The child nodded eagerly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. While I had his full attention, I quickly listed a series of rules that sprang to mind. “As for the fire you conjured earlier, you must never use it when anyone else is around. Always remember that.”
“Yes, Master…” the child responded hesitantly.
“And never reveal that you’re a dragon and not a human. Especially not to that man from earlier. You have to follow these rules if you want to stay with me. Do you understand?”
“I can… stay with you?” the child asked, hope beginning to color his voice.
“Yes, but only if you keep these in mind,” I said, trying to stress the importance of the matter.
“I’ll do it!” The child nodded with enthusiasm.
I knew this would happen. I’m letting this little twerp stick around and ruin my peaceful life after all. I pinched the bridge of my nose with a sigh and added quietly, “My name is Noa. Call me Noa, not Master.”
