The three of them wandered side by side along the pristine shoreline, their footprints fading almost as soon as the tide rolled over them. The water shimmered like molten glass, each wave whispering softly as it kissed the sand.
The salty breeze tangled gently through Starfania's hair, tugging loose strands across her face, and the warmth of the sun soaked into their skin, leaving behind a golden glow. The world here moved slower—unbothered by time, untouched by worry. Their laughter mingled with the rhythmic hush of the waves, light and unrestrained. Violet darted ahead to collect tiny seashells that glittered like scattered jewels, while Starfania and Aeron strolled a few paces behind, occasionally pointing out odd—shaped stones or sea creatures skittering along the shore. For a few blissful moments, everything felt right.
The hum of the sea. Laughter. The sun. A peace so profound that Starfania almost forgot the lingering heaviness that had haunted her dreams. Then, just as the quiet began to settle deep in their bones, Violet's voice broke the silence.
" You know... " she began, her tone sweet but devious, her violet eyes glinting with mischief. " This would be the perfect spot for a swim."
Starfania blinked, glancing out at the rolling waves. The idea hadn't even crossed her mind, but as she looked at the crystal water sparkling beneath the sunlight, she couldn't help but admit—it was tempting.
" A swim?" Aeron repeated, a faint grin tugging at his lips. " You want an excuse to splash me, don't you?"
" Maybe," Violet said, her grin widening. " But admit it, it's a great idea."
Before they could act, Starfania suddenly raised a finger, mock-serious. " Wait. Not to burst anyone's bubble, but we don't exactly have any swimsuits."
Aeron snorted, gesturing down to his clothes. " She's got a point. "
Even Drogo, lying lazily on the sand nearby, gave what looked suspiciously like a slow, knowing nod. Violet planted her hands on her hips, tilting her head with exaggerated sass. " Honestly, I swear I'm the one using my brain here. You two are hopeless!"
Both Starfania and Aeron turned at the same time, protesting in unison, " Hey!"
The synchronized outbursts made all three of them laugh—the kind of laugh that came from the heart. Violet rolled her eyes and gestured toward the water. " It's not that deep. We'll just swim in our clothes. Problem solved!"
Starfania and Aeron exchanged a look, both shaking their heads in disbelief—but neither could resist her excitement. With a gleeful squeal, Violet bolted toward the water, Starfania right behind her. The two hit the surf with a splash, sending droplets flying through the sunlight like scattered diamonds.
Bone joined them, dipping his massive claws into the shallows and sending playful waves toward the girls, who shrieked and laughed in delight. Aeron, meanwhile, lingered behind. He had dropped onto the warm sand, stretching his leg out in front of him, Drogo's head resting near his shoulder. The dragon's amber eyes half-lidded in contentment, matching Aeron's quiet smile. Starfania, waist-deep in the glittering water, turned toward the shore and cupped her hands around her mouth. " Hey, Aeron! Are you coming or not!"
Aeron raised a hand in lazy acknowledgement, chuckling.
" Just a second!" He called back, his tone teasing but calm.
He leaned back, the soft sand molding to his frame, and sighed contentedly. For a brief instant, it felt like the world wasn't watching them—no duties, no pressure, no dragon's prophecies or ominous dreams. Just sunlight and laughter. He untied his boots, sliding them off and setting them neatly beside him. The sand beneath his feet was hot, soft—grounding. He dug his toes into it, feeling the heat sink in, and looked out toward the horizon. The sight of Starfania and Violet, splashing in the glowing waves with Bone, filled his chest with a strange warmth—something that was equal parts pride, joy, and longing. Then, with a slow exhale and a crooked grin, he muttered, " Alright, you win, Starry."
Starfania looked over her shoulder, smirking. " About time, slowpoke!"
Without warning, Aeron bolted forward, splashing straight into the water. The cool sea crashed against his legs, and before Starfania could react, a splash of water hit her square in the face. She blinked, stunned for a moment—then grinned like a warrior ready to battle.
" Oh, it's so on now!" She shouted, scooping water with both hands and hurling it back. Laughter erupted as Violet squealed, diving behind Bone for cover.
" Hey! Not fair! You're bigger targets!" She protested before retaliating with her own barrage. The playful chaos escalated—droplets catching the golden light, turning the air between them into a sparkling mist.
Aeron ducked under the surface, popping back up just behind Starfania.
" Sneak attack!" He declared, sending another wave her way. Starfania gasped dramatically, whipping around to splash him back. But their laughter began to blur with something else—a rhythm, a pull. Their eyes met mid-laughter, breathless and bright. The world stilled for half a heartbeat; the sound of the waves faded, leaving only that gaze.
Starfania's cheeks flushed faintly, and Aeron's smile softened—not teasing, not mischievous, just gentle. A thousand unsaid things flickered between them in that moment before Violet's voice broke through the spell. " Starry! Aeron! Bone's cheating! He's making waves!"
Sure enough, Bone was flapping his wings lazily, sending ripples through the shallows, his low rumbling sound suspiciously close to a laugh. Drogo snorted from the shore, almost as if rolling his eyes at the antics.
" That's our cue," Starfania said through a giggle, her hands raised in mock surrender. Aeron grinned, still catching his breath. " Yeah, before Bone starts a tsunami."
The laughter slowly faded into soft chuckles as they floated or stood waist-deep, the golden sunset draping them in its warm embrace. Drogo's tail swished lazily along the sand, and Violet leaned against Bone's leg, exhausted from laughter. Then—Bone stilled. His amber eyes flicked upward, scanning the horizon with sudden alertness. The light breeze grew still, and even the waves seemed to hesitate for a moment. Starfania noticed the shift instantly.
" Bone? What's wrong, boy?" She asked softly. He didn't respond, just stared out toward the darkening sky—a low rumble vibrating through his chest.
Aeron followed his gaze, his serene smile faltering slightly. But after a few long seconds, Bone blinked, shook his head, and gave a quiet snort, lowering his massive frame back into the water.
" Guess he saw a fish or something," Aeron said lightly, trying to ease the tension. Yet his eyes lingered on the horizon—and so did hers. For the rest of the evening, laughter returned, but it carried a faint edge—a whisper of something unseen. As the sun dipped below the edge of the sea, streaks of violet and gold painted the sky. The group made their way back to the shore, soaked and smiling, their clothes clinging but their spirits light. Violet yawned widely, trudging through the sand toward Aeron.
" I think…I'm gonna pass out right here," she mumbled, curling beside him.
He chuckled softly and sat down, letting her rest her head against his shoulder. " You had a big day, Vi. Rest easy."
Starfania wrung the water from her hair, watching the two siblings with a fond, quiet smile. The sight of them warmed her heart, though it carried a subtle ache she couldn't name. Aeron glanced up at her through the dim light. " You're heading home, Starry?"
She nodded faintly. " Yeah…it's getting late. But this was perfect. Just what we needed."
He smiled—tired but sincere. " Same time tomorrow."
" Always," she said with a soft grin, her voice gentle against the whispering waves.
Bone lowered his head, allowing Starfania to climb up. Drogo gave a tired rumble as Aeron adjusted Violet gently against him. With one last shared look—quiet, reassuring—they both took off into the night sky. The star shimmered faintly above, its dragon's wings cutting through the twilight, leaving behind ripples of silver light. Neither of them noticed the distant shadow watching from beyond the cliffs—its eyes glinting with silent edges.