AMILIA VAEL

My muscles felt stiff and sore from yesterday's fight against the Emberjaw. It had been a long time since I last battled against one, and as always; they aren’t easy to defeat. Yesterday made me realize how weak I’ve grown. I almost drained  my core. The last time that happened was in the war against Goblins eight years ago, I used to be a soldier at that time. 

I sighed while looking out the window. The scent of burned grass still lingered, a memory of my clash yesterday. The weather outside did look quite splendid today. I should go sit outside, I thought, lifting myself up from the soft cushions of the couch. I stretched my arms above my head, letting out a groan as some of the stiffness loosened away. I should check up on Kairon first. I walked out of the living room, making my way over to where he slept.

I gently opened the door, I stopped, my eyes widened slightly when I noticed the soft glow that enveloped his room. Where’s this blue light coming from? My eyes landed on his crib—the faint glow was coming from there, that’s…weird. I walked closer to him, placing my hands on the rails of his crib, I leaned over slightly. What I saw surprised me, his body was glowing…no, not his body. It’s his core, the blue light was pulsing from his core. 

“What’s going on?” I murmured to myself. I put my hand above where his core was, searching for a hint. At first, nothing seemed unusual. No…there had to be something, I mused, closing my eyes. The world behind me faded away as my focus was now drawn to a single point. Slowly, I started to see Kairon’s core, it was—my eyes snapped open, waves of shock and disbelief washing over me.

“H-how…?” I whispered, utterly shocked. I was frozen in one spot, my gaze never leaving my son's face. He slept peacefully, completely unaware of the change in his core. “H-how are you on the…third layer of second phase—” I gasped as realization hit me like a ton of bricks. He didn't…right? I walked over to the room next to Kairon’s, hoping he hadn't done what I feared. 

I opened the door to the next room, my heart fell. The beast core…it’s gone, he absorbed it. I walked back to his room, my mind clouded with the consequences that might happen to him. There’s nothing to worry about, Amilia. The glow was only faint, I told myself, trying to believe it. That’s just his core evolving to the next phase, nothing to worry about. I walked over to him, fear slowly taking over my senses. 

I took in a deep breath, trying to calm myself. My gaze landed on his face, he seemed peaceful. I hesitantly reached over to touch his face, my hand hovered above his soft skin, dreading that it might be cold. I closed my eyes, holding my breath in as my eyes watered up. I lowered my hand slowly, my unease increasing with every second. My eyes opened wide as my hand made contact with his forehead, all my fear fading away into relief, he’s warm. “Oh, thank God” I exhaled slowly, he’s still with me. I leaned down, planting a kiss on his cheek. My hand ruffled his hair softly, withdrawing my hand slowly.

The shimmer around him started to dim down slightly, but it still lingered. I looked at him again, he   was still asleep. I decided to let him rest a little more, so I walked out of the room, making sure my steps didn't make any loud sound. I want to sit in the sun, it looks so warm and blissful. I ambled towards the door, the earlier stiffness and soreness seemed to have faded away. As I opened the door, the warmth of the sun enveloped me like a mother holding her child. I sit on a chair near the door, relaxing into it.I peered around, the village folks were going on about their days, the scent of burnt grass still lingered in the air. Today’s day feels…comforting, too soothing after yesterday’s scene. Fighting against the beast yesterday reminded me why I decided to quit as a soldier. 

I thought if I quit then I'd be free from these battles…but still it follows me like a shadow. That’s not the only reason, I retired as a soldier for Kairon, I didn't want to be a soldier when my little boy would be home all alone. I couldn't fight knowing that I have a son waiting for me at home, the guilt alone would make me break. 

I breathed out a shaky sigh, I couldn’t shake off these thoughts, I don't need them now, just forget about it already. But that only seemed to make them resurface more, I got a flashback of the war against goblins, it wasn't a fair fight…yet I lost many people who were close to me—my allies.

The war only lasted for six months, yet in that period of time, Humans had lost more soldiers than the Goblins. Many of the civilians said that the casualties on our side were more severe because we underestimated the Goblins, they were right. We got cocky, arrogant, and it led to many deaths.

The screams of both Goblins and humans still revolve in my mind, distant yet vivid. I killed many Goblins, I glanced at my hands; these hands have taken the lives of many Goblins and beasts. I felt a pang of guilt, being a soldier was the worst part of my life, I was forced to kill, to betray, to endure, that's why I left that life behind. 

My life now is a stark contrast to my life as a soldier, it’s very peaceful. These people, Rendal, Kairon, they’re all a very important part of my life now. I couldn't imagine living my life without Rendal and Kairon, just thinking about it makes my heart ache. I fought the beast yesterday because I feared that it might reach my family, or friends. 

In the distance I heard footsteps, they were soft and unhurried. I glanced up, noticing a young woman with long, flowing jet-black hair, onyx eyes that matched the darkness in her hair, a face that would turn heads anywhere she’d go. My face lightened up as I saw the familiar figure approaching. 

“Thinking about something unpleasant again, Amilia?” her voice was smooth, calm and teasing the same as ever. 

I chuckled lightly, my thoughts coming to a stop. “Liora…it’s been a while, hasn't it?” I replied, standing up slowly. The stiffness still lingered in some of my limbs. 

“hehe, yeah. Sorry, I didn’t visit sooner. I’ve been buried with Academy work—the headmaster is way too serious.” She paused. “Anyway, what’s this smell?.” She asked as she sniffed the air.

"Oh, that? I had a…clash with an Embejaw yesterday.” I answered, keeping my voice lighthearted.

Liora stared at me for a moment. “You’re not hurt…are you?” She reached out and touched my shoulder gently, giving it a soft squeeze. 

I gave a faint smile. “I’m fine, I do feel sore and exhausted but no serious injuries.” I rested my hand on top of her’s. “Come inside, let’s have something to drink.” I offered, moving back inside the house. The house felt chilly; my body already missed the warmth of the sun.

She nodded and started to follow me. Once we were inside she studied the house, knocking on the wood a few times. “Nice place you’ve got, far off the bustling cities, and peaceful.” She remarked, observing every little thing.

“Yes, it is.” I replied, not having anything else for a reply. I stepped into the kitchen, taking out a pot to make some tea. “So, how’d you end up here? Missed me that much?” I teased, trying my best to keep the awkwardness away. The scent of tea filled the air, and the soft sizzle of liquid against metal whispering through the quiet room.

Liora grinned, putting her  hands on my shoulders. “Of course I did! It’s been so long since we last met.” She paused. “Anyway, where’s your kid? I wanna see him.” Her eyes were full of stars, despite her graceful appearance she still acts like a child. 

“Kairon? He’s sleeping right now.” I answered,  while looking in the direction his room is.

Her excitement deflated, “Oh, well that's a bummer…” she pouted. “Hmph, and what about your hubby? I don't see him anywhere.” Her eyes darted around, in search of Rendal. 

“He went to the capital to sell the crops he harvested, should be back till tonight or tomorrow morning.” I said while handing her a cup of tea. I walked towards the couch, with a flicking of my fingers, a tiny amber spark danced onto the logs, igniting the hearth. 

“He went to Erasden? Weird…I didn't see him when I was on my way here. When did he leave?”  She questioned as she plopped down beside me, almost spilling the tea from her cup. She adjusted herself on the couch, the fabric rustled softly.

The sound of the wood cracking in the hearth resonated in the background. I leaned back, sipping my tea. “He left when dawn broke, quite early—” I was cut off by a cry, “looks like he’s awake.” I felt my lips curl into a smile  and Liora giggled almost mischievously. I stood up and made my way toward his room. The wooden floor made soft yet sharp creaks as I strode forward. 

I opened the door, glancing around as I noticed the blue glow was gone, another wave of relief washed over me. “Kairon? Is my baby boy awake?” I walked towards his crib, keeping my steps light. I saw a pair of hazel-brown eyes looking at me followed up by a giggle, I couldn't help but coo at that adorable giggle of his. He giggled more as I picked him up, I couldn't help but grin as I tickled his belly earning another fit of giggles from him. My earlier fear of him absorbing the beast core had faded completely, replaced with affection and relief. I held him gently as I stepped back into the living room where an excited Liora awaited us. 

“Oh my god! He’s so cute!” She squealed, practically bouncing with excitement. “Can I hold him?! Can I? Can I?! PLeaseee!” Her fingers wiggled in front of Kairon, almost begging me to let her hold him. 

A laugh escaped me, I was amused by her enthusiasm. I ruffled Kairon’s hair before handing him over to her, she took him instantly. I could see the sparkle in her eyes, and her cooing at every small gesture Kairon made. For a moment, I forgot about everything, memories of the old war, yesterday’s fight against the Emberjaw, my mind just…focused on Kairon and Liora. I sat down, watching Liora play with Kairon. I wish things would always stay like this.

Liora gasped, making my heart skip a beat. My gaze darted towards them again—“He’s got the same hair as you! And Rendal’s eyes! Perfect mix of the both of you, hehe.” She lifted Kairon up, swinging him left and right, Kairon seemed to be enjoying it as he squealed and giggled at her. 

“Kids sure do love you, Liora” I chuckled, admiring her way of interacting with Kairon. It was a relief that she hadn't noticed that he has a core, she’d be shocked beyond belief, anyone would be.

She gasped again, earning another skip of my heart beat. “Look! He’s touching my fac—” 

“Damn it, Liora! Stop scaring me like that!” I cut in, I thought she found out about his core, or she dropped him. 

“Sorry…” Her excitement deflated, lowering Kairon down a little. 

Guilt immediately surfaced in me, I stuttered a response. “N-no! I didn't mean it like that…” I breathed out a sigh, softening my voice. “Sorry for lashing out, I didn't mean to hurt your…feelings or anything. It’s just a mother’s instinct, you know?” I murmured, regretting what I did.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.” She nodded along, “I shouldn't have gasped like that…hehe” And with that, she was back being her enthusiastic self. It always amazed me how fast she could switch from composed to bursting with energy in seconds.

I watched them interact. Liora and Kairon seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a lot. I felt a sense of tranquility, watching them being happy made me happy too. I really wish times like these won’t ever pass, I want them to be like this forever. But, fate rarely listens to what we wish for. 

“I hope you grow up big and strong, just like your mother.” she blurted out, her words stung a little. My path was full of bloodshed and carnage. I don’t want him to walk down the same road I did.

A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I looked down at my lap. “No, whatever it takes…I'm not letting my son go down the same path as me…never.” I mumbled, Liora hearing me looked at me, and gave me a sad smile.