The afternoon light painted the garden in copper and gold as they stood together, bound by the gravity of the choice they had made. Shadows stretched longer across the grass, tension and resolve weaving together with the familiar Avalon scent of freshly bloomed flowers. Atlas shifted beside Starfania, his quiet strength radiating a steady comfort as she glanced at her companions.
" We're really doing this, " Aeron said at last, breaking the silence. His voice carried nervous energy, but beneath it lay unmistakable determination. Vi nodded, her usual bravado softened by the weight of what lay ahead. " No turning back now."
Each of them had a role to play—one last visit home, essential belongings to gather, and goodbyes to consider, even if most of them would remain unspoken. There was no time for lingering. The plan was simple: scatter briefly, regroup before nightfall, and leave VulcanFire behind. Forever. Time was already pressing in on them. Cantina's warnings echoed in Starfania's thoughts like a tolling bell—there would be no second chance if they hesitated.
" Stay alert," Starfania reminded them, though a faint tremor slipped into her voice. " The guards won't make this easy. We need every advantage we can get."
Violet adjusted the bow in her head, her jaw set with fierce resolve. " We'll be back before they even realize we're gone. "
Aeron let out a shaky laugh, more nerves than humor. " Let's hope it's actually that simple."
They began to part ways. Atlas lowered his massive head, nudging Starfania gently at her side. The contact grounded her, anchoring her to the present moment when her thoughts threatened to spill.
" We'll see you soon," she whispered. She watched as Vi and Aeron disappeared into the encroaching shadows, their footsteps fading into the quiet pulse of the city. As afternoon surrendered to night, every rustling leaf and distant clang of metal felt amplified—a reminder of how fragile their plan truly was. Drawing in a steady breath, Starfania turned toward her own path. The walk home should have felt familiar. Instead, it felt foreign.
Every shadow seemed sharper. Every sound echoed too loudly. Her boots struck the stone with measured urgency, her heartbeat matching every step. VulcanFire loomed around her—towering walls, flickering torches, the scent of ash woven into the air. Her father's face rose unbidden in her mind—Cesar's stern gaze, his unyielding presence. What will he think when I'm gone? Will he even care? Doubt crept in, insidious and quiet. She looked out over the land she had once loved. VulcanFire before the fires. Before the cracks. Before the ash. She remembered green hills, warm winds, laughter that hadn't carried an edge of fear. Now it was flame and stone unrest. Her steps slowed. Am I really ready for this? For the crown, I never asked? For the title of Dragon Savior?
Atlas rumbled softly behind her, a low sound that vibrated through her bones. She stopped, resting her hand against his warm scales.
" I'm terrified," she admitted under her breath. The dragon leaned closer, his presence steady and unyielding—not pushing, not demanding. Simply there. Starfania closed her eyes. Fear did not mean weakness. And doubt did not mean failure. Opening her eyes, she squared her shoulders and continued forward, the weight of her choice heavy—but no longer paralyzing. Night was coming. And with it, the moment that would change everything.
Deep within the inner keep, far from torchlight and celebration, the Castle Keeper moved with deliberate precision. A magic sphere hovered before him, its surface swirling with fractured images—Starfania's silhouette against flame-lit stone, Atlas's vast form dissolving into shadow, the subtle shift of destiny unfolding without permission. His lips curved into something cold and knowing.
" She's moving," he murmured. Around him, a small circle of guards stood at rigid attention. These were not the ceremonial watches—not Cesar's men—but those loyal to the Keeper alone.
" You will find her," he said quietly, his voice carrying an edge that needed no volume. " Track her movements. Watch the dragon. Do not engage unless I give the order."
One guard hesitated. " And if the king notices—?"
The Castle Keepers gaze snapped to him, sharp as a drawn blade. " You will not be seen by Cesar."
He turned, robes whispering against the stone. With a slow, deliberate motion, he raised his hand, and the sphere shifted—now showing Lyam's banner, distorted and flickering.
" If you are discovered," he continued smoothly, " you will tell him this: a spy from Primara has crossed into VulcanFire. Sent by Lyam himself."
A pause. " Fear will do the rest."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. One by one, they melted into the corridors, becoming shadows among shadows. Left alone, the Castle Keeper stared once more into the sphere.
" Run, Dragon Savior," he whispered. " Let the hunt begin."