Soon, pointed, towering structures came into full view, adorned with intricate dragon statues that seemed to watch the city below with eternal vigilance. Without hesitation, they headed toward it, their pace slowing only as the scales of the place revealed themselves. As they drew closer, the sight before them was nothing short of enchanting. Perched on the very edge of a mountain cliff, the Grand Hall dominated the skyline, offering a commanding view of the vast valley below.
Its strategic position radiated security—a silent promise of protection to those who called Primara home. The magnificent structure, crafted from polished white stone, gleamed brilliantly beneath the morning sun. Above it rose a breathtaking dome crowned with stained glass, where dragons and warriors spiraled together in an eternal dance of fire, sky, and steel. Four towering turrets stretched skyward, their spires piercing the drifting clouds as if reaching toward the heavens themselves. At the base stood an unyielding entrance of the stone, framed by colossal wooden doors reinforced with iron bands.
Flanking the pathway were two statues of Seraphithorn dragons, their carved wings half-spread, poised as if they might launch into flight at any moment. Starfania felt Atlas's presence shift beside her. Climbing the cliff path on foot would take far too long—and the meeting hour was approaching quickly. Without needing to say a word, Atlas lowered himself. Drogo did the same. Aeron offered Starfania a reassuring look. " Ready?"
She nodded. Moments later, they mounted their dragons. Atlas leapt first, powerful wings unfurling in a sweep of starlit blue as he carried Starfania skyward. Drogo followed close behind, Violet seated securely behind Aeron.
The two dragons climbed in tandem, never straying far from one another—just as their riders had promised. They would not leave her side. Wind rushed past them, cool and sharp, carrying the scent of stone and high air. The city shrank below until only rooftops and banners remained, and then the cliffside plateau came into view. Atlas descended gracefully, his wings slicing through the air with effortless precision as he landed before the Grand Hall. Drogo touched down moments later, the ground trembling faintly beneath his weight. Atlas folded his wings neatly, sapphire eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet vigilance. Starfania slid from his back and turned to Aeron and Violet.
" I'll see you later," she said, trying to sound steadier than she felt. Violet frowned. " Are you sure—"
" It's alright," Starfania reassured her gently. " This part…I think I have to face it alone."
Aeron studied her for a long moment before nodding. He understood.
" We'll be nearby," he said. " If you need us."
Drogo launched back into the air, Violet gripping securely behind him as they circled away from the platform. As they disappeared into the sky, an uneasy sensation crept over Starfania's chest, tightening like an invisible chain. A shadow of dread settled over her—a quiet, foreboding whisper that this gathering was far more than political strategy. It felt personal. As if the outcome might shape not just Avalon's future…But her own existence. Her fingers instinctively rose to her sternum, rubbing slow circles over the fabric of her clothing—a nervous habit she could never quite control when her thoughts tangled in knots. The weight of her role pressed down on her. Dragon Savior. Protector of Avalon. Even if that meant standing against VulcanFire.
Against home. Against her father. She drew in a steady breath as the enormous doors loomed closer. Whatever they said inside…She had to be ready. Suddenly—a sharp metallic clang shattered the quiet. A sword struck a stone. " STOP RIGHT THERE!"
Starfania froze. A guard stood ahead, posture rigid, weapon now raised in both hands as his piercing gaze locked onto her. Atlas stepped forward instantly, placing himself slightly between them. Starfania swallowed the surge of tension and forced herself to remain calm.
" What seems to be the problem, sir?" she asked, her voice steady despite the pounding in her chest.
" You do not possess the necessary authorization to be here," the guard replied coldly. " Descend at once. Only our leader, Lyam, and his designated allies are permitted."
Starfania lifted her chin, meeting his stare without flinching.
" I received a personal invitation from Lyam himself," she said. " He requested my presence."
The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked her over from head to toe, skepticism written plainly across his face. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword. Behind her, Atlas released a low, rumbling growl—not loud, but deeply threatening. A warning. Touch her, and you will regret it. The air grew heavy. After a long moment, the guard exhaled sharply, loosening his stance just enough to show he wasn't about to strike. Then he let out a short, condescending chuckle.
" Are you serious?" he said. " Why would Lyam invite a child to a council meeting?"
Heat flared behind Starfania's eye, but her voice remained controlled.
" I am no child," she replied firmly. The guard scoffed openly.
" You?" He shook his head. " This isn't some game for children to pretend to be heroic. This is a matter of state."
Atlas' tail lashed once against the stone. Starfania stood her ground. She would not be dismissed. Not today. Not when the fate of Avalon—and VulcanFire—hung in the balance.