Dressed head to toe in black, she moved like a shadow through the familiar corridors, her heart pounding as she approached her father's study. She paused by the door, peeking in to see him slumped over his desk, asleep amid scattered papers. The flickering lamplight cast long shadows across the room. For a moment, she simply stood there, memorizing the sight of him–the last time she might see him before venturing into the unknown.
" Goodbye, Father, " she whispered.
As if fate sought to sabotage her stealth, her foot brushed against a forgotten inkpot on the floor. It clattered loudly, echoing through the silent hall. Her father stirred, eyes snapping open as he bolted upright.
" Who's there? " he demanded, his voice sharp with authority. Panicking, Starfania pulled her hood lower to obscure her face and darted back into the shadows.
Her pulse raced–she needed to reach Atlas before the castle was sealed off. Sprinting through familiar passageways, she dodged patrols and vaulted over low barriers, the urgency of escape driving her forward. Every footfall felt like a drumbeat against the stillness. Starfania's mind raced, calculating her route as she navigated the twisting corridors. She could hear her father's voice in the distance, barking orders to guards. Her heart thudded louder with each step, urging her to hurry. She skidded to a halt at a fork, breathing heavily, trying to remember which way to go. To her left, the grand hall loomed, its lavish decor a stark contrast to her grim mission. To her right, the narrow passage that led to the servants' quarters beckoned. With no time to think, she chose the right.
The dim light flickered and danced as she pressed on, every shadow a potential enemy. Suddenly, she heard footsteps—guards on the prowl. Holding her breath, she flattened herself against the cold stone wall, praying they wouldn't come this way. The voices grew louder, their laughter echoing off the walls, oblivious to her presence. She clutched her cloak tighter, willing herself to blend into the darkness. Once the coast was clear, she resumed her frantic pace. Starfania's mind drifted back to Atlas, the promise she had made. His safety depended on her swift actions. Rounding a corner, she spotted the door that would lead her to the courtyard. Relief washed over her, but she knew better than to relax just yet.
She took a moment to collect herself, pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen from her hood. With one last glance down the empty corridor, she opened the door cautiously, stepping into the cold night air. The courtyard was awash with moonlight, and she could see the stables in the distance. Freedom was just a few strides away. Stars twinkled above, yet they offered little comfort. She pressed on, determination fueling her every movement. Her hood was drawn tightly over her head, concealing her identity as the princess. Starfania had made it towards Atlas and told her dragon friend. " Come on, we have to meet up with the others before the guards catch up with us. "
Atlas rumbled almost as though asking what she did to sound the alarm and she simply said. " Long story. "
As she sprinted through the narrow alleyways, the sound of footsteps echoed behind them. She could almost feel the weight of the guards' scrutiny pressing down on her. Starfania glanced over her shoulder, ensuring Atlas was close.
"Stay low and follow my lead," she whispered urgently. The dragon nodded, the scales along its back glinting under the moonlight. They rounded a corner and dashed into a hidden courtyard, the shadows wrapping around them like a cloak. As they were turning a corner they bumped into their friends who were looking at Starfania with a strange look. Then Aeron whispered and shouted " Why in Avalon is the kingdom on high alert? "
" It's crazy out there. We could hear the horn all the way from our place. " Violet said as she petted Drogo on his neck. Starfania took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.
"I'll explain everything once we're safe," she replied, glancing around the dimly lit courtyard. The air felt thick with tension, and she could hear the distant shouts of the guards growing closer. "We have to move quickly. They're searching for us."
Aeron shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the edge of the shadows. "Why are they looking for us? "
Violet's brow furrowed. "I had a bad feeling when I saw the guards all running towards your home Star."
Starfania nodded, urgency creeping into her tone. "My father may or may not think I'm an intruder right now."
Drogo shifted beside Violet, sensing the tension in the air. Starfania could see fear in her friends' eyes, mingling with a spark of determination.
"If we stand here too long, they'll find us," she said, gripping Atlas's harness tightly.
"Right," Aeron agreed, eyes narrowing. "Where do we go?"
"Follow me. There's an old passageway through the market. It might lead us to safety," Starfania suggested, her heart pounding as she led the way. As they slipped back into the shadows, silence enveloped them, but the urgency of their situation hung heavy in the air. They moved quickly, each step echoing their resolve to uncover the truth and keep each other safe.