She stepped closer to the wall, brushing aside the wildflowers clinging to the ancient stone. A narrow gap revealed itself—barely wide enough to pass through, easily missed by anyone who didn't know it was there. Starfania slipped in first, turning sideways as the rough stone scraped lightly against her sleeves.
Atlas followed close behind, careful and silent, his presence a steady reassurance at her back. Aeron and Violet squeezed through last, the thrill of secrecy buzzing beneath their nerves. The moment they emerged on the other side, the atmosphere changed. The garden breathed. Vibrant color spilled across the forgotten space, wild and untamed, as though nature itself had claimed sanctuary here. Sunlight filtered gently through broken arches and twisted branches, illuminating overgrown paths and stone statues half-swallowed by ivy and moss. Time had not destroyed this place—it had protected it. Starfania stopped, her breath catching.
" It's…more alive than I remembered," she whispered, reverence softening her voice.
Violet knelt beside a cluster of blooming flowers, their colors rich and their scent sweet. She inhaled slowly, eyes widening.
" It's beautiful," she said, glancing up at Starfania with quiet awe. Starfania rested her hand on Atlas's head, her fingers brushing over his smooth scales as she met his gaze.
" This is your home now," she whispered. Atlas answered with a low, content rumble, gently nudging her palm as if sealing the promise. They moved deeper into the garden, their steps crunching softly through overgrown foliage. Wildflowers burst through cracks in the stone, ivy braided itself around pillars and walls, and the air carried the weight of history woven with life. Atlas lingered slightly behind, eyes curious, absorbing every detail.
Then Starfania stopped. Half-hidden beneath cascading ivy sat an old stone bench. Her family crest was carved into its surface. The world tilted. Her breath caught sharply as a shockwave of emotion tore through her. Starfania froze, chest tight, vision blurring as memories surged forward without mercy. Her mother's laughter echoed in her ears—warm, bright. She could see her kneeling in the soil, hands gentle yet strong as she planted flowers with care. Sunny afternoons flooded back, filled with shared smiles, whispered secrets, and quiet joy. She squeezed her eyes shut, but the memories clung to her like shadows. The scent of fresh earth filled her lungs. She could almost feel her mother's arms around her, the way they had always made everything feel safe.
Every bloom in the garden had once been touched by love. Every stone had heard laughter. It was beautiful. And unbearable. Starfania struggled to breathe, grief tightening its grip as joy and sorrow twisted together in her chest. She forced herself to inhale slowly, grounding herself, knowing she couldn't disappear into the past—not now. Aeron noticed immediately. He stepped closer without a word and gently pulled her into his arms. His embrace was steady, warm—real.
" It's okay, Star," he whispered. " The day you lose someone, it feels like the world stops. But the day after…when they're not there for the insignificant moments—that's when it hurts the most."
She leaned into him, her breath shaking.
" I didn't think I'd feel this lost," she whispered. Aeron tightened his hold just slightly.
" That's because love doesn't leave when they do," he said. " It just changes shape."
A tear slipped free, and she wiped it away quickly. " I keep expecting to hear her voice. To see her smile. But it's just…silence."
He nodded, understanding that words couldn't fix it. " You'll carry her with you. In your memories. Who you are. That never fades."
Starfania looked up at him, searching his eyes. " But how do I move forward when it feels this heavy?"
" One step at a time," Aeron replied gently. " You don't have to be strong all at once. It's okay to feel this."
She exhaled slowly, a fragile sense of steadiness returning.
" Thank you," she whispered. " For staying."
" Always," he answered without hesitation. " You're not alone."
Nearby, Atlas watched silently. His midnight-blue eyes held an understanding deeper than words—ancient, patient, unwavering. He sensed the grief still woven through Starfania's heart, not as a weakness, but as a proof of love. And he did not turn away. Violet, unable to sit still for long, lightly nudged Atlas's side with a playful grin.
" Hey, big guy," she whispered conspiratorially, " bet you can't catch us."
Atlas blinked, then tilted his head—curious. Drogo, already sensing mischief, flicked his tail and let out an eager chirp. That was all the invitation Violet needed. She darted off through the tall grass with a laugh, Drogo bounding after her in a burst of energy. For a split second, Atlas hesitated.
Then, with a soft rumble that sounded suspiciously like amusement, he pushed off the ground and followed—careful at first, then faster, wings half-spread as he moved in a long, graceful stride. Leaves scattered, flowers bent, and laughter echoed through the forgotten garden as dragon and girl disappeared between the overgrown paths. The sound of joy lingered behind them. After a moment longer in Aeron's embrace, something shifted in his expression. His brows knitted together as a realization struck him.
" Wait," he whispered, pulling back just enough to look at her. " Does your father know about this place?"
Starfania's heart sank. She shook her head slowly.
" No," she admitted. " He hasn't set foot here…since my mom died."
The words felt heavier than she expected.
" He doesn't come here anymore," she continued, her gaze drifting across the garden. " He didn't want anything to do with this part of our lives after she was gone."
Aeron followed her line of sight—the bench, the flowers, the quiet beauty preserved in neglect. The silence between them deepened.
" What if he found out?" Aeron asked gently. Starfania shivered, hugging her arms around herself.
" I don't know," she whispered. " He's still drowning in his grief. I don't want to reopen wounds that never healed."
They stood there together, the serenity of the garden clashing with the weight of what it represented. A place of love. A place of loss. Aeron wanted to tell her everything would be okay—but even he knew some truths didn't bend so easily. Then laughter broke through the heaviness.
Violet's voice rang bright and carefree as she raced past the far side of the garden, Atlas following her in a wide, playful arc while Drogo zipped between them, clearly determined not to be outdone. The sight drew an involuntary smile to Starfania's face. She sank down onto the soft grass, exhaling slowly. Aeron joined her, stretching out beside her as they lay shoulder to shoulder, gazing up at the open sky. Clouds drifted lazily overhead, their shapes shifting with no urgency at all. The warmth of the sun settled over them, birdsong weaving through the air, and for just a moment, the world felt gentle. Starfania watched the sky, her thoughts quieter now. This place was still alive. And maybe—just maybe—so was hope.