The word materialized, casting a shadow over my revelations. Hunger clawed at my senses, a reminder that despite my transformation, basic instincts remained. I recognized the need for sustenance, a primal urge transcending even my newfound capabilities

The steady rhythm of raindrops echoed through the casemate, punctuating the silence that enveloped me. Cold rainwater trickled from the domed ceiling, splashing onto the muddy floor. The tempest outside showed no signs of relenting. I prayed that no joggers, walkers, or dogs would venture into this downpour.

Wind howled and rain pelted the earth, interwoven with distant rumblings of thunder. An unsettling question gnawed at me – was the thunder a natural phenomenon or, somehow, a consequence of my altered existence?

With the weight of hiding lifted, I found myself overwhelmed by a deluge of emotions and information.

Sadness seized me, like a vice gripping my heart. Unbidden tears welled in my eyes, a poignant reminder of the loss I now bore. Instinctively, I retreated onto all fours, curling my long tail around me for an illusion of solace. The grief I felt was immense, an ache that seemed to seep into every fiber of my being.

My human family – gone. My familial haven – vanished. Friends, no longer present. My entire life, reduced to ashes. A wail of mourning echoed through my soul as I grappled with the enormity of my transformation.

Tears streamed down my scales, mingling with the rain. My nose ran, a peculiar sensation in this new form.

Meanwhile, in an apartment nearby,

"Do you hear the wind, my love?"

"It's an odd sound, almost as if it's crying..."

"Yes," his wife responded, "like someone's lamenting... What a somber day."

My internal monologue continued, grappling with the fact that my humanity was forever relinquished. A sense of finality settled in – I would never revert to being human. Yet, my heightened senses and sharpened instincts felt more alive than ever before.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Boom. The resounding thunder intensified.

Rain pounded relentlessly outside. No one ventured here due to the mud and rain. I wondered if I were the cause of the storm or merely an observer.

As my mental storm raged, I grieved the loss of my human identity. But the pain was also tinged with the realization that I was evolving – adapting to my dragon form, adjusting to my new reality.

The forest seemed to pulse with life – wind rustling through leaves, rain pelting the ground, and the distant rumble of thunder. I scrutinized my surroundings, seeking any signs of intruders. My training in thermal vision became instrumental – it revealed only birds and squirrels hidden in the trees.

My adaptation to my form had its challenges. Walking on three legs – two hind legs and my tail – proved awkward and painful for my back and tail. Crawling on all fours seemed the most stable approach.

However, I still grappled with my inexperience. My tail struck the underground structure, the sound cutting through the rain's symphony. An inexplicable growl echoed within, almost like a creature's cry.

Jumping and scanning in search of the source, I found nothing. Had it been my imagination?

Then it dawned on me – it was my stomach. My stomach rumbled loudly, its growl amplified by my acute senses. The image of a ferocious dragon, saddled with the rumbling of a hungry stomach, struck me as absurdly comical.

My sense of smell heightened the torment. The aromas of breakfast wafted from a nearby apartment – bread, eggs, bacon, and marmalade. The aroma permeated my senses, exacerbating my hunger.

I envisioned an absurd scenario: walking into a bakery as a dragon, politely requesting ten loaves of bread, and presenting Euros as payment. The image made me chuckle, a brief respite from my hunger-fueled misery.

THINK

A poignant realization dawned – the forest was surrounded by human habitations. When the rain ceased, this sanctuary transformed into a bustling landscape, abuzz with people, dogs, and life. My current hiding place, albeit effective in inclement weather, was insufficient for my long-term survival.

My instincts pulled me in one direction, urging me to embrace my primal nature. Yet, I recognized the futility of such a path – a dire fate awaited those who followed their instincts without strategy.

I conducted an analysis of my predicament:

The forest lacked resources to sustain me indefinitely.

It was encircled by roads and residences, creating barriers to escape.

A multitude of people and dogs would make hiding impossible.

Thunderstorms seemed linked to my presence.

An uncomfortable truth crystallized – this forest was no sanctuary. Survival required me to devise a comprehensive strategy.

My hunger persisted, an unyielding force reminding me of my primal nature. It was time to test my wings. With a sense of awe, I unfurled them – magnificent appendages that spanned an impressive 25 meters. The wing membrane resembled Kevlar-covered leather, optimized for minimal air resistance.

A certain beauty emerged in my reflection – a dragon exuding power, strength, and even grace. Not an ugly monstrosity, but a creature of imposing elegance.