Atticus gritted his teeth as he saw that tiny chicken endure the burst of flame with a terrified scream. If only the dragon had waited a few seconds longer to strike!
His weapon was just completed, and there was no better time for him to use it, but that stupid overgrown reptile had to open its mouth and shoot flames. There was nothing Atticus could do for Zephyr at this point but to mentally pray he didn't suffer too much pain before dying a fiery death.
Atticus didn't care much for Zephyr, but Daphne would be heartbroken and devastated to know that her not-so-baby griffin died so terribly. The only thing Atticus could do now was to avenge him, so as to give Daphne a peace of mind and to ensure his sacrifice wasn't in vain.
Check out the prequel: The Hidden King's Stolen Wife