The boy hesitated, his bravado cracking for just a moment. A flicker of understanding crossed his eyes—brief, uncertain—but it vanished just as quickly, buried beneath stubborn defiance.
" That's not my concern," he muttered. " I just want what I came for."
The woman leaned back slightly, exhaling through her nose. This was no longer about armor. It had become a battle of pride. The trio had been watching for several minutes now, silent observers to the unfolding tension. But Starfania had reached her limits.
She despised this—watching someone speak down to another as if they were beneath them. Her usually bright eyes darkened with every word the boy spoke, the warmth in them slowly replaced by something sharper. Before Aeron or Violet could even react, she was already moving. Purposeful. Certain. And when she spoke—her voice cut clean through the room. " Enough."
The single word sliced through the noise like steel. The boy turned sharply, surprise flashing across his face. Starfania had a way of commanding attention—without ever needing to try.
" You think you can walk in here," she continued, her tone steady but unyielding, " and demand it?"
Katherine's expression shifted—just slightly. A flicker of pride surfaced in her eyes. Recognition. The boy's confidence faltered. His fists tightened at his sides, the tension in his posture betraying him.
" Who do you think you are?" he snapped—but the edge was gone. Starfania stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.
" I'm someone who understands respect," she said calmly. " Not just for myself—but for everyone."
Her voice lowered—quiet, but far more dangerous. " You don't need to be a bully to be heard."
The words settled into the room—heavy, undeniable. The boy met her midnight gaze, arms still crossed—but his posture had softened. Then—a voice cut through the room like thunder. " ROMAN GREYSCALE."
Roman froze. Slowly, he turned. The woman approached with a commanding presence—calm, controlled, and absolute. Without warning — THUD. Her hand struck the back of his head, the sound echoing through the shop.
" That," she said evenly, " is what happens when you disrespect."
" You're grounded. Two weeks. No exceptions." A pause. " Outside. Now."
Roman hesitated—but only for a second. The look in her eyes left no room for argument. As he passed Starfania, he paused—just long enough to glance at her. " We'll meet again."
Quiet. Certain. Starfania didn't flinch. She held his gaze—cool, unshaken. And in that moment, she knew—this wasn't over. The woman turned back, her expression softening.
" I'm sorry," she said sincerely. " That's my son."
" That behavior…isn't who he is."
A hesitation flickered across her face.
" I hope you can forgive him," she added quietly. " He's…misunderstood, more often than not."
She turned to the blacksmith. " Katherine…I'm sorry."
Katherine blinked, surprised. The tension in her shoulders eased. Katherine gave a small, reassuring smile. " It's nothing, Savanna."
Savanna exhaled, her shoulders sinking slightly. " Still…I raised him better than that."
Katherine placed a hand on her shoulder—steady, grounding.
" Savanna," she said gently, " you're doing your best. I know that."
" And I could never hold that against you."
Savanna's expression softened. " Thank you."
When Savanna offered payment, Katherine shook her head with a small smile.
" Not from you," she said. A pause—something unspoken passing between them. " I still owe you."
With that, they shared a brief but sincere hug before saying their goodbyes. The soft chime of the shop's bell followed Savanna as she stepped outside, leaving the air feeling lighter. Starfania turned to Aeron and Vi.
"Let's come back another day," she said. They both nodded, and they headed toward the door.