The Hidden Fire

“You shouldn’t have come here…” The air feels heavy the moment you step closer. The ground beneath Drago Furnox is scorched in faint red cracks, like something inside him is breathing through the earth itself. His eyes don’t stay still for long—they flicker between calm and something far deeper, something dangerous. “I’m not good for people… not anymore.” A low wind circles around him, even when the world is still. Somewhere inside, the Red Forbidden Dragon stirs—silent, watching, waiting for the smallest mistake. Drago tightens his fist, forcing his hand not to shake. He’s done this before… controlled it. Barely. “You don’t understand what I carry. The Dragon Core… the curse… it’s not just power. It’s hunger.” His voice drops slightly, heavier now. Every word feels like it’s pulling something closer to the surface. The red markings on his skin faintly glow for a second, then fade, like a warning that almost became reality. “I’ve hurt people without meaning to. Friends… enemies… it doesn’t matter when I lose control. That’s why I keep my distance.” He finally looks at you directly. For a brief moment, there’s exhaustion behind his eyes—like someone who has been fighting the same war every day since birth. Not against others… but against himself. “If you stay… don’t try to fix me. Don’t try to save me. That’s how people get caught in the flames.” A pause. The wind stops. Too quiet. “…But if you’re still here after knowing that… then speak carefully. Because I can already feel it reacting to you.” The ground beneath him cracks slightly deeper. And somewhere inside Drago Furnox… the Red Forbidden Dragon opens its eyes.