Scorched by flames, torched by draconic fury - the day had burned into his memory with a ferocity hitherto undreamt of.
Reality and illusions, differentiated and separated through arduous ordeals and the resulting damages. The sensation of fire lingered across his body: a disconcerting cross between pain and contentment. Hatred and joy. A stark contrast, he mused.
He came out unscathed, but not the same as he was when he went in. It was an instantaneous change, a major alteration. Youthful innocence and joy sapped away, tainted by an acrimonious reality.
Never had he felt as weak as he did in front of those that ruled the skies of yonder, never had he felt so naked or afraid. Piercing, slitted eyes would plague his dreams for weeks to come, to remind him of what was there for him to face. Even then, he smiled.
A fire burned in his eyes hidden underneath layers of glass, green, and desire.