Dragon Savior: A New Beginning ( Update Version)

An Unexpected Awakening (129)

Cantina did not relent. Her gaze remained fixed on Starfania, sharp and unyielding.

" Intent does not erase consequence," she said firmly. " You are not just a girl defending herself anymore. You are a symbol. A spark. People will follow what you do, not what you mean."

Atlas lowered his massive head, a deep rumble vibrating through his chest—not of anger, but insistence. His sapphire eyes flicked toward Cantina, wings shifting as if trying to speak in the only way he could.

" She acted to protect," his presence seemed to say. So did I. Cantina's eyes narrowed slightly, acknowledging the dragon without softening. " I hear you, Atlas. But protection without restraint becomes fear in the eyes of others."

Aeron stepped forward, frustration breaking through. " She didn't start the fight—"

" And she ended it without killing anyone," Violet added quickly. " Isn't that restraint?"

Starfania lifted her head.

" No," she whispered. Both of them froze. She met Aeron's gaze first, then Violet's, shaking her head just enough to stop them. This is mine to carry. Atlas felt it too, nudging her gently, but she rested her hand against his scales, grounding both of them. Cantina studied her for a long moment.

Then—movement. Lyam stepped forward. Starfania's shoulder sagged, and she lowered her head, shame finally breaking through her iron resolve. Clad in emerald armor, Lyam's eyes locked onto the holographic figure of Cantina. He shakes his head in disbelief, his breath catching.

" Cantina..." he murmured. His gaze flicked from the image in the holograph to Starfania—and suddenly, everything aligned. The skepticism. The defiance. The dragon. Understanding hit him like a crashing wave. He straightened and bowed his head.

" My apologies, Cantina," he said solemnly. " I failed to recognize this young lady as the new Dragon Savior."

Starfania blinked, startled by the shift. Cantina turned toward him, one brow lifting before she let out a dry chuckle.

" Well, if it isn't the one and only Lyam. So she actually tracked you down." Her lips curved faintly. " Seems she and her companions succeeded in their mission—at least partially."

Then her expression hardened. " Now enlighten me. What exactly happened here?"

Everyone who was around them shifted uncomfortably, and their eyes darted everywhere but the group. Lyam inhaled deeply.

" I take full responsibility," he said. " I allowed my men to disrespect the Dragon Savior and her dragon. Correcting them immediately is what I should have done. When she told me I shouldn't have brushed her off, that she was the Dragon Savior. All because I only saw how young she was. Instead, I let the situation escalate."

His jaw tightened. " I detained them. That was my mistake."

He clenched his fist, then released it. " This is on me."

Cantina regarded him in silence, then nodded once.

" So," she said evenly, " I can trust that this won't happen again?"

" Yes," Lyam replied without hesitation. " You have my word."

A slow smile spread across Cantina's face. " Excellent. Then I trust you'll take proper care of the newest Dragon Savior—and her companions."

Relief washed over Lyam, followed swiftly by determination. " I will. I swear to protect her and guide her as best I can."

The air shifted, heavy with new stakes. Cantina's expression softened just a fraction. " This isn't only about threats, Lyam. It's about understanding the path ahead. Her journey will not be kind."

He nodded. " I understand. I'll make sure she knows she's not alone."

" Good," Cantina said, her tone sharpening once more. " Because what's coming will test her. And you."

" I won't let you down," Lyam replied, a quiet fire igniting in his chest.

The gem's glow dimmed slightly—but not before Cantina's gaze returned to Starfania, lingering. The lesson wasn't over.