Starfania let out a shaky breath and turned fully toward the dragon.
" We…we need to give you a name," she whispered, almost as if she were afraid to break the moment. " You've been the dragon this entire time."
The dragon's ear twitched, attentive. Cantina stepped closer, her presence calm but deliberate.
" A name," she said, voice low with meaning, " is one of the most powerful things a being can possess. It shapes identity. It anchors destiny."
She glanced between Starfania and the dragon. " You should choose it. He will be your partner during your time as the Dragon Savior."
The white dragon drew nearer, closing the space between them. He gently nudged Starfania's arm with his snout, a quiet, instinctive gesture that wrapped her in comfort and familiarity. The warmth steadied her racing heart.
Starfania smiled, unable to stop herself, and reached up to stroke his head. His scales were cool beneath her fingers, smooth and solid—real. She looked back at Cantina, still half-disbelieving.
" You know he's yours now," Cantina said gently, a faint smile tugging at her lips. " So it's time to give him a name."
Starfania gasped softly. " Is he really…mine now?"
She couldn't quite process it—not the bond, not the weight of it. Cantina nodded and pointed toward the dragon. " He chose you. Out of everyone else, it's you he wants."
Something inside Starfania bloomed. Her face lit up, and she eagerly reached her hand out again. The dragon responds immediately, stepping closer and rubbing his head against her palm, a low, content rumble vibrating through his chest. Starfania met his gaze—those vivid, moonlight blue eyes that seemed endless.
" I already have the perfect name for him," she said, her voice suddenly confident. Cantina raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but said nothing. Starfania smiled wider. " His name is Atlas."
The dragon stilled. Then his wings shifted slightly, and a deep, approving purr rolled through the air—stronger than before. Cantina's eyes widened, genuine surprise breaking through her composed exterior.
" Atlas," she echoed softly. " What a powerful name."
Atlas lowered his head just enough to rest it against Starfania's shoulder, sealing the bond without words. And for the first time since the night began, Starfania didn't feel like an outcast, or a girl chosen by mistake. She felt chosen on purpose. Starfania beamed with pride, her chest warm as she looked at him.
"It fits him perfectly," she whispered. Atlas answered with a low, rumbling growl that vibrated through the ground, gentle but certain—almost like agreement. The sound made her laugh under her breath. They stood there for a moment, simply existing together, marveling at the bond that had formed so naturally it felt inevitable.
The cool breeze rustled the leaves overhead, carrying the faint scent of ash and night-blooming flowers, a peaceful backdrop to something entirely new.
" Do you think he knows what it means?" Cantina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Starfania glanced back at Atlas, watching the way his eyes reflected the moonlight.
" Maybe," she said thoughtfully. " Maybe he understands more than we do."
As if on cue, Atlas lifted his wings and gave a gentle flap. The movement stirred the air, sending petals and glowing embers swirling upward in a slow, graceful spiral. Starfania's eyes widened.
" Look at him!" she laughed. " He's already showing off."
Cantina chuckled softly. " He certainly seems like he has a personality."
Starfania crouched down so she was level with him, her knees brushing the cool earth. She rested a hand against his chest, right over where she could feel the steady rhythm beneath his scales.
" You're going to be my protector," she whispered, voice thick with emotion, " and my friend. Together, we'll take on the world."
Atlas let out a soft chirp—quiet, almost shy—and something about it felt like a promise. A promise kept not with words, but with presence. Behind them, Cantina's shimmering form began to fade, her edges dissolving into starlight.
Before she vanished completely, her voice lingered, carrying both command and reassurance.
" This is only the beginning," said Cantina. " When the time is right, I will call upon you again. Until then, strengthen your bond. Learn. Prepare. Avalon is counting on you both."
And then she was gone. Silence settled—not empty, but full. Starfania exhaled slowly and turned to Atlas.
" Well," she murmured, " I guess it's just us now."
Together, they turned toward the path leading back to Aeron's place. Moonlight spilled across the land, guiding their way. The cool night air wrapped around them as Starfania's boots crunched softly against the ground.
Every so often, her hand brushed against Atlas's smooth scales, grounding her, reminding her this wasn't a dream. Atlas walked beside her, his immense form moving with quiet grace, matching her pace effortlessly. No rushing. No flight. That could wait. For now, there was something sacred in simply walking together beneath the stars. Starfania found herself talking without even realizing it—about school, about Aeron and Violet, about how strange her life had become, and how scared she still was. Atlas listened. He always listened. Sometimes he responded with a low hum, sometimes a flick of his tail, sometimes just by leaning a little closer. And somehow, that became their thing.
By the time Aeron's house came into view, Starfania felt lighter than she had in years. She smiled, already imagining Aeron's face when he saw who was walking beside her. Whatever lay ahead—dragons, destiny, or darkness—she knew one thing for certain now. She wouldn't face it alone.