The meeting grounds buzzed with activity as soldiers moved between supply wagons and dragons prepared for departure. Despite the tension hanging in the air, there was also determination—a shared understanding that every person here was fighting for Avalon's future. Starfania stood beside Atlas while Aeron adjusted the straps on his armor nearby. Violet lingered close to Drogo, absentmindedly petting his scales while trying not to think too hard about the fact that everyone would soon be leaving. Before the silence could settle too heavily, movement near the entrance caught their attention.
General Salvatore Hart approached alongside Maxmillian and a young girl who looked to be around Starfania's age. Maximilian looked exactly the same as the always-dramatic red coat flowing behind him, like he was entering a stage performance rather than a war preparation.
" Good news," Maxmillian announced immediately, adjusting his gloves dramatically. " Nobody exploded this morning."
Aeron blinked slowly. " That was…somehow reassuring and concerning at the same time."
" Thank you," Maxmillian replied proudly.
Unlike the tension surrounding everyone else, her warm smile immediately made the atmosphere feel lighter. Her dark curly hair had been tied neatly behind her head with a green ribbon, and small dragon-shaped pins decorated the sleeves of her cream-colored jacket. Maxmillian adjusted his gloves before gesturing toward her proudly.
" Since we're all apparently entrusting children with the fate of Avalon now," he began dryly, " I suppose introductions are appropriate."
The girl sighed dramatically. " Father."
Maxmillian ignored her completely.
" This," he said, " is my daughter, Elira."
Elira immediately waved enthusiastically toward the group. " Hi!"
Violet brightened instantly. " Hi!"
Elira walked over without hesitation, completely unbothered by the armored dragon riders surrounding her.
" You must be Violet," she said warmly. " My dad told me about you."
Violet blinked. " He did?"
Maxmillian looked offended immediately. " Of course I did."
He pointed toward her dramatically. " You are apparently the reason Katherine threatened bodily harm if anything happened to this mission."
Katherine, who had just arrived carrying a tool belt over one shoulder, nodded casually. " Still true."
Lyam rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly. " Why is everyone in my nation insane?"
" Because you attract chaos," Maxmillian answered immediately.
" Says the man who wears feathers in a laboratory," Katherine shot back.
" They're stylish."
" They're flammable."
Aeron quietly leaned toward Starfania. " I think I understand Primara now."
Starfania snorted softly. Meanwhile, Elira crouched slightly to Violet's height.
" Katherine told me you like dragons," she said with a grin. " I am the one who helps younger riders and teaches hatchlings proper interaction with people."
Violet's eyes widened immediately. " Really?"
Elira nodded proudly. " I mostly help rehabilitate injured dragons too."
Drogo immediately lowered his head curiously toward her. Elira scratched beneath his jaw expertly, without fear. Drogo's tail instantly started wagging. Aeron looked betrayed. " Wow. He likes you immediately."
" I bribed him emotionally," Elira whispered conspiratorially. Violet burst into giggles. Then Elira smiled reassuringly toward her. " Whenever Katherine gets too busy at the forge, you'll be hanging out with me."
Violet's nervousness eased almost immediately. " Really?"
" Really." Elira pointed dramatically toward the dragon stables further down the valley. " And I'll even introduce you to the baby Skyfang hatchlings."
Violet gasped so loudly that several nearby soldiers looked over.
" THERE ARE BABY DRAGONS?!"
Maxmillian sighed. " And there goes my peaceful laboratory."
Soon after, General Salvatore Hart stepped fully forward, his majestic purple armor gleaming beneath the afternoon sunlight. The atmosphere subtly shifted the moment he spoke.
" I am General Salvatore Hart of the Primara Nation," he said calmly, though his voice carried natural authority. His sharp gaze swept briefly over Starfania and Aeron. Measuring them. Judging them. Yet unlike before—there was no dismissal in his eyes anymore. Only caution. He turned toward Lyam afterward. " Your dragon, Lutu, is fully prepared and awaiting your command."
Lyam nodded once. " Good."
Nearby, Lutu lifted his massive head proudly upon hearing his name, his shimmering scales reflecting gold beneath the sunlight while his wings shifted with restrained power. The Seraphithorn looked every bit like Primara's living symbols. General Salvatore walked alongside Lyam for a few steps before lowering his voice slightly.
" Lyam," he began carefully, " I strongly advise you to allow several of my men to accompany you."
His gaze flickered briefly toward Starfania and Aeron. " No disrespect intended…but these are still inexperienced children."
Starfania stiffened slightly at the comment. Aeron crossed his arms immediately. But before either of them could speak, Lyam answered first. " That won't be necessary."
His response came instantly. Certain. " I will have the Dragon Savior and her companion beside me."
Salvatore studied him carefully.
" Are you absolutely certain?" His voice softened slightly afterward. " The road ahead will be dangerous. I would rest easier knowing additional support stood beside you."
Lyam rested a hand against the hilt of his sword. " I appreciate the concern, General."
Then his eyes shifted toward Starfania. " But I trust them."
The words hit Starfania harder than she expected. Because Lyam didn't say them reluctantly this time. He meant them. Fully. Aeron straightened proudly beside her. General Salvatore eventually exhaled through his nose before nodding once. " Very well."
He stepped back respectfully. " But promise me this—if things go wrong, you send a signal immediately."
His expression hardened. " Primara will not abandon its people."
Lyam gave a firm nod. " Understood."
A heavy silence settled afterward. Because now…the mission finally felt real. The preparations were complete. The eclipse was approaching. And somewhere beyond the mountains…VulcanFire was waiting.