Aeron's voice trailed off, the mystery of Starfania glowing swords and unknown words lingering in the air like a ghost no one dared to name. Silence hung between them, heavy but not comfortable. Finally, Lyam stepped forward. " I'll let you get some rest, Starfania. Your strength is returning, but your body needs time to recover. "
Lyam exited the room–leaving only Aeron and Violet. Starfania adjusted her position slightly, feeling the warmth of Violet still resting against her side. Aeron stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. She could sense something was on his mind. After a long pause, he finally asked, his voice low and uncertain, " How do you feel…about all of this? About going against your father's kingdom? "
The question pierced deeper than she expected. Starfania hesitated, her fingers brushing gently through Violet's hair as she tried to gather her thoughts.
" It's hard, " she admitted softly. " He's my father. No matter how far apart we've grown, he's a part of me. I always wanted his approval to make him proud. But now… "
She looked over at her desk to see her sword lying there. She could still make out a hint of lights. " Now I see the destruction he's willing to unleash. How he's twisted his people's loyalty to something dangerous. I can't stand by and watch that happen–no matter who he is. "
Aeron nodded slowly, his eyes searching Starfania.
" You're brave for saying that, " he said. " I've been wondering the same thing–about myself. "
Starfania tilted her head. " You? "
He sat down in the chair beside her. " My family served the kingdom for generations. My father believed in loyalty above all else. Honor, duty…sacrifice. But somewhere along the line, loyalty to the crown became loyalty to a man who doesn't deserve it. And now I'm standing here, beside you, fighting against everything I was taught to protect. "
He glanced at Violet, then back at Starfania. " It's confusing. It hurts. But I know this is the right path. "
Starfania reached out, placing a hand over his. " We may have come from different places, but we're walking the same path now. And I'm glad you're on it with me. "
A faint smile tugged at Aeron's lips. " Me too."
For a long moment, none of them spoke. Violet, still curled beside Starfania, had drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Starfania glanced down at her, her chest tightening with a fierce protective love.