As the fire crackled to life, warmth began to wrap around them, pushing back the cold. Lyam pulled out some rations from his pack.
"Anyone hungry?" he asked as he handed out small parcels. Starfania nodded, grateful for the sustenance. Atlas gracefully padded over and nestled beside Starfania, his presence comforting and familiar. Though she had just finished eating and felt satisfied, it wasn't long before she felt a gentle nudge against her arms. Turning to face him, she met a pair of wide, pleading puppy eyes–silent, irresistible, and utterly endearing.
" Alright, alright, " Starfania said with a smile, unable to deny him any longer. She handed him the last bite of her food, which Atlas gobbled up with delight before curling up happily at her side, his belly full and tail softly flicking with contentment.
Meanwhile, Drogo wandered over to Aeron and settled beside him. Without hesitation, Aeron offered him the last of his meal. The two shared it in companionable silence, content and peace under the twilight sky. Lutu, however, was different. Instead of lying down, he simply sat beside Lyam, majestic and alert. But it quickly became apparent that something had caught his attention. His gaze, steady and unblinking, remained fixed on Atlas. Starfania noticed it first–how Lutu's eyes kept returning to him again and again. Atlas, sensing the intensity of the stare, grew visibly uneasy. With a soft whimper, he slowly shuffled behind Starfania, seeking comfort and protection. Starfania chuckled, unable to contain herself at the sheer awkwardness of the situation. The sound drew both Lyam's and Aeron's attention.
" What's so funny? " Aeron asked. Starfania gestured toward Lutu. " He keeps staring at Atlas… and I think it's making Atlas a little nervous. "
They followed her gaze–and burst out laughing. Even Lyam chuckled, shaking his head. " I guess Lutu has taken a rather interest in Atlas. "
Atlas let out a quiet, indignant huff from behind her, causing all of them to laugh even harder.
One by one, they all drifted off to sleep, until Starfania alone remained awake. While Aeron and Lyam were nestled in their sleeping bags, their breathing was slow and steady. Close by, their dragons slumbered peacefully, the night wrapping around them all in a serene stillness. Overhead, the stars twinkled like scattered diamonds across a velvet sky, their quiet presence bringing a gentle peace to the camp. For a moment, the world was still. Unlike the never ending record playing in Starfania mind. As she dreads tomorrow's mission, going against her home kingdom. The one her family had built from the grounds up was now the place she had to stop from destroying the dragon.
Starfania wonders if she can really go through this and fight against her father even if she still loves him. The weight of her thoughts settled heavily on her chest. Memories of laughter and warmth with her family played like shadows in her mind. She could see her father's proud smile as he spoke of their kingdom's strength and unity. How could she reconcile that love with the duty now pressing upon her? The others were unaware of her internal struggle, lost in their dreams and hopes for a brighter future. Starfania rose from her spot, her heart racing as she stepped quietly away from the campfire's glow. She wanted to escape the confines of expectations, if only for a moment. The cool night air brushed against her skin, a refreshing contrast to the turmoil within. In the distance, the soft rustle of leaves whispered secrets of the night. She felt a kinship with the darkness, a comfort in its embrace.