The Crown's Fire - Chapter 294

Chapter 294: Risks
Katelina was shocked when she received the news that Apollo had succeeded in purifying the green dragon. What surprised her even more was that the dragon, now freed from darkness, had followed Atlas back to the palace as he carried Apollo’s unconscious body.

Without hesitation, she turned to Levi. “Connect with the dragon,” she instructed firmly. “We may need its energy to stabilize Apollo.”

Levi nodded and left to carry out her orders with Asura accompanying him. Meanwhile, Katelina wasted no time and hurried to the chamber where Apollo had been taken.

When she entered, the sight before her made her chest tighten. Apollo lay motionless on the bed, his face pale, his body visibly weakened. The toll of purifying the dragon was evident. He had pushed himself far beyond his limits.

Katelina’s heart sank. He should have known the risks, yet he had still gone through with it.

Her gaze shifted to Cora, who was sobbing uncontrollably at Apollo’s bedside. The raw grief and fear in her cries were palpable, echoing through the room. Cora clutched Apollo’s cold hand as if her touch alone could pull him back to her.

The moment Cora noticed Katelina’s presence, she scrambled to her feet and rushed toward her. Falling to her knees, she looked up at the queen with tear-filled eyes, her voice trembling with desperation.

“Please, Your Majesty,” Cora begged, clasping her hands together. “Save him. I beg you… Please bring him back to me. I’ll do anything… just don’t let him go like this. He promised me a future, and I can’t lose him now.”

Katelina knelt, placing a reassuring hand on Cora’s shoulder. “Cora,” she said softly, her voice calm but laced with determination, “I understand your pain. Apollo is family to us all. If there’s even the slightest chance to save him, I swear I will do everything in my power to help.”

Cora’s sobs quieted slightly as she clung to Katelina’s words, her hope fragile but persistent.

Just then, Levi rushed into the room. “Sis, the green dragon is worried,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “It wants to help Uncle Apollo. It said it will do anything to help him live.”

“Good,” Katelina replied with a sharp nod. “Keep it calm. We’ll need its energy to try and stabilize Apollo. Inform the mages to prepare for a transfer ritual immediately.”

As Levi turned to leave again with Asura, Master Kasper, who had entered the room some time ago, approached her and reminded her, “Your Majesty, using the dragon’s energy could endanger both Apollo and the creature. Are you certain this is the course of action you wish to take?”

“I’m certain,” Katelina replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate.

Master Kasper sighed, his brow furrowing. “Remember, Apollo is not like His Majesty. He does not have the angel’s blood running through his veins. His body may not be able to withstand the strain of this ritual.”

“I’m well aware of that, Master Kasper,” Katelina replied, her voice steady but laced with urgency. “But there is no other way. The dragon’s energy is the only chance we have to bring him back. And I’ve done it before.”

She turned to Cora, who was clinging to Apollo’s hand as if her sheer will alone could bring him back. Katelina’s expression softened, but her tone remained serious.

“Cora, this will be dangerous. To bring Apollo back, we’ll need to draw on the dragon’s energy. Even with the best mages, there are no guarantees this will work. You must prepare yourself for the possibility that it may fail.”

Cora’s tear-streaked face lifted, her eyes wide but resolute. “I don’t care what it takes,” she said, her voice firm despite her trembling hands. “Do it. Please, Your Majesty. Save him. I can’t lose him. Not now, not ever.”

Katelina placed a hand gently on Cora’s shoulder. “I’ll do everything I can,” she promised, her gaze steady. Then, she turned back to Master Kasper. “Let’s begin immediately. Time is running out.”

Cora was trembling as she held Apollo’s hand tighter. “You hear that, Apollo?” she whispered, leaning closer to him. “We’re not giving up on you. I’m not giving up on you. You promised me a future, and I’m holding you to that promise.”

As Katelina left the room to oversee the preparations, Cora pressed her forehead against Apollo’s, her tears soaking the edge of the pillow. “Please, Apollo,” she murmured, her voice breaking. “Come back to me. I need you more than anything.”

Outside the chamber, Ezekiel gently held Katelina’s hand, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you sure this won’t be dangerous for you and our baby?” he asked softly, his worry evident in his voice.

Katelina gave him a reassuring smile, her free hand resting lightly on her growing belly. “No, it won’t,” she said firmly. “You don’t have to worry. Remember, I’ve already regained my memories, and I’ve seen this moment in the future. Everything will work out as it should. You’ll see.”

Though her words were confident, Ezekiel’s brow remained furrowed. But he trusted her more than anything. “If you’re certain…” he murmured, reluctant yet reassured by the steadiness in her voice.

Katelina turned her gaze toward the chamber door, her determination unwavering. She had faith in the process and in Apollo. The green dragon had chosen him, a bond that transcended the natural laws of their world. Even though Apollo lacked the angel’s blood that had saved Ezekiel before, she was confident. She had seen the vision of Apollo’s spirit intertwining with the dragon’s essence, a destiny that was his alone to fulfill.

Still, nothing in life was ever guaranteed. There were always risks. Yet, her intuition, the same sense that had guided her through countless battles and trials, told her that Apollo could endure this. He was stronger than anyone gave him credit for, and his connection with the green dragon was proof of that.

Meanwhile, outside in the palace courtyard, the green dragon waited, its enormous body coiled tightly, its emerald eyes glowing with a sorrowful understanding. Levi stood before it, his hands raised as he gently stroked its head. “We need your strength,” he said gently. “But we promise, this will not be in vain. Your bond with Uncle Apollo is strong, and together, you can save him and bring him back.”