The morning air of Primara was cool and crisp as the three of them stepped outside. Violet stood waiting near the path that led toward the Great Hall, Drogo beside her like a quiet mountain of scales and folded wings. Atlas stood a little apart, watching the sky for a moment before lowering his head slightly when Starfania appeared. Violet glanced between the two of them.
" Took you long enough," she teased lightly. Aeron shrugged. " Important discussion."
Starfania gave Violet a small smile as she stepped beside Atlas, running her hand briefly along the dragon's neck. That familiar touch grounded her. Then the four of them began walking. The streets of Primara were alive with quiet activity—merchants setting up stalls, guards changing posts, citizens moving through the wide stone avenues. The towering spires of the Great Hall rose ahead of them, their banners shifting in the morning wind. Violet walked slightly ahead before glancing around. Then she lowered her voice. " Hey…I just thought of something."
Aeron raised an eyebrow. " That sounds dangerous."
But Violet wasn't smiling. " What if someone recognizes you as the daughter of Cesar?"
The words struck like ice. The world didn't stop around them—people still moved, carts rolled by, distant conversations carried on the breeze. But between the three of them…Everything went still. Starfania hadn't even thought that far ahead. Her steps slowed slightly. Starfania hadn't even thought that far ahead. Her steps slowed slightly. The possibility hit her all at once. Not as a Dragon Savior. Not as an ally of Primara. But as the daughter of the ruler of VulcanFire. Her heart began to pound in her chest. What if they didn't see? What if they saw leverage? A weakness. Or worse—a target. Violet continued quietly, her expression serious now.
" You know how powerful your lineage is," she said. " There are people who would use that against you."
Starfania glanced between them. Aeron's jaw tightened. Even he hadn't considered that angle fully. The realization hung between them like a gathering storm.
" How do I protect everyone…" Starfania asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. " …if I'm the one in danger?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy with uncertainty. Violet slowed her pace slightly until they were walking shoulder to shoulder.
" I don't have all the answers," she admitted gently. Then she reached out and briefly squeezed Starfania's arm. " But we'll stand together."
Her voice steadied with quiet determination. " No matter what happens."
Aeron nodded beside them.
" Anyone comes after you," he added, " they'll have to deal with us first."
Atlas gave a low rumble of agreement. Drogo's wing shifted with a soft rustle. The tension eased just slightly. Starfania exhaled slowly, trying to push away the rising knot in her chest. Then, attempting to lighten the mood even a little, she muttered with a faint smirk, " I still wonder how Cantina plans to hide my last name Night from literally everyone in Avalon."
Aeron blinked. Violet tilted her head. " Well…that's a fair question."
For a split second, nothing happened. Then a familiar voice slid through Starfania's thoughts like a whisper carried on the wind. Smooth. Amused. I have my ways.
Starfania nearly stumbled. Cantina's voice continued calmly inside her mouth. You just focus on what you're about to learn at this meeting. Starfania blinked twice, recovering her balance. Aeron noticed immediately. " You okay?"
She nodded quickly, though her eyes carried a flicker of surprise.
" Yeah," she drawled. Then under her breath she muttered, " Apparently…Cantina has it handled."
Violet raised an eyebrow. " Handled how?"
Starfania gave a small helpless shrug. " No idea."
Inside her mind, Cantina chuckled softly.