Bab 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.