Taking a breath, Starfania scanned the room again, searching for signs of the familiar. Memories flashed through her mind like quicksilver, moments from her life that felt both distant and immediate. She was now laying on the garden floor; she found herself surrounded by concerned faces. The group hovered nearby, Violet and Aeron's voice layered with concern. Violet's hand dabbed Starfania's shoulder as Aeron knelt beside her, his brow furrowed for concern.
" Are you okay? " Aeron said urgently. " What happened? Did you get hurt? "
Starfania shut her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply before responding.
" I'm fine, " she reassured them, forcing a calm smile. " Just a dream… I think. "
Vi, ever practical, chimed in. " Maybe you should rest more. That was intense. "
Violet's sudden, embarrassed laugh bubbled up, and despite her best efforts, she couldn't suppress it. Her reaction was infectious, and they exchanged a smile that eased some of the tension. Atlas lay beside Starfania, his glowing eyes fixed on her. His presence radiated a calming reassurance, as though he fully comprehend the surreal experience she has just endured. Rising carefully, Starfania steadied herself.
" Listen up, everyone, " Starfania said, her voice tinged with both anxiety and excitement. Their expression shifted to intrigue as she cast a glance at each of them. " I have something important to share. "
Aeron's eyes narrowed slightly.
" Are you sure you're unharmed? " he said, unconvinced by her composure. Starfania nodded firmly. " No injuries. But you would not believe what just happened. "
Vi crossed her arms skeptically. " You were here, on the ground. What do you mean? "
Taking a steady breath, Starfania said, " It was as if I was pulled into another reality. Not physically, but mentally—like stepping into a dream while still being here. "
Aeron tilted his head in thought. " You mean you were in two places at once? "
" Exactly, " she said. " I saw Cantina, spoke with her. It felt so vivid, as if that place was just as real as the garden. "
Aeron furrowed his brow. "But how could that happen? It's not something I've ever experienced."
Starfania shrugged lightly. "I don't really know. Maybe it's a part of a deeper connection? Or perhaps something in my mind opened a door?"
"Interesting," he replied, tapping his fingers against his chin. "So, what was she like? Cantina, I mean."
Starfania's eyes brightened as she recalled the encounter. "She was wise, almost like she knew things before I even spoke. The air around her felt charged, like magic and possibility intertwined."
"Did she say anything important?" Aeron asked, leaning closer, intrigued. Starfania hesitated, sifting through her memories. "Yes, she wants me to go on a mission and help Lyam of Primara Nation. But I told her I wouldn't go unless you guys could come with me. "
Her companion stared at her, astonishment and admiration flickering in their eyes.
" You'd really do that for us? " Vi said, her voice soft but filled with disbelief. " Risk everything for our sake. "
With a determined nod and warm smile, Starfania said, " How could I not? You're the closest thing I have to a family and I know you both have been suffering, so it's only fair I take you with me. "
Aeron ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the weight of her words. "But what if it's dangerous? What if we don't make it back?"
He glanced at Vi, who frowned in thought. "There's so much at stake. We could lose everything we have here."
Starfania took a breath, sensing their worry. "I understand the risks. But standing by and doing nothing feels worse. We have to take a chance."