Aeron sighed, shaking his head as if to emphasize the sheer absurdity of it all.
" That's the only logical explanation," he said dryly. " One moment—no dragon. Next moment—a dragon just shows up."
Violet frowned, her brows knitting together as realization slowly dawned.
" Wait a minute," she said, eyes widening. " There was a meeting? And nobody thought to tell me?"
She scanned the clearing as if the early morning shadows might offer answers. When none came, she huffed, shoulders slumping slightly.
" I suppose I'm always the last to know, " she muttered, disappointment seeping into her voice.
Aeron didn't miss the opportunity. With his usual sarcasm, he replied, " Oh, we definitely told you. Whether you chose to listen—well…that's another story."
Violet shot him a sharp glare and crossed her arms. " Very funny, Aeron. You know I would've been there if I'd known."
Before he could fire back, her attention snapped forward.
" Hey—!" Violet exclaimed. " She's waking up!"
The warmth of the morning firelight brushed gently across Starfania's face, pulling her from sleep. Her lashes fluttered before her eyes slowly opened, the first thing she saw being Atlas, still curled peacefully beside her.
His long, elegant tail was wrapped protectively around her, and the sight sent a quiet swell of gratitude through her chest. She reached out instinctively, running her fingers along the smooth scales atop his head. Atlas stirred slightly at her touch but didn't wake, releasing a low, content breath that mirrored the calm of the morning. He looked…safe. And somehow, she knew he felt the same with her. When she lifted her gaze, she found Aeron and Violet watching her intently. Aeron smiled, that familiar confident warmth in his expression. " Good morning, Princess Star."
Starfania chuckled, pushing herself up slightly.
" Good morning," She replied playfully. " And judging by those grins, I can already tell you two are up to something."
Before either of them could answer, Violet launched herself forward, plopping straight into Starfania's lap with an enthusiastic thud. Laughter burst from Starfania before she could stop it. It was impossible to feel anything but joy when Violet was around. Aeron laughed too, shaking his head as the moment unfolded naturally between them. As Starfania shifted, her eyes met Atlas's. His sapphire gaze was fixed on both her and Violet, bright and alert now. The simple, unguarded happiness of it made all three of them smile. Violet's awe returned in full force.
" Can I pet him?" she asked, almost holding her breath. Starfania nodded without hesitation.
Violet slowly reached out, her hand trembling just a little as her finger brushed Atlas's scales. To everyone's amazement, Atlas leaned into the touch, gently nudging her hand with his snout. His tail wagged faster, and when Violet scratched just behind his ear, a deep, soothing purr rumbled from his chest. Atlas relaxed completely, eyes slipping shut as his tail stilled, utterly content. Violet's eyes went impossibly wide.
" I've never seen a dragon like him before," she whispered. Starfania looked closer at Atlas then—really looked. She realized Violet was right. She'd never seen a dragon like him either. But she brushed the thought aside easily. She hadn't left VulcanFire since she was five—since the days when Queen Lyria had still been alive. There was so much of the world she hadn't seen yet. There have to be more dragons like him beyond VulcanFire, she told herself. Still, her hand rested protectively against Atlas's side as the thought lingered—quiet, curious, and just a little bit profound.