It worked. The male came to the door and poked his head out, again speaking in his strange language. Not that I cared what he said for he tossed me a few chunks of what turned out to be seasoned meat.
I gobbled them all while he chuckled which led to me glaring at him. The impertinence of finding my starvation amusing.
My mouth opened wide. “More. I need more.”
This time he immediately understood, however, he didn’t comply but rather tilted the food dish upside down showing its empty interior.
A few bites would never do. I scampered for the open door, sliding between his legs as he shouted.
The portal slammed shut and the male kept exclaiming, but I ignored him and aimed for the rectangular box with food.
With a handle I couldn’t reach.
My head tilted upwards and I glared. How dare he lock the food away!
The human stomped into the kitchen still haranguing but now also grabbing for me. I darted out of reach. “I did not give you permission to lay hands on me,” I squeaked as he moved faster than expected and almost grabbed hold.
I scooted under a table and kept an eye on him as he crouched.
His lips pursed but he didn’t dive after me. More gibberish emerged from his mouth.
I planted my paws on my haunches and very clearly said, “Feed me.”
When that had no effect, I slapped my belly.
The man snorted but rose to his feet and lumbered to a cupboard where he pulled out a box. When he lowered to my level again, he held out something round with dark specks that had an interesting smell.
I didn’t fall for the trap. Given his recent attitude, it was possibly poisoned.
The male took a bite and made loud smacking noises before holding it out again.
Not tainted then. Humans had a much frailer constitution than dragons so if it wouldn’t harm him then I should be fine. Slowly, I crept forward until I could snatch it. One bite, a little chewing and a swallow had me groaning in delight.
Sweet, crumbly, with a pop of something delicious.
The male held out another one and slowly said, “Want another cookie?”
I had no idea what those words meant but I craved another of those yummy discs.
It went in my mouth, as did the next. By the fourth, the man—who’d seated himself cross-legged on the floor—held out the box so I could grab the treats myself.
I ate them all and then pointed to my belly again.
The male shook his head and chuckled. “Hold on. Let me see what else I have. Who knew lizards loved cookies?”
My mind absorbed the words even as they yet had no meaning. That would come. A dragon excelled at integrating information, whether it be details of their environment, a new language, or knowledge.
This time the man went to the big white box and opened the door. He pulled out a block of something orange and crouched to hold it out saying, “Do you like cheddar?”
It took only a bite for me to place the spongy texture. Cheese.
The male, who was turning out to be an adequate servant, kept feeding me until even my belly could hold no more.
I needed to rest. A waddle—because my rounded belly threw me slightly off balance—took me into a room with a wide double-armed chaise perfect for a growing dragon. I clambered onto the stuffed cushions, burrowed into the blanket left on it, and slept.
Warm. Satiated. Finally starting my journey to greatness—and domination.
Chapter Three
