The afternoon light painted the garden with copper hues as they stood together, bound by the gravity of their decision. As the light slowly grew dimmer in the background with tension and resolve, mingling with the Avalon scent of freshly bloomed flowers. Atlas shifted beside Starfania, his quiet strength radiating comfort as she glanced at her companions.
" We're really doing this, " Aeron said, breaking the silence. His voice held a mix of nervous energy and determination. Vi nodded, her usual bravado tempered by the weight of what lay ahead. " No turning back now. "
Each of them had their roles to play–their home to pay one last visit, gathering their belongings, and goodbyes to consider, even if most would remain unspoken.
The plan was simple: scatter briefly, regroup before night falls, and leave VulcanFire for good. Time was against them. Cantina's warnings had etched themselves into her mind–there would be no second chance if they lingered too long.
" Let's stay alert, " Starfania reminded them, though her voice trembled slightly. " The guards won't make this easy, and we need every advantage we can get. "
Violet adjusted the bow on her head, a look of fierce determination on her face. " We'll be back before they even notice we're gone. "
Aeron let out a shaky laugh, more out of nerves than humor. " Let's hope it's that simple. "
As they parted ways, Atlas nuzzled Starfania's side, his presence grounding her.
" We'll see you soon, " she whispered, watching as Vi and Aeron disappeared into the shadows toward their home. As the afternoon slowly became night around her, each rustling leaf a reminder of how fragile this plan truly was. Taking a steady breath, Starfania turned her focus toward her own task. The path back to her home was familiar, but it felt strange–different. Every shadow seemed sharper, every sound louder. She walked swiftly, her heart beating in time with determined steps. Thoughts of her father lingered in her mind, his stern gaze etched on the memory. What would he think when he found her gone? Would he even care?
She pushed the thought away, knowing she couldn't afford the weight of doubt right now. This was the only way forward, the path toward a future they could forge for themselves. Ahead was the castle, her home that was outlined by the flame. Her chest tightened, but she pressed on. There was no room for hesitation. They made their choice–and together, they would see it through. Atlas let out a soft rumble beside her, as if sensing her unease.
" We'll be okay, " Starfania said, more for herself than him. " We have to be. "
Night had finally arrived, and the air was heavy with the weight of impending change. Stars shimmered overhead, indifferent to the turmoil below as Starfania crouched by the balcony railing, whispering to Atlas. His midnight eyes gleamed in the dark as he listened intently.
" Stay hidden, but be ready, " she mumbled. " We need a clean escape. "
He rumbled a quiet response, blending seamlessly into the shadow as she slipped back inside to gather her belongings. The familiarity of her room tugged at her heart, but she steeled herself against nostalgia. She had made her choice–now was the time for action. The soft creak of the door startled her. Starfania whirled around to find Ren standing there, her expression a mixture of confusion and concern.
" Starfania? What are you doing? " she whispered, her gaze flicking to the packed bag at her feet. She hesitated before answering. " I'm leaving, Ren. "
Ren's eyes widened in disbelief. "Leaving? But why? You can't just go like this."
Her tone was urgent, laced with a hint of desperation. Starfania felt a pang of guilt, but pushed it aside. "I have to, Ren. This is something I need to do for myself."
The weight of her decision settled heavily on her shoulders, but the resolve in her voice was unwavering. "Can't we talk about this? Maybe there's another way,"
Ren pleaded, stepping closer. Her worry was palpable, filling the space between them. Starfania shook her head, feeling the tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "No, I've thought about it long enough. It's time to find out who I really am."
The silence hung thick in the air, a shared moment of uncertainty. Ren opened her mouth to respond, but faltered. Instead, she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Starfania's arm.
"Promise me you'll be careful," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. Starfania nodded, appreciating the sentiment even as fear bubbled within her. "I will. I promise."
With that, she picked up her bag, taking a deep breath to steady her racing heart. The door loomed ahead as a threshold between the life she had known and the unknown that awaited her. With one last glance over her shoulder at Ren, she stepped out into the hallway, ready to face whatever came next.