Page 22 of The Dragon King's Awakening

Zahraxis shifts closer to Rachel, his protective stance making his intentions clear."She is ours," he says simply.

"If she chooses to be," I correct him, earning a low rumble of acknowledgment.We've had this conversation about modern customs more than once since we found Rachel.

Rachel's cheeks flush, but she meets Racha's gaze steadily."I do choose.Both of them."

"A Bloodline human choosing two dragons.It’s not a common occurrence, so it's always exciting to see."Racha's smile holds genuine warmth."The marking bond would be permanent.You understand this?"

Rachel nods."I understand."

"Then the ritual could serve two purposes," Racha says."The chamber's power would amplify the marking bond, and that combined energy would help restore Zahraxis faster—hours, instead of days."

"I will not be the first to mark her," Zahraxis says, his formal tone carrying an edge of uncertainty."Not in my weakened state.The risk?—"

"Is minimal with others supporting the bond," Racha assures him."But you're right to be cautious.The order of marking matters."She turns to me."Sullivan?"

I nod, understanding what she's asking.As the stronger dragon right now, I should mark Rachel first, creating a foundation for Zahraxis' mark to build upon.

"But how do I mark them?"Rachel asks."I mean, I'm not exactly equipped with a magical dragon tongue."

"Your fire magic should suffice," Racha says."As a member of the Bloodline attuned to fire, you carry traces of ancient dragon power.With proper focus..."She moves closer."May I demonstrate something?"

At Rachel's nod, Racha places her hand over her solar plexus."The well of power inside you is like another sense.You just need to learn how to access it."

Max perks up from where he's been unusually quiet."I just learned this!Can I show her?"

"Maximus," Corey warns, but there's fondness beneath the exasperation.He knows as well as anyone that there's no stopping Max when he wants to help.

"Watch this!"Max takes an exaggerated breath, chest puffing out.When he exhales, a perfect stream of golden flame forms not just a dragon, but an entire scene—miniature dragons soaring through clouds, their wings catching imaginary sunlight.A wave of pure joy radiates from the display, betraying his nature as a young Gold dragon.

"Such control," Zahraxis murmurs, something like wonder creeping into his voice."To manifest both fire and empathy at his age..."

"See?It's easy!"Max grins up at Rachel."You just have to feel it here—" He pats his chest."Like a warm bubble ready to pop."

His childish description seems to click for Rachel.She closes her eyes, and I feel the subtle shift in her energy as she focuses inward.

"That's it," Racha encourages."Feel the power gathering in your core, just like Max showed you.Now imagine it flowing outward, like water through a pipe..."

Rachel's eyes snap open as flames suddenly wreath both her hands.

"You did it!"Max claps in delight."Now make a dragon!"

"Jesus Christ!"Corey lunges for a fire extinguisher."Not everything in here is fireproof, you know!"

Rachel stares at her flame-wreathed hands with fascination."I can mark them with this?"

"The ancient magic in your blood carries your unique mark," Racha says."Your fire should work similarly to any dragon's marking.Though you may need to discover the exact mechanism through trial and error."

The flames sputter out as Rachel processes this.I can't help but grin."Trial and error, huh?I volunteer as test subject."

"Will you make dragons with me later?"Max tugs at Rachel's sleeve."After you're done with all the boring grown-up stuff?"

"Later, Max," Racha says gently."Right now, we need to prepare the ritual chamber."She turns to Corey."Would you take him to his mother?Jill will want him close, given everything that's happening."

"Wait, I thought you were his mother," Rachel says, glancing between Racha and Max.

"No, Max is my little brother.Jill was my father's mate before his Renunciation."Racha's expression softens as she looks at the boy."He carries all our father's power, the last gift of a Prismatic's chosen mate to his son."

"And his queen," Max adds proudly, golden smoke curling from his lips.Another wave of emotion—love, pride, fierce protectiveness—rolls through the room.

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