After Aeron finally drifted into sleep, the island settled into a deep, sacred stillness. The fire had burned down to glowing embers, and the ocean whispered against the shore. Starfania remained awake, leaning against Atlas's massive side, his warmth steady beneath her cheek. His breathing was slow and even, but she knew—he was listening. Carefully, she reached into her satchel and pulled out Cosmry, still in its unassuming pen form. Her thumb brushed the mechanism, and with a soft click, the artifact unfolded into a blade of pale, celestial light.
The sword hummed faintly, as if aware of the moment. Starfania stared at it for a long while. Then she lifted her gaze to the stars above, countless and ancient, stretching far beyond anything she understood.
" I didn't realize how fast my life could change," she whispered, her voice barely louder than the tide. " The moment I found this sword…everything shifted."
Atlas's tail twitched slightly, a quiet acknowledgment.
" I became the Dragon Savior," she continued, disbelief still woven into the words. " I didn't even know the title existed. Or that people like Cantina ever walked this world."
Her fingers tightened around the hilt.
" It's like Avalon erased them. Wiped away their legacy. We only know Cantina as the one who fell at the Battle of Endorse." She swallowed. " And now all of that…all of this…falls on me."
She exhaled slowly, resting her forehead against Atlas's scales. " I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel."
Atlas lowered his head just enough for his brow to touch her shoulder, a gentle, grounding weight. He did not interrupt. He did not judge. He simply was—ancient, patient, understanding her fear in a way words never could. Eventually, the sword dimmed as she returned Cosmry to its pen form. Exhaustion finally claimed her, and beneath the open sky, girl and dragon drifted into sleep together.
Starfania awoke to warmth. Not the harsh heat of VulcanFire—but gentle sunlight, filtering through leaves in soft gold ribbons. Birds chirped nearby, and the world felt…peaceful. Then she became aware of something else. Arms. Aeron's arms were loosely draped around her, protective even in sleep. Her breath hitched as realization bloomed—sometime during the night, they had shifted closer, instinctively seeking comfort in one another. A blush warmed her cheeks. Careful not to wake him, she slowly slipped free, easing his arm back onto the grass. He stirred slightly but didn't wake, his expression untroubled for once.
Starfania stepped away and followed the sound of water until she reached the riverbank. Dawn painted the surface in shimmering pinks and golds, the current catching the light like liquid fire. She sat, letting her feet hover above the cool water as minnows darted below. She breathed in deeply. For the first time in a long while, her chest didn't feel tight. This felt like a beginning. She closed her eyes, letting the quiet wash over her—memories of the night before flickering through her mind: the escape, the flight, the fear…and Aeron's steady presence beside her. When she opened her eyes, the horizon had shifted into brilliant oranges, the sun rising like a promise.
Footsteps interrupted her thoughts. She turned just in time to see Violet plop down beside her—then immediately lose her balance and roll down a small grassy slope with a delighted yelp. Laughter rang out, bright and unrestrained.
" This place is amazing!" Violet said breathlessly, scrambling back up the hill, eyes shining. Starfania laughed softly. " It really is."
Aeron joined them soon after, standing quietly as he took in the unfamiliar landscape, awe written plainly across his face. Then chaos. Atlas and Drogo came barreling down the hill, wings flaring as they collided in a playful tackle. They rolled through the grass, claws scrabbling harmlessly, before leaping up and chasing one another in wild loops. Starfania couldn't help but smile. " Looks like they're enjoying it just as much as we are."
After several energetic laps, both dragons finally collapsed onto the grass, painting heavily. Drogo's tail wagged lazily; Atlas flicked an ear, eyes bright. Starfania looked at her friends, something warm and unreal swelling in her chest.
" Can you believe we actually escaped?" She asked quietly. Aeron exhaled, running a hand through his hair. " Honestly. No. Especially considering half the kingdom was chasing us."
Violet laughed, dropping into the grass. " One second we were trapped, the next we were flying across the sky. I still can't believe it."
Atlas lifted his head, scales catching the sunlight. Drogo nudged Violet playfully. Starfania looked toward the horizon—wide, open, endless.
" What now?" she asked. " We're in a new world."
Aeron smiled, something excited and hopeful sparking in his eyes. " Then let's explore it."
Violet jumped to her feet. " Yes! Let's follow the river. Adventures always start with rivers."
They gathered together, laughing, mixing with plans and possibilities, the weight of the past finally loosening its grip. Whatever awaited them next—they would face it together.
Back in VulcanFire
Ash drifted through the night air like dying embers as VulcanFire smoldered beneath a bruised sky. The city had not yet settled from the chaos—guards still patrolled the streets, whispers of wings and shadows clinging to every corner. Deep within the obsidian halls of the Castle Keeper, etched in black steel. His bow lay at his side, its string still faintly warm from the shot loosed hours ago. The same arrow that had torn through a Cesar guard…and grazed the Dragon Savior. Before him, seated upon a throne carved from ancient stone and old magic, was the Castle Keeper himself. His presence pressed down like a storm held in check. The guard bowed his head lower.
" My Lord," he said quietly, reverently. " The message has been sent."
Silence stretched—heavy, deliberate.
" She lives," the Castle Keeper replied at last, his voice calm, knowing.
" Yes." The guard lifted his gaze just enough to meet the shadowed figure. " And she felt it. The blade's call. The wound ensured it."
A pause.
" The Dragon Savior knows now," the guard continued. " She knows she cannot hide. Not while she carries the title."
A faint, dangerous smile curved in the darkness.
" Good," the Castle Keeper murmured. " Then the legacy breathes again."
The guard lowered his head once more. " As long as she holds the title…she will be hunted."
The Castle Keeper rose slowly, the chamber's torches dimming as if in response.
" And as long as she runs," he said softly, " Avalon will remember what it tried to erase."
Far beyond VulcanFire, beneath an open sky and unfamiliar stars, Starfania slept unaware—but destiny had already found her.