The words lingered, echoing around them like an uninvited shadow. Aeron knelt beside Starfania, attempting to bridge the gap between their fears.
"We've faced worse than this," he said, forcing a grin, though uncertainty flickered behind it. Starfania nodded, trying to match his bravado.
"I know you're scared," she said softly, "but we have to trust that everything will be alright."
They both wanted to comfort her, yet the unknown loomed ahead, casting doubts they could not shake. The wind rustled the leaves overhead, a soft reminder of the world carrying on, unfazed by their worries. Violet looked up at them, her expression a mix of hope and despair.
"Promise?" she asked, clutching a small charm that hung around her neck, a token of their bond. Aeron felt a pang in his heart, knowing how deeply this moment mattered.
"I promise, little sis," he finally said, sealing the vow with a firm nod. Starfania echoed him, her hand squeezing Violet's reassuringly. And for now, that promise was enough, even if it was just a fragile shield against the uncertainties that awaited them.
Maximilian finally arrived, his presence calm and reassuring as he stepped forward to take Violet under his care. The three of them–Aeron, Vi, and Starfania–shared one last embrace, holding onto each other tightly, savoring the brief but powerful moment of unity. Atlas and Drogo, their dragons, wrapped their tails around them. Shielding them away even for just a moment, allowing them to have a methodical mind. Then, Lyam's voice rang out, resolute and steady: " The moment has come. "
They broke off from the embrace, and Drogo gently nudged Violet, letting her know he will take care of her brother. She gently put her hands on his snout and whispered quietly. " Thank you. "
They climbed onto their dragons. Starfania mounted Atlas, Aeron leapt onto Drogo, and Lyam was still perched on Lutu. They turned to wave goodbye–Vi's tiny figure growing distant as she waved back. As they took to the skies, wings slicing through the winds as they soared above the world below, their spirits rising with every beat of the dragon's wing. The air grew colder, the sun slowly sinking into the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sea. Hours passed in quiet flight, each of them lost in their thoughts, preparing mentally for the challenges against VulcanFire. As the amber hues of sunset bathed the sky, Lyam signaled to descend, saying, " We'll stop here for the night? "
They landed softly on a rocky outcrop, the dragons folding their wings neatly against their sides. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs filled the air. Starfania slid off Atlas and stretched her arms, feeling the chill in the air.
"I could use a fire," she said, looking around for a suitable spot to rest. Aeron dismounted with a grunt, adjusting his gear.
"I'll gather some wood," he replied, scanning the area. He moved swiftly, collecting twigs and larger branches, while Lyam checked on Lutu, giving the dragon a comforting pat on the neck.