Reborn as a Dragon in Alagaësia

The world came rushing into focus as James opened his eyes for the first time—not as a man, but as something far grander. The vivid hues of the dawn sky painted the horizon, illuminating the rugged peaks of the Spine with a golden light. He lay curled in a cave, his body wrapped in the warmth of his own scales.

Scales?

James struggled to make sense of the situation. His mind was heavy with a fog that clouded his thoughts, memories of his past life feeling distant and fractured. He remembered his name, his humanity, and vague snippets of his old world, but they felt as though they belonged to someone else. Now, all he knew was this new body: the powerful muscles that coiled beneath his skin, the weight of wings pressed against his back, and the glimmer of his deep royal purple scales that shimmered in the sunlight pouring through the cave's entrance.

The realization struck him like a hammer blow. I'm a dragon.

He stumbled to his feet, talons scraping against the stone floor of the cave. His movements were clumsy, uncoordinated, as though his body hadn't yet grown accustomed to his commands. Stretching his wings experimentally, he felt the cool mountain air rush over the membrane. It was exhilarating—and terrifying.

The cave itself was modest, nestled high in the Spine's jagged peaks, overlooking the dense forests below. It was clear no one had been here for years, maybe decades. The only signs of life were the occasional birds wheeling in the sky and the faint rustle of trees far below.

James made his way to the cave's entrance, his talons clicking against the stone. As he gazed out at the sprawling wilderness, a strange mix of emotions swirled within him. Awe at the beauty of the world. Fear of the unknown. And something deeper—something primal.

Instinct.

It was a strange thing, this new instinct that guided his thoughts. He had a powerful urge to take to the skies, to hunt, to explore the world that now lay before him. But at the same time, there was a gnawing emptiness in his heart, as though something was missing. He couldn't explain it, but he knew—knew deep in his bones—that he was meant for something more.

A Rider.

The word surfaced unbidden in his mind, accompanied by flashes of memories that weren't his. Bonding, partnership, purpose. These weren't his experiences, but echoes of some collective memory imprinted on him as part of his new form. Yet, there was no Rider waiting for him. No companion to share this journey.

Why?

James shook his head, clearing the intrusive thoughts. He couldn't dwell on what he didn't have. Not now. He needed to focus on survival. The Spine was vast and unforgiving, and he would need to adapt quickly if he was to thrive here.

His first attempts at flight were disastrous. He leapt from the cave's edge, wings flapping madly, only to crash into a patch of thorny bushes below. His pride stung worse than the scratches, but he pushed through the frustration. Each attempt brought him a little closer to understanding his new body, until finally, after hours of effort, he soared.

The sensation was indescribable. The wind rushed past his scales, the world spread out beneath him like a living map. For the first time since awakening, James felt a glimmer of hope. He didn't know why he had been reborn as a dragon, or why he had been left without a Rider, but he was alive.

And he would find his purpose.

As he circled back toward the mountains, his sharp eyes caught movement near the edge of the forest. A small village nestled at the base of the Spine, smoke curling lazily from chimneys. He recognized it instantly from the fragmented memories of this world.

Carvahall.

James let out a low growl, unsure of what to make of the sight. He had no desire to draw attention to himself—not yet. The tales of dragons in this world were tied too closely to Riders, and he was not ready to face the questions his presence might raise.

For now, he would watch. Learn. Prepare.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world into shades of orange and purple, James settled back into his cave, wings wrapped tightly around his body. The journey ahead would not be easy, but he was determined to carve out a place for himself in this world.

After all, he wasn't just any dragon. He was James, reborn in a world of legend. And his story was just beginning.