She watched in awe as he unsheathed his sword and began his rigorous training. His strikes were swift and deadly, each move precise and powerful. His agility was breathtaking, performing graceful backflips and launching attacks with lethal accuracy. At the final practice dummy, he pressed a hidden button on the hilt. The blade darkened, shadows crackling along its edge. With one leap, he split the dummy clean in half, black goo oozing onto the floor. Sheathing the weapon, he turned, his midnight gaze pinning her in place. " Finally, you've arrived. I was starting to think the lady had failed her duty."

Starfania caught the jab at Ren's reliability but didn't let it pass.

" She did her job," she said sharply, then shifted the focus. " So—why summon me?"

" Always direct and observant," he said. " You never miss a thing with those eyes of yours."

She crossed her arms, waiting. Why here? Why not in the palace? What was so urgent? He met her gaze. " It's time you began your training to become the future ruler of VulcanFire."

The word sank in like stone in water. Since her mother's death, their relationship had been distant—rare conversations, brief dinners, and only meeting when he needed her for something. He had never spoken of her taking the throne until now. As Starfania looked into her father's eyes, she questioned whether becoming the next VulcanFire Nation leader was truly her destiny or merely an expectation he had set for her. Maybe there was another path for her—one far from the throne. Every time she tried to talk with him, the conversation turned to business. More tool than daughter—that's how it felt. Frustration boiled over. " Is being the leader the only thing you see me as? Or am I your daughter?"

Her outburst caught him off guard for a few milliseconds. You could see his eyes soften for a brief second, but he still kept that calm expression. She felt lighter for having spoken her mind, but the silence stretched, thick with unspoken things. His gaze stayed sharp, though she knew he felt her words in his own heart. He looked away. Guilt pricked at her, and she bowed her head. " My apologies, Father. I spoke out of line."

She straightened, but he still wouldn't meet her eyes. With a sigh, she turned to leave.

" You are my daughter," he said at last. " I know that. It's just...complicated right now. We've lost a lot in two years."

For once in her life, Starfania could feel the honesty in his voice. At that moment, she saw her father before the incident happened. They both had lost something, but they failed to voice out what had been plaguing their mind. She didn't want to cause any more pain, but she found herself caught in the crossfire between the path she was forced on and the one she was destined to choose. She forced a small laugh, easing the tension. " Don't worry, Father. I was joking. I'm looking forward to your training."

He stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. " My dear Starla, you need to work on your comedic timing."

She gave a hesitant grin. " Yeah...not my strongest suit."

" Shall we begin?" She nodded. " Ready."

The intensity between Starfania and her father was palpable as they stood on opposite sides of the arena. Anticipation crackled in the air as they prepared to face off in a duel. His shadow blade gleamed with a sinister light, sending a chill down her spine. She grabbed a practice sword from the barrel—the kind given to recruits. They saluted each other, blades raised, then lowered. Without warning, he lunged. She slid aside with lightning speed, countering with a thrust, but he parried without effort. Undeterred, Starfania pushed forwards, using all her skills. Despite her best efforts, her father's skills and sheer force overwhelmed her as she fell to the ground.

She was up again in an instant, charging with renewed determination. Time blurred—strike, parry, feint—neither willing to yield. Then a soldier burst into the arena, his voice cutting through the clash of steel.

"Cesar, one of our bases is destroyed!" the soldiers shouted, breathless and wide-eyed with horror. They froze mid-duel. Her father' s face hardened, anger and concern flashing together. "What do you mean, one of our bases got attacked?" Who would be dumb enough to attack us? "

"Sir—it was Lyam. A surprise strike. " Rage flared in his eyes. " So he tried to stop us again by hitting our outpost. No matter. We're always ready for him."

Orders to retaliate flew from his lips. Starfania's heart leapt—this could be her chance to see Avalon beyond the palace walls, like in the days when her mother was alive. His reply was instant and firm. " You'll remain here. Continue your training."

Although she felt a pang of disappointment, she didn't bother arguing and simply nodded her head in agreement. The kingdom came first. Forever.