Before Starfania stood a dragon—once powerful, now trembling violently. Its scales, once gleaming with vitality, dulled as if drained of life itself. A sickly pallor overtook its magnificent form, its wings drooping uselessly at its sides. The creature let out a rasping, broken cry, struggling to remain standing. Starfania felt her breath hitch as she watched its agony unfold. Then, from above, she sensed another presence. Starfania turned her gaze skyward, her heart pounding. There he was—her father, clad in his formidable black dragon armor, watching the events below in eerie silence. He stood on a grand balcony, his figure cast in shadow. His expression was unreadable as his guards erupted in victorious cheers, celebrating the success of their cruel creation.
" At last, " one of them said. " We've done it! Even the mightiest dragon will fall before us! "
Their voices rang out in triumph, but her father's lips remained pressed into a firm, impassive line. Starfania searched his face for a flicker of remorse, a sign that this weighed on him as it did her–but he remained unmoving.
" Father, " she whispered, but no sounds left her lips. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, retreating into the castle where his allies awaited. Just as suddenly as it began, the vision dissolved into darkness. When her surroundings returned, she found herself elsewhere, staring down at a map illuminated by flickering candlelight. Cesar stood before it, his expression severe, his posture tense. Around him, warriors clad in the same black dragon armor awaited his command, their faces unreadable yet brimming with anticipation.
He gripped a small silver sword in his right hand. A moment of silence stretched on, thick with unspoken weight–then, with sudden force, he drove the blade into the wooden table. The sound echoed sharply in the dim room, breaking the quiet as if to announce their fate. Starfania felt her heart race, uncertainty flooding her mind. She could sense the tension, the urgency building among the warriors as they leaned in closer. Cesar's eyes blazed with determination, a fire that ignited the surrounding air.
"This is our moment," he declared, his voice steady. "We can reshape our world, to crush our enemies and claim what is rightfully ours."
She could see the warriors shift, their armor clinking softly, a symphony of ambition and fear. They shared glances, small nods, forging silent promises to one another. Starfania swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath. Would they really go through with it? Would blood be spilled in the pursuit of glory?
"Are we prepared?" one of his allies asked, his voice strong.
The room turned to those allies, the anticipation thickening like a fog. Cesar's gaze softened momentarily as he pondered the question.
"Prepared enough," he replied, though there was an edge to his tone. "Preparation is never complete, but it is time to strike. "
Starfania stepped forward, moving closer to the map, tracing her fingers over the tiny markings that indicated their targets. This was more than a battle; it was a turning point, a path leading to unknown consequences. Would victory bring peace, or would it only usher in more chaos? Cesar lifted his chin, a silent command passing through the air. The warriors steeled themselves, each one ready to play their part. She felt the weight of their expectations, their fierce loyalty, a bond forged in the heat of conflict. But within her chest, doubt twisted tightly, a reminder of what could be lost.