Cantina rose slowly, her form almost weightless as the surrounding air shimmered—reality bending subtly to her will. Just as she lifted her hand, fingers poised to snap, a sudden tightness seized Starfania's chest. Before she could stop herself, the words tore free — " Will there ever be a moment…where I have to make a choice that hurts the people I love?"
Cantina turned, her gaze settling on Starfania—softer now, yet impossibly ancient. The question lingered between them, heavy as a storm cloud.
" Life is made of choices," she whispered. " Some are gentle…others leave scars."
Her eyes dimmed slightly. " You cannot protect everyone from the consequences of your path. Not even the ones you love most."
Starfania's breath quickened, her voice trembling despite her effort to steady it. " Then how do I know what's right? How do I choose…without destroying everything?"
Cantina exhaled softly, something fragile flickering behind her composure.
" There are no certainties," she admitted. " Every choice is a step into darkness before the light reveals itself."
She stepped closer. " You will feel the weight of every decision. It will follow you…shape you."
A pause. " But you are not alone, Starfania. You were never meant to be."
Her voice softened. " When everything feels uncertain—listen. Your heart will not lie to you…even when the world does."
Starfania swallowed, a fragile spark igniting within her. " So…I just have to trust myself?"
Cantina nodded. " Trust is the one thing no one can take from you—unless you surrender it."
Her gaze deepened. " And remember…the hardest paths often shape the strongest soul."
A faint pause. " Growth is rarely kind—but it is always necessary."
Starfania let the words settle deep within her, anchoring against the storm inside her chest. This wasn't the end of her struggle. It was only the beginning. Cantina lifted her hand once more—snap. The world shattered like glass. But this time…we remain. Cantina did not follow Starfania. She stood alone in the silence, her gaze drifting toward VulcanFire—burning in the distance like a wound that refused to heal. With a subtle motion, the vision shifted. The images twisted—reshaping into something far darker. A chamber cloaked in shadow. And there — he Castle Keeper.
Watching. Waiting. Constantly calculating. His lips curled into something dangerously close to a smile.
" My Golden Hunter has received his mission…" His voice slithered through the air. " To hunt the Dragon Savior…or should I say—Starfania."
That knowing look deepened—as if he had always known.
" Oh, yes…" he murmured. " I can make this work…perfectly."
His expression sharpened—cold, precise, merciless. Cantina watched in silence, her expression unreadable. Then, softly—almost like a vow — " I will prepare her."
A pause. " For the evil she has yet to face."
Her gaze darkened, something unresolved lingering beneath the surface.
" I will not let her fail…" A whisper barely there. " …like I did."