.

Hyunjin hesitated, then reached forward. His hand brushed Felix's chest lightly, fingertips traced the precise ridge of a scar that matched one the knight had carved into a dragon long ago.

Felix's golden eyes widened, his chest ached for the warmth, for the contact, for the touch that had become more vital than the air he breathed. He leaned forward, pressed his forehead against Hyunjin's. Their breaths mingled as their hearts raced together. 

"I've never felt like this before, with anyone... So, if you have questions, I could answer them," Felix whispered, voice trembling.

Hyunjin's hand cupped his cheek, thumb brushing his skin delicately. "I am curious about something," he admitted shyly.

"About?" Felix asked with a head tilt.

"I didn't want to bring it so soon. But, how do Dragons give birth to eggs? Isn't there a father involved?" Hyunjin asked, looking away.

He didn't want to admit to it, but just thinking about Felix having a proper mating partner made his skin crawl. Of course, the eggs had a father's DNA, but directly asking Felix about his past partner seemed harder.

"Are you jealous? Or are you genuinely interested in my species' reproduction?" Felix teased, chuckling softly.

"I- I'm just curious," Hyunjin answered nervously as he cleared his throat.

Felix nodded with a smile, "We were both important in our species, we were chosen to mate by the leader of our colony so we spent our mating season together. We didn't object but we weren't exclusive either. We're aware that our species don't really focus on dating like humans do. It's much more straightforward and most mates do end up staying together until the end, so he treated me well. This happened months before our colony was under a massive attack... I managed to escape. I flew as far as I could, but then I started to feel contractions. I quickly found this small mountain house and gave birth to my three future hatchlings."

"You're so strong," Hyunjin praised.

"I have to be, especially for them," Felix smiled as he glanced over at their curved shells.

A silence was present before Hyunjin whispered, "Don't you ever wonder if there are more survivors around? or another colony of Dragons?"

Felix nodded and hummed, "I know there are a few, but they are well spread out. Maybe I could try looking for them in the future."

Hyunjin smiled at him softly, if Felix ever did want to go out and venture then he would gladly support him. The conversation transitioned slowly from there, the ache in Felix's body was still present but not as unbearable as before.

Time stretched thin around them, the forest holding its breath as they're sharing a moment of vulnerability.

Eventually, talking was long forgotten.

Felix leaned into Hyunjin, desperately chasing his lips. The urgency grew, it made them both feel feral. Fingers tangled in their hair as their flipped bodies pressed together over the bed sheets. The ache of the curse, the pain of shifting, and the fear of discovery fused into a single, blinding moment of connection.

Hyunjin's gaze swept down to the eggs, nestled safely nearby. "You truly do impress me, Felix. I've never met anyone as beautiful and admirable as you. You're just so perfect."

Felix twitched slightly under him, a shiver of sudden desperation, "Hyunjin, please. Make me feel good..."

In under a minute, Hyunjin carefully removed their clothes, their naked bodies exposed into the cool air.

"I'll make you feel like you've ascended to heaven," Hyunjin whispered seductively before planting a heated kiss on Felix's lips.

Lips and tongues made repeated contact as they both released low moans into each other's mouths. Their heads moving with the rhythm of their tongues as they deepened the kiss every second.

"I wonder..." Hyunjin slowly separated himself from Felix, straightening his back and lightly gliding his fingers over his skin from his chest to stopping at his lower abdomen. "I wonder if I pumped you full enough, you could take my seed. We could have eggs of our own..." Hyunjin smirked, lips red and swollen. 

His own cock jumped at the thought of breeding Felix. The other squirmed as he hid his face behind his small hands, timidly.

"Maybe if we tried enough," Felix said embarrassed. 

Felix got up gently, turned his body downward and raised his ass in the air as his upper body pressed against the sheets and laid his head on the pillow. Completely presenting his wet pussy towards the frozen man that held his dark eyes over every movement he made.

"Breed me," he said in a low whisper.

Hyunjin's cock filled and twitched once more, his cock was aching and leaking pre-cum just at the tip. His eyes stayed glued on Felix's pulsung pussy, imagining how destroyed it will be once he's done with him. He could see how the slick made his folds glisten, revealing that he already so juicy and wet.

"Your cunt is so fucking pretty. You're going to get me addicted... gonna breed you everyday until it takes," Hyunjin groaned as he slapped his pussy lightly.

"Ah!" Felix moaned as he felt the sudden sting, it was something he had never felt before but he liked the way it sent shivers all over his skin.

The thick lips suddenly kissed and teased his folds, licking every part of him vigorously, sucking his clit roughly and making a swirling movement with the tip of his tongue. Felix fisted the sheets under him, trembling as moans and low insults left his mouth.

"Just breed me- can't take more- Mhmm-" Felix cried out in broken moans, his body shaking violently as he tried to push his hips back for more pleasure.

Hyunjin's hands fondled his ass cheeks aggressively, making them a blush a strong red, finger marks visible on his pale skin.

"You don't know what you're asking for," Hyunjin growled back.

"Yes, I do, please... Hyunjin, fuck me." 

Hyunjin spanked Felix's pussy a few more times, feeling the slick on his hands, making the boy tremble under him with every slap.

"You'll never look for another cock," Hyunjin growled.

Felix whined at every sting, loving how his body shivered in pleasure. With Felix's ass presented perfectly in front of him, he leveled his hips right in front of Felix's pussy. His hard cock, red angry tip poking at his entrance teasingly. Hyunjin spat some more saliva on his length, he grabbed his cock and spread it against Felix's cunt. Felix moaned lowly, enjoying the light friction.

And in one quick movement, Hyunjin aligned his cock and pressed the head in gently. The glide was easy for the first few inches until he paused briefly to forcefully thrust forward once and bottom out completely.

"Ah- so big- fuck," Feli  managed to choke out.

Hyunjin almost didn't need to put any force after the first thrust. Felix's pussy invited him in, sucking him in and wrapping tightly around his cock.

Hyunjin smirked, softly biting his bottom lip due to the pleasure, the tights walls clamping down on him as the warmth sucks him in was incredible.

He huffs out a laugh, "Your pussy is begging to be bred, my little dragon."

Felix nodded quickly, his legs shaking slightly, "Yes- Please- Need to be bred..."

Hyunjin hands grab his waist roughly, pulling him back onto his cock. He hears the other moan lowly as he repeats this action a few more times until finding the perfect rhythm. 

Once he felt like quickening the pace, he lowered his body, angling himself to thrust deeper into Felix. His cock reached in further, his walls tightened around him. Felix spread his legs slightly further apart to grant him more access. Hyunjin lifts a hand up to Felix's pussy, his fingers reaching for his clit, right as he reaches the bud, he rubs him in soft circles making the other moan even louder.

"Fuck- If you keep- doing that- I'm- gonna cum..." he moans in hicks as Hyunjin continues his thrusts.

Hyunjin chuckles as he pounds faster into him. Sweat dripping down onto Felix's back as he pounds into him. Moaning each other's names repeatedly as they reach pure bliss.

"You'll take every drop. You deserve to be bred and filled all the time," Hyunjin growled as his thrusts become more aggressive. His hands grab his waist, pulling him back roughly to match every thrust. Causing Felix to moan even louder.

"Yes! Only bred by you- Hyunjin- Mhhh..." He moaned.

"Fuck! Going to-" Hyunjin's breathing broke as he came. He pressed his chest into Felix's back as he filled him up, thrusting in softly as the sensitivity took over.

Felix moaned loudly as he felt Hyunjin releasing into him. His jaw hung open as his walls clamped down on Hyunjin's dick, making sure he's kept every drop inside him as Hyunjin pulled back slowly and gently.

Once the firm hands on his hips were lifted, his lower body fell to one side, as the other man threw himself beside him.

They looked at each other's eyes, huffing and regulating their breath as they smiled softly. He looked for Felix's hand, grabbing the curled fingers gently as he caressed the knuckles lovingly.

"You're so perfect," Hyunjin whispered to him.

Felix blushed lightly, still catching his breath as Hyunjin pulls up the blankets to cover their bare torsos.

Hyunjin tugs him closer, wrapping his arms around him, pulling his head to his chest as he leaves soft kisses on his face and head.

They lingered in each other's arms, sweat, warmth, and breath mingling, knowing the world beyond the forest had no claim on them, at least, not yet. The curse throbbed, a reminder of danger and consequence, but it could not overcome the bond now forged in vulnerability and full trust.

Hyunjin stayed with Felix the entire day.

He preferred to spend his day helping Felix hunt and pick some fruits from the bushes nearby, than to complete his knight duties. They also spoke about the eggs as they admired them for a while, time didn't exist when they were lost in their own bubble.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the riverbank, Felix pressed close to Hyunjin, both of them quiet but aware: the hunter and the dragon were no longer opposites. They were entwined, hearts and fates bound together in a fragile, impossible intimacy.

And for the first time, neither could imagine letting go.

 

 

Days later, the sky over the forest was a bruised purple, clouds thick and low, as if the world itself mourned.

Felix had fought the curse to its limit, but that final night had been too much. Hyunjin had found him collapsed beside the eggs, in what seemed like a mid-transformation, his breathing shallowly, eyes half-lidded, his human form trembling like a candle in the wind.

His wings were poking out, large but not as big as his frame, The horns on his head formed small nubs just to confirm their presence and his fingers ended with claw-like tips as every else remained in human-like form.

The knight had rushed to his side, heart hammering, hands pressed against Felix's chest, desperate to coax him to wake.

"Felix... Please, wake up..."

Every plea, every whispered name, seemed swallowed by the silence. Hyunjin cried as he desperately tried to shake him. He opened his eyes briefly, the fire in Felix's golden eyes flickered faintly, then faded completely. Hyunjin's stomach sank as his breath caught in his throat.

The Dragon was cold and his body went limp.

To Hyunjin, Felix was gone.

 

 

The journey back was somber. Felix's body was wrapped carefully in blankets, wings and arms folded against him as Hyunjin carried him over his shoulder, and a small wooden cart pulled behind him as a blanket covered something inside it. He was determined to get through the forest paths and into the castle courtyard.

News spread quickly. Townsfolk gathered, whispers of "Dragon", "Monster" and "Beast" passing like wildfire.

Some shouted for the Dragon to be killed, some demanded to see proof of the creature's death. The tension was palpable, the air thick with fear and suspicion. Hyunjin stood firm, spear lowered, chest tight. He lifted Felix's limp body carefully and approached the king and queen.

"Please, he is not dangerous," Hyunjin said in a stern voice, and aching heart. "He's more human than you think."

They didn't move. 

Hyunjin in a desperate attempt to convince them, removed the large cloth that covered the eggs. Revealing the three delicate lives that grew within the shells.

The monarchs leaned over curiously with wide eyes.

Hyunjin cleared his throat, "If you desire, you may watch over him until he regains consciousness and until his eggs hatch."

The room was filled with small whispers and murmurs.

After tense deliberation, they all agreed that Felix would be kept alive, watched and cared for, until they could understand the nature of the dragon's true intentions. Thankfully, they also agreed that the eggs shouldn't be separated from their mother.

They took Felix into a room for a quick health inspection by the royal doctor, it was confirmed that he was in a coma.

As they ran through the general check-up, Hyunjin couldn't stop crying. Not until they've assigned a specialist in Dragon's to watch over Felix and his eggs, Hyunjin felt instant relief and recently began to calm down. They've assigned a special room for Felix, resting his body over a soft bed and a new set of clothes. The room was welcoming and his eggs laid in a large nest of blankets that kept them warm.

When the specialist and the doctor left the room, Hyunjin instantly sat beside Felix, holding him in his arms. Hyunjin's body trembled as he cradled him, tears slipped from his cheeks.

"I'll make sure you're okay..." Hyunjin planted one soft kiss on Felix's forehead.

Unlike the warm room, the castle hallways seemed cold, and unwelcoming, the stone corridors echoed with death. Hyunjin walked over to the eggs after a while, he sat beside them, hands hovering, unsure. Tears streamed down his face continuously.

"I... I don't know how..." he whispered, voice breaking as he directed his words to the three eggs. "I don't know how to take care of you without him..."

He pressed his face to the blanket beside the eggs, shuddering with grief. The emptiness was unbearable; the absence of Felix's warmth pressed against his chest like a stone. Nights were long, filled with soft whimpers and quiet sobs, the silence broken only by the faint, rhythmic pulse of life inside the eggs.

 

 

Weeks passed, each one heavy with uncertainty. Chan and Changbin had been informed of the situation, even though they were in pure shock, they stood beside Hyunjin in loyalty and comprehension.

They made sure to bring Hyunjin meals, and reminded him to take a bath every few days as he wouldn't leave Felix's side.

Hyunjin had learned to feed himself again after a small discussion. But most importantly, he was taught how to care for the eggs, taught how to maintain the careful warmth they required. But he still felt inept, the absence of Felix cutting deeper than any wound he had ever known.

Then he began visiting a witch who was well-informed, discreet, and knowledgeable about dragon eggs. Her cabin was tucked in the forest, filled with herbs, glowing crystals, and books bound in strange leather.

"He may never wake up," she told him gently, "but you can nurture them. He would be relieved to know that they're not alone. They need the same attention as human babies do, they need protection and love."

Hyunjin listened carefully, hands trembling as he adjusted blankets, measured temperatures, and learned to mimic the care Felix would have given. He spoke softly to the eggs as he worked, telling them that they will grow big and strong just like their mother. He made sure to whisper Felix's name to them, he would imagine them having the same feature as Felix. His freckles, his smile... They were an extension of the person he loved most.

"I'll keep them safe..." Hyunjin said, voice shaking. "I'll do it for you, Felix."

Outside, the wind whispered through the trees. Hyunjin sat alone with the eggs, crying softly. But each tear was also a promise, a bridge between loss and hope.

Even if Felix never did wake up, he would never abandon them.

 

 

Six months passed, each day a slow, agonizing repetition of hope and despair.

Hyunjin visited Felix's room every morning to tube-feed him and wash his delicate body. He carried fresh water, herbs, and blankets, moving with careful precision around the motionless figure lying on the soft bed.

The knight smiled for the castle staff, cheerful and composed on the surface. He tried to look normal but everyone could see his dark baggy eyes and his body getting thinner. They couldn't do much but ensure that he was eating but they worried that he would burry himself into depression. And they weren't wrong, behind closed doors, in the solitude of Felix's chamber, Hyunjin's façade crumbled.

He sat by the bed for hours, tracing the faint curve of Felix's cheek, brushing a loose strand of dark hair from his forehead, whispering his name softly.

"Felix, wake up," Hyunjin cried. "Please, come back to me and your babies..."

Tears slipped down his cheeks as he pressed his hand against Felix's chest, feeling the faint, steady pulse of life in the comatose body, but not the warmth, not the presence he longed for.

Hyunjin whimpered softly, "I can't lose you... Not now, not after everything..."

He slept in a chair beside the bed, blanket pulled tightly around him, often waking to whisper reassurances into the silent room.

"I'll stay. I'll protect your eggs and wait for you."

 

 

The castle corridors, the eyes of the town, the duties of a knight all became distant echoes compared to the silent room. Meals were skipped, sleep was short, and worry gnawed at him relentlessly.

Hyunjin's hair fell across his eyes, hair longer than before, but he refused to leave. Even when his knight duties demanded him or his friends tried to call him outside, he refused to leave Felix.

The fear that Felix might never open his eyes again was a threat pressing against his chest every day. And yet, despite exhaustion, despite the tears and the sleepless nights, Hyunjin continued. Because even if Felix remained unconscious, even if the curse had nearly taken him, Hyunjin's heart refused to let go.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and dew. Hyunjin entered Felix's room as usual, moving quietly.

His gaze drifted toward the nest, and his breath caught.

One of the eggs, the smallest of the three, had already begun to tremble, its shell cracking along jagged lines as faint golden light pulsed from within.

Hyunjin's heart raced.

"It's happening," he whispered, crouching carefully beside the egg.

He gently eased the cracked shell open with his fingers, revealing a tiny, shimmering dragon hatchling with a human face and head, scales around its limbs like polished amber, eyes wide and curious, and a soft, high-pitched hiss escaping its mouth. 

It looked just like a human baby but with soft dragon like features, four tiny sharp teeth, human skin with patches of dragon scales. Hyunjin's fingers lingered over its hair and forehead, over the tiny nubs where its horns would grow.

The hatchling nuzzled Hyunjin's hand instinctively, warmth radiating despite its small size. Hyunjin laughed softly with tears escaping the corner of his eyes, voice trembling, and he brushed a lock of hair back from his forehead.

"You're too early, little one... but it's okay. I'll take care of you," he sniffled with a smile.

The little hatching played with his fingers, making the smallest chirps and noises as he tumbled around. Hyunjin removed the extra shell pieces, he carefully wiped him dry and clean, revealing that he was a healthy little boy. His heart pounded hard in his ribs, his heart squeezed tightly as he admired the the newborn.

So this is parental love...

He named the first hatching Jeongin, internally making a promise that he would care for him as if he were his own child.

 

 

Hyunjin carried Jeongin carefully through the forest to the witch's cabin, the tiny dragon curled in a blanket in his arms. He released soft whimpers, sounds that Hyunjin grew to love.

The cabin smelled of herbs and earth, glowing crystals reflecting light in every corner. The witch smiled and welcomed Hyunjin in. The witch examined Jeongin thoroughly, murmuring incantations and checking scales, claws, and his breathing.

"Completely healthy for a human-dragon hybrid," she said finally, voice calm but approving. "Early hatching is unusual but not dangerous. He has a strong heart, healthy organs. He was just too eager to thrive," She chuckled.

Hyunjin exhaled, relief flooding through him.

"Thank you," he said softly, cradling Jeongin close. "I want him to be healthy, and I wouldn't have done this well if it weren't for you, Ms. Jung."

"No. You were destined for this, Hyunjin."

 

 

That evening, Hyunjin returned to the castle chamber. Felix remained motionless in his mid-human form, pale but stable, the soft rise and fall of his chest still the only indication of life.

Hyunjin lowered Jeongin gently onto the bed, near Felix's resting body.

The tiny dragon chirped and nudged at Felix's hand. Hyunjin watched, holding his breath, wishing for a sign. Felix exhaled faintly, a small jolt in his fingers. A subtle response that set Hyunjin's heart racing every time, but he knew well that it didn't mean that he was awake.

"This is your mother," Hyunjin whispered softly to Jeongin. "He's asleep right now, but until he wakes up, we will take care of him together."

Jeongin curled against Felix's side, knowing and recognizing the warmth radiating from the body, eyes blinking curiously at the motionless figure.

Hyunjin nearly broke down.

This shouldn't be how Felix met his hatchlings, but he breathed in deeply to regulate himself for Jeongin. Even in unconsciousness, Felix's presence brought comfort, and Hyunjin allowed himself to imagine a future where mother and son, knight and dragon, could reunite.

 

 

News of the dragon hatchling spread through the town quickly.

At first, people were cautious, murmuring about danger, the old fears of fire and destruction. But when Hyunjin appeared in the central square with Jeongin cradled safely in his arms, eyes bright and scales gleaming, the mood shifted.

Children reached forward, laughing and cooing as the tiny dragon hissed softly, wings fluttering. The adults watched closely in awe, and in disbelief mingling with curiosity as Hyunjin demonstrated how equally fragile he was to a human life.

"It's harmless," a villager murmured, "And cute, almost like a human baby," another one stated.

The King and Queen arrived, standing proudly beside Hyunjin.

"This is a new chapter," the Queen declared. "Dragons are no longer monsters to fear. Their existence is as important as human life. We announce them as our future guardians!"

The town erupted in celebration.

Banners were raised, drums were beaten, and lanterns floated into the night sky. People cheered, and the festival felt like a promise of understanding, and hope.

Hyunjin stood there quietly, watching the tiny Jeongin nestled in his arms, golden eyes blinking up at him. Tears slipped down his face, a mix of grief for Felix, relief for Jeongin, and hope for the future.

"Wait for him," he whispered to the hatchling. "We'll bring him back soon. I promise."

And under the moonlit sky, the first dragon born in the town's memory let out a small, happy hiss. The bond between dragons and humans was finally beginning to heal.

 

 

The cabin was filled with a mixture of herbs, smoke, and faint, shimmering light.

Hyunjin knelt beside Felix, Jeongin curled against his chest, eyes blinking curiously at the flickering candles. The witch moved gracefully around them, murmuring incantations under her breath, her hands tracing delicate patterns in the air, dusting faint glimmers of magic that settled over Felix’s prone body.

"Focus on your intent," she said softly, eyes meeting Hyunjin's. "The bond between you two: the care, the love, the protection... is the key. The curse feeds on fear and separation. You must channel hope, trust, and devotion into him."

Hyunjin's hand pressed firmly against Felix's chest, fingertips tracing the familiar ridges and scars, a silent plea for life. "Felix, wake up. Please... I've waited. We've all waited. I need you here with us, your family."

A soft wind swirled in the cabin, carrying the scent of pine and spring rain. Jeongin stirred, letting out a small chirp that seemed almost like encouragement. The witch's voice rose slightly, melodic and commanding, weaving threads of magic around the three of them.

Then, slowly, Felix's chest rose.

A soft, trembling breath escaped him. His golden eyes fluttered open, wide, shimmering with confusion, pain, and relief.

Hyunjin stood still.

"Hyunjin…"

His voice was raw, fragile, and trembling.

Hyunjin's composure shattered after hearing the voice of the man he's been waiting months to hear. He flung himself forward, gathering Felix into a tight embrace. Tears streamed down both of their faces as they clung to each other, hearts pounding, fears dissolving in the warmth of reunion.

"I thought I lost you," Hyunjin whispered, burying his face in Felix's shoulder. "I can't- I can't lose you ever again."

Felix pressed his face against Hyunjin's neck, trembling as well. "I'm here. I'm here now," he murmured. "It's all thanks to you."

Jeongin chirped and nudged Felix's hand with his tiny nose, sensing the reunion and excitement. Felix's eyes softened as he reached out, touching the hatchling gently, a quiet smile breaking across his lips.

The witch nodded, satisfied. "The curse is broken. He is fully himself again. Your bond was stronger than the magic that bound him."

Hyunjin pulled back slightly, cupping Felix's face in his hands, looking into the golden eyes he had missed for so long.

"We'll be together now," Hyunjin whispered tearful, voice steady but choked with emotion.

Felix's hands pressed over Hyunjin's, holding on as tightly as he could as he cleared his throat. "I never want to be apart from you again, we're family now," he croaked.

Hyunjin smiled widely, unable to contain his happiness. Tears mingled and fell freely as they embraced again, the tiny dragon chirping happily between them. For the first time in months, hope, love, and life felt complete.

Hyunjin pulled back briefly and glanced at Jeongin. "I named him Jeongin. I know I didn't wait for you to-"

Felix extended a hand to his arm to stop him from talking. "I like Jeongin."

He smiled down at the hatching, wrapping one arm around him as the other softly examined his little face.

Jeongin was just as perfect as Felix.

Outside, the wind carried a faint warmth of spring, the forest seeming to sigh in relief. The curse was gone, the dragon was alive in both heart and human form, and the bond that had survived pain, fear, and distance was now unbreakable.

Hyunjin kissed Felix's forehead, voice low and tender. "Welcome back, my love."

Jeongin curled safely into Felix's chest, they will begin their new life together and unafraid.

 

 

The morning sun spilled gold across the castle chamber, warming the blankets that now cradled the remaining two eggs. Hyunjin stood beside Felix, holding Jeongin gently in his arms, who chirped nervously, his tiny wings fluttering in excitement.

They should be hatching any minute now...

The eggs trembled violently, cracks forming along jagged lines, golden light pulsing from within. Their breathing caught as the first shell split, revealing a delicate hatchling with scales shimmering like amber-rose. Its tiny limbs flailed instinctively, wings stretching but unsteady.

"Meet Nabi," Felix whispered as tears slid down his face, lifting the hatchling gently from the broken shell. The little dragon blinked curiously, chirping softly as the small hands reached out to Felix. Jeongin chirped back, hopping lightly on Hyunjin's arm, tiny pair of wings flapping in encouragement.

The last egg split moments later.

A softer, pearly-white light glowed as a second hatchling emerged, delicate but strong. Its scales caught the sunlight like silk, and it let out a tiny, unsure hiss.

"Hana," Hyunjin breathed out, eyes shining with tears.

Jeongin approached them cautiously, wings trembling, tail flicking nervously. He sniffed Nabi first, chirped, then nudged Hana gently with his nose, letting out a small squeak. His movements were clumsy but affectionate, unsteady wings flapping as he tried to show them welcome.

Felix watched from beside the nest, eyes shining with emotion. Golden light glinted across his human features, soft and full of awe. His hand hovered over Jeongin's tiny back, then over Nabi and Hana.

"They're beautiful,” he whispered.

Hyunjin pulled Felix close, wrapping his arms around him. Felix leaned into the embrace, resting his head on his shoulder, allowing himself to relax fully for the first time in months. Tears slid down both their faces, the culmination of fear, hope, and love crashing into one overwhelming moment.

"They're safe and welcomed, just like you wanted them to be," Hyunjin murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to Felix's temple. "All of them, all three of them."

Felix exhaled, golden eyes soft, hand resting over Hyunjin's. "Thank you for loving them as much as you love me," His voice shook with emotion, but it was steady with certainty.

Jeongin chirped again, wings flapping excitedly, nudging his new siblings. Nabi and Hana responded with tiny chirps of their own. The room was filled with the soft, musical symphony of new life, the tiny sounds of dragonlings discovering the world for the first time.

Hyunjin held Felix tighter, both of them watching their small family. The fear, the curse, the long months of uncertainty. All of that led to this moment: life thriving, love enduring, and hope fulfilled.

 

 

The town square was alive with music, laughter, and the scent of spring flowers. Villagers had gathered, children pressed against the edges of the fountain, their eyes wide with wonder.

Today was a celebration of a new future.

Jeongin chirped excitedly, flapping his tiny, amber wings with unsteady determination. Nabi and Hana huddled close, golden-rose and pearly-white scales glinting in the sunlight, their first flaps hesitant, imperfect, but full of energy.

The villagers gasped and cheered as the baby dragons rose for fleeting moments, barely a few seconds, before tumbling back gently onto the soft blankets Hyunjin had laid.

At the center of the square, the king and queen stood proudly.

The queen stepped forward, hand extended, and touched each hatchling gently, blessing them with warmth and protection. "May your growth be strong, your hearts courageous, and your family always united." she proclaimed.

The king echoed her words, eyes glimmering with pride. The townsfolk erupted in celebration, realizing that dragons were no longer creatures to fear but beings to cherished.

Chan and Changbin weren't forgotten.

They were slightly unsure at first, but eventually they would help build levitated platforms with safe cushioning for the baby dragons to practice their flight. Most of the time, they were like a pair of adult-sized kids that entertained the hatchings.

Hyunjin and Felix watched their babies play, the younger girls are already gliding in the air for a few seconds before falling safely on the mattress. Jeongin is having trouble keeping his wings spread out strong but it was nothing they needed to worry about, his wings would need some extra training before he could compete with his sisters.

Until then, Hyunjin lovingly held Jeongin close, whispering encouragement. "You'll get it soon, little one. One day, you'll soar with your siblings."

Felix stood beside him, hand resting on Hyunjin's shoulder, golden eyes soft and bright with happiness. His human form radiated calm strength, the weight of the past months finally lifting as he finally became himself again.

Together, they returned to the abandoned home where Felix had once hidden, now transformed into a warm, lived-in sanctuary. Walls were patched and decorated, blankets and soft rugs spread across the floor, and small nests carefully arranged for their hatchlings. Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating the space with warmth and life.

The little hatchings practiced their first flights in the garden, wings flapping hesitantly, faltering, and sometimes collapsing in soft thuds.

Each attempt brought laughter from Hyunjin and gentle encouragement from Felix. Slowly, their confidence grew, wings carrying them just a little longer with each try.

At night, the family curled together in the nest made of pillows and blankets, the hatchlings snuggled around Hyunjin and Felix chirping softly. The knight and the dragon rested side by side, hands intertwined, hearts finally at peace.

Hyunjin kissed Felix's cheek softly, "Thank you for giving me a family."

"I wouldn't have made it this far without you." Felix smiled back.

"I love you," Hyunjin confessed softly.

"I love you, too."

Felix leaned his head on Hyunjin's chest and sighed deeply. "I've been thinking..." 

Hyunjin glanced at Felix interested.

"I've always wanted a large family..." Felix smiled innocently as Hyunjin's expression changed to one of amusement and disbelief. 

Felix continued with a flirtatious tone, "If you do well with them the first few years, we could plan on having some of our own."

Hyunjin's stopped breathing.

"Felix! You shouldn't tell me that when the kids are around," Hyunjin whispered teasingly. He smiled and chuckled softly.

The other giggled as he planted a soft, yet longer, kiss on Hyunjin's lips. Sending him a message of reassurance before ultimately closing his eyes. 

"Goodnight, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin couldn't sleep till an hour later, his minds wandered as he imagined Felix big and round because of him. But, that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. He tried his best to distract himself until his eyelids started to feel heavy, his heart content and feeling warmer than ever.

"Goodnight, my beautiful dragon."

Jeongin, Nabi, and Hana slept soundly, tiny bodies radiating warmth, their futures bright as the world is eager to see them grow.