Dawn broke gently over the Primara Nation, sunlight spilling across the mountainside in soft gold. Outside the mountain dwelling, Starfania stood ankle-deep in cool stream water, sleeves rolled to her elbows. Atlas lowered his noble head as she carefully scrubbed along the ridge of his neck; soap suds clinging to his shimmering scales before drifting away in the current. Drogo stood several feet away, already half submerged, as Aeron worked a brush through the thicker plates along his back.
" This is unfair," Aeron muttered, scrubbing harder. " You get a gentle spa day. He treats this like a battlefield."
Drogo snorted, sending a splash of water directly into Aeron's face. Violet burst into laughter from where she was rinsing Drogo's wing joints. " Maybe if you didn't complain so much, he wouldn't retaliate."
Atlas shifted slightly, lowering himself more to make it easier for Starfania to reach his shoulders. His sapphire eyes flicked toward Drogo as if mildly amused.
" Hold still," Starfania murmured softly, smoothing water over Atlas's scales. " We're meeting important people today. You can't show up looking like you wrestled a mudslide."
Atlas released a low rumble—not protest, but reluctant agreement. The morning felt almost peaceful. Almost. Until boots crunched against gravel behind them. Starfania stiffened slightly before turning.
One of Lyam's guards approached—armor polished, expression neutral but edged with impatience. His eyes lingered briefly on the dragon before settling on Starfania.
" The Dragon Savior," he said formally, though there was little warmth in the title. " Lord Lyam requests your presence at the Grand Hall. The meeting is set for noon."
Starfania straightened slowly, wiping her damp hands against a cloth.
" What is this meeting about?" she asked carefully. The guard's jaw tightened. It was subtle but unmistakable.
" You've not yet earned our full trust," he replied evenly. " But since you ask…"
His gaze sharpened. " It's VulcanFire. What else would it be?"
The name struck like a blade drawn too quickly. Starfania froze. Aeron's scrubbing stopped mid-motion. Violet's hands still went against Drogo's wing. VulcanFire. Their home kingdom. The place of blazing towers and iron banners. Of disciplined soldiers. Of—she forced her thoughts to steady. They had known this would come. But not this soon. Not before they had time to understand where Primara truly stood. Drogo lifted his head slightly, sensing the shift in the energy. Atlas's body grew rigid beside her, his wings folding closer to his frame. The guard crossed his arms.
" Well?" he prompted.
His eyes rested on Starfania now—not just as a guest. As the Dragon Savior. Waiting. Testing. Aeron stepped closer to her side without speaking. Violet did the same. They didn't need words. Starfania inhaled slowly, recalling her father's voice from years ago: Remain calm. Speak half the truth. Never reveal the whole board. Her expression settled into composure.
" Very well," she said steadily. " We'll be there."
The guard gave a quick nod, though his eyes still carried skepticism. " Do not be late."
He turned and walked back toward the path leading up to the Grand Hall.
Silence lingered after he left. The stream continued to flow. Birds are still called overhead. But the peace of the morning had fractured. Aeron exhaled slowly. " Well…guess the vacation's officially over."
Violet swallowed. " They're moving fast."
Starfania looked down at Atlas, resting her hand against his damp scales.
" We knew this would happen," she whispered. But her heart was racing. Primara—a democratic nation governed by its people. VulcanFire—a kingdom ruled by a single sovereign.
Two systems. Two philosophies. And she stood in the middle of both. Atlas leaned slightly into her touch. Drogo shook himself dry, spraying water everywhere—a sharp reminder that no matter the politics, dragons lived in the present. Starfania lifted her chin.
" Let's finish up," she said. " If we're walking into a hall full of leaders discussing VulcanFire…we walk in prepared."
Prepared. Even if they had no idea what the true cost would be. And in less than an hour, she would stand before Primara's council—as the Dragon Savior. And as the very daughter of the very kingdom they were preparing to confront.