Guided by a Glow (78)

As the silence between them lingered, she took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking.

" Aeron, " she said, her voice steady but laced with a hint of apprehension, " each day as the full moon draws closer, the sword reacts more strongly. It's as if it's alive, attuned to the challenge I'm meant to face in just three days. "

His expression shifted, his eyes widening slightly as the weight of the words settled over him. She could see the wheels turning in his mind, the furrow of his brow a clear reflection of the gravity he now understood. Stepping closer, she placed a hand on his shoulder.

" Aeron, I'll be okay, " she said, her voice calm and steady. " I know this sounds dangerous, and it is. But I promise you, I've thought this through. I will take every step to protect myself. "

 Relief flickered across his features, tentative but genuine. His lips curved into a small, trusting smile, and she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. He chuckled and teased, " Well, look at you– a real princess! You don't have to be so formal with me. "

Without hesitation, she smacked him on the back of the head, earning a starting yelp.

" Why did you do that? " he said, clutching the spot in mock pain. Barely able to contain her laughter, she said, " That's what you get for throwing around the ' princess ' title! " 

His expression shifted from surprise to amusement as he shook his head, still chuckling. 

"I guess I should be more careful with my compliments then," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. She watched him, her heart light, enjoying the banter. 

"Or you could just stick to calling me by my name," she suggested, raising an eyebrow. He shrugged, feigning innocence. "But where's the fun in that?" 

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. 

"You're impossible!" she exclaimed, swatting at his arm, but he just laughed and dodged her lightly. 

 After they bid farewell, they each went their separate way. Upon returning to the castle, Starfania enjoyed a quiet dinner before returning to her room. There, she placed the sword before her, still in the pen form. Smiling to herself, she settled into bed, eager for the future to unfold. In the following two nights, her dream continued to grow more vivid with each passing slumber. They felt less like fleeting visions and more like tangible experiences. Each time she closed her eyes, the scene sharpened — the sensation of warm sand beneath her feet as she stood on the beach, the distant call of an unknown creature drawing near. A light was guiding her near the water's edge. Soon, a radiant light descended gracefully from the heavens, touching the shoreline with an otherworldly glow. Around Starfania, the creature emerged, their haunting calls resonating through the air. And then, I saw them. Their piercing blue eyes locked onto her, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The dragon's gaze was deep and endless, shimmering with unspoken truth. Though she couldn't fully see their form, she could feel the bond that tied them together–silent, glimmering threads that connected their souls. In that instant, she knew everything was about to change.