Atlas remained still, listening, his breath slow and rhythmic. Starfania could feel the warmth radiating from him, grounding her. " Even though my father started this war, it wasn't out of malice. It was grief that consumed him, not cruelty. He was desperate, blinded by loss, unable to see the suffering his actions would bring. I know he never meant for things to turn out this way… but they did. And now, it's my burden to carry. It's my responsibility to fix the damage that has stained Avalon. "
The fire flickered, casting shifting shadows across the ground, mirroring the turmoil inside her. As she stared into the blade, staring at her reflection looking back at her.
" My father made me an outcast, but I won't accept that. I don't want to be a victim of his mistake. I want to prove him wrong–to show him and everyone that this world doesn't have to be broken. That peace is still possible. " Her voice softened. " And I will find a way to make it happen. No matter what it takes. "
Atlas let out a deep, rumbling breath before gently resting his head on Starfania's stomach. His midnight eyes, filled with understanding locked and quiet strength, locked onto her. Starfania felt a sense of warmth spread through her as Atlas leaned closer. His presence was grounding, a reminder that she was not alone in her fight. "I know it's a lot to take on," she continued, her fingers running through his scales. "But I can't stand by and let history repeat itself. I refuse to play the role of the victim forever."
Atlas shifted slightly, his tail flicking with the weight of her words. He seemed to understand her resolve, as if he was silently promising to stand by her side.
"Every small step matters, even if it feels insignificant," she whispered. "We can start by changing our own paths, one decision at a time. If I can inspire even one person to believe in something different, then it will be worth it."
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, carrying her hopes into the air. Starfania could almost feel the weight of possibility surrounding them, urging her forward.
"Together, we can build something beautiful," she added, her voice gaining strength. "We can be the change we want to see."
Atlas responded with a low rumble, a sound that echoed the promise of solidarity and courage. Their bond was more than companionship; it was a pact, a shared vision for a better future. Starfania straightened her posture, emboldened by the unspoken agreement. "Let's get started then. We have a world to mend."
Soon, sleep overtook Starfania, and Atlas now blanked on a newfound promise of making Avalon a better place. However, not far away, perched on the edge of a cliff shrouded in the night's embrace, a lone figure stood in the shadows. Beside him, his dragon–sleek and imposing–moved in silent unison, their silhouettes blending seamlessly with the darkness. The figure wore a deep emerald bronze with obsidian, its design unique, with a helm that symbolizes a lizard skull with horns on the side. The moonlight barely caught the sharp glint in his gaze as he watched from afar, unseen. For now. He lifted his gaze to his dragon, the creature's sleek scales shimmering under the starlight, reflecting the deep green hues of his attire. Each ridge and contour gleamed like polished emeralds, an extension of his own shadowed presence.
The dragon's piercing eyes burned with quiet intensity, locked onto the distant figures below. As the unknown person smirked, he broke the silence. " Hey, Lutu, looks like we've got some unwelcome visitors. "
At his word, Lutu let out a low, rumbling growl that reverberated through the night air, a sound both primal and commanding. Then, with a sudden burst of power, the dragon unleashed a thunderous roar–one that sent a ripple through the stillness of the night. Its massive wings spread wide, the wind stirring around them as if the very sky recognized the storm about to unfold. The man's eyes glinted with a dangerous excitement. " I couldn't have said it better myself. "
With a swift motion, he leaped onto Lutu's back, gripping the reins with practical ease. The dragon crouched low for a mere heartbeat before launching into the sky, cutting through the darkness like an arrow. The hunt has begun.