Then reality snapped Starfania in seconds when she realized not only was she about to go to one of VulcanFire camps. They might recognize her for being Cesar's daughter, who was the ruler. There was more at stake in this mission, not only if Lyam finds out she is the daughter of their enemy. There was absolutely no telling what he might do to her and her friends. That was not a risk she was willing to pay. She began to rub her chest in a soothing circle before looking at Aeron with pain in her eyes. " What if someone recognizes us? "
Aeron frowned, sensing the weight of her fear.
"We'll just have to be careful," he replied, though his own voice held a hint of uncertainty. The thought hung in the air between them like a storm cloud. Starfania could feel her heart racing, quickened by the fear of discovery and the potential consequences it would bring. Memories of her father's reign flashed through her mind, moments of power intertwined with danger.
"What if they see us? What if they know?" she pressed, her hands trembling slightly.
She could feel the pressure building, the knot in her stomach tightening with each passing second. Aeron took a deep breath, trying to steady her. Could they really remain unnoticed in a place that thrived on power and recognition? Starfania glanced around, searching for any sign of trouble, her instincts on high alert.
"What if we don't make it back?" she whispered, the vulnerability in her voice breaking through the bravado. Aeron met her gaze, his expression softening. Violet, having overheard the conversation, wasted no time. With a gleeful spark in her eyes, she swiftly leaped onto Drogo's back. The moment their figure rushed towards them, Aeron and Starfania instinctively tensed. They barely had a chance to react before Violet jumped down, landing gracefully before them.
She circled them with boundless energy, her excitement radiating like wildfire, while Drogo wagged his tail enthusiastically, letting out a low, approving growl. Atlas, on the other hand, went back to his rider and nudged Starfania's leg gently, trying to calm her down. As she gently patted his head in a soothing pattern that was slowly calming her racing heart. Violet eyes shimmered with mischief as she finally stopped, hands on her hip. " I have an idea and you don't "
Aeron and Starfania exchanged glances, their curiosity unmistakable. In perfect unison, they asked. " What's your idea? "
Taking full advantage of the moment, she gave them a dazzling grin. " It would be my absolute honor. "
And so she did.
By the time Violet finished, they stood there momentarily speechless. Starfania let out a breath, a mix of fear and admiration twisting inside her. " I don't know whether to be terrified or proud. "
Aeron nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring her own. " I couldn't have said it any better and to think I'm related to her. "
Before they could say anything else, Violet seized Starfania's hand in an iron grip and yanked her to follow. " No time like the presents! Let's go. "
With no choice but to follow, the rest of them fell in line behind her as she confidently led the way through the winding village. The air was thick with the scent of smoldering embers and fresh steel, a sharp contrast to the cool evening breeze. Finally, they came to a halt in front of a massive, weathered structure. Its darkened bricks bore the mark of years spent housing the heat of the roaring flames. A sturdy iron sign swayed gently above the entrance, worn but resilient. Starfania tilted her head back, her voice barely above a whisper as she read the name aloud: " Emberforge Armory. "