Bound By Fire And Fate || Bakugo X Reader

Embers Of Defiance (Y/N pov)

I never liked the dragons. Every elf knows they are arrogant, violent creatures, hungry for power and treasure, treating the earth itself as their plaything. My parents warned me from a young age to stay far away from the mountain borders, where dragons rule, and I've obeyed-until now.

It's a rare, crisp morning in the forest, and the trees glow with the dawn light filtering through their golden leaves. I'm on my knees gathering herbs in the damp underbrush when a low rumble shakes the ground beneath me. I freeze, heart pounding as I glance up. The ground trembles again, and my instincts scream at me to run. I know this is no natural quake. This is the approach of a dragon.

A flash of red slices through the trees-a flash that sharpens into eyes. Eyes like glowing embers, focused directly on me. A tall, muscular figure steps forward, parting the trees with a single sweep of his clawed hand. His gaze is harsh and unyielding, his entire presence radiating power. This can only be Bakugo Katsuki, the dragon prince himself, heir to the throne of fire.

Every fiber in my being tells me to hate him on sight. The dragons have tormented us for centuries, burning our land, raiding our villages, stealing away everything we've worked so hard to protect. And now, one of them has found me alone, defenseless. But instead of launching into a fight, he stops, staring down at me with barely concealed irritation.

"You're trespassing," he growls. His voice is low, jagged, as if flames smolder behind every word.

I rise to my feet, clutching my basket tightly. "This is elf territory," I snap. "You're the one intruding here."

His lips curl into a half-smile, more threat than humor. "That so? Tell me, why would a weak elf like you wander this close to dragon lands?"

"I could ask you the same question, prince," I retort, hoping he doesn't notice the quiver in my voice.

Bakugo's smile fades, and he steps closer, his broad frame casting a shadow over me. I can feel the heat radiating from him, his aura suffocating. "Be careful, elf," he says, his tone laced with warning. "You may hate dragons, but that won't keep you safe if you provoke me."

Despite the danger, something in me flares-some fierce need to stand my ground. "Maybe I'm not afraid of you, dragon."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, a strange tension crackles in the air between us. His gaze sharpens, and I wonder if I've made a mistake. But then, something unexpected happens. He lets out a scoff, almost like a laugh, and steps back, dismissing me with a wave of his hand. "Brave words. But bravery means nothing if you're weak."

He turns to leave, but before I can think better of it, I call out, "If you're so strong, then why are you running away?"

He freezes, his muscles going taut, and I regret my words immediately. He glances back, a dangerous glint in his eye. "I'd be careful, elf," he murmurs, his voice like the whisper of flames. "I don't take insults lightly."

Without another word, he disappears into the shadows, leaving me trembling. I know I should feel relief, but instead, a strange restlessness settles over me. And as I stare after him, I can't shake the feeling that this is only the beginning.