The Dragon King's Heart

"There is an ancient alchemist technique that can transform liquids, such as blood, into edible medicine in the form of pills," he explained as Laina looked through the page. 

Using small amounts of blood in cures and remedies was an age-old method passed down through the ages. Though it is not commonly used anymore, it is known to have one of the most effective methods.

Laina read through the steps to make it work. Several materials will need to be specially sourced and it was going to be a difficult process. But Laina had faith in herself. 

Florin glanced at the list of items required as Laina took notes from the book. 

"I can get them for you, your Highness," Florin volunteered. 

"I would appreciate that, thank you, Florin," Laina said with a smile as she handed the list to him. 

"I will get right to it, shall I also get the basement set up so that you can work in peace there?" he asked. 

Time and time again, she was surprised by how thoughtful Florin was. She thanked him again but stopped him before he could leave. 

"Take Kol with you," she said to him with a wink, "Having some company would help lighten the load."

Laina did not like being so secretive with the things that she was doing. But she knew full well should any of them find out, they would stop her at all costs. But if they were so focused on keeping her safe, who would keep them safe?

As she continued her research on the Altar of the Sun, Laina was able to find information on its location. This proved to be extremely valuable, as she would be able to get some concrete answers. 

Unknown to Laina, some of the people she was looking for already had their eyes on her. 

The Crown Princess had made quite the name for herself in recent years. 

At the Altar of the Sun, the Flare Oracle looked into the flames. The Aurora Flame was passed down from one oracle to the next, carefully guarded for centuries and millennia. The prophetic flame guided the decisions of the oracle. 

"What do you see in the flame tonight, Oracle Ramona?" a servant asked. 

Ramona was the current Flare Oracle. She took up the mantle at aged fifteen, one of the youngest ever recorded. Those who underestimate her abilities and intelligence would be fighting a losing battle.

Her tanned skin was covered in the ancient markings of her people, a symbol of her abilities. The Aurora Flames, a rainbow-colored flame that was said to have come from the Celestial Realm, was well guarded by her people. 

"She has awakened," she said to her servants, "We must guide her to us, so that she may fulfill her destiny."

Oracle Ramona stepped off the pedestal as she gave out orders to her servants. There was much to prepare. But before she could continue with her work, a sudden explosion rocked the foundations of the building. 

"Oracle! We are under attack!" a servant shouted as they ran in. 

"Under attack?! By who?" Ramona exclaimed. 

The hall was beginning to fill with smoke as intruders entered the hall. Realizing things were grim, Oracle Ramona ran back up the pedestal. Using an ancient spell, she was able to transfer the Aurora Flame into her own body to keep it safe from harm. 

"Ramona!" a voice thundered through the smoke. 

The Oracle shuddered as she heard that voice. She knew who it was. 

"Dexerion, what in the name of the flame do you think you're doing?!"

"What am I doing here?" he said as he walked out into the open with flames in his hands, "I am here to take what's rightfully mine!" 

Dexerion flung two fireballs towards Ramona but she carefully dodged them with ease. The fireballs hit the pillars behind Ramona, causing them to crumble. The oracle quickly cast a spell to repair the pillars. 

"If you keep doing that," Dexerion said with a grin as he came up behind Ramona and stabbed her with a dagger, "You won't have enough energy left."

"Argh!" Ramona yelled in agony as blood spewed from the gaping wound.

She could not stay here any longer. If she did, Dexerion would not hesitate to kill her just to get the Aurora Flame. But where could she escape to? There was no one who could help her. Running back to her own family was out of the question. 

It would only bring them unwanted harm. Ramona gripped her heart, she only had one glimmer of hope left. She summoned her magic staff to her hand and slammed its base down on the ground. 

Upon impact, a wave of flames spread forth from the staff, causing everyone to dodge or move away. Dexerion stood his ground, gritting his teeth in anger. He knew what Ramona was attempting to do. He could not let her get away with the flame. With a wave of his hand, he cleared a path through the flames. 

He lunged towards her. Without wasting any time, Ramona closed her eyes to concentrate. Using the strength she had left in her, she cast a teleportation spell. Her staff was enveloped in light, blinding everyone in its presence. 

"No!" Dexerion yelled. 

He sped up forward, but he was too late. 

When the light dissipated Ramona was gone and with her, the Aurora Flame. Dexerion curse beneath his breath. Without the flame, he would not be officially recognized as the next Oracle. He had to get it back. 

Dexerion yelled in anger and rage as he let out a breath of fire towards the sky. All of his followers trembled in fear as they watched their leader curse in rage. He had planned this attack so meticulously, it was supposed to be flawless. 

Yet Ramona still slipped through his fingers just like that. Furthermore, she escaped with the Aurora Flame in her possession. 

He turned to his followers and yelled his first order, "Find Ramona and bring her to me alive!"