After bidding Katherine farewell, they stepped out of the forge, the heavy door closing behind them with a low creak. The warmth of the encounter lingered—quiet, but grounding. For a moment, the chaos of everything else felt…distant. With lighter steps, they moved through the markets, gathering supplies—bread, fruit, herbs—simple things that felt strangely important now.
Then, without wasting time, they made their way back. Primara transformed. Not slowly—but all at once. Banners bearing the phoenix sigil were raised across the city, snapping sharply in the wind. Messengers rushed through the streets, voices urgent as they relayed orders from tower to tower. At the center of it all stood Lyam and beside him, Starfania.
" Reinforce the eastern permitters!" Lyam commanded, his voice cutting through the noise. Starfania stepped forward immediately after. " Prioritize the dragon sanctuaries—keep them separated and monitored. No risks."
Guards hesitated—just for a moment—then moved. Because whether they trusted her or not…she sounded like someone worth listening to. High above the city—Lyam mounted Lutu, the Seraphithorn's wings unfurling like a storm waiting to break. Beside him—Starfania climbed onto Atlas, his celestial scales catching the light as he rose beneath her. Two leaders. Two dragons. Side by side in the sky. Below—Aeron and Violet moved just as quickly.
" Easy, easy—this way!" Violet called gently, guiding a smaller dragon toward a protection enclosure. Drogo stood nearby, rumbling softly, helping calm the more restless one.
Aeron walked alongside the guards, reinforcing barriers and redirecting panicked riders. " Keep them spaced out! Don't let them cluster!"
They weren't just helping. They were holding the line. And through it all—updates came in waves.
" Their forces are moving faster than expected."
" They've secured another supply route."
" We've confirmed movement near the northern ridge."
Each report tightened the clock. Each one brought the threat closer.
From the outside—Starfania remained composed. Her voice never wavered. Her command stayed cleared. Her posture—steady. But inside—her thoughts spiraled. Faster. Louder. Closer. Three days…What if we're too late? What if I fail?
" Breathe." Cantina's voice echoed quietly in her mind, cutting through the chaos. " Control your breathing, and you control your fear."
Starfania inhaled slowly. Held it. Released. Again.
" Focus on what's in front of you—not what might happen."
Her hand tightened slightly on Atlas's reins. The rhythm of his wings. The wind against her face.
" A Savior does not silence fear," Cantina continued. " She moved through it."
She began breathing more evenly. Her vision sharpened. Her thoughts…quieted.
" We're not done yet," Starfania said aloud, more to herself than anyone else. And this time—she believed it.
The sun hung lower in the sky now—golden light stretching across Primara. It was the second day. And time…was running out. Starfania walked beside Aeron and Violet, their pace quicker now, more urgent. Atlas and Drogo followed closely behind. No one spoke at first. They didn't need to. The question lingered between them—Did he find something? Ahead, the laboratory came into view—its towering structure standing like a last hope against everything closing in.
Starfania's steps slowed—just slightly. Her heart pounded harder with each step forward. Please…let there be something. She glanced at Aeron and Violet. They were thinking the same thing. Without another word, they pushed forward.