The story was far from over.
There is still one dragonling to find, Aminta mused as she faded into the night.
The lanterns hanging from the trees twinkled like captured stars, their soft glow reflecting in the shallow ripples of the palace’s moonlit fountain. Laughter echoed gently through the garden, lighter now, freer, now that the weight of the battle had melted into victory.
Amber leaned against her sister, her arm wrapped casually around Jade’s waist. The air still smelled of salt, smoke, and the faint scent of their last glitter bomb, but now it was laced with peace… and possibility.
She smiled to herself.
Jade bumped her shoulder. “What’s going on in that troublemaker brain of yours?”
Amber tilted her head, grinning. “Just thinking… this might be the best school break ever.”
Jade arched a brow. “Because we almost got turned into salt pillars or crispy dragon bacon?”
“Because we didn’t,” Amber replied. “Our inventions worked. We got to test them in an actual battle. And…” her voice softened, “everyone feels different. Like… more themselves. Stronger. Closer.”
Jade didn’t respond right away. She simply stared out across the garden to where Spring and Roam sat near the fountain—shoulders brushing, their usual bickering replaced by something sweeter. Something warm.
“I feel it too,” Jade finally said, her voice thoughtful.
A gentle breeze stirred the grass as Phoenix approached, barefoot, her braid loose and windswept. Without a word, she wrapped both girls in a hug.
“I’m so glad you two are safe and that you were here,” Phoenix murmured. “And not just because of all your cool inventions—though they did help a lot.”
Amber’s eyes widened with excitement. “I couldn’t believe how cool everyone was in battle. This was way better than any of the training simulators or playing tag.”
Phoenix pulled back, her eyes shining with amusement. “No argument here.”
Amber nodded subtly toward the fountain. “It looks like Spring and Roam have finally patched things up.”
All three turned just in time to see Roam lean forward and kiss Spring—tentative at first, then a little more possessively.
Jade released a soft gasp. “Okay, when did Roam get so hot?”
“Ew. He might’ve changed, but he’s still… Roam,” Amber muttered with a shudder.
Phoenix laughed softly. “Yeah, I have to agree with Amber.”
Amber’s lips curved in a wistful smile. “Does it feel like… well, like everyone’s grown up? Like all at once?”
Jade’s gaze drifted skyward. “Maybe. Except one of us is missing. Where’s Jabir?”
Phoenix shook her head, the smile on her lips dimming. “There’s only one more place to look—the Isle of the Monsters. We’ll find him. We aren’t leaving anyone behind. Drago and Orion said Nali might know where he is.”
Amber and Jade looked at each other, matching grins blooming on their faces.
“The Isle of the Monsters?” Jade breathed, her eyes sparkling.
“With the Empress of Monsters?” Amber added. “Do you think she likes… gifts?”
“Depends,” Phoenix said warily. “What gifts?”
Amber reached into her bag and patted it lovingly. “Good news—the Demented Symbiots survived the battle.”
Jade giggled. “They’re singing their war chant again—in three-part screeching harmony.”
Phoenix groaned, but she was laughing too. “Oh stars, she’ll either love you two—or banish you forever.”
