Chapter 293: Save Him
Apollo was stunned. He hadn’t anticipated such a connection, especially with a dragon under a dark spell. He had no bond with other dragons, yet this one seemed to be reaching out to him, desperately seeking an anchor in the storm of its own torment. He felt its anguish and fear as if they were his own, and, for a moment, he almost believed he could break through the darkness that held it captive.
With one final surge of energy, he unleashed the full force of his magic. A blinding light filled the cave, enveloping the dragon as the dark spell shattered into shards of black mist. The beast roared, a sound of both agony and liberation, and in that moment, the magic broke.
But Marla, in her rage, struck at Apollo one last time. He barely had time to react before her energy hit him square in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground. He gasped for breath, the pain overwhelming him.
Atlas, seeing the struggle, launched himself at Marla with fierce determination. With a final blow, he managed to pierce her heart, ending her life. But it was too late for Apollo.
As the dragon, now free from dark magic, Apollo lay on the ground, his body battered and bloodied. He felt himself slipping away, darkness creeping around the edges of his vision.
"Cora..." he whispered, his thoughts turning to her, the warmth of her love giving him a moment of peace. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the darkness, knowing he had succeeded in saving the dragon but at a terrible cost.
"She’ll definitely scold me nonstop for this," was Apollo’s final thought before darkness closed in completely.
"No! Apollo!" Atlas shouted, his voice cracking with fear as he raced toward his fallen friend.
The dragon, now blinking slowly with clear, uncorrupted eyes, lowered its head beside Apollo, a soft whine escaping it... Atlas knelt beside Apollo, pressing a trembling hand to his friend’s chest, praying to feel even the faintest heartbeat.