Suddenly, a resonant roar pierced the air, pulling Atlas and Starfania from their quiet moment. Both lifted their heads at once, eyes snapping toward the sound just as Drogo burst through the foliage, Aeron and Violet close behind. The initial startle melted almost instantly into warmth and relief. Atlas didn't hesitate.
With a delightful rumble, he barreled forward and tackled Drogo in a burst of playful energy, the two dragons rolling across the grass in a flurry of wings, tails, and laughter-inducing chaos. Drogo responded with an enthusiastic snort, nudging Atlas with his snout in a way that spoke of familiarity and trust. Their antics filled the garden with joy, the sound rising and falling like birdsong woven with thunder. Starfania couldn't help but smile. Soon, the dragons settled into an easy sprawl across the grass—flicking tails, stretching wings, basking in the sun as though this hidden garden had always belonged to them. Starfania turned toward Aeron, brushing dirt from her knees.
" So," she asked casually, " what day is it?"
Aeron and Violet exchanged a look—then spoke in perfect unison. " Monday."
The word hit her like a dropped stone.
" Monday!" Starfania repeated, her stomach tightening. School.
Before panic could fully take hold, Aeron raised his hands quickly. " Relax, relax. School was scheduled—"
Violet grinned far too brightly. " —but classes are canceled today."
Starfania froze. Then scowled.
" You made me worry about nothing!" She said, crossing her arms, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. Aeron laughed, clearly pleased with himself. " Worth it."
Violet giggled, the sound light and infectious—but something about it felt…practiced. Starfania narrowed her eyes. " This isn't some elaborate joke, is it?"
For a split second, Violet's grin faltered—just a flicker. Then she straightened, putting on that same cheerful mask. " Nope! Promise!"
The moment passed, but it left something unsettled behind. The laughter slowly faded, replaced by the gentle hush of the garden—the rustle of leaves, the steady breathing of dragons resting in the grass. What had once felt carefree now carried a strange weight, as though the air itself had shifted. Starfania glanced toward Violet again. She wasn't laughing anymore. Violet stood a short distance away, shoulders slightly hunched, hands twisting together at her sleeves. Her gaze stayed fixed on the ground, jaw tight, as though she were holding something in—something heavy.
Concern sparked instantly in Starfania's chest. That's not like her. Her eyes flicked to Aeron, who had noticed it too. His brow furrowed, his posture subtly shifting as if ready to step in. Violet's silence was loud—far louder than her jokes ever were. Starfania took a slow step closer. Only then did she notice the small things—the way Violet flinched when a branch snapped in the distance, how she tugged her sleeve down just a little farther than necessary, the faint shadow of something dark beneath the bright fabric. Not enough to see clearly. Just enough to know. Violet caught Starfania looking and immediately forced a smile.
" I'm fine," she said quickly. Too quickly.
But Starfania didn't miss the way her voice wavered. The garden remained quiet, the dragons watching with an almost knowing stillness. And in that silence, Starfania understood something deeply unsettling: Whatever Violet was carrying, she wasn't ready to say it aloud. Not yet.
The sight of the Dark Mark sent a sharp wave of fear through Starfania, her breath catching in her throat. Questions collided in her mind all at once—What happened? Why didn't she tell us? How long has she been hiding this? The laughter from moments ago felt like it belonged to another lifetime. Instinct took over. Starfania stepped closer, her movements slow and careful, as if sudden motion might shatter Violet completely. Her fingers brushed gently against Violet's arm, tracing the edge of the shadowed mark with the lightest touch.
"Violet, what happened?" she asked softly. Violet flinched—not from pain, but from the question itself.
Her gaze snapped away, jaw tightening as silence stretched between them. The air grew heavy, pressing in on all sides. Aeron moved closer too, his voice steady but urgent beneath the calm.
" You don't have to go through this alone," he said. " You can trust us."
Violet said nothing. Her eyes stayed fixed on the ground, shoulders drawn inward, as though she were trying to make herself smaller. The rustle of leaves seemed louder now, almost cruel in its normalcy. Starfania glanced at Aeron, worry mirrored in his expression.
" We won't force you," Starfania said gently, withdrawing her hand but staying close. " If you're not ready to talk…that's okay. We're not going anywhere."
Aeron nodded. " Whenever you're ready. Even if that's not today."
The reassurance hung in the air—no pressure, no demands. Just presence. Violet hesitated for a long moment. Something flickered across her face—fear, shame, conflict—all tangled together. Starfania felt helpless, wishing she could pull Violet out of whatever darkness she was trapped in. She took a slow breath, grounding herself.
" It's okay to be scared," Starfania whispered. " We'll face it together. Whatever it is."
The words were fragile, but sincere. Slowly—so slowly—it happened. Violet lifted her head. She nodded once. They moved to the old stone fountain at the center of the garden. Violet sat on its edge, fingers dipping into the cool water, tracing absent-minded circles as if steadying herself.
The usual sparkle in her eyes was gone, replaced by something older…heavier. Atlas settled beside her, his massive form curling protectively at her back. Drogo mirrored him on the other side, their presence quiet but unyielding. The dragons didn't speak—but they stood guard. Starfania and Aeron remained a few steps away, close enough to show support, far enough to give her space. At last, Violet looked up. Her Violet eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
" There's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice trembling—but determined. " About this mark…and how I got it."
Her hand drifted to her arm, fingers brushing the dark bruise-like stain as if it burned beneath her skin. Starfania's chest tightened. Aeron clenched his fists at his sides—but said nothing. They didn't interrupt. They didn't rush her. They simply listened. And in the quiet sanctuary of the forgotten garden—beneath watchful dragons and tangled ivy—Violet finally found the courage to speak the truth she had been carrying alone.