Chapter 12: A Secret Scheme at Midnight

 It had been several days since Violet confided in them about the harrowing incident. The weight of her revelation lingered in the air, casting an unspoken solemnity over the group. We had come to the garden for respite, seeking solace in the vibrant blooms and the gentle hum of nature. Violet sat cross-legged on the grass, her head tilted slightly as she listened to Aeron recount one of their childhood escapades. Starfania chimed in with a quip, drawing laughter from the group that seemed lighter, freer than it had days. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though the world outside these verdant walls had faded away. Standing at the edge of the garden, Starfania leaned against Atlas, his powerful frame a steadying presence.

 The dragon's midnight eyes scanned the group with a calm yet protective gaze, as though ensuring their safety in this fleeting haven of peace. Starfania's gaze lingered on Violet. Her smile was faint but genuine, and it stirred a mix of emotions within her. She had endured so much, yet here she was, inching towards something resembling joy. Starfania rested her hand on Atlas's warm scales, his rhythmic breathing grounding her. The scent of blooming flowers and freshly turned Avalon filled the air, mingling with the sound of wind rustling through the leaves. As Starfania stood there, a voice suddenly pierced through the stillness, calling her name. Startled, she instinctively retrieved the pen from her pocket and scanned her surroundings, her gaze darting through the shadows with growing anticipation. 

 Yet, no source of the voice could be found. A chill ran down her spine as a powerful gust of wind swept past, stirring an unease that seemed to cling to the air. Refocusing, she carefully placed the shimmering jewels on the surface of the pen. In an instant, the pen began to glow brilliantly, its light illuminating the surrounding space. Before her eyes, it transformed into a sword, its radiance commanding the attention of all who beheld it–though Starfania stood alone. As she grasped the hilt, an electric surge of power coursed through her, pulling her into a dark, desolate chamber. Rising to her feet, she steadied herself and said, " Hello? Is anyone here? "

The silence that followed was vast, oppressive, and yet strangely soothing, as if it were concealing an unfolding truth. In the dimly lit expanse, a faint glimmer caught her eyes at the far edge of the room. Compelled by an unrelenting curiosity, she began to move towards it, seeping deeper into the unknown. Suddenly, a voice erupted from the void, resonating from every direction and yet from nowhere at all. Distracted, Starfania stumbles over something, landing hard on her back and skidding across the cold ground. Dazed, she looked up, her eyes locking onto a glimmering silhouette in the ethereal glow. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she heard the figure speak, her voice smooth yet sharp: " It seems someone wasn't paying attention yet again. "

 Starfania froze in surprise as the voice she was hearing unmistakably belonged to Cantina. Seeing her again, dressed in the same style she wore when they first met, it was almost too surreal to believe.Her eyes widened in astonishment. Encountering her once more was the last thing she had expected. Cantina regarded her with a sly smile, tilting her head as she cast an amused glance in Starfania's direction.

" Are you planning to lie there all day, or are you going to get up? " she teased, her tone laced with playful sarcasm, as though the idea of staying put forever was some kind of joke. Rising to her feet, Starfania said, " A heads-up next time would be nice. "

" Don't hold your breath, " she called over her shoulder with a laugh. " I don't do warnings. You'll get used to it. "

" Used to what? " Starfania called after her, confusion tingling her voice. Without breaking stride, Cantina said with a cryptic edge, " To my… unique way of doing things in this place. "

Her words hung in the air, leaving Starfania more perplexed than ever. As she watched her disappear into the distance, she muttered to herself, " This is a whole new level of strange. "

Cantina chuckled, her tone dripping with mockery. " Are you human, truly so naïve? If you want to keep up, you'll need to adapt quickly. " 

Starfania frowned, irritation bubbling beneath her calm exterior. 

"Adapt to what exactly?" she shot back, her voice steady but laced with confusion. Cantina rolled her eyes, clearly amused. "To the unexpected, dear. Life here doesn't follow a script." 

 The world around them felt charged with energy, a blend of intrigue and uncertainty. Starfania took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. "Wait, you were human once, too. " 

Cantina smirked, her expression tinged with disdain.

" Oh, I'm well aware of that fact, " Cantina said, her voice sharp. " But unlike you, I was never naïve. " 

Starfania narrowed her eyes, determination brewing inside her. "Naïve or not, I still chose to believe in what was right." 

She stepped closer, her tone unwavering. Cantina laughed softly, the sound laced with bitterness. "Belief won't save you in this world, Starfania. It only makes you vulnerable." 

The tension between them crackled in the air, each word a small spark. Starfania's heart pounded. "Is that what you've learned? That strength comes from cynicism?" 

 Cantina crossed her arms, her gaze unflinching. "Strength comes from survival. I learned that the hard way." 

Starfania clenched her fists, knowing this was going nowhere, and decided to ask, " Could you at least explain why you summoned me here? What's the purpose of all this? "

Cantina's eyes sparkled with a hint of something as she stepped closer, fixing her gaze directly on Starfania.

" Ah, I can't believe I nearly forgot, " she said, her voice now tinged with feigned excitement. " I have your first mission, Dragon Savior. "

Starfania blinked, taken aback.

" First mission? " Starfania said, unsure if she had misheard her. She nodded, her smirk growing wider.

" Have you heard of Lyam, the leader of Primara Nation? I need you to head to his nation and assist him in this situation he is currently dealing with. " She paused for effect, then said, " But it does mean leaving this place behind. "

 Starfania crossed her arms, her gaze looking everywhere else but Cantina. Then she said to Cantina, her voice mixed with frustration and hesitation. " I haven't even ridden Atlas yet. I need more time. How can I possibly leave when I haven't mastered the bond with my dragon? " 

Cantina took a step closer, gently placing a hand on Starfania's shoulder. "I understand, truly. But sometimes we have to make tough choices. The bond with Atlas will grow stronger through experience, not just time." 

Starfania frowned, thoughts swirling in her mind. "But what if I fail? What if I can't help him? This is a leader we're talking about. I can't just show up unprepared." 

"Nobody expects you to have all the answers. Lyam needs someone who believes in him, someone who can stand by his side," Cantina reassured her, her tone softening. "You have skills and instincts that you might not even recognize yet."