Scene begins in battle:
The protagonist (you can decide his name — maybe something strong like Kael, Darian, or Riven) lies wounded on a battlefield. His comrades are either fleeing or already dead. The enemy (a rival clan, dark lord, or invading army) towers over him.
• Hopelessness & Regret:
He realizes he's about to die. Thoughts race through his mind — regrets about lost family, unfulfilled dreams, or betrayal that led to this defeat. He curses his weakness and helplessness.
• The Dragon Appears:
As he closes his eyes, he feels fire and hears a thunderous roar shaking the heavens. A massive ancient dragon descends (or its spirit manifests). Everyone else flees in terror.
• The Pact:
The dragon speaks in his mind (mysterious, commanding voice). It offers him a choice:
• "Your life ends here… or you may rise again, carrying my power. Will you bear the burden of a dragon?"
• The Rebirth:
With his last strength, he accepts. Flames engulf him — his broken body burns to ash, but from it, a new one forms. His eyes blaze with golden fire, scales briefly shimmer on his skin.
• Cliffhanger:
He opens his eyes in a different place/time — perhaps waking up years in the past, in his younger body, or in an unfamiliar village. The last line could be something like:
"When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer on the battlefield… he was sixteen once more."