Dragon Savior A New Beginning ( Update Version)

A Glimpse of Enigmatic Puzzle (57)

Every step he took, she mirrored—silent, steady, careful. Father and daughter walking in unison, as though his fragile peace between them might shatter if either spoke too soon. The stone corridor opened onto the spiral staircase. They climbed together, the only sound are the soft echo of their footsteps spiraling upward. Starfania felt strangely detached, the shadows in the corners of her vision bending just a little too smoothly...but she blinked the sensation away. A trick of her tired mind, she told herself. When they reached the top, Cesar paused, surveying the quiet night.

The tower terrace stretched before them—high, open, and overlooking the fiery expanse of VulcanFire. The lava river traced glowing lines through the kingdom below, illuminating distant rooftops with warm red-gold light. Smoke drifted lazily across the horizon. He stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back, his posture tall and dignified. Starfania followed, stopping a pace behind him. Together, they looked out over their kingdom. When he spoke, his voice softened—so rare, Starfania almost forgot how it sounded.

" One day," he said, " all of this will be yours."

The simple statement hit her harder than any scolding ever had. She inhaled sharply. Her mind scrambled. Her heart pounding painfully against her ribs. She'd always known—on paper, in theory—that she was next in line. But she had convinced herself he'd replace her after their countless fights...after her mistakes...after her brother vanished, leaving behind a silence that no celebration or ceremony could fill. She swallowed, staring down at the kingdom she'd someday be expected to guide. Cesar placed a hand on her shoulder, firm yet strangely gentle. It didn't comfort her. If anything, it made the weight sitting on her chest even heavier.

Being queen...being responsible for lives, for safety, for every decision made in VulcanFire's name...it felt like a cloak made of iron settling across her back. The pressure pressed down on her lungs until her breaths came shallow. Her thoughts spiraled, doubts clawing their way up from the depths of her mind: Am I strong enough? Am I smart enough? What if I fail them? What if I fail him? She saw shadows in the corner of her vision again—thin, wavering, almost smoke-like. When she blinked, they were gone. Cesar, still unaware of her inner turmoil, continued in a rare, almost reflective tone. " Leadership is not glory, my little star. It is a responsibility. It is a sacrifice. With every choice, you shape the world."

Starfania stared down at her hands. Hands that trembled, barely visible in the warm lamplight.

" I...know," she whispered, though she wasn't sure she truly did. Cesar turned fully toward her now, placing both hands on her shoulders.

" Battle strategy," he said, " is more than wars. It is life. It is a choice. If you act before planning..."

He tapped two fingers lightly against her forehead. " ...you lose before the fight even begins."

Starfania held his gaze—something she rarely dared to do. Despite everything, this moment between them felt...almost normal. Almost like the days before their bond had fractured. Father teaching daughter. Master teaching heir.

She found herself clinging to those feelings, even as something deep inside her warned her it was too perfect...too still...like a painting rather than a moment. Cesar turned back toward the horizon.

" A well-crafted strategy allows you to anticipate your enemy's movements." Her voice grew thoughtful, patient. " But you must remain adaptable. Open-minded. The battlefield—like life—changes without warning. A ruler must change with it."

Starfania nodded slowly, absorbing every word even as the edges of her reality wavered again—just for a heartbeat. She tightened her grip on the stone railing, grounding herself. This is real, she told herself. This moment is genuine. But in the back of her mind, a soft voice—feminine, ancient, familiar—seemed to whisper: " Keep your wits about you."

And Starfania's stomach twisted. Because she wasn't entirely sure that she still was.