With that, Lyam departed, leaving Aeron and Starfania alone, watching Violet and their dragons still playing around. Just as Lyam turned to leave, he paused—as if remembering something. " One more thing."
Starfania and Aeron looked up.
" Katherine sent word." A slight pause — " Your armor is ready."
Both of them blinked.
" Armor?" Aeron repeated. Starfania frowned slightly. " Wait…armor?"
She tilted her head. " I thought she was only making the helmet…"
Lyam gave a faint smirk. " Katherine doesn't do things halfway."
And with that—he walked off.
The space fell quiet again. But this time—it wasn't heavy. It was…meaningful. A pause before everything changed. Atlas shifted beside Starfania—Drogo stepped closer to Aeron. The two dragons exchanged a look—then, almost instinctively—thump. Their tails coiled mid-air in a clumsy but enthusiastic high-five. Violet burst laughing. " They're celebrating already."
Drogo huffed proudly. Atlas gave a soft rumble—pleased. Starfania glanced at Aeron. Then raised her hand—he caught on instantly. Clap.
Their palms met in a firm, confident high-five. A small grin tugged at her lips.
" I'm glad you're coming with me." Her voice softened slightly. " I don't think I could do this alone."
Aeron chuckled lightly. " Good thing you don't have to."
A pause. " We've got this."
Their attention shifted—Violet stood there, watching them. Trying to smile. And succeeding—barely. Starfania stepped closer. " Hey…"
She crouched slightly to meet her eyes. " We'll make sure someone stays with you."
" You won't be alone."
Aeron nodded firmly. " Not for a second."
Violet crossed her arms—trying to look tough.
" I know." An infinitesimal pause—then she added, " Just don't forget to come back."
Aeron smiled softly. " Not a chance."
Starfania grinned. " And when we do…"
She leaned in slightly. " We're telling you everything."
Violet's eyes lit up. " Every. Single. Detail?"
Aeron smirked. " Even the embarrassing parts."
Violet giggled. " Good."
" Because I'm holding you to that."
Starfania stood, taking one last look at all of them. Her team. Her family. Atlas lowered his head slightly—she placed her hand against his scales. Grounded. Ready.
" Let's go," she whispered. Aeron nodded. Drogo spread his wings. Atlas followed. And together—they moved toward Emberforge Armory.