Chapter 5 — The First Bond
The next morning, Beacon Hills was quiet, bathed in the pale light of early sun. Red Dagonian walked through the forest on the outskirts of town, senses humming with energy. His connection to the Concept of Dream had strengthened; the constructs he created now held more substance, and his awareness of supernatural life in the area was near-perfect.
He paused near a stream, crouching and touching the water with a hand that glowed faintly crimson. Tiny ripples shimmered, reflecting his Golden eyes. Training wasn't just physical—it was about harmonizing the human mind and draconic instinct. Every day he pushed a little further, every day mastering more of the power he now held.
Today, he thought, I will take the next step.
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Awakening Potential
Red extended his senses outward, scanning for life that resonated with unusual energy. His gaze fell upon a faint pulse, subtle yet unmistakable — Allison Argent. Not just her presence, but the latent potential within her, hidden beneath human restraint.
He knelt and let his soul flame pulse gently, projecting a thread of dream energy toward her. It was careful, invisible to human senses, yet unmistakable to hers. Somewhere deep inside, she felt a stir, a spark of connection she didn't understand.
Red murmured, "I can awaken you, if you are ready. But it must be gradual… a bond, not a shock."
He pictured her standing beside him, transformed, her human essence woven with dragon energy. The concept was delicate, precise. Too much force and the bond would fracture; too little, and it would remain dormant.
A subtle warmth radiated outward. Somewhere in town, Allison paused mid-step, a shiver running down her spine. She looked around, feeling the presence of something… extraordinary. Her instincts nudged her toward the forest, curiosity stronger than caution.
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Training Escalates
With Allison's presence lingering at the edge of his awareness, Red turned back to combat practice. Small supernatural threats were drawn to the forest — rogue spirits, minor demons, and packs of feral creatures. Each encounter was a chance to test his abilities without revealing his full power to the town.
Two shadowy wendigos emerged, snarling. Red's eyes glowed, wings flaring faintly as he extended dream constructs around him. Energy blades formed, slashing through the air, precise and controlled. The creatures lunged, but he moved faster, a blur of gold and crimson.
With a flick of his hand, a pulse of dream energy sent them scattering, harmless and disoriented. Red exhaled, the thrill of combat coursing through him. Each successful encounter increased his confidence, refining the balance between human strategy and dragon instinct.
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A Subtle Encounter
Later in the afternoon, Red spotted Allison again, near the high school's edge. She was practicing archery alone, arrows striking targets with perfect form. This time, he stepped fully into view, letting his aura brush against hers subtly — enough to cause a shiver without overwhelming her senses.
"Your aim improves," he said softly, voice warm.
She froze, bow raised. "Red…? How did you…" She faltered, sensing the pull in her chest but unsure of what it meant.
"I'm teaching myself to observe," he replied, smiling faintly. "And perhaps to guide."
Allison lowered her bow slightly, curiosity overtaking caution. "Guide… me?"
Red nodded, crouching a few feet away. "You have potential, Allison. Latent strength that's rare. With time, it can be awakened. I can help… if you allow it."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but a flicker of trust appeared. She didn't fully understand him, but something inside told her he was not a threat. His presence resonated with her soul — faintly, unmistakably.
> Soon, Red thought. Soon, you will see the truth. And it will change everything.
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The First Bond
Red extended a hand subtly, focusing dream energy, allowing it to touch her consciousness like a feather. He did not force her, only brushed the edge of her soul. She felt a warmth, a pull, something familiar yet alien, like a memory she didn't remember.
She shivered, bow in hand, looking toward him. "What… what is happening?"
"Connection," he said simply. "You'll understand in time. I'm here to help you awaken."
The thread pulsed faintly, stronger than before, as if acknowledging her potential. It was the first real bond between Red and Allison — invisible, subtle, yet unbreakable in the long term. He withdrew his hand, letting the moment linger, letting her curiosity and instinct guide her closer.
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Peter Hale Watches
Far in the shadows, Peter Hale and his pack observed. The Alpha's eyes narrowed.
So this is the one, Peter mused. The predator who disturbs the balance. He's already weaving influence, already awakening others. This… creature… is more dangerous than I imagined.
Peter didn't act yet. He waited, calculating, observing, sensing the threads of destiny that Red Dagonian was beginning to weave.
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A Quiet Resolve
Night fell again, stars spilling across the sky. Red returned to the clearing, sitting cross-legged as he extended his senses. The world hummed with energy, alive and responsive. Allison's thread remained, faint but persistent, and he allowed himself a small smile.
Tomorrow, he thought. We go further. The bond grows stronger, and so does my understanding of this world. The humans, the supernatural, the threads of fate — all of it will bend to the dreams I create.
He unfolded his wings, soaring above Beacon Hills under the moonlight. The town lay peaceful below, unaware of the Dream Dragon watching over it. But Red Dagonian had seen the threads, felt the dangers, and already begun shaping the bonds that would decide the future.
Five days before Scott McCall's bite, one thing was certain: Beacon Hills had never faced anything like Red Dagonian.
And Allison Argent had no idea how close she already was to becoming part of his world.
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Chapter 5 Complete — 1,004 words
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If you want, I can continue with Chapter 6, where:
Red begins more active patrols and confrontations with rogue supernatural threats.
He begins intentionally teaching Allison, teasing the first signs of her dragon awakening.
Peter Hale's tension escalates, setting up early conflict between Alpha and Dream Dragon.
Do you want me to continue with Chapter 6 next?