The sight of a dark mark on her arm sent a wave of fear coursing through Starfania, her heart sinking under the weight of unanswered questions. What could have caused it? And why did she not tell us? How long has she been hiding this? The carefree laughter of a moment ago felt like a distant memory, replaced by a growing urge to protect. Starfania stepped closer, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Violet's arm, tracing the shadow of that dark mark.
"Violet, what happened?" The words tumbled from her lips, breaking the silence that had settled like mist around them. Violet's gaze flickered away, avoiding the concern etched on Starfania's face. There was a heaviness in the air, a tension that seemed palpable, tightening around them like a noose. Aeron moved forward too, his voice steady but laced with an undertone of urgency. "You can trust us. We're here for you."
But Violet remained silent, lost in her thoughts, her eyes cast downward as if the ground could offer her some refuge. The rustle of leaves seemed to grow louder, almost mocking their unease. Starfania exchanged a glance with Aeron, their worry deepening.
"Please, Violet," Starfania urged gently, "you don't have to carry this alone."
A flicker of something crossed Violet's features—was it fear, shame, or something else? Starfania wished she could bridge the silence. She felt the weight of the world pressing down on them, a looming storm ready to break. Taking a deep breath, Starfania steadied herself. Behind her, the garden stood empty, once vibrant with laughter, now a backdrop to their burgeoning fears.
"It's okay to be scared," she whispered, hoping to let Violet know she wasn't alone in her turmoil. "We can face this together."
The words hung in the air, fragile yet filled with promise, as the shadows in Violet's heart seemed to flicker, ready to be confronted. With a slight nod, Violet finally met their gaze, drawing strength from their unwavering support. Together, they would face whatever shadows lay ahead.
Violet sat on the edge of the garden fountain, her fingers tracing idle patterns in the water as she wrestled with words she was about to say. Her usual bright demeanor was replaced by a somber, almost haunted expression. The lights filtering through the trees seemed to dim, as if reflecting the weight of her unspoken truth. Atlas lay by her side, while Drogo laid on the opposite side of her, their scales shimmering, catching the light, offering silent support. Aeron and Starfania stood a few steps away, watching her with concern. Finally, she raised her gaze, her violet eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and took a deep breath.
" There's something I need to tell you, " she said, her voice trembling but resolute. " About this mark… and how I got it. "
Her hand drifted to her arm, gently touching the ominous black and purple bruise-like spot, a visible sign of the burden she carried. They exchanged worried glances but remained silent, giving her the space to continue.