As Lyam prepared to reveal the grim truth, he felt a tightness in his chest. Fear gnawed at the edges of his resolve, but he forced himself to speak. " Reports indicate that VulcanFire is developing a poison–one designed to infect dragons with a highly contagious and incurable disease. If this is true, then time is not on our side. Once infected, the dragons would be left defenseless, vulnerable to countless dangers. "
A heavy silence fell over the room. The weight of his words settled in, sending a ripple of unease through the gathered leaders. Then, someone finally spoke, their voices with urgency. " Have you managed to obtain this poison? "
Lyam lowered his gaze for a moment, regret flickering in his eyes. " Not yet. "
His voice became steady and unwavering. " My guards are still searching for it as we speak. I know–they will find it before it's too late. "
The weight of Lyam's words pressed down on the room like a storm cloud ready to burst. A poison–one that could bring dragons to their knees, spreading like wildfire with no cure in sight. The gravity of the situation sank deep into Starfania bones, and a quiet dread settled in her chest. Starfania clutched the fabric over her heart, rubbing a small circle in an attempt to soothe the anxious pounding. The role of the Dragon Savior meant she had to protect them, even if it meant standing against her own homeland. The general of the Primara Nations leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the table, his brow furrowed in deep thoughts.
" And you're certain of this information? " he asked, his voice steady but grave. Lyam hesitated.
" Certain enough to act on it, " he admitted. " We may not have the poison in our possession, but the signs are there. Increased movement in VulcanFire's research sectors, supplies going missing, and our spies reporting hushed conversations about an ultimate weapon. If we wait until we have undeniable proof, it may be too late. "
The girl with the flower crown frowned, her green eyes filled with concern.
" But why? " she asked. " Why would VulcanFire go to such lengths? Are they truly willing to wipe out the dragons completely? "
Starfania flinched at the question.
" Power, " Lyam answered simply. " If VulcanFire eliminates the dragons, they eliminate our greatest defense. No more alliances bounded by dragonriders, no more fire–breathing deterrents to their conquest. They would be unstoppable. "
Suddenly, a whisper–soft as a breeze - was caught in Starfania's throat as vivid images flooded her mind, memories unraveling like threads of a forgotten tapestry. Suddenly Cantina said, " The answer you seek has been with you all along. "
Starfania saw herself standing before her father on one of the towers, their conversation abruptly cut short as a guard rushed in, breathless. " Sir, Lyam's forces have launched an attack. "
Cesar's expression darkened as he dismissed her without another word, the moment buried beneath the weight of disappointment. Then, another flash–sitting at a long, opulent dining table, surrounded by her father's most trusted allies. Their laughter rang hollow in her ears as she picked at her food, their words blending into the backgrounds until she caught a single phrase that made her blood run cold. " The dragons won't be a problem much longer. "