Starfania went quiet. It's heavy, suffocating and quiet. Aeron's question hung in the air, and her chest tightened as she struggled to breathe around it. She didn't know how to answer him—not honestly. Not without exposing the truth she'd been trying to swallow since the moment the sword appeared. Deep down, she knew the truth felt wrong. Why would anything ancient choose her? She was just an outcast—an unwanted curiosity among her own people,—someone the gods seemed to mock rather than guide. Why would a blade of power appear the same day her best friend died? Why would a voice speak through her, calling her a Dragon Savior?
There was no logic. No pattern. Just…fate. Or a cruel trick. Her mouth opened, but no words came. Before the silence could crush her completely, Violet tilted her head with an innocent frown and scratched at her temple.
" What on earth does that even mean?" She asked. Starfania blinked, snapping out of her spiraling thoughts.
" I don't know either," she said, forcing a shrug. " Looks like we'll need to think harder to solve this riddle. "
Violet nodded with exaggerated determination, puffing out her cheeks. The tiny gesture softened Starfania's tension for a moment.
She and Aeron shared a look—an unspoken agreement that whatever this mystery held…it was leading them straight into something far bigger than themselves. Aeron shifted his stance and gestured toward the sword. " Quick question. What's the game plan for that thing? "
Starfania smirked and tilted her head in exaggerated innocence.
" Umm…isn't it obvious?" She teased. " The sword is coming with us."
Aeron sighed, his expression a mix of acceptance and resignation at her antics. " Fair enough."
Feeling bolder, Starfania added, " The tricky part is going to be hiding this sword. If only it could fit into my pockets."
Aeron tapped his chin, eyes sparkling with mischief. " What if we pretend it's a really fancy walking sticks?"
Starfania nearly snorted. " If only."
But mid-laughter, something caught her eye. The blade—now calmer—revealed faint, intricate marking running along its length. They shimmered subtly, as though waiting to be noticed. She leaned in, fingertips brushing the carvings. Curiosity overtook her grief for just a heartbeat. Tracing the symbols, she whispered aloud. " Press the jewel and unlock the revelation of the first enigma."
Aeron raised an eyebrow. " A revelation? Now that sounds like a proper adventure."
Starfania straightened, excitement flickering to life—just barely—within her grief. " There might be more to this sword than we thought. What do you think the jewels refers t—"
Before she could finish, Drogo suddenly moved. The great dragon stiffened, nostrils flaring as a low thrumming growl vibrated through his chest. His wings lifted just enough to rustle the dust on the cave floor. His light brown eyes locked onto the jewel in Starfania's hand—intense, ancient, knowing. Starfania froze. " Drogo…what's wrong?"
The dragon stepped forward with slow, deliberate weight, lowering his head until he hovered inches from the sword. A deep roar—not loud, but resonant—rolled out of him. It wasn't anger. It was recognition. Aeron's breath hitched. " He knows it."
Drogo's gaze flickered to Starfania, and something unreadable passed between them—a message without words. And suddenly her fear snapped loose from its cage.
" I'm scared," she whispered, the admission trembling out of her. " Not chosen…not special. Just scared. Because I don't understand why any of this is happening to me."
Her voice cracked. Aeron didn't hesitate. He stepped close, steady hands bracing her shoulders. " Star…"
Drogo, as if understanding her fear, pressed his warm snout gently against her arm—dragon comfort, rare and powerful. A silent vow from creature to human. You are not alone. The jewel glimmered in response.