Starfania's mission was clear—to safeguard Avalon and fulfill her role as the Dragon Savior. Yet, as the weight of her duty settled on her, Vi voiced a concern that sent a chill down all their spines. " What if someone recognizes you as the daughter of Cesar? "
The room fell into heavy silence. Starfania didn't even think that far ahead if people realized she was the daughter of the VulcanFire leader. Her heart pounded as she considered the possibility. What if they saw her not as a hero, but as a target? The idea unsettled her. Vi continued, her expression grave. "You know how powerful your lineage is. There are those who would use it against you."
Starfania glanced at the others, their faces mirroring her own apprehension. She knew their worries came from a place of love, but the thought of being hunted felt suffocating.
"How do I protect everyone if I'm the one in danger?" she asked quietly. The question hung in the air, thick with uncertainty.
"I don't have all the answers," Vi admitted, her voice softening. "But we'll stand together. No matter what happens."
Starfania felt a flicker of hope in that. United, they were stronger. They could figure out a plan, ways to keep her identity safe while still fulfilling the prophecy. After bidding everyone goodnight, Starfania and Atlas retreated to her room, exhaustion settling over them like a heavy cloak. Atlas started to circle around a spot in the room before settling in. His white scales reflect the dim glow of the lantern. His slow, steady breathing brought a sense of comfort, a reminder that no matter how uncertain tomorrow seemed, she knew it was also full of surprises. Before taking a shower, she felt a cold shiver run down her spine as though letting everything finally settle in on her. She would soon have to face her home; she knew her role as the Dragon Savior. Would come with tough decisions, but this was entirely something different.
Stelling her resolve, Starfania stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to wash away the weight of everything. The steam quickly enveloped her, creating a cocoon that made the world outside fade away. She let the water cascade over her, each droplet carrying away her doubts and fears. It was a simple act, yet it marked a moment of clarity. She shut her eyes and focused on her breath, reminding herself of the promises she had made. This was not just about her; it was about the people counting on her. As the warmth sunk into her skin, she reflected on the challenges ahead. The whispers of the past echoed in her mind, tales of the Dragon Savior who faced insurmountable odds. She could almost hear their voices urging her forward, pushing her to embrace her destiny. Stepping out of the shower, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The steam cleared, just as her mind did, and she was ready to face whatever awaited her. With a determined stride, she wrapped herself in a towel and walked into her room.
She dressed in a simple black T-shirt, running her finger through her damp hair. The sight of Atlas still peacefully sleeping brought a small smile to her lips. As she reached for her backpack to put the book Cantina gave her, she was putting it on the bookshelf. Her backpack tumbled out onto the wooden floor–the small glass vial. The black liquid inside swirled ominously, glowing faintly dim light. Starfania knelt down, carefully picking it up, her finger tightening around the cool glass. The vial was the one she had taken from the VulcanFire camp–the mysterious substance her father had entrusted to his nation. A knot of unease twisted in her stomach as she turned it over in her hand. What was its purpose? What were her father's plans to end the dragon life?
Starfania exhaled, setting it down on her desk. Whatever answers it held, she wasn't ready to face them tonight. Making her way over to the bed and lifting the blanket over her. As she got settled in and clapped her hand, turning off the light, and took one last glance at the vial. Whatever she was going to hear about VulcanFire from Lyam. She couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in her mind. The vial gleamed faintly in the dark, a reminder of the secrets it contained. What could it tell her? What choices lay ahead? Starfania nestled deeper into the covers, her heart racing with uncertainty. Images of her conversation with Lyam replayed, words heavy with meaning. A mix of fear and curiosity pulled at her. She closed her eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered. What if VulcanFire was dangerous? Or worse, what if it wasn't? She knew all too well that not all knowledge was a blessing. The quiet of the room surrounded her, but her mind was restless. She turned over, staring at the dark ceiling, her fingers tracing the outline of the blanket. Sleep wouldn't come easily tonight.