As the dragons descended gracefully, their wings slicing through the air with effortless grace as they landed in front of the town hall. Atlas folded his wings neatly, his sapphire eyes scanning their surroundings with quiet vigilance. Starfania turned to Aeron and Vi, telling them that she will see them later. As they flew away on Drogo, an uneasy sensation crept over Starfania's chest, tightening like an invisible chain. A shadow of dread loomed over her, a foreboding whisper that this gathering carried a significance far beyond political disorder–she knew it was much more personal, as if the fate of her existence was intertwined with the outcome. Her finger instinctively moved to her chest, rubbing over the sternum in a slow, repetitive motion.
A nervous habit, one she had no control over when her thoughts tangled with uncertainty. The weight of her duty as the Dragon Savior pressed down on her, an inescapable truth. Her purpose was to protect Avalon, to ensure its safety, even if that means standing against VulcanFire–her homeland. As the grand doors of the town hall loomed before her, she steadied her breath. Whatever they had to say about VulcanFire, she has to be ready. Out of nowhere, a guard dropped his sword with a sharp clang against the stone and said, " Stop right there! "
Starfania felt a surge of tension ripple through her body as his piercing gaze locked onto her, his stance rigid with authority. She took a deep breath before speaking. " What seems to be the problem, sir? "
" You do not possess the necessary authorization to be here, " he said, his voice firm. " Descend at once. Only our leader, Lyam, and his allies are welcomed into this building. "
Starfania met his gaze without flinching, her voice composed yet resolute. " I have received a personal invitation from Lyam himself, specifically requesting my presence. "
The guard's eyes narrowed in skepticism as he studied Starfania, his grip tightening around his sword hilt. Atlas who had been by his rider this whole time let out a low growl as a warning. Almost telling him if you put a hand on her you won't have hands anymore. A heavy silence passed before he sighed, releasing his grip on the sword–but not without adding a condescending chuckle. " Are you serious? Why would Lyam invite a child to a meeting? "
Starfania narrowed her eyes, unwavering in her resolve. "I am no child. My abilities and insights are valued. Lyam sees potential in me."
The guard scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Potential? You? This isn't a game for children to play at. It's a matter of state."
Atlas growled again, this time more fiercely, as if to escalate his warning. Starfania placed a gentle hand on his neck, a calm gesture amidst the tension. "I understand your doubts, but my age doesn't define my worth or my capability. "
The guard stepped closer, unwilling to let her words disarm him. "And yet, you still stand here, unproven. What do you bring to the table that the rest of us can't? "
Before Starfania could say anything else to the guard, Lyam suddenly emerged, his commanding presence capturing their attention immediately. His gaze swept across the scene before he asked, " What seems to be the problem? "
The moment they turned towards him, the guard straightened, swiftly fastening his sword to his belt with practiced elegance. His posture shifted to one of rigid respect, a silent acknowledgement of Lyam's authority.