As they lingered over their meal, movement on the far field caught Starfania's eye. The unmistakable roar of the dragons split the air as Wildfire High's elite team — Fire Curse — took the stage. Their dragons vaulted skyward, spitting flame and spiraling in dazzling arcs, stunts that left the crowd of students murmuring in awe. Starfania's gaze followed the commotion just in time to see Daniel sprint across the field. The captain's confidence radiated from him—his every stride purposeful, his smile infectious. Spotting Starfania and Aeron on the bleachers, he raised his fist high, a spark of energy rolling off of him that made the crowd cheer louder.
With effortless agility, he vaulted the low fence and jogged towards them. The signature grin lit his face as he teased, " Well, today must be my lucky day. Didn't think I'd have the princess of the kingdom watching our practice. "
Starfania groaned softly, folding her arms. " I really wish people would stop calling me that."
Daniel chuckled at her reaction, then pivoted toward Aeron, raising a hand. " What's up, my man?"
Aeron slapped his palm in return. " Not much. Just the sky."
Daniel laughed, shaking his head. " Classic answer."
He dropped onto the bleacher beside them, his presence filling the space as naturally as sunlight. When Starfania asked what the team was practicing, Daniel leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. " We're gearing up for the Dragon Games. This year's lineup looks brutal, but the Sky Race? That's the one I'm counting the days for."
Starfania's lips parted in surprise. Memories flooded back—sitting with her mother as they watched the Dragon Games together, her mother whispering stories of how the first Dragon Lord and Avalon's leaders once solved disputes through contests instead of war. She'd told her daughter of the Dragon Savior, chosen by the Greek Cosmo, whose bond with dragon and sky shaped the kingdom's legacy.
Daniel's voice carried her back to the present. " The Games have five events, but the Final Confrontation decides the champions. They're not just battles—they're tests of strategy, trust, agility. They show who truly deserve the title Dragon Champion."
His words pulsed with conviction.
" And the prize?" Aeron asked, arms crossed.
" A fat purse of gold," Daniel grinned, " and the honor of bringing victory to your nation. That's the real treasure. Nothing unites people like their champion."
A call from the field cut through the moment. Daniel stood, brushing grass from his hands. " Duty calls. Wish me luck?"
" Good luck, Captain," Starfania replied, her voice carrying more admiration than she meant to reveal. Aeron noticed. Daniel's eyes twinkled at her before he turned and sprinted back toward the waiting dragons, his team roaring in approval as he rejoined them. Starfania's gaze lingered, her heart tugging toward him even as guilt whispered at the edges. Beside her, Aeron kept his expression neutral, though the faintest crease in his brow betrayed the quiet storm brewing inside.
By the end of the day, the weight of Professor Shadow's latest avalanche of assignments anchored them back to reality. Starfania and Aeron paired up without question, weaving their different strengths together until the work was done. By the time the bell rang, they shared the quiet glow of accomplishment. Across the room, Becka and Mira hadn't fared so well. Scarlet Rage's self-proclaimed queens had spent the period whispering about Becka's new " dark magic tutor" instead of working. Now, they scrambled fruitlessly as the final bell tolled, their smug facade cracking into frustration.
Starfania lingered by the door, watching them flail. For a moment, she wasn't sure whether to feel pity or satisfaction—karma had moved swiftly. Her gaze must have lingered too long, because Mira snapped, " What are you staring at, freak?"
Becka leaned back in her chair with a devilish smile. " I told you, Mira—Miss Dragon Lover has nothing better to do than daydream. That, and her little bandaged boy."
The word stung, but Starfania didn't rise to the bait. She turned, spine straight, and left the room to catch up with Aeron. Their laughter from earlier echoed faintly in her ears, a reminder that she wasn't alone, no matter how much Scarlet Rage tried to make her feel that way.