" RUN!!! " The wild rush of leaves swirled and twirled, mirroring the frantic movements of the fleeing frames. Hair lashed their faces as the wind howled, the looming danger pressing closely. Their only goal was survival, the flame of desperation burning hotter in their chests. An eerie and sinister chuckle cut through the chaos. From behind, their pursuers raised their voices in unison, shouting. "We're coming for you! There's no escape—not now, never! "
The threat only made them push harder, muscles burning as they ran. Then, without warning, a man with flowing black hair abruptly halted, planting himself between the danger and his family.
" Go!" he commanded, his voice firm. He ordered his wife and child to flee, knowing it was the only way to save them. With a boldness that defied any reason, he suppressed his emotions, hoping this plan would work in his favor. As his family ran on, hope and dread tangled in the air. Fate was already watching.
As his family disappeared into the distance, the man saw his pursuer closing in, relentless and intent on stopping them. Surrounded by tempest, the air becomes thick with despair and the pulse of pounding hearts. His opponent—a towering figure in black dragon armor—moved with equal skill, their blades sparking in a flurry of strikes. Thunderous battle cries reverberated. The armored man wondered why his opponent would choose a hopeless fight. He wasn't going to survive this fight, but he does admire his boldness.
At last, the man with black hair broke through his foe's guard, driving him back with a decisive blow. Raising his sword high in the air as a symbol of his power. But the man in dragon armor did not yield. Instead, he spoke a few sharp words that chilled his opponent's blood. Curiosity piqued, the black hair man demanded an explanation. The reply came not in words, but in sound—a loud piercing whistle. After freezing, the armored man's followers obeyed, releasing the serpentine monster they had kept chained. The chain hit the ground with a heavy clang, and the beast—once captive–was free.
With a piercing screech, it launched into the air, darkening the skies, wings beating with terrible power. The men stared, caught in awe and fear. Even at a distance, its primal gaze felt like a step into the underworld. The black-haired man's stomach dropped. Realized that his opponent was controlling this serpentine monster. The armored man smirked, fully aware that he had unleashed an unstoppable force on Avalon. Steam hissed from the serpent's nostrils, curling in ghostly tendrils. Jagged spikes crowned its neck like a forest of blades, and its outstretched wings consumed the entire sky. When it took off into the sky, it shook the ground beneath the men, some stumbling in overwhelming fear.
As it vanished into the sky, the man in armor threw back his head and laughed—a sound that marked the darker age.
"You wretched scoundrel! How dare you? " the black-haired man roared, voice raw with fury. His opponent only laughed louder, savoring the chaos.
"If you have the guts," he taunted, " bring it."
With an insatiable hunger for power, the two men fiercely launched themselves into another fight. Unleashing their restrained vigor in a monumental clash, blows rained down, and the struggle unfolded with intensity like a raging tempest. And then—silence. One man lay still upon the ground, the game of fate making its next move.
The serpentine hovered, poised to strike. A moment that would never be forgotten. He could almost feel her heart pounding in his chest as thoughts of the gods whispered in his ear. The woman ran on, clutching her baby boy close—his wide eyes full of innocence and fear—and gripping her young daughter's hand. Suddenly, a thunderous roar shattered the already chaotic atmosphere, sending a shockwave of fear through her body. Adrenaline surged, driving her forward. She would protect them, whatever the cost. All she could do was pray the gods were listening.
Just as they approached the forest's edge, hope began to flicker before fate dealt a devastating blow. A massive shadow descends upon them, and the ground trembles beneath them. Terror raced through her veins, but she stood firm, holding her children close. The serpent's eyes locked with hers, burning with untamed power. In Avalon, dragons were worshiped like gods. But this one had been mastered—and weaponized. She turned to her daughter, their shared look speaking more than words. The girl's fear mirrored her own as the serpent's growl deepened, heartbeat by heartbeat.
The woman knelt, placing a steadying hand on her daughter's trembling shoulder. In that tender moment, they shared a silent communication that transcended words. In a hushed voice, she said, " The world is not always perfect. But the memories you create make it worth living."
She could barely comprehend the words over the roar in her ears. But she felt their weight settle in her heart, carried in her mother's steady gaze. Reluctantly, the woman placed her baby boy in her daughter's arms. The separation was a knife in her heart. Tears streamed down her daughter's cheeks as she clung tightly to her brother, the weight of the moment pressing on her chest until she placed a hand over it. Rubbed her chest to undo the tight hold.
Her mother's own heart cracked at the sight. She drew them both into one last, fierce embrace, holding on as if she could stop time. When she pulled away, she gave a trembling smile—bittersweet and full of love. With a gentle push, she urged her daughter back from the looming shadow behind her. It was as if this serpentine monster was giving them a moment to say their goodbyes. Her daughter's voice shook as she cried, " Mommy... please don't do it! "
This was her mother's choice. An ultimate act of love. Her mother turned, meeting her eyes.
" I love you, Starfania," she whispered. Time froze. The serpent's jaws opened, light swelling in its throat. Power gathered like a storm until it burst—an orb of shadow and flame tearing through the air. Starfania's breathing echoed in the forest stillness, her fear paralyzing her as she watched in horror. And then...nothing. The serpentine monster and her mother were gone, swallowed by the shadow, leaving Starfania screaming her name into the darkness.