The Crown's Fire

Apollo grunted as he and Cora rushed toward Aurum, the weight of their duty hanging heavy in the air. "What a way to spend our honeymoon," he muttered, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

Cora laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She leaned in, kissing him deeply, her lips warm and tender against his. As they pulled apart, she whispered, her voice full of promise, "We’ll make it up to each other after this fight."

Another quick peck followed, her gaze locking with his. "Don’t overexert yourself today. And let’s name the green dragon spirit inside of you Zane, because it’s given you another life to be with me."

Apollo grinned, his heart swelling with love for her. "Zane it is, then. You heard my wife," he said, speaking to the spirit within him. "From now on, I’ll call you Zane, and I’ll make sure you protect me so I can return safe and sound for our honeymoon."

Zane growled softly within him, an acknowledgement of Apollo’s words. Apollo chuckled, the bond between them already beginning to form.

[You should mark her now to form a bond,] Zane’s voice echoed inside his mind.

Apollo hesitated, his brow furrowing. "But how can I mark her now? She’s about to fight two dark dragons. Won’t that make her weak if we do it now?"

Cora remained silent, letting Apollo talk to his dragon spirit. She simply smiled and began to wear the armor her servants had prepared for battle.

"Apollo," she called, her voice calm but firm. "Come here and mark me already. We need to establish a bond so we can communicate our thoughts. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I heard the dragon energy will course through me too once you mark me."