The pieces began to fall into place, and then–one final memory crashed over Starfania like a tidal wave. The dream. Starfania was back in the VulcanFire's camp, drawn toward an old, tattered book on the war desk. Its leather cover was cracked, its pages filled with intricacies symbols she couldn't understand. But when she flipped it open, her breath hitched. Nestled within its pages, as if hidden away for safekeeping, was a small glass vial filled with a thick black substance. The poison. Her mind reeled as the realization hit her with a staggering voice. It wasn't just a dream. It was a memory. She had the poison all along.
Upon Starfania's arrival at the Primara Nation, she had instinctively placed the vial on the elegant shelf in her bedroom, unaware of the crucial role it would play. The knowledge sent a jolt of urgency through her. She had to get it. Now. Atlas, sensing her determination, met her gaze with understanding. Without hesitation, he knelt down, allowing her to climb onto his back. Before anyone could stop them, they were off–racing through the halls, her heart pounding with the weight of what was at stake. Gasps and murmurs followed in their wake. As one leader said in bewilderment. " What is wrong with that child? "
She didn't stop. She couldn't. The fate of the dragons–and perhaps the fate of Avalon–depended on what Starfania did next. Lyam appeared utterly baffled, remarking, " Truly, the inner workings of her mind remained a mystery to me. "
Starfania moved forward without glancing back, the echo of Lyam's voice growing faint in the distance. Atlas crashed into the door, sending it swinging open. With a powerful flap of his wings, he ascended gracefully into the sky, and together they soared away, vanishing from view. Below, Vi and Aeron caught sight of their rapid departure. Vi furrowed her brows. " What could be making her rush like that? "
Aeron's brows furrowed in confusion. " I'm not entirely certain, but let's find out. "
With that, they mounted Drogo and swiftly followed, slicing through the sky with ease. Upon reaching home, they landed on the balcony. Without hesitation, Starfania leaped off Atlas and burst through the doors, urgency fueling her every step. She raced to her bedroom, where her eyes immediately locked onto the vial resting on the shelf. She grabbed it without hesitation, concealing it carefully. As she was rushing out, Aeron's confusion was evident. " What's going on? I thought you were supposed to be at the meeting. "
" There's no time for explanations, " she said, urgency driving her steps. With Vi and Aeron by her side, they embarked on a voyage, darting swiftly across the boundless Primara Nation. Time was running out.
Starfania arrived at the doors of the meeting hall and swung them open, her heart pounding in her chest. Without hesitation, she stepped inside, prompting the others to follow. The room was already filled with tension as everyone had gathered around the grand table, deep in discussion. The air was thick with urgency, but her abrupt shattered whatever semblance of order remained. Lyam immediately rose to his feet, his expression darkening with frustration.
" What is the matter with you? Running out of a meeting like that. " he said, his voice laced with irritation. Starfania halted for a brief moment, scanning the room. Every gaze was locked onto her, anticipation and skepticism intertwining their eyes. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. Stay calm. They need to understand.
" I know what you're thinking, how could I run out of this place abruptly but I do have a good reason for it? " Starfania said firmly. Someone scoffed. " How can you possibly defend this? "
Starfania's heart raced as she faced the crowd.
"I'm not here to make excuses," she replied, her tone steadying. "I didn't leave because I wanted to be disrespectful. There was an urgent situation that required my immediate attention."