Chapter 5 After Ash had introduced herself, night was among her. Everydragon sat near a humongous bonfire. They mingled all night, and whenever the bonfire went out, she would torch it once more. A few hours into the party, a glamorous prince-in-exile stalked up to Ash with an unreadable grin. "Hello," he said softly, almost shyly. "What's your name? I'm Prince Zest." Ash hid her blush. "My name? Ash." She smiled. Her wings flamed. The prince noticed this flame. {Torchfire,} he thought with a smug grin. {Much more powerful than a mere Scarletflame.} Zest dug into his sack and pulled out a ring. "You are the most glamorous creature I've ever seen! Ash, will you marry me?" Everybody gasped. Everybody except Ash, who politely shook her head. "I'm sorry," she began. "But I am too young to be married. Shall we be friends?" Zest snarled, shoving Ash down. "No," he said. "You will not be forgiven." As he stormed off, the party fizzled down, and dragons went to sleep. Ash nuzzled up to Via. But soon, the fire caused Ash to fall into a trance, and she began to call a name she knew not. But then a similar voice responded, echoing in sync with her mind. "I hear you."
