Starfania's blade cut through the air again—sharp, relentless, unwavering. She didn't hear the footsteps behind her. Didn't notice the familiar presence drawing closer. Aeron, Violet, and Drogo had arrived quietly—and immediately understood. She wasn't just training. She was running. Without a word, Aeron reached for a spare sword resting against the rack. He spun it once in his hand, testing the weight—then stepped forward. " Need a partner?"
His voice was light. Easy. Like nothing was wrong. Starfania turned—slightly startled—before a small smile found its way onto her face.
" …Yeah," she whispered. " I'd like that."
Their eyes locked, and in the next breath—they moved. Steel clashed. Fast. Sharp. Precise. Aeron struck first—controlled, calculated—but Starfania adapted instantly. She was faster. She pushed forward, forcing him back step by step—yet Aeron held his ground, turning defense into opportunity.
Their movements blurred—a rhythm only they understood. Across the field, Violet sat perched on a bench, watching with bright eyes.
" He's going to lose," she muttered under her breath—grinning. Above them, Atlas and Drogo soared—twisting through the sky, blasting at marked targets in a silent challenge of their own. Fire met wind. Speed met precision. A race. It's a rivalry. A bond. Back on the ground—Aeron lunged. Starfania pivoted—twisted—and CLANG! His sword flew from his grip. Silence.
Then—laughter. Real, unrestrained. For a moment, everything felt normal. A slow clap echoed across the field. Starfania and Aeron turned—Lyam stood there. Violet beside him. Watching. They approached, their dragons descending behind them.
" How long have you been there?" Starfania asked, a hint of amusement in her voice. Lyam's grin widened. " Long enough."
His gaze lingered on her. " I must admit…this is the first time I've truly seen the Dragon Savior."
A pause. " Cantina chose well."
Then his attention shifted to Aeron. " And you—"
His tone sharpened slightly. " You're wasted standing on the sideline."
Lyam folded his arms. " I'm assembling a strike unit."
" A small squad to intercept VulcanFire before the poison is released." His gaze flickered between them. " With both of you…this won't be a fight."
" It'll be decisive."
Aeron stiffened. The offer hung in the air. Then — " I can't."
His voice was steady. But it carried weight. " Violet needs me."
Lyam nodded slowly. " I understand."
" But this isn't about us anymore."
" If VulcanFire succeeds…entire regions could fall."
Silence followed—until — " I'll stay."
Violet stepped forward. No hesitation. Aeron turned sharply. " Vi—no."
She shook her head. " They need you."
" Your bond with Drogo…it matters."
His voice cracked slightly. " And what if something happens to you?"
Violet smiled—soft, but unwavering. " You taught me how to survive."
" Trust me to use it."
That hit harder than anything else. Aeron looked between her…and Starfania. Then at Drogo. The decision was made—he just had to accept it. " You really believe in me."
Violet didn't hesitate. " Always."
He exhaled slowly. Then nodded. " …Alright."
His shoulder straightened. " I'm in."
A beat. " But you stay safe."
Violet grinned. " Promise."
Drogo let out a low, approving rumble. Lyam didn't waste another second. His expression hardened. " Then listen carefully."
The air shifted instantly. " We just received confirmation."
Starfania's chest tightened.
" We know where they're releasing the poison."
Silence. Heavy. Final. " We move this afternoon."
No more time. No more waiting. Starfania glanced at Aeron—then at Atlas. This was it. The beginning of the end.