The castle erupted into motion. Starfania sprinted through familiar passageways, dodging patrols and vaulting low barriers as voices echoed behind her. Torches flared to life. Boots pounded stone. Her father's voice rang out in the distance, barking orders. The sound twisted something painful in her chest—but she didn't stop. At a fork in the corridor, she skidded to a halt, breath coming fast. To the left, the grand hall gleamed in firelight—too open, too watched. To the right, a narrow passage leading toward the servants' quarters. She chose right. The light dimmed. Shadows swallowed her.
Footsteps approached—guards laughing, unaware how close they came. Starfania pressed herself flat against the cold stone, barely daring to breathe. Her fingers clenched her cloak as they passed. Only when silence returned did she move again. Atlas. She rounded the final corner and burst into the courtyard, moonlight washing over stone and shadow. The stables loomed ahead—freedom within reach. She ran. Atlas lifted his head as she approached, eyes glowing softly in the dark.
" Come on," she whispered urgently. " We have to meet the others before the guards catch up."
Atlas rumbled low, a questioning sound.
" Long story," she muttered. They slipped into the alleyways beyond the courtyard, moving fast, keeping low. Footsteps echoed behind them now—closer than before.
" Stay low and follow my lead," she whispered.
Atlas obeyed without hesitation. They turned sharply—and nearly collided with Aeron, Violet, and Drogo waiting in the shadows. Aeron stared at her, disbelief etched across his face. " Why in Avalon is the kingdom on high alert?"
" It's insane out there," Violet added, her hand resting protectively on Drogo's neck. " We heard the horns all the way from our place."
Starfania sucked in a breath, forcing her pulse to steady.
" I'll explain once we're safe," she blurted. " But we have to move. They're searching for us."
Aeron's eyes narrowed. " Why?"
Violet frowned. " I had a bad feeling when I saw the guards running toward your home, Star."
Starfania didn't look back at the castle. " My father may—or may not—think I'm an intruder right now."
Fear flickered across their faces, quickly followed by resolve.
" If we stand here, they'll find us," Starfania said, tightening her grip on her jacket.
" Where do we go?" Aeron asked.
" There's an old passage through the market," she replied. " It might still be open."
Without another word, they moved. Six figures slipping into shadow. One kingdom left behind. And unseen in the depths of the castle, something ancient smiled—already planning the next move. Unseen above the winding streets, another hunt was already underway. From the rooftops and narrow spines of VulcanFire's upper tiers, the Castle Keeper's guards moved like whispers. No torches. No armor to give them away. Their cloaks drank in the firelight as they slipped from shadow to shadow, eyes fixed on one target alone. Starfania.
They did not challenge Cesar's patrol. They flowed around them—letting the king's guards surge loudly through streets and gates, drawing attention elsewhere. When one patrol came too close, the Castle Keeper's men simply vanished, reappearing moments later along another part. This was not a chase. It was a tightening snare. Below Starfania led the way through the alleys, her senses stretched thin. Violet clutched Aeron's arm, her breath shallow as torchlight flared ahead.
The clang of armored boots echoed between stone walls, too close—far too close.
" We need to move faster," Aeron whispered, glancing over his shoulder. " They're closing in."
Starfania nodded, jaw tight. If they were caught, it wouldn't be her alone who paid the price. She tightened her grip on the reins looped around her wrist, her other hand brushing Atlas's smooth, steady scales. Ahead, the street opened. And stopped. A squad of guards blocked the path, their VulcanFire armor glowing red-orange in the torchlight. Heat shimmered around them, flames etched into steel like living things.
The group halted. Starfania drew a slow breath, forcing the panic down.
" We can't turn back now," she murmured. " Quiet."
Violet swallowed hard but nodded, fear shining in her eyes. Aeron shifted beside her, fingers twitching as if already bracing for a fight. Atlas rumbled low, a warning sound that vibrated through Starfania's bones. She rested her hand against his neck, drawing strength from the contact.
" We'll find a through," she whispered—though doubt crept into her voice despite herself.
The guards spread out, forming a tightening arc. One of them, taller than the rest, stepped forward, a crooked grin visible beneath his helm.
" Well now," he drawled. " What do we have here?"
Laughter followed—metallic, cruel. Starfania's pulse roared in her ears. She would not let them take her friends.
" Now!" She shouted. She lunged sideways, dragging Violet and Aeron with her as Atlas surged forward. His massive shoulder slammed into the nearest guard, sending him crashing into the stone with a shout of surprise. They bolted into the alley.
" Move!" Starfania yelled. " Don't look back!"
Footsteps thundered behind them—some heavy with armor, others frighteningly silent. From above, the Castle Keeper's guards watched, tracking every turn. They were getting nowhere. Drogo growled, a sharp, frustrated sound, then acted. In one swift motion, he gently caught Violet by the back of her cloak, lifting her onto his back with practiced care. Violet gasped, then clung tight. Aeron didn't hesitate—he vaulted up behind her, gripping Drogo's scales.
" Sorry!" Violet squeaked as Drogo launched forward. Aeron twisted around, shouting back over the rush of air, " Starfania—this isn't working! You have to fly!"
Starfania skidded to a halt, heart hammering. Atlas stood beside her, wings shifting restlessly, eyes glowing with quiet certainty. Fly. The words echoed in her mind like a challenge—and an accusation. She stared at him, doubt crashing back in full force. I'm not ready. What if I fail you? What if I fail? The guard's shouts grew louder. From the rooftops, unseen eyes narrowed. Aeron's voice cut through the chaos, raw and urgent. " Star! It's the only way out!"
Atlas lowered his massive head, meeting her gaze. There were no judgments in his eyes. Only trust. Starfania's breath trembled as she placed a hand on his neck—then froze. She still wasn't sure she was worthy to ride him. And in the shadows behind them, two different hunts closed in—one loud and loyal, the other silent and deadly—while the moment of choice stretched, fragile as glass.