---
[Ding! System notifications: Guardian Trial Passed.
Dragonheart Sigil obtained.
Blood-line purity +4 % (now 34 %).
Star evolution unlocked: Drake Fledgling.]
The sigil merged with Zephyr's mark and with Star's breast core. The dragonling grew his wings, it widened to half a meter, scales blazing. New stats surged into Zephyr's mind: Strength +3, Fire +3, Endurance +2. Star gained a fresh ability called Ember Trail, a ribbon of flame left behind each dash.
Zephyr reeled at the feedback. Fenna caught his arm. He managed a breathless grin. "Better than okay."
Cracks raced up the altar. Stones groaned overhead. "Zep! Run!" Fenna cried.
They sprinted as the shrine collapsed behind them. Dust chased them down the tunnel, but they burst through the vine draped arch just before the roof caved in. Wind gulped the sound. Zephyr laughed, half hysterical. Fenna laughed too. Star preened, proud and newly mighty.
