More than six months had passed since Starfania last met with Cantina, a day etched vinyl in her memories. That was when she entrusted Starfania with a magnificent white dragon, whom she had named Atlas. Starfania had been trying to focus on forging a bond between them. She has yet to ride on him. She deemed she wasn't ready or that he trusted her to ride on him. Every day, she spent hours with Atlas, learning his mannerisms and feeding him treats that he seemed to enjoy. She would stand by his side, brushing his gleaming scales and talking to him as if he could understand her every word. The way he looked at her, with those intelligent, glimmering eyes, gave her hope that their connection was growing. Still, a seed of doubt lingered. Was she truly the rider he needed? Some days were easier than others.
There were moments when they spoke silently to each other. The air filled with a mutual understanding that made her heart swell. But then, there were times when Atlas shifted restlessly, hinting at his impatience. Starfania would take a deep breath, trying to calm herself, yet the anxiety would creep in. What if she failed him? Despite her fears, a small part of her yearned for the thrill of flight. She imagined soaring above the clouds; the world sprawling beneath her like a painted canvas. But until she felt completely confident, she would remain grounded, waiting for the right moment to spread her wings—figuratively and literally. Each sunset brought her a little closer to that dream, and she was determined not to rush it. And until that day arrived, she would cherish each moment with Atlas, patiently nurturing the bond they were building together.
Yet, alongside this newfound joy, a shadow still lingered in her heart: her strained relationship with her father. After her confrontation with Felix he thought it would be better if she didn't attend any meeting from further out. Even when he noticed Starfania constantly sneaking out of the castle at a certain time. He would watch her from the window, his heart heavy with concern. The moonlit nights revealed her silhouette slipping away, a ghost in the darkness. He wanted to call out, to pull her back and ask where she was going. But pride held him back. He couldn't shake the feeling that the distance between them was growing, even as she found solace in the company of others. Her laughter echoed in the halls, but it felt distant, like a song from another world. There were moments when he tried to bridge the gap—a casual question about her day or a shared meal.
Yet, each attempt felt clumsy, as if they were playing roles in a story neither of them had written. Sometimes, he would sit in the study, staring at old photographs of their happier times. Memories rolled in like waves, their bright smiles captured in the frame seemed to mock his solitude. He wanted to understand her, to reach out, but the fear of rejection paralyzed him. Deep down, he knew he had made mistakes, but it was too late for apologies. The weight of unspoken words hung heavily in the air. Neither could find the courage to start the conversation. Instead, they remained stuck in silence, the distance palpable. Each day felt like a missed opportunity, a chance for reconciliation slipping away.
Suddenly, a resonant roar pierced the peaceful air, drawing Atlas and Starfania from their tranquil game. Their gaze shifted to the sight of Drogo, Aeron, and Violet approaching. Though startled, a wave of joy quickly replaced their surprise, and they greeted them with warmth. Atlas, not one to shy away from fun, tackled Drogo in a playful frenzy. Their gleeful antics filled the garden with laughter, a sound as uplifting as the melody of birds overheard. With a gentle nudge from his snout, Drogo reaffirmed the unshakable bond they shared. The dragons soon settled into frolicking and lounging on the soft grass, their camaraderie a heartening sight. Starfania turned to Aeron and casually inquired about the day.
" It's Monday, " they both said with an amused grin. At that, a jolt of worry coursed through her. School. The realization dawned that classes might still be in session.
Before panic could fully take root, Aeron and Violet reassured Starfania with knowing smiles that school was indeed on the agenda—but only after a moment's pause did they reveal their mischievous twist: today, classes were canceled. Relief mingled with irritation as she scowled at their playful ruse.
" You made me worry about nothing! " Starfania said, her tone laced with mock indignation. Aeron chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction. Violet chimed in with an impish grin, her laughter infectious. Yet suspicion lingered in the back of Starfania's mind. Narrowing her eyes, she leveled an accusatory gaze at them.
" This isn't some elaborate joke, is it? " Starfania said, her skepticism cutting through the lighthearted atmosphere. Their laughter faltered for a moment, replaced by a wide-eyed innocence that only deepened her doubt.
The garden's joyful laughter had begun to fade, leaving behind a quiet hum of rustling leaves and soft dragon breaths. The calm was a welcome reprieve after their playful antics, but something about the air felt heavier, as though a shadow had crept into their light moment. Starfania glanced over at Violet, expecting her usual cheeky grin or playful banter, but she found her standing apart from the group. Her shoulders were tense, her brow low, and her hands fidgeted nervously at her side. Concern flared with Starfania like a spark catching dry wood. Violet wasn't one to retreat into silence, and her withdrawn stance set an alarm bell ringing in her heart. Starfania's gaze flickered to Aeron, who seemed to catch on, his brow furrowed with worry. Violet's silence spoke volume, louder than any words ever could.