When they reached Aeron's place, the world felt impossibly quiet. Aeron and Violet were both asleep, curled near where the fire had once burned, their faces peaceful and undisturbed. Starfania's heart swelled at the sight. They were safe. For the first time that night, she let herself truly relax. Atlas slowed his steps instinctively, his movements careful and silent.
Together, they retreated a short distance away, choosing a spot where the grass was cool and undisturbed. The fire had long since died, leaving behind only faint warmth in the stones—proof that the night had moved on without them. Starfania lowered herself onto the grass and lay back, her gaze drifting upward to the endless expanse of sky. The stars shimmered softly, scattered like promises across the dark. A sense of wonder settled deep in her chest. She knew without question that this night would forever remain etched in her memory. Atlas settled beside her, his massive form impossibly gentle.
He lowered his head until it rested against her shoulder, his weight grounding rather than heavy. His white tail—lined with subtle black fins—curled around her protectively, as if shielding her from the world. As crickets sang their quiet symphony and the wind whispered through the trees, a small smile curved her lips. She turned her head just slightly to look at him. For the first time since that incident—since loss, fear, and blood had torn something vital for her—Starfania felt whole again. It was as if her mother had reached across time itself and placed a guardian at her side. No matter how far you go, the thought echoed softly within her, you will always be protected. You will always be loved.
Her eyes fluttered shut, the warmth of Atlas's presence pulling her gently into sleep. Above them, the deep navy of night slowly surrenders to the pale promise of dawn. Starfania drifted deeper into blissful dreams, cocooned in peace beside Atlas. The morning breeze rustled softly, carrying distant voices that brushed against the edge of her consciousness. She didn't wake—couldn't—but somewhere, faintly; she registered a sound.
" Big brother," Violet whispered, wondering, dancing in her voice, " what type of dragon is that? Where did it come from?"
A quiet chuckle followed.
" I…have absolutely no idea," Aeron admitted, sounding just as stunned.
" Wow," Violet breathed. " Isn't it absolutely enchanting? Look at those patterns! They look like the night sky."
There was a pause, then a note of suspicion crept into her tone. " But wait…it definitely wasn't here yesterday. Did she pick it up during some secret meeting last night?"
Nearby, Drogo shifted, letting out a curious huff as he craned his neck toward Atlas. His eyes gleamed with intrigue, tail flicking once as if trying to decide whether this newcomer was a friend, rival, or something far stranger. Atlas did not stir. The sword—still in its pen form—rested close to Starfania's hand, faintly warm, as if aware it was exactly where it belonged. Neither dragon missed it. Drogo's gaze lingered on it for a moment, while Atlas's breathing remained steady, protective even in sleep. Starfania remained unaware of it all—of the questions, the awe, the curiosity surrounding her. For now, she slept peacefully between dragon and destiny, unaware that when she woke, nothing in her life would ever be the same again.