I must have spent an hour in the tub. The water never cooled, always staying at that perfect temperature. At one point I almost fell asleep, but I reminded myself that I had questions that needed answering and a dragon that was asleep outside. Actually, I didn't know what was up with her, but it probably wasn’t a good idea to just ignore her for now. I got out of the tub, and the cottage once again showed its usefulness as I was dry in a second, and clothes were folded and ready. I smiled and dressed before asking the cottage for a quick snack as I made my way downstairs.

I was just taking my first bite of a sandwich when I walked into the living room to find Uliena once again chasing Bob. “What is it this time?” Uliena stopped and pointed at Bob before crossing her arms, which I interpreted as Bob had probably said something again to piss her off.

I looked at Bob who floated over. “She’s making demands, Dick.”

Uliena threw a cushion at him.

“Alright, relax,” I said to Uliena as I finished off my food. “We’ll get you a telepathic link soon enough, but Uliena if Bob is correct and you do try and mess with me or manipulate me, I’ll take it away. This.” I waved to the cottage. “Is my home now, and my personal space. I don't want to worry about coming back here just because of you, ok?”

She nodded slowly and walked over to give me a hug.

“Aren't you two just cute,” Bob said. I pushed Uliena’s hand down as she tried to reach over and grab Bob. “Bob just stop. By the way, why isn’t one of you looking over the literal dragon?”

“She’s dead asleep,” Bob said. “She won’t wake for at least a few hours.”

“And when she does?”

Bob was silent for a long moment. “We can easily kick her from this pocket, or I can, but then she’d end up in an alleyway in portland. We should just hope she isn't insane and can talk. I know many languages so even if she can’t speak English, I’ll understand her.”

“You think she’ll play nice?”

“We did technically save her from being sold,” Bob said. “So maybe, but she is also heavily mutated. We’ll be careful. She’s not a lesser type of wyrm. She’s a true dragon of some kind, though not fully grown.”

“That’s not fully grown?” She had stood at least thirty feet tall, and I may not have gotten an exact size, but she was long and big.

“No. Didn't you notice that in her human form she looked around the same age as you and Zara? She’s a teen, maybe around fifty years old.”

“How’s that a teen?”

“It is for a dragon. Dragons like her are typically considered adults when they reach a hundred. Full maturity is at around a hundred and fifty, and beyond five hundred is when you get to the really dangerous dragons. Some dragons like her kind have the capacity to learn magic, powerful magic, and that's not even taking into consideration that a lot of types of wyrms have innate resistances to magic alterations.”

I glanced out the window. “And we have one outside, taking a nap.”

“Yes, but if she plays nice she can be of great use to us.”

“How?”

“Her mana. Even in that form, I can sense an ocean of magical energy. If she allows us to use that, then we could do so much more. And having a dragon on your side. Well, Dick, just think about it, it's a fucking dragon.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Bob was right, and I had to admit, that being able to do more would be great. Bob had so many ideas and plans but currently, we were limited by a few factors one of which was the amount of mana we had. Mana cells were not cheap, and you had to have the correct paperwork and licenses to buy things like mana generators. Although Bob and I had gone over the possibility of getting involved in the black market.

“What do we now, then?”

Uliena moved up to me, and I could tell what she wanted. I looked at Bob who fluttered quickly. “Fine, but trust me, you might come to regret this.” Uliena gave him the finger.

****

“Bob, when are you gonna tell me about the page?” I asked as he drew out a ritual circle.

“When she’s not present,” Bob said. He was using mana from the mana cells to draw out the circle in blood. We had a few types we’d bought from human to virgin elf, to vamp, and even demonic.

Uliena was practically vibrating with joy as she waited. I really hoped she wasn’t as much trouble as Bob thought because it would really sour things if I had to take away her ability to communicate.

Bob said she was a master at manipulation. I guess we’ll see.

So far, she’d used a bit of magic, but it had only ever been to draw my attention or get me aroused, and she always stopped when I said so, but that was because of the binding. Technically, even with the telepathic communication she shouldn’t be able to do anything. However, Bob had said she'd find a way.

“Don’t let her get her way. The moment she tries you shut it down. Don't negotiate,” He’d said.

Once he was done, Bob floated over to me. “Already, get it.” Uliena practically hopped over into the circle.

Remember, don't let her test you. I’ll also be here.

I know. Don't worry, I’m not that blinded by her looks.

You’re staring at her chest right now.

I coughed and glanced away while Bob began to feed mana into the circle. This ritual didn't need any chant or such. It was basically just a complex spell. It could be done without, but it would cost more mana, and we didn't have an infinite supply of mana cells.

The circle lit up with a pink glow then turned red before finally settling on a light blue. Like with almost all the rituals before, the circle and everything within were burnt onto the ground. Then I felt a tug within my chest, and a small ache in my head, like a strand of something within me, was being pulled away. It only lasted for a moment before I felt a small jolt, then nothing.

Uliena?

For eighty wretched years, I’ve been confined to this form without any manner or way to communicate. They would not even let me write. Oh, thank you, Master Richard.

Rick, please. Just call me Rick.

Yes, Master Rick.

No master, just Rick.

Very well. I sense some tension. Don’t fret. Despite what that infernal tome says, I’m not so crass, crude, or foolish as to try anything. I know very well that he could see through it all, although do forgive any minor slights. Though my flesh may be changed, I am still a succubus at heart. It is my nature to try and tempt and seduce.

So long as you don't push it, it's fine. I can’t say it hasn't been enjoyable.

Indeed, you are rather ravenous in bed. Uliena cupped her bountiful mounds. These are the best things to come out of… Nevermind. How about some fun to celebrate?

I was just about to say yes when I sensed it. “Rick!” I turned at Bob’s shout to the side door of the workshop. There stood naked was the dragon.