Dragon Savior A New Beginning ( Update Version)

Shattered Serenity (33)

The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy of VulcanFire's forests, casting fragmented beams of gold upon the landscape. Yet even the warmth of daylight could not drive away the chill that seeped into the air. Unbeknownst to Starfania and Aeron, a lone figure concealed himself amid the ruins of an abandoned watchtower, his silhouette nearly blending with the charred stone. His presence was like a shadow breathed—quiet, patient, alive. Cloaked in robes of deep crimson and onyx, he moved only when the wind stirred, his gloved hands resting atop a rune-etched staff. His eyes—faintly glowing with a predatory orange hue—never left the sight of Bone's cave far in the distance.

When Starfania and Aeron entered the cavern, the figure's lips curved into something between curiosity and satisfaction.

" So...the bond strengthens," he murmured, voice distorted by something that wasn't entirely human. A faint sigil burned across the staff's surface, pulsing with light—the same eerie glow that had flickered in Starfania's dreams the night before. With a low hum, the man pressed his palm against the stone wall beside him. A network of crimson veins spread like roots, seeping through the rock as though the structure itself had come alive.

From deep below, the ground trembled—subtle, but enough to disturb the birds nesting nearby. The energy traveled unseen through the earth, toward the caverns beneath VulcanFire, threading closer and closer to Bone's domain. Then, the figure vanished in a swirl of dark mist, leaving behind only the faint scorch of its magic. Inside the cave, Starfania had no awareness of the disturbance beneath her feet. The laughter echoing through the caverns filled the space with warmth, the kind that made everything else fade away. Bone, lying in his usual spot, let out a content rumble as Violet's laughter seemed to linger from the day before.

Starfania's earlier anxiety had dissolved into genuine joy. She and Aeron were sitting near Bone's wing, feeding him chunks of dried fruit they'd brought from the market. The dragon's eyes softened, their deep silver gleam reflecting the lantern light.

" So, when does Violet finish? " Starfania asked, brushing a bit of dust from her sleeve. Aeron glanced up from feeding Drogo, smiling faintly. " Within the hour. "

Starfania's grin widened, an idea sparking instantly. " Then let's surprise her. "

Aeron blinked, his curiosity piqued. " Surprise her how?"

" You'll see," she teased, her tone bubbling with mischief. " Trust me, it'll be worth it."

Within minutes, they were outside again, soaring across the skies on the backs of their dragons. The bustling streets of VulcanFire's market came alive below—filled with merchants shouting deals, children chasing after toys, and the scent of roasted fruit wafting through the air.

" Don't forget the sweets!" Starfania called, pointing at a vendor who specialized in honeyed pastries.

" I'd never forget," Aeron replied with a grin, tossing her a small pouch filled with avalonion coins. They landed briefly, gathering the treats and small gifts before heading toward Violet's school, where they touched down on a secluded rooftop, careful to remain unseen.

Aeron jogged down the path to retrieve Violet while Starfania and Bone waited nearby. The young girl's squeal of delight soon pierced the quiet air as she spotted them.

" Starry!" Violet cried, running full force in her arms. Starfania laughed, spinning her lightly before setting her down. " I missed you too, sunshine. Ready for an adventure?"

Her violet eyes sparkled with pure joy. " Always!"

" Alright, then," Starfania said with a grin, brushing a lock of hair from Violet's face. " But before we head back, we've got one last stop."

Violet tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. " A stop?"

Starfania giggled, tapping her nose. " It's a surprise. You'll have to trust me."

Violet looked between her brother and Starfania, the anticipation bubbling within her. " Fine! But I'm going with my brother this time. That'll make it a surprise when we get there."

" Fair enough," Starfania said warmly. " You two follow me then."

Aeron smiled and helped Violet mount Drogo, while Starfania climbed onto Bone. The dragons exchanged a low growl—a friendly challenge—before spreading their wings in unison.

" Alright," Starfania called, her voice rising over the rushing wind. " Wings up, heart steady!"

With a single, powerful leap, the dragons took to the skies, soaring into the clouds. The wind whipped around them, carrying laughter and the faint glimmer of sunlight reflecting off their scales. They followed the path beyond the castle, over streams and cliffs, until Starfania spotted the narrow crevice that marked the hidden cave.

" Eyes closed!" she called as Bone angled downward. Aeron laughed as Violet clung to his arm, squealing in delight. They plunged through the darkness, the air growing cooler—until a radiant light broke through at the far end, spilling like liquid gold across the tunnel walls. Starfania smiled to herself, feeling the weight of the world just for a moment.

But deep below, far beneath the cave's foundation, something stirred. The faint red veins the cloaked man had conjured earlier pulsed once more—their glow creeping toward the light. The Keeper's influence had taken root.