The Lure of Power
Sick of being down on his luck, Marshall decides to join the temple and become a kobold. But he is unprepared for the initiation process.
The Lure of Power
By Sonny Dae
© 2025, All Rights Reserved
No matter how many times Marshall entered one of the temples, it never ceased to amaze him. The high ceilings, the ornate statues, and the carved murals all screamed expensive. But for as “expensive” as the place seemed, it couldn’t shake that down-to-earth feel. One look at the architecture revealed its true age, which was long before any human alive. The furniture was worn and made with cheap materials, even if its design turned heads. Even the kobolds, the dragon servants, weren’t dressed in fancy silks and rare furs like the stuck-up nobles Marshall hated dealing with. They wore robes that reminded him of someone who lived on a tight budget.
He exhaled loudly. Perhaps this was a mistake. His plan was to make enough to live comfortably, but after seeing it up close, he was having doubts.
“Excuse me, Mr. Reid? Her Grace will see you now,” the kobold said, a balding man an unmemorable name.
Marshall didn’t even bother trying to recall what the man had said to him before and simply nodded as he followed the kobold through the hall. It was surprisingly unremarkable, containing bare, plain walls and a simple stone-tiled floor. The old kobold was strangely silent.
Unable to take it anymore, Marshall decided to speak first. “So, is there anything I need to be aware of?”
“Aware of?”
“Yeah, just some tips for when I see the derg.”
The kobold stopped abruptly, forcing Marshall to stand on his toes to keep from colliding with the man. Looking down, Marshall saw that the kobold’s hands were balled into fists.
“For starters, you will refer to her as ‘Your Grace’ or Lady Keeper,” the kobold said, his voice trembling with anger. “No, ‘the derg’, understood?”
“Yeah, man, I got it. Calm down.”
“She is a chosen vessel of the All-Mother’s will, shaped in the likeness of the divine. You will show her the proper respect!”
“I said I got it!” Marshall cried, holding up his hands in surrender. Are these guys really that high-strung? Hopefully, sucking up isn’t part of the job.
The kobold stared at him for a few tense moments before turning around and continuing. Marshall let out a sigh of relief. This might have been a mistake.
Finally, they entered a large chamber. The windows were covered with curtains, leaving only the braziers to light the room. But there was no missing the dragon at the end of the chamber.
Marshall swallowed, his gaze fixed on her tail. The length and thickness were impressive enough, but the spikes on the end made it especially deadly.
Even a glancing blow would do some serious damage.
The kobold approached the Keeper and dropped to one knee. “Your Grace, I brought the new initiate as you commanded.
The dragon nodded, the rose-colored jewelry hanging from her horns sending soothing tones throughout the room.
“Thank you,” the Keeper said. “You may leave us.”
The kobold said nothing and left. Marshall kept his gaze on the dragon, but it didn’t stop him from flinching when he heard the door close behind him.
Only now did it sink in the situation he found himself in. Before him was at least 400 pounds of pure muscle and scales tipped with knives that could disembowel him in moments. And it was all topped off with a flamethrower that would fry him in seconds. Even just lounging on the bench, he could see every contour beneath her silver scales. With the exit closed off, any chance of escape was slim.
Not like I stand much of a chance, even if the door was open. She’d easily catch me before I could get outside.
“I welcome you, human,” the Keeper said. Whether intentional or not, her voice carried a deep rumble that sent shivers through his body. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant. “I am Keeper Kala, the guardian of this sanctuary. And you are?”
“Uh, Marshall Reid, your holiness.”
“Just ‘Keeper’ is fine,” Keeper Kala replied. “Now, what brings you here? Why do you wish to join us?”
Marshall swallowed again. The real reason he came there was because he heard that kobolds were paid well and received excellent benefits. He had spent years bouncing around between dead-end jobs, always on the brink of poverty. If sucking up to a dragon and praying to some invisible force was the ticket to the easy life, then he would gladly take it.
But he knew better than to express that out loud. Now way they would let him in if his reason was less than anything pure. And after the way that kobold reacted to his derg comment, he began to question if he would be allowed to leave at all.
The best plan was to play to his strengths. He was no mastermind, but he could bullshit with the best of them. Dropping to one knee, he said, “Your Grace, my eyes have been opened up to the magnificence of dragons and what they represent. Humble beings like me can only hope to serve so we may glimpse such beauty.” Inwardly, he smirked. He worked on that response for two days. Dragons were suckers for compliments. All he had to do was lay it on thick, and she would be like putty in his hands.
Keeper Kala chuckled. “Thank you for the compliments. Now what’s the real reason?”
Marshall’s face fell. “I’m sorry?”
“I know everything that just came out of your mouth was bullshit,” Keeper Kala replied simply. She yawned and stretched, extending her very sharp-looking claws. “So what is it? Debt? Desperation? Or perhaps you lost a bet?”
Marshall swore. So much for bullshitting my way in. “Full disclosure? I’m tired of just scraping by. I need something more, and I don’t know what else to do.”
“So you’re looking for purpose.”
Marshall nodded, but her eyes narrowed, making him swallow. Her posture hadn’t changed from its relaxed state, but those yellow eyes had a way of boring into his mind. “Not purpose, safety,” she remarked. “You believe that this is the key to escaping poverty.”
“I mean, look around. You seem to be doing well here.” As worn and old as everything was, he knew the difference between poor and well-off.
Keeper Kala laughed again, her jewelled chains swaying. “I suppose that is how it seems to an outsider. However, you forget that it is not fortune we seek here. This place is built and maintained solely on talent and donations. We do not seek profit, but enlightenment.”
Now that he thought about it, the kobolds he had seen weren’t very well-dressed. Their robes were clean and well-kept, but that was about it. Even looking at the cloth wrapped around the Keeper’s legs, he could tell the material was nice-looking but inexpensive. The same could be said of the chains on her horns if he got close enough to examine them.
“You look disappointed,” Keeper Kala said.
“I guess I just found out I lied to myself,” Marshall said.
“Did you? I believe you are simply misguided. And as Keeper, it is my duty to get you back on the right track.” She stood and descended the short flight of stairs. “Kobolds live here, so they don’t pay rent. You will also be provided with food, fresh water, and even education if you so desire. All that is asked in return is that you give yourself fully to following the teachings of the temple and serving me.”
“You make it sound like I’m your pet,” Marshall said with a weak chuckle. But even that died when his weak attempt at humor wasn’t reciprocated.
“Oh, I can assure you, our relationship is nothing so crass,” Keeper Kala said as she circled him.
Marshall felt the rumble of every step through the floor. The clinking of the chains was oddly comforting. Her smell, a strong, earthy scent, overpowered his nose. This close, he could see the movement and shift of every muscle beneath her scales. The light reflecting off her body made her scales shimmer like silver liquid flowing along her length. So this is power incarnate. She could crush me at any moment, and I would be powerless to stop it.
That thought was oddly arousing. He always did like big women.
The Keeper’s voice brought him back to reality. “Or is there something else you desire?”
Marshall jerked and turned to the Keeper, but her gaze was angled downward. He followed her eyes and noticed the lump in his pants.
“Oh, shit! I’m so sor—” Marshall began as he scrambled to cover his bulge. It had to be the fabric bunching up in a way that looked suggestive. But he knew that was a lie even before his fingers tried unsuccessfully to mash down the hardened flesh. Of all the horrific outcomes that he hoped never would pass, this one hadn’t crossed his mind. He never found dragons particularly attractive, even if he admired their attributes from a safe distance. So why? Why now was he suddenly turned on by the idea of being around one?
“Ah, ah, ah,” Keeper Kala said. “The damage has already been done. There is no hiding it now.”
Surprisingly, Marshall dropped his hands. Seriously? Come on, you can already tear me open like a cheap sack, you don’t need to humiliate me, too!
“Is this another one of your…‘true reasons’?” Keeper Kala asked, motioning to the still throbbing bulge.
“N-No! I—”
“It’s quite all right. Some humans are attracted to power. Dragons, too. And, well, there is no denying that power stands before you in its purest form.” She leaned in closer until her snout rested on his shoulder. Her head felt incredibly heavy, even knowing that her full weight hadn’t been brought down. “Tell me what you’re feeling in this moment,” she whispered into his ear.
His boner strained against the fabric. It was incredibly uncomfortable, but he was too afraid to reach down there again. “I…I’m feeling very embarrassed. Confused, and…and….and”—he exhaled—“turned on.”
“Oh? And what confuses you? Do you believe being attracted to a dragon is a sin?”
“No! I don’t think that at all. It’s pretty damn kinky, but hey, who am I to judge?”
“Yet, you stand before me showing obvious signs of arousal while you shy away from it.”
“Because I didn’t come here for that.” He couldn’t decide which was worse. Looking at her in this moment, or looking down at the reason for his shame? “Honestly, I really just wanted to join so I could pay my rent! Nothing more! I—”
She cut him off with a gentle hush. “It’s alright. As I said, it is my duty to guide confused souls. Don’t run from your emotions. Face them. Tell me, what turns you on?”
He closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Is this seriously happening? Am I really giving away my darkest secrets to a damn stranger? And a dragon no less?!
“Your form is impressive,” he said truthfully. His mind felt like a wrung sponge; it was too difficult to think up any excuses. The truth was all he could manage. “Just seeing the way your scales shift as you move in the light, watching your muscles expand and flex.”
“You mean like this?” She circled him again, slower this time, making each step deliberate.
He felt like a moth to a flame. It was like watching liquid glass move. Unable to say anything else, Marshall simply nodded.
“Do you wish to touch me?”
Numbly, Marshal nodded. The thought had crossed his mind when he first entered, but not in that way. Now he prayed that they had the same idea in mind. Sex with a dragon was not on his bingo card.
Keeper Kala stopped and chuckled before turning away and walking back to the bench. Marshall stayed put, unsure how to read the situation. Was that a no? A yes? What did this mean?
After she lay on the bench again, she said, “You may approach.”
At first, his legs wouldn’t move, but then his mind reminded him of the potential consequences if he upset her now, and that broke the paralysis. The distance seemed short, but once he started walking, it felt like the bench moved farther away with each step. His body had broken out in a sweat, and his breath came in short bursts, but the damnable erection that got him in this mess hadn’t deflated in the slightest. If anything, it stretched the boundaries of his pants even further. He wanted to free it so badly, but feared the reaction if he did. Sure, she was teasing him, but what if she got upset when he whipped it out? The clothes wouldn’t save him, but he felt safer keeping it tucked away. Or worse, what if she laughed? He had never seen a dragon’s penis before, but if their size was anything to go by, he couldn’t compete with that.
But then, if that was true, why was she egging him on? What was her game?
Keeper Kala extended her body the full length of the bench. “You may touch me as much as you desire. But only your hands.”
Marshall unsuccessfully swallowed the lump in his throat. This is actually happening. Holy shit. Not knowing what else to do, he placed his hand on her shoulder. It was surprisingly cool and much smoother than expected, but still had a roughness to it like something that hadn’t been fully sanded. His hand slid effortlessly down her leg. But it hadn’t escaped his notice that it was as hard as stone. He wasn’t sure he could even squeeze it, and he wasn’t going to try.
The feeling made him giddy and lightheaded. So this is what a dragon feels like? She’s so strong. How far could she launch me with a single push?
He reached her claws. She raised her leg so he could get a better look. He took his time to rub and feel each toe, being careful of sharp nails. Her digits felt incredibly soft and tender, even with the daggers on the end. Part of him wanted to press it against his body. Feel her nails prick his skin ever so slightly.
Pushing the thought away, he slowly put her arm down and stepped away. That had to be good enough. His curiosity was sated.
His erection throbbed as if chiding him.
“Is that all?” Keeper Kala asked. “I did say, as much as you desire.”
“But I—”
“Or are these in the way?”
Before he could react, she reached up and, with a single tug, pulled his pants down around his knees. His belt buckle popped, but that was the least of his worries. He sighed in relief at finally freeing his hardened phallus, even as the shock of what just happened wore off.
“Better?” Keeper Kala asked. “Now you may resume. And don’t be afraid to tend to yourself, just don’t get any of it on my scales. I just had a bath.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” was all he could manage to say as he started to stroke himself. He didn’t know what spurned on the action. He had never beaten off in front of anyone before. But standing there as the Keeper eyed his junk hungrily, he had never been so turned on.
With his free hand, he rubbed her side next. It was somewhat softer than her leg, but no less powerful. Feeling her heart beat rapidly against his palm sent a spike of pleasure through him.
“Yes, keep going, my new disciple. Enjoy all that I have to offer.”
He moved further down her body to her hind leg. Thick and muscular, just the way he liked it. He moved down her leg until he reached her hind foot. It was practically the length of his torso and no less deadly.
I never took myself for a foot guy, but this is oddly doing it for me. What he couldn’t figure out was why. Was it because of the claws? The unique shape compared to a human? That a single foot could crush his chest without trying?
He continued to question as he shifted back to her belly. She rolled slightly to give him better access. The scales on her underside didn’t feel as rough, and the horizontal pattern was oddly mesmerizing.
Was that it? He liked the danger of it? Being completely at her mercy? She could do whatever she wanted to him, make him her plaything for as long as she wanted, and he would be powerless to stop her. But he didn’t sense any threat to his life. He stood in front of her, pants around his ankles, dick in hand, and yet of all the feelings swirling in his mind, fear was not one of them.
Maybe that was the allure, knowing that she could even if she chose not to. The lack of danger despite the very real threat. There were no fangs at his throat, no claws pricking his skin. Destruction incarnate lay before him, and all he could think of was how good it would feel if she destroyed his pelvis.
His hand started to slip further between her legs when he froze. His eyes shifted to the tail and the wicked spikes on the end. Even his boner shrank a little.
“It’s all right,” Keeper Kala said. “I said, as much as you desire, just remember the rule.”
Okay, so no sticking it in either. That sucks, but I’m pretty sure I won’t need to at the rate I’m going.
He was getting close. Knowing he wouldn’t last much longer, he decided to throw caution to the wind and go straight for the part he desired most. She easily shifted her tail and raised her leg, allowing him easy access. He nearly came just looking at the flesh-colored entrance glistening with fluids. It looked surprisingly human.
Well, what is it supposed to look like? There wasn’t a good answer for that. All he knew was that different creatures had different types of genitals. That this one came in a familiar shape definitely made things easier. He placed his hand on it. It was like touching the outside of an oven, but it didn’t burn. Slowly, he ran his hand across her; he slid so effortlessly thanks to her fluids. He didn’t dare stick any of his fingers inside as much as he wanted to.
“Hold,” she said.
Marshall froze, a cold sweat breaking out. Did he take it too far?
“I can tell you’re close,” she said. “And I’m not done with you. Continue, but you will no longer service yourself.”
He wanted to roll his eyes, but he agreed too much. If he popped now just as he got to the good bit, what then? It couldn’t end this soon.
Trying his best to ignore the raging boner begging for release, he moved back to her crotch. The scales around it were much smoother and softer. The flesh itself even moreso. It was like touching a loaf of fresh bread.
Daring to push the boundaries, he pressed on either side of her vagina and spread it open. Strands of fluid blocked the opening like a rope barring access. He wanted so badly to stick something, a finger, his tongue, even a toe at this point, inside her. He needed to know. If she was this soft and warm on the outside, what was the inside like?
Instead, he settled for rubbing a thumb across her engorged clit. She gave a deep rumbling moan, her toes curling. He swallowed again, taking the mixture of fear and arousal run its course.
His penis throbbed painfully now. He needed to do something or else wind up with the worst case of blue balls he ever had.
“Your Grace? May I…move closer?”
A devious smile crossed her lips. “You may.”
He nodded and leaned in until he felt the heat of her arousal on his face. He took a deep inhale and immediately regretted it. The scent of her arousal, combined with her earthy scent, overpowered his senses. The arousal that shot through him nearly made him come on the spot. A feeling of lightheadedness overtook him as his legs buckled. He couldn’t even stop himself from faceplanting right into her groin and sliding it the length of his head. Pure reflexes gave him enough control of his arms to stop from hitting the floor. His face felt slick from her juices.
The realization of what just happened quickly kicked in, and he jumped to his feet. “Wait! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean—”
She cut him off with another gentle shush. “It’s quite all right. Not everyone can handle such…raw intensity. Do you wish to try again?”
As much as his mind warned him not to, the southern council had spoken, and he agreed.
Only a fool would waste this opportunity.
He nodded and licked his lips. She had a sweet yet tangy taste that left a slight tingling effect on his tongue.
He stood and leaned in again. This time, he breathed regularly or at least tried to. The lightheadedness came back, but he managed to stay upright. Damn, she wasn’t kidding! She can knock me on my ass just by standing near her.
“Is there something wrong?” Keeper Kala asked.
“No, Your Grace. Just steeling myself. You weren’t kidding when you said it was intense.”
“Oh, my newest kobold, you have no idea what intense is. But if this is all you can handle, there is no shame in backing away.
Marshall frowned. “Look, I’m no expert on dragons, but I can assure you I’m no rookie when it comes to the bedroom. Whatever you got, I can handle it.”
“Is that so?” she asked, her eyes gleaming.
He turned back to the fleshy prize. “Absolutely. I can do—umph!”
Something heavy pressed against the back of the head, forcing his face into her crotch. Her tail flattened along his back, pinning his body to her rear. The smell seemed to crawl straight into his nose even when he didn’t breathe. She began swaying her hips, her groin sliding effortlessly up and down his face.
“Dragons pride—umph—words over—oohh yes—actions. Don’t say anything—ooh—you’re prepared to—mmmm—back up.”
He realized too late his mistake. Her fluids soaked into his pores. Every breath only invited more of her scent and made the dizzying worse. The most he could do was hold on for dear life and take in brief gulps of air whenever an opening presented itself.
I know I talked a big game, but I honestly don’t know how long I can take this. Well, of all the ways to go, this is definitely one I don’t mind.
Thankfully, her tail held him in place because he wasn’t sure he could stay upright on his own. The sounds of the Keeper’s moans and the meeting of their bodies filled the room. His erection felt like it was pushing out of his skin now. He reached down to stroke it again. He needed to relieve some of the pressure.
“Ah, ah,” Keeper Kala said. “Not until I say, disciple.”
Yes, ma’am. As much as he hated it, it was arousing. After all, this was the appeal. To be completely at her mercy.
Suddenly, her tail moved, and he fell backward, having lost his support. The pain of landing on the cold, hard floor was quickly lost upon looking up and seeing the Keeper constrict and spasm before him. An excess of fluids ran down her leg, and he felt a pang of disappointment that he couldn't share in that. Still, he was grateful she let him go to have her orgasm. He doubted he could have made it through that.
The Keeper turned to him, the hungry desire in her eyes showing no signs of fading. “You’re still conscious, I see.”
Barely, but yeah. “I told you I could take it.”
“So you did. For your honesty and durability, you have earned a reward. Lie on the bench on your back.”
He didn’t need telling twice. Despite the attempt to avoid looking eager, he nearly tripped over the bench in his haste to lie on it. He didn’t know what she planned, but plenty of scenarios played through his mind. His erection twitched and throbbed in anticipation.
Keeper Kala smiled and backed towards the bench. Marshall’s eyes widened. She then lifted her hind leg and took his standing member between her middle toes.
Mashall couldn’t hide his disappointment even as pressure built in his groin. At least the view was nice.
Looking back at him, Keeper Kala chuckled. “You didn’t truly believe that I would give you the satisfaction of penetrating me?”
“A little bit, yeah. But I didn’t have my hopes up until you mentioned a reward.”
“And you have it. My assistance in relieving the pressure we’ve built up. Don’t forget, dragons are the closest to the divine. If you wish to enjoy the 'divine's grace’, you must earn it.”
Damn, full dominatrix, huh? Guess I should’ve seen that coming.
Still, he couldn’t deny that even the treatment he was getting felt damn good. Every time she brought her foot down, she applied just enough pressure to avoid discomfort. Her claws didn’t nick him once while she watched him with savage hunger the entire time. They both knew whether this remained an enjoyable moment or turned into a nightmare rested entirely on her, and she could flip that switch at any given moment. That thought alone spurred him on. Every time her paw pressed against him, seeing her claws draw dangerously close to his skin earned another twitch and deepening desire bury himself as deeply into her as possible.
Being worked like a pump was definitely not something he thought he would enjoy, yet here he was stuck between the promise of sweet release and never wanting it to end. He just wished he could reach her rear. Fingering her while she worked his pipe sounded enticing, but he also doubted she would allow it.
Eventually, a familiar pressure began building in his groin. He was finally getting close. Keeper Kala sped up her pace, her foot audibly slapping his crotch. It only took a few more pumps before he erupted. The Keeper withdrew her foot and stepped back before any of his seed could splash on her. He didn’t even care. He was too lost in the throes of release, even as it splashed onto his legs and stomach. He gripped the edges of the bench as he fought the cramps in his legs.
He collapsed onto the bench as the final throes of the orgasm faded. He had never had one that strong before.
“You did well,” Keeper Kala said. “You are free to stay if you so wish. The door over there will lead to a bath where you can clean yourself off. I will have someone lay out fresh clothes for you. Welcome, to the congregation, Kobold Reid.”
He was too exhausted to do anything more than give a thumbs up and mumble, “Thanks, Your Grace.”