Starfania jolted awake, a primal horror tearing through every nerve. Sweat clung to her skin as her breath came in sharp, shallow gasps. Each inhale tightened her chest until she pressed a hand over her heart, rubbing in a desperate attempt to ease it. In the depths of the night, she faced an uninvited guest. Her heart pounding in her ears, fear and anguish closing around her like a net. Memories she had buried clawed their way back, sharper than ever: the day her mother died, the weight of loss she had tried so hard to push down. The door creaked open, spilling a sliver of light into the room. A woman with silver hair and milk chocolate skin, reading glasses perched on her nose. Concern softened her features as she asked, " Miss Starfania, are you alright? I heard you crying and came as quickly as I could. "
" Thank you for your concern, Ren. It was just... a nightmare. " Starfania said, her voice still taut. Ren's gaze softened further. Without a word, she crossed the room and pulled Starfania into a steady, grounding embrace.
" Everything will be fine," Ren murmured. " You don't have to go through this alone."
" No, Ren... " Starfania's voice was low, heavy with exhaustion. " It's like I'm trapped in a loop—my mother's death, my brother's disappearance, my father's pain. It's...unbearable."
Ren held her a moment longer, then said softly, " The past can hurt, my dear. But it's how we face it that allows us to move forward."
The words broke through Starfania's despair, a small spark of hope flickering to life. Their eyes met, and in Ren's gaze she found understanding. A comforting warmth spread through her chest that finally eased the pain in her chest. Her hand fell away as it was no longer needed. Pulling back, Starfania studied her. "Did my father send you?"
Ren nodded. " He wants to see you at the Volcanic Field."
She gave Starfania one last reassuring squeeze before slipping out to continue her duties. Left alone, Starfania sat in silence, Ren's words still echoing. Curiosity—and unease—twisted in her stomach. She rose from bed, determination settling over her. Whatever her father wanted, it was time to face it.
Starfania sighed as she pulled on her white boots, the weight of the day settling over her. Taking a deep breath, she opened her bedroom door. Clad in a sleek black leather jacket over a crisp white T-shirt and stylish long blue jeans, securing her midnight hair in a black-and-white striped headband in a ponytail. The palace walls rose beside her, lined with towering pillars etched with intricate dragon designs that seemed almost alive in the light. At the grand staircase, nostalgia tugged at her—a memory of her mother warning her against what she was about to do. She ignored it. Launching herself onto the railing, she slid down with practiced ease, flipping backwards at the end and landing in perfect style.
Outside, she crossed the palace yard to the grand red door. With a gesture, Starfania signaled the guard to let her pass. The guard moved with purpose, unveiling the entry to the kingdom she called home- Vulcanfire. She stepped forward, taking in the changed landscape. In the distance, a powerful volcano stood proudly, casting a shadow over the surrounding terrain. Rivulets of molten lava gracefully slowed down the hill, it cast an enchanting glow on the abyss beneath. The ground itself burned with scattered veins of flame, a reminder of the kingdom's power and resilience. The architect's scenery perfectly reflected the volcanic environment. Imposing structures, meticulously designed, rose gracefully from the ground, creating a stunning combination of vibrant black and fiery red. A few of these structures showcased subtle hints of the passage of time, revealing traces of withering.
The sight of the dragons' suffering struck Starfania like a blade. Once worshiped here—partners to the people—they were chained and beaten, forced into servitude. This abuse caused the land of Vulcanfire to become a land of ash. The dragon's power was immense, once bringing life to the land. Now, their hope began to diminish along with the surrounding land. Some dragons lay battered and near death, their proud eyes dulled by fear. Watching them cower under blows was like watching the soul of the land itself break. It was hard to reconcile the cruelty she saw with the truth she knew—that not all dragons were malicious. She remembered the one that had taken her mother, and how it paused to let them say goodbye.
To condemn an entire species for one act was no different than blaming all humans for the sin of a few. That incident occurred many years ago and yes, it still plagues Starfania's mind. While her father took a different approach to the situation as his attitude shifted to the dragons. Once kind to them, their involvement in his wife's death made his heart turn cold. He could no longer see the dragon beyond the single devastating event. Starfania, however, remembered her mother's words—to protect those in need. She wanted to heal the pain on both sides of the coin.
The Grand Volcanic Field rose before her, its colossal dome still stealing her breath after all these years. A ring of tall metal posts encircled it, painted in VulcanFire's colors—red and black—a symbol of both protection and pride. With each step down the dimly lit ramp, the smooth gray surface beneath her feet. Guiding her toward the heart of the field. As her eyes adjusted, a figure emerged from the shadows–tall, commanding, every detail of his dark hair and sharp features perfectly in place. Crimson and ebony armor covered him, gleaming in the low light. He wore no helmet; his skill and confidence made such protection unnecessary.