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Pain coursed through Phainon’s body as consciousness returned to him. He winced and blinked his eyes open, finding himself in a well-lit room on what appears to be some sort of makeshift bed. The walls and ceiling were made of carved stone, with glowing crystals embedded in them providing the light in the room. Phainon groaned as he sat up, careful to avoid the parts of his body that felt sore or weak. As he moved, he realized his injuries were already treated and bandaged.
Wait. What happened? How did he get here?
He tried to go through his memories. He was sent to the ruins of Castrum Kremnos to confront and potentially kill the dragon that had claimed it as territory. When he arrived, he immediately tracked down the creature only to find it wasn’t a beast but an unusually attractive human-looking being with dragon horns, scales and tail. They fought for ten days straight, until Phainon’s stamina finally gave out.
He remembered fading out of consciousness behind one of the broken walls. He remembered the dragon coming around the corner, claws covered in his blood. He remembered thinking this was where he was going to die.
So why-
“You’re awake.”
Phainon rolled off the bed and shakily stood up. The dragon was standing at the doorway, basket in one arm and blanket in the other. The knight staggered back against the wall, ready for another fight. “You- What- Where-”
“This is my home. You’re injured.” The dragon set the blanket and basket on the bed. “Sit. Your bandages need changing.”
Phainon stared at the dragon in disbelief. They were enemies. They’re supposed to be trying to kill each other. In any other circumstance, Phainon should be dead right now.
But he wasn’t. He was still alive, and the dragon was looking at him like he was a patient at an infirmary. Phainon glanced at the door, considered making a bolt for it, when a twinge of pain shot up through his body and he remembered just how bruised and battered he was. No, even if he tried to escape now, he wouldn’t get far.
He looked back at the dragon who was still patiently waiting for him to sit on the bed. With a defeated sigh, Phainon slowly went back to the bed and sat down on the edge. The dragon looked pleased with his decision and started pulling bandages and ointments out of the basket. “Lift your shirt. We’ll start with the bruising.”
Phainon hesitated for a moment, then did as he was told. The dragon gently removed the bandages that were there and dipped his claws into the ointment and carefully spread it on Phainon’s bruises. “Apologies. It might be a little cold.”
“A little” was an understatement. Phainon was used to these balms and ointments but it still stung to feel it on his skin. It was even more disconcerting having it applied by the one that inflicted them in the first place. The dragon quickly moved on to the bandages, wrapping them around Phainon’s torso with unexpected care. The knight wasn’t sure how to react anymore.
“Done. Arms next.”
They continued in this fashion for the next hour, with the dragon treating wounds and giving instructions and Phainon dazedly following them. The knight should be protesting, fighting back, trying to escape, but the dragon was so… genuine in his care. He never forced Phainon to do anything, handling the knight with a gentle respect even the doctors back home sometimes lacked. It was odd. It was baffling. It was-
“That should be it.” The dragon finally said, finishing the bandage on Phainon’s cheek. “I’ll get you something to eat. Wait here.”
Before Phainon could protest, the dragon gathered the medical supplies back into the basket and left the room. The knight stared after him for a long time before gingerly getting back up and following him out.
He was still in the ruins of Castrum Kremnos, the dilapidated remains of one of the larger houses. Above, through the collapsed ceiling, Phainon could see the stars above. He must have been out for at least a day. Downstairs, he could see the dragon standing over a fire, a large pot simmering with something that smelled tantalizing. Phainon’s stomach couldn’t help but rumble at the smell.
The dragon must have heightened hearing because he turned around to see Phainon leaning against the crumbling railing. “I told you to wait.”
Phainon bristled at the remark. “I’m in enemy territory with no idea what happened. I wasn’t going to just sit around.”
“You’re injured. You should be resting.” The dragon simply said, before turning back to the pot. “The food is almost ready.”
Now he was even more confused. Clearly, he was still hostile. Was the dragon not worried he was just going to attack? He could. Well, he wouldn’t. He was still a knight; he wasn’t about to attack someone that nursed him. Granted, the dragon was responsible for all his injuries, but that wasn’t the point.
Damn, this was confusing.
“Why aren’t I dead?” Phainon asked out loud, a little surprised that he let that thought slip out of his mind.
The dragon looked back confused. “What do you mean?”
“I mean why didn’t you finish me off?” Phainon shakily made his way down the steps, careful of each movement to not open his wounds. “I was sent here to kill you. We fought for days. Yet here you are, bringing me to your home, treating my injuries, and making me food. Why?”
The dragon tilted his head. “Isn’t it expected to care for what’s yours?”
The fire crackled in the empty night air. Phainon stopped at the foot of the stairs, staring at the dragon like he just fell out of the sky.
“I… What?”
“You lost. I have claimed you as mine.” The dragon said it so matter of factly Phainon could barely find the words to interject. He turned back to the pot and nodded. “The food is done. Since you’re here, you should sit and eat.”
“No.”
The dragon didn’t look back as he took the pot off the stove. “You should eat. It will help you regain your strength.”
“I said no.” Phainon repeated defiantly. “Not until you explain to me why you think you can just claim me.”
The dragon had the nerve to tilt his head in confusion. “Is that not what humans do?”
“What?”
“When humans fight, those that do not perish are taken by the victors.” The dragon crossed his arms. “This is what I have observed from humans since arriving here. I had assumed this was merely a part of your tradition.”
Phainon stared at the being before him utterly dumbfounded. “I… Wh… You…”
The dragon tilted his head again. “Was I incorrect?”
“Well… No…” The knight admitted.
The dragon nodded and grabbed a bowl from the counter. “Then sit. Food should be eaten fresh.”
Phainon looked around the room. Most of what could have been furniture was now just scattered debris on the floor. He didn’t know where he was supposed to sit, so he opted to sit on the floor instead.
The dragon scooped some stew into the bowl and handed it over to Phainon. “Eat.”
The knight looked down at the food he was given. A thought of poisoning crossed his mind, but considering all the effort the dragon went through to keep him alive it would seem like a waste of time. Plus, he didn’t seem like the type to use underhanded tactics like that.
Phainon blew off some of the steam and took a tentative sip. His eyes widened with surprise. “Th-This is-”
“Is it not to your liking?”
“How is this so good?!” Phainon downed some more, ignoring how the heat scalded his throat. “What did you put in this?!”
“It’s just a venison stew.” The dragon shrugged, scooping some of the food into a second bowl. “It’s nothing special.”
“Nothing special?! You could have served this to the Imperator!” Phainon knew it was rude to talk with his mouth full but he just couldn’t bring himself to care. This was easily the best thing he’s ever had in his life.
The dragon blinked in surprise. “Is that a compliment?”
“Yes, it’s a bloody compliment!” Within seconds, the food scarfed down and Phainon had to take a minute to breathe. “Gods… That was so good…”
A small smile spread on the dragon’s face as he sipped his own stew. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Hey! Don’t think this means I’m staying.” Phainon pointed with his bowl accusingly. “I still very much intend to get out of here.”
“I suppose that’s fair.” The dragon chewed contemplatively. “Very well. I propose a challenge.”
“A challenge?”
“A chance to earn your freedom. You must regain your honor by defeating me.” The dragon’s gaze burned into Phainon’s soul. “Only through victory shall I permit you to leave.”
Phainon met the stare head-on, though he could feel his ears start to get warm from the intensity of the dragon's eyes. “Very well. I accept your challenge.”
The dragon nodded and looked at Phainon’s empty bowl. “Would you like another serving?”
Once again, Phainon was taken aback. “You’re still gonna take care of me? After I said I would try and fight you?”
“A dragon looks after his own. Until you defeat me, you are still mine.”
Phainon groaned, his face flushing with embarrassment. “Why do you have to say it like that? I’m not property.”
The dragon huffed. “Then what should I say?”
“I dunno. A prisoner? That seems more dignified.” Phainon muttered, tapping the bowl on his leg with frustration.
“Is being someone’s prisoner not more humiliating?” The dragon asked, walking over to take the bowl from Phainon.
“Better than hearing you just say I’m yours. That sounds so weird.”
“It’s factual.”
“Fine! Whatever. Whatever.” Phainon roughly handed the bowl back. “Just you wait, dragon. Once I’m back to full strength, you’ll regret nursing me back to health.”
“Mydeimos.”
Phainon blinked. “What?”
“You may refer to me as Mydeimos.”
“Mydeimos?”
“Yes.” The dragon now known as Mydeimos met Phainon’s gaze. “What should I call you?”
The knight stared into Mydeimos’ eyes. They were a piercing amber, like suns blazing in the sky. They burned with intense certainty, an assurance that even Phainon had to find commendable. He was strong, but carried a dignified regality to him. An opponent worthy of respect.
He was also a little bit attractive but Phainon would never admit to that.'
He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Phainon. Of Aedes Elysiae.”
“Phainon.” Mydeimos nodded, turning back to the pot and scooping more stew into it. “I look forward to our next battle.”
Phainon watched the dragon warily. Even at top form, he could only match the dragon’s strength. His human limitations meant he was at a disadvantage from the start.
But Phainon was never one to back down from a challenge, no matter how dire the circumstances. He will succeed and claim victory.
All he had to do was wait.