Then the runes flashed brilliantly and vanished into Arthur's chest.
*THUMP!*
Arthur felt it immediately. A new presence in his soul. A connection to another being that was now permanently bound to him. He could sense Valdris's existence clearly now, could feel the dragon's thoughts and emotions as if they were his own.
The dragon had truly submitted. Completely and absolutely.
Arthur looked down at the still prostrate dragon. Valdris remained pressed against the ground, not daring to move without permission.
A slight smile crossed Arthur's face. Not a mocking smile, but one of satisfaction.
"Rise, Valdris," Arthur said quietly.
The dragon slowly lifted its head. Its golden eyes met Arthur's, and there was no defiance left in them. Only loyalty and reverence.
"You have made the right choice," Arthur continued. "Serve me well, and I will ensure your lineage does not end with you. The dragons of this universe will rise again under my rule."
