Guided by a Glow (70)

Aeron's unexpected burst of speed caught Starfania off guard, and she found herself jogging to keep up. The crisp air whipped against her face as Aeron glanced back at her, curiosity lighting up his expression.

" Hey, have you been able to solve the riddle yet? " he asked, his tone both casual and eager. She kept her pace steady, glancing towards him as she said, " I know I only have three days until the full moon. Can you believe it? Only three days left? "

Then Starfania's face lit up tremendously that seemed to catch Aerons attention. " Oh, and do you remember the beach I took you and Violet? I don't know why, but I can feel it–like it's part of the answer to the riddle. " Then she seemed to hesitate on the last part. " I have to meet a dragon. "

Aeron nearly stumbled over her words.

" A dragon?! " Aeron shouted, his wide eyes darting towards Starfania. She simply nodded at his face, not sure how to ease his mind. " Yes, so far, everything I've pieced together leads to this. Even meeting that dragon was part of the deal. "

 He slowed his pace slightly, his brows furrowing in concern. " Why must it be you? How come I can't come with you? "

Starfania stopped walking and gently grabbed Aerons hand so that he turned to look at her. " I'm not sure. It's just… a feeling. You know, like our saying through fire, we find clarity. "

Aeron was looking at Starfania with such softness in his eyes, showing the care he had for her. He spoke in such a whisper, " But what if something happens to you? What if you get hurt or–worse? I don't want to take that risk. "

His words made Starfania's heart clenched, but she forced a reassuring smile, trying to ease his worry. " I'll be fine Aeron. This is something I have to do. "

 Aeron gave her hand a gentle squeeze even though he wanted to protest in the end. This was her choice. All he could do was be there when she needed him, as he gave one last sigh. " Just… promise you come back. "

" I will. " Starfania stepped back, her eyes locking onto him. The weight of her promise hung in the air between them. 

"You have my word, " she said, her voice steady. Aeron nodded, but the tension in his shoulders didn't ease. He watched her for a moment, trying to memorize every detail of her face—the way the light caught in her hair, the determination in her gaze. The clock was ticking, and the full moon was approaching.

 As they reached the gates of the high school, the flames on the land grew brighter as it cast a glow over the campus, bustling with students heading to class. Aeron and Starfania exchanged knowing glances as she said. " I can't believe we still have time to spare before class starts. "

" Honestly, that is surprising, considering we were running late to begin with. I guess running really does some wonders. " Aeron said jokingly, causing Starfania to let out a chuckle. The lively energy of the school enveloped them as they entered the building. Almost immediately, Daniel spotted them from across the hallway and eagerly approached them. Of course, as usual, our little star heart skipped a few beats when she saw Daniel.

" Wow, Starfania and Aeron, " Daniel said with a grin, " it's refreshing to see you both aren't running late for once. "

 They all shared a laugh as she brushed her hair to the side as she greeted him warmly. " Nice to see you too, Daniel! Today is just such a lucky day. "

Aeron nodded, a smile spreading across his face. " Honestly, we don't even know how it happened. "

Daniel's grin widened as he started walking ahead of them just a bit. " Come on, let's head to class before Profesor Shadow starts giving you two lectures for running late even when you're early. "

With a shared chuckle, they fell into step together, weaving through the lively crowd and heading towards the classroom. The light-hearted banter and camaraderies eased the weight of the morning's thoughts, setting a hopeful tone for the day ahead.