As they moved closer, Starfania's eyes caught every detail—the scars etched into Drogo's slate-gray scales, the striking navy pattern beneath, the faint glow of resilience in each heal wound. Drogo species were known as Draconis which were also known as Diverse Serpents. He was nearly the size of a horse now, taller even, his tail curled neatly, wings tucked tight. Sleeping, yet powerful. His ear flicked as their footsteps neared, and slowly his eyelids parted, revealing piercing light-brown eyes that studied them with quiet intensity. He rose, muscles rippling beneath silver armor, his berry-highlighted mane catching the light.
Aeron stepped forward first, hand brushing Drogo's side with familiar ease. The dragon's eyes softened, a purr rumbling deep in his chest as he pressed his head gently into Aeron's shoulder. That bond was unmistakable—time had forged into something stronger than rider and beast. But when Aeron asked if he remembered Starfania, Drogo's gaze shifted. He padded forward, nostrils flaring, before lowering his head to sniff her curiously. Then, to her astonishment, his warm tongue swept her cheek.
Starfania laughed, radiant, stroking his head with awe. And then Drogo bounded away—only to whirl back and knock her gently onto the straw with playful licks.
" Starfania, Drogo hasn't forgotten you," Aeron called, smiling at the sight. His eyes sparkled as she scratched under Drogo's jaw.
" You've gotten so big," she murmured. Aeron's chest tightened quietly—watching her like this, lit by wonder, brought something alive in him. And Violet noticed. Her gaze flicked between her brother and Starfania, a sly grin spreading. " Ohhh, look at you, big brother. Didn't know Drogo was the only one who could make Starry blush."
" Violet!" Aeron barked, cheeks reddening as he turned away. Starfania froze, laughter faltering as her face warmed. " That's not—! He just surprised me, that's all."
Violet giggled, utterly unbothered. " Mhm. Surprised. Sure. Guess Drogo's not the only one who remembered you fondly."
Starfania would burst into laughter when it came to the duo. Violet then eagerly joined in on the fun, as Starfania laughed exclaiming, " Those tickles! "
The air crackled for a heartbeat, tension hidden beneath their laughter, before Drogo's playful nudge broke it apart again. They tumbled back into joy—tickles, licks, and laughter filling the stable until Starfania, breathless, brushed hair from her face and teased Aeron about the Dragon Games. The memory of Daniel's passion from earlier tugged at her thoughts, but now Aeron's reply came low, uncertain: " I don't think I'll be competing this year."
Her brows furrowed. " Why?"
" Something feels off about this year," he admitted.
The words hung heavy, but Aeron's mind wasn't fully on the Games. Violet's teasing jab still throbbed in the back of his skull. Did Starry really blush?Did she even notice? He clenched his jaw, pushing the thought down, burying it beneath the easier weight of worry about the Games. Better to focus on something he could control. Starfania tried to brush it off, a warm smile tugging her lips. " No need to worry too much. I'm pretty sure you'll handle it, anyway."
Her confidence in him should have lightened his heart. Instead, a restless ache twisted inside—half pride, half unease. He forced himself to nod.
" You're overthinking again," she teased softly. " I promise, there's nothing to worry about."
If only it were that simple. His mind flashed again to Daniel's confident grin, to Violet's sly smile, to the Games looming like a storm on the horizon. The air around him felt thin, like he was walking through a dream.
Before he could spiral deeper, Violet broke the silence, bright and matter-of-fact. " Big brother, you have nothing to worry about considering you're one of the best flyers in VulcanFire. You could use that speed to help people."
Her words snapped him back. Aeron straightened, shoulders squaring, gaze tilting skyward. If nothing else, he could believe in that.
" Well," he said with a sudden spark of bravado, " if that's true, then I guess I'm King of the Sky."