As the final bell rang, Aeron and Starfania slipped out of the school gates. Just as they were about to part ways, Aeron turned to her with a hopeful glance.
"Shall we walk home together?" he asked gently. Starfania blinked, surprised but pleased by the offer.
" Absolutely," she agreed quickly, then tilted her head with a mischievous smile. " But…would you mind a quick detour first?"
Aeron hesitated only a heartbeat before nodding.
" We can make that happen," he said, his tone warm, eager to indulge her. Starfania's grin widened, her voice bright with excitement "Alright then—let's make it an adventure!"
Together, they fell into a peaceful rhythm. The sun dipped low, painting VulcanFire's streets in a burnished glow, their footsteps in perfect sync. The weight of the day seemed to slip away with each step, replaced by a quiet calm that only their friendship could bring.
"So, where are we headed?" Aeron asked, curiosity tugging at his voice. Starfania's eyes gleamed. "And ruin the surprise? Not a chance."
Aeron laughed, the sound echoing against the cobblestones. It had been too long since he'd seen that spark in her eyes—the same light she used to have when they were children chasing adventures. For a moment, he dared to hope it was back for good. Their conversation flowed as naturally as the fading light—half memories, half dreams, weaving the fabric of who they had always been together.
Their path curved past old shops until it led to a stone bridge arching toward a cave yawning in the cliff-side. Shadows spilled from its mouth like secrets. Starfania paused at the threshold, brushing her fingers over the intricate carvings etched into the rock. The air carried a damp, metallic scent that clung to the back of the throat. Aeron frowned. " What's so special about this cave?"
Starfania's smile softened. " We're here to see someone. An old friend."
As they stepped inside, Aeron's usual calm gave way to unease. Starfania squeezed his hand gently. " If this feels wrong, you don't have to stay."
He exhaled, relief flickering across his face, but after a pause, he shook his head. " No, I want to come."
" Then we'll face it together," she promised, tightening her hold on his hand. The cave swallowed them in shadows, their steps echoing off the stone. The air grew colder as they entered a crystal-lit chamber. Suddenly, smoke curled across the ground, followed by a deep, resonant growl. Both froze as a massive figure emerged.
With an eerier luminosity in the darkness, its piercing eyes shone, while its snarling mouth twisted in a sinister grimace. A metallic dragon stepped from the haze, its body gleaming with a streak of crimson. Its eyes burned through the gloom, and its teeth pulled into a snarl that reverberated through their bones. Terror rooted them to the spot, the sheer size of the beast making them feel impossibly small. The growl echoed again, shaking dust loose from the cavern ceiling. Then Starfania stepped forward. Her fear hardened into resolve.
" Don't be afraid," she said firmly. " Virex Boneflare is not our enemy."
She glanced at Aeron. His grip on her hand was tight, his face drained of color. Starfania drew a slow breath, then lifted her free hand. " Bone…it's me. Starfania. Don't you remember?"
The dragon's glowing eyes fixed on her. Slowly, it lowered its head until its snout hovered just above them. Hot, smokey breath washed over her, thick with metallic tang. Starfania's pulse thundered in her ears, but she held her ground.
" We mean no harm," she whispered. " I only came to see you…though I was forbidden. After the incident that scarred this kingdom."