Once Cantina's presence faded, Lyam turned sharply to his men. The relief on his face vanished, replaced by command.
" Everyone," he said, his voice carrying across the training grounds, " you will apologize. Now."
The soldiers stiffened.
" To Starfania," he continued, gesturing toward her, " And to her dragon, Atlas."
A murmur rippled through the group, hesitation thick in the air. One by one, they stepped forward—some awkward, some stiff, others clearly uncomfortable—but each offered an apology. Atlas watched them closely, his massive frame still and imposing, sapphire eyes unreadable. When the last apology was given, Lyam's gaze shifted. It landed on the man. The one who had drawn his sword. Lyam's expression hardened into something cold and unforgiving.
" Darius Halvenrock," he said, using the man's full name. Darius flinched.
" Your actions were unacceptable," Lyam continued. " Regardless of what you believe, you do not attack a guest—let alone someone under my authority—without a valid reason. Doubting her title does not excuse violence."
Darius clenched his jaw but said nothing.
" As punishment," Lyam went on, " you will clean the dragon barracks for one week. Alone."
" Yes, sir," Darius muttered.
He turned and walked away immediately, shoulders tense, never once looking back at Starfania—humiliation clinging to him heavier than armor. With that settled, Starfania lowered her gaze to the sword in her hands. Within the gem, Cantina gave a small, approving bow. Then she faded. The light dimmed, leaving only a soft, residual glow within the deep-blue crystal. Lyam released a long breath, some of the weight finally lifting from his shoulders. He turned toward Starfania, studying her anew.
" Who would have thought," he said quietly, disbelief threading his voice, " that the Dragon Savior would be a normal teenage girl."
Starfania let out a nervous chuckle. " Haha…you can say that again. I still can't wrap my head around being this so-called Dragon Savior myself."
Now fully aware of who she was, Lyam straightened and offered a respectful nod. " Allow me to reintroduce myself properly. I am Lyam, leader of the Primara Nations."
He bowed his head slightly. " We have awaited the return of the Dragon Savior since the Battle of Endorse. It is an honor to house you once again."
Amused by the sudden formality, Starfania smiled. " Starfania is just fine. You don't have to be so formal with me."
Lyam's expression softened. " I understand."
He extended his hand. Starfania hesitated only long enough to glance at her friends. Aeron gave her an encouraging nod, Violet smiled warmly, and Atlas lowered his head slightly—his eyes telling her we're here. Taking a steadying breath, she reached out and shook Lyam's hand.
" It's nice to meet you too. You know not behind bars and all." She said his grip was firm and reassuring, and for a moment she felt something unfamiliar settled in her chest—not fear, not pressure, but possibility. After releasing his hand, she turned and gestured toward her companions. " Allow me to introduce my friends. The gentleman in the navy-green sweater is Aeron, and beside him is his lovely sister, Violet."
Aeron stepped forward and shook Lyam's hand. " I'm Aeron. The one you also had in the cell."
Lyam chuckled awkwardly. " Yeah…about that. It's a pleasure to meet you. Outside the cell."
Violet gave a small wave, and Lyam returned it with a polite smile.
" Come," Lyam said at last, turning back to Starfania. " I'll show you where you'll be staying."
They had only taken a few steps when Aeron suddenly stopped.
" Wait!" he said, brows furrowing. " Before that—where's my dragon? Drogo?"
Lyam blinked, then nodded. " Your dragon? Of course. Follow me."
He turned and led the way. They walked for some time, the path winding deeper into Primara's inner grounds—when suddenly, a blur of motion streaked overhead. A dragon zipped past them, swift as lightning. Atlas reacted instantly. With a powerful leap and a thunderous beat of his wings, he launched himself after the smaller dragon, a low, excited roar escaping his throat as he gave chase through the open sky above them.