Starfania turned sharply, her eyes locking onto the speaker. Without hesitation, she asked, " What makes you think he is a monster? "
The man frowned, his stance rigid with disdain. " Because that's exactly what he is? Just look at him! What kind of dragon is he that can cause this much damage with one fireball? He should be restrained for everyone's safety! He reduced our training ground to ashes with his reckless outburst! "
Starfania shook her head, stepping protectively in front of Atlas. " That's not true. Instead: He was scared and upset, not attacking. He never meant to hurt anyone. He's an extraordinary dragon, and he acted out on his instinct. "
The man scoffed. " Why should I care? He destroyed our training grounds and put many lives in danger! "
His words ignited a spark of anger in Starfania, and Atlas responded instantly. A low, menacing growl rumbled from his throat, his midnight eyes narrowing at the man. The weight of his power filled the space, making the onlookers tense in fear.
" Atlas, enough, " she said firmly, raising her hand. Atlas hesitated, the growl fading but his gaze still locked on the man. Starfania could feel the tension crackling in the air.
"This isn't the way to solve anything," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. The crowd murmured, some people stepping back nervously. "We need to find a solution, not let fear drive us further apart."
"Solution?" the man spat, anger flaring in his eyes. "Your dragon is a menace! How can you talk about solutions when we could have lost our best?"
His tone was harsh, but Starfania could see the underlying fear fueling his rage.
"Atlas was trying to protect me," she replied, her voice unwavering. "He saw a threat where none existed. It was a misunderstanding, not an act of malice."
She looked into Atlas's eyes, trying to reassure him as she addressed the crowd. "We can communicate with him. Not all dragons act on instinct; many are capable of understanding."
The man shook his head, disbelief written across his face. "You think words will change what's happened? He should be locked away, not coddled."
He took a step forward, fists clenched, clearly agitated.
"No one is coddling him," Starfania shot back, her patience wearing thin. "We are trying to learn, to grow together. Locking him away will only lead to more fear and mistrust."
She glanced at Atlas, who was still tense, sensing her emotion.
"Please trust me," she whispered to him. Atlas let out a soft huff, the air from his nostrils warm against her skin. The growl was gone, though the energy still lingered. Starfania turned her focus back to the man. "Can we try to work together? Understand each other, so this doesn't happen again?"