The lab fell into a heavy, suffocating silence. The glowing serum pulsed softly in its containment—hope, fragile and uncertain. Maximilian inhaled slowly. Then turned. " We don't have time to wait any longer."
Starfania's heart dropped. " You mean…now?"
He nodded. " If we're going to save them, we need to know if this works."
All eyes turned back to the trembling dragon. Its breathing was uneven now—short, strained. The black veins had spread further. Violet stepped back slightly. " A-are we sure about this…?"
Aeron clenched his jaw. " We don't have a choice."
Atlas let out a low, uneasy rumble. Drogo's wing twitched, restless. Even they understood.
" Prepare the dose." Maximilian's voice cut through the tension. The scientists moved quickly, carefully extracting the glowing serum into a crystal injector. Every movement was precise. One mistake—and it could kill the dragon faster. Starfania couldn't move. Her eyes were locked on the dragon. This is what my father created…
" Starfania." Maximilian's voice softened slightly. " Stay with me."
She nodded—barely. The room held its breath. The needle pierced through the dragon's scale—a sharp, guttural cry erupted from the creature. Violet flinched. Aeron stepped forward instinctively. Atlas growled—low, protective. The serum flowed in. Silver light…against black corruption. For a moment—nothing. Then—the dragon convulsed.
" Hold it steady!" Maximilian barked. The restraints strained as the dragon thrashed. Its wings slammed against the ground. Starfania's chest tightened. " No…no—"
The black veins flared—then pulsed—then…slowed. The glow of the poison flickered. A weak, broken cry escaped the dragon just before it collapsed. Silence. Heavy. Terrifying. Violet covered her mouth. Aeron didn't move. Starfania's heart pounded in her ears. " Did it…?"
Maximilian stepped forward slowly. He placed a hand near the dragon's chest. A beat. Two. Then—a breath. Weak…but steady. Maximilian exhaled. " It's working."
Everyone froze.
" Not cured," he clarified quickly. " But stabilized."
The black veins…had stopped spreading.
Starfania felt something break loose inside her—relief. Hope. Fear. All at once.
" We bought time," Maximilian said quietly. But his expression didn't fully soften. " Not enough…unless we stop the source."
The walk back felt quieter than usual. No one spoke much. They didn't need to. The image of the dragon—still lingered. Back at their home, the world felt…slower. Too calm. Violet curled up on the couch, hugging her knees. Drogo rested beside her, unusually still. Aeron leaned against the wall, arms crossed—thinking. Atlas stayed close to Starfania. Closer than usual. She sat quietly. Hands resting in her lap.
" It worked," Violet whispered. Starfania nodded. " …for now."
Aeron sighed. " One day left."
The words hit harder than anything else. Silence followed. Not peaceful. Not comforting. Just…heavy. Starfania looked at them. Her people. Her home—in a distinct form.
" We're going to stop this," she whispered. No one argued. Because they had to believe it. The next day came too quickly. The clock was no longer ticking. It was counting down. One day left. Starfania couldn't sit still. So she didn't. Steel rang against steel. Again. And again. And again. Each swing is sharper than the last. Faster. Stronger. Sweat dripped down her brow—but she didn't stop.
" The sword is just another extension of your body…" Her father's voice echoed in her mind. Your body must flow like a river…she moved—fluid. Precise.
But her thoughts weren't. I have to stop him…her blade cut through the air—harder. But he is still my father…another strike. Faster. Her breathing grew heavier. What if I'm too late? She faltered—just slightly. Atlas watched from the side. Silent. Steady. The wind carried through the valley—soft. Alive! Dragons soared overhead. Free. They don't deserve to die…Starfania tightened her grip. One last strike — CRACK. The practice post split clean in half. Silence followed. She stood there—breathing hard. Torn. Daughter or Savior. Her fingers trembled slightly. Then—she steadied them.
" No…" she whispered. Her gaze hardened. " I'll be both."
She lifted her sword again. Not just to fight. But to save.
" I'll save the dragons…" Her voice softened. " …and I'll save him too."
Even if it broke her.