Starfania couldn't help but grin and shake her head in disbelief. But with time ticking and their mission looming ever closer, she didn't waste another second. She hurried to the dressing room, heart pounding with anticipation. Slipping into the armor felt surreal. The fit was perfect, as if it had been molded to fit her alone. The moment she fastened the final clasp and lowered the helmet over her head, she felt transformed–stronger, bolder, as though she was stepping fully into the role destiny had carved her. When she finally stepped out, silence fell over the room. She was met with a collective gasp of astonishment. All eyes were on her, wide with awe, as mouths dropped in stunned silence. Even Aeron, who rarely seemed speechless, blinked as if trying to process what he was seeing.
The armor shimmered beneath the soft workshop, light–silver and blue catching every glint, the insignia of the Dragon Savior gleamed proudly on her chest. The winged helmet framed her face like a crown of lights and shadow, and in that moment, she felt like the Dragon Savior she was destined to be. Even the sword she had been given stood proudly around her waist. Vi broke the silence, breathless and full of wonder. " You…you look incredible, Star. "
Katherine beamed with pride, eyes misty. " You wear it like it was made for you–which it was. "
Aeron smiled slowly, and she saw something shift in his eyes–respect, admiration, and something deeper she couldn't quite place.
" Now that, " he said, his voice low with awe, " is the armor of a true protector. "
Starfania stood tall, letting the weight of their words settle in her chest. No more doubts. No more hesitation. This was who she was destined to be.
In a matter of minutes, they arrived at the appointed meeting place, where Lyam stood waiting. As their dragon claw touched the ground, a lush mist curled around them, casting an ethereal veil that drew the attention of everyone nearby. Amid the murmuring crowd, Lyam caught sight of them and raised his hand in greeting, a welcoming smile spreading across his face. Starfania dismounted from Atlas, the weight of her armor solid and empowering, yet not burdensome. It shimmered under the golden kiss of the sun–an exquisite blend of light silver and blue hues, elegant yet formidable. Fastened securely to her waist, her sword awaited its time to strike with purpose. The wing–shaped front of her helmet, a custom request Katherine had fulfilled, framed her face like a crest of valor. Starfania remembered her words: She could close the wing–like a portion to conceal her identity in times of danger or uncertainty.
Every step Starfania took made the engraved designs rippled in the light, as if the armor itself breathed with ancient magic. Lyam approached, his own armor clinking softly with each confident step. His sword hung at his side, his eyes sharp with readiness. He studied Aeron and Starfania, nodding with approval.
" Well, I must admit, " he said with a grin, the two of you look more than ready for what lies ahead. "
His tone carried a blend of pride and urgency. He glanced at their gear once more, his eyes lingering on the details. " I see the armor I had commissioned for you suits you well. "
Starfania turned slightly to admire it again, unable to process that this was really her armor. " It's truly stunning. Katherine really did an awesome job on this. "
Lyam gave a firm nod. " It'll protect you against the strongest strikes. Wear it with pride, Dragon Savior. "
Aeron flexed his arms with a grin. " It's more comfortable than it looks, honestly. I expected it to feel like a furnace, but it moves with me. "
Lyam chuckled, appreciating Aeron's light-heartedness. "That's what we aimed for. Armor should be as much about mobility as it is about protection."
He stepped closer, placing a hand on the hilt of his own sword. "The last thing you want in battle is to feel weighed down by your own gear."
Starfania adjusted her stance, the weight of the armor feeling reassuring. "I've never felt so equipped. It's like a second skin."
Her confidence surged. The proper task ahead weighed on her mind, but this moment felt empowering.
"Exactly," Lyam encouraged. "Each piece is designed to amplify your strengths. Trust in it, as you trust in each other."