Chapter 28: Death looms, waiting for its next victim (27)
Closing the distance between them, he saw the tears forming in Starfania's eyes. He swiftly wiped them away, his heart aching at her distress.
" I'm sorry, " Starfania whispered, her voice trembling. " I shouldn't have questioned your motives. I just… wanted Violet to experience the joy we used to have when we were little. "
To her surprise and relief, Aeron forgave her without hesitation, pulling her into a warm embrace.
" It's okay, " he murmured. " I shouldn't have said what I did. You've always been loyal, and I should have recognized that. "
Reassured by his words, Starfania felt the tension between them dissipate. They agreed to leave the misunderstanding behind them, embracing once more before pulling back to look at each other. Aeron's gaze softened as he made a subtle gesture towards Drogo.
" How about we go on a thrilling adventure across the kingdom? " he suggested his eyes excitedly bright.
" But what about Bone and Violet? " Starfania asked, concern lacing her voice. " We can't leave them behind. "
Aeron grinned, his confidence unwavering. " Of course, they'll come with us. It'll be a blast! "
Starfania smiled but hesitated. " But I can't ride a dragon. If my father found out… he'd be furious. What then? "
Aeron placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice steady. " Don't worry. I'll be right by your side, and I promise your father won't find out. "
Starfania took a deep breath, nodding as she made her decision. " Alright. We'll figure it out together. "
Aeron smiled warmly. Feeling a sense of relief, Starfania returned his smile. They were in this together, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
They returned to the cave, where they found Violet, Drogo, and Bone eagerly awaiting their return. The anticipation in their eyes was palpable, and when they invited them to join them, their eager nods of agreement reflected their excitement. With Aeron mounting Drogo and Starfania, climbing onto Bone's back, they prepared for the journey ahead. They emerged from the cave's shadows as the dragons let out triumphant roars, their excitement mirrored their own. A wave of relish washed over Starfania as their smile met, and Aeron extended an invitation for his sister to join them on Drogo.
To which Violet accepted without hesitation, her enthusiasm contagious. Starfania gave Bone a reassuring pat and exchanged a nod with Aeron, signifying that they were ready. With a powerful gust of wind, the dragon unfurled their wings, and together they took to the skies. As they ascended higher and higher, the landscape below transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and texture, capturing their hearts and igniting a sense of wonder within them. The thrill of flight, the rush of wind against their faces, and the liberating sense of freedom made the moment unforgettable. Their worries seemed to dissolve into the air, replaced by a profound sense of peace surrounding them like a warm embrace. The connection they felt with the dragons was deep and unspoken, as if they were our gateway to a world beyond imagination.
As they soared through the sky, absorbing the breathtaking panorama, Aeron suddenly spoke up, his voice caring a note of playful challenge.
" What do you say we race? " he proposed, a wistful grin spreading across his face. Starfania raised an intrigued eyebrow, catching the playful glint in his eyes.
" Are you suggesting a race? " She asked, a mixture of surprise and excitement in her voice.
" Yes, " he replied with a nostalgic smile. " Just like the good old days when we were kids, racing on our fearless dragon. "
" I can't believe you remembered that. " Starfania inquired, astonishment evident in her voice. He smirked and nodded, the memory etched in his mind. " Of course. Those were some of the best moments in my childhood. "