Chapter 76Aeron snapped awake with a jolt, his eyes flying open as he found himself lying on the damp forest floor. A sense of disorientation washed over him as he took in his surroundings. The dense forest stretched out before him, the towering trees casting long shadows that danced in the soft light filtering through the canopy above. He recognized the place immediately; it was just outside the borders of his kingdom, a place he often retreated to for solace and contemplation.As he tried to recall how he had come to be there, a sharp, piercing pain throbbed in his temples, causing Aeron to wince. He pressed a hand to his head, willing the headache to subside. Slowly, the pain began to ease, and memories flooded back into his mind with startling clarity.Augustine, his beloved wife, and their sweet daughter, the light of his life. His heart ached at the thought of them. And then, the betrayal of his own brother, Oswald, who had orchestrated a plot against him in a bid for power. A
Chapter 77Aeron stood in the distance, hidden behind a clump of trees, watching as Myra carefully buckled baby Allistar into his car seat. He couldn't help but smile as he saw the happy family, his heart swelling with both joy and sadness. He longed to be with them, to protect them, but he knew it was safer for them if he stayed hidden.As Myra got into the driver's seat and started the car, Aeron made a move to leave. But something caught his eye - a car parked a little way back, with a man wearing a nose mask and a hoodie sitting behind the wheel. Aeron's instincts instantly went on high alert. Something about the man felt wrong, and Aeron couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to stay and watch.As they started driving, Aeron's suspicions were confirmed. The man in the car behind Myra's began to follow them, keeping a safe distance but clearly tailing them. Aeron's mind raced as he tried to think of a reason for the car to be following them, but deep down, he knew it couldn't b
Chapter 78Baron stood before Oswald's imposing door, knocking vigorously in a desperate attempt to grab the king's attention. The minutes stretched on, and there still wasn't any response. Frustration etched across Baron's face as he sighed, muttering to himself, "Not again."Determined to enter, Baron extended his hand toward the lock, fingers flexing with practiced ease. A soft incantation left his lips, and a subtle glow enveloped the lock. The magical energies worked their charm, and the lock yielded, allowing Baron to push the door open. As the entrance creaked, revealing the intimate scene within, Baron's eyes widened with surprise.Oswald, entwined with a maiden, seemed oblivious to the intrusion. The atmosphere was charged, and even Baron's magical entrance failed to disrupt their passionate encounter. Unfazed, they continued until they were done, and Baron found himself an unwelcome witness to their liaison.Oswald, not missing a beat, instructed the maiden to leave, leaving
Chapter 79Myra takes a deep breath, her heart racing, as she watches Allistar playfully warp another steel spoon into an abstract sculpture. She can't help but feel a mix of awe and frustration at her one-year-old's impressive abilities. She reaches out, trying to take the spoon from Allistar's small hands, but she simply giggles and grabs another utensil, ready to bend it as well."Allistar, please stop doing that," Myra pleads, her tone filled with both concern and exasperation. But her words fall on deaf ears as Allistar continues to manipulate the spoon effortlessly. It's as if the hard, sturdy steel was as malleable as soft plastic. Myra sighs heavily and sinks into the couch, contemplating the implications of her son's extraordinary powers.She knew Allistar would inherit some of her father's unique abilities, but she never expected them to manifest at such a young age. It both fascinated and worried her, knowing that humans weren't generally receptive to these extraordinary gi
Chapter 80Aeron wandered through the dense forest, his mind heavy with the burden of making amends with the enemies he had unwittingly forged. Knowing they would attack him on sight, he pondered the need for a mediator. Suddenly, a name flashed in his thoughts – Pelenore, a powerful wizard who had once collaborated with his father. Though challenging, Pelenore was his only choice. Determined, he changed direction, setting his course for Pelenore's dwelling.Upon reaching the shabby cabin, Aeron raised his hand to knock, but a raspy voice from within invited him in. "Enter, son of Levi."The door creaked open, revealing the aged wizard. The room was dimly lit, with flickering candles casting eerie shadows across the walls. Aeron's eyes fell upon Pelenore. They stood face to face, with Pelenore's intense gaze shooting daggers at him.Silence hung heavy in the air, and Aeron could feel the weight of Pelenore's disappointment and anger. Without warning, the sorcerer swiftly picked up a s
Chapter 81The shabby cabin stood alone in the deserted outskirts of the kingdom, its worn-out wooden planks unable to hide the secrets that lingered within. The night was cast in shadow, a cloak of darkness that seemed to wrap itself around the figure standing just outside. Their presence was enigmatic, a silent observer of the world around them. The sound of footsteps echoed as Aeron departed, leaving behind an air of tension in their wake. It was then that the figure, slowly and deliberately, stepped forward towards the cabin, and with a swift motion, removed their cloak.Pelenore, consumed by his task, barely glanced up, his voice laced with contempt as he spoke. "Baron? What brings you here?" His eyes remained focused on the task at hand, his hands skillfully arranging the potions on the crude wooden table."Father!" Baron's voice rang out, brimming with anger. Pelenore finally looked up, his gaze meeting the piercing eyes of his estranged son. There was a flicker of disappointme
Chapter 82As Baron paced around in Oswald's chamber, his mind was racing with worry. He had just returned from seeing his father, and the conversation had left him feeling uneasy. Oswald, who was sitting at his desk, looked up at Baron and finally spoke up. "Baron, will you stop pacing and tell me what the problem is? You're making me anxious with all this back and forth."Baron stopped and turned to face Oswald. "Your Majesty, I'm just returning from seeing my father," he began. "And something he said has me worried."Oswald's expression softened as he leaned back in his chair. "What did he say that has you so concerned, Baron?"Baron sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. "I saw Aeron coming out from my father's cabin," he confessed.Oswald's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Aeron? What was he doing with your father?""I confronted my father about it," Baron continued. "And he told me that Aeron came to ask for his help."Oswald let out a shaky laugh. "Surely your father ref
Chapter 83Simon handed Myra a cup of steaming hot coffee, which she accepted gratefully. Her tired eyes showed the weight of sleepless nights that had taken their toll on her. He settled down next to her, concern etched across his face."Why didn't you scream, Myra?" Simon asked softly, his voice filled with worry. "The neighbors might have heard and come to your rescue."Myra sighed, her gaze fixed on the steam rising from the cup in her hands. "I didn't have the chance, Simon. The burglar knocked me out before I could react."Simon's regret was evident as he replied, "If I had known, I wouldn't have gone for that meeting. I would have been here to protect you."Myra placed a hand on his knee, reassuringly. "Don't beat yourself up about it, Simon. I'm fine. It's just a traumatic experience."Simon's concern deepened as he inquired, "Did the burglar take anything?"Myra hesitated, her thoughts briefly drifting to the harrowing details of the attack. She decided against divulging thos
EpilogueAeron laughed heartily as he tossed a colorful ball back and forth with Allistar in the living room, their playful banter filling the air with joy and warmth. Despite his initial hesitance, Aeron had eventually relented, allowing Myra to go to the grocery store while he stayed back to spend quality time with Allistar. Little did he know that an unexpected turn of events was about to unfold.As they played, Aeron got a mindlink from Myra, her urgent thoughts flooding his mind. "Aeron, the baby is coming. I'm in labor. Please come to the grocery store right away."The realization sank in, and a sense of urgency washed over Aeron. Without a moment's hesitation, he gathered the groceries they had bought and swiftly lifted Allistar into his arms, explaining the situation in a hurry."Come on, peaches, we have to go to the grocery store. It's time to meet your little brother," Aeron said with a mix of excitement and reassurance, his tone conveying the sense of anticipation that fil
Chapter 110The soft glow of evening cast a warm ambience in Aeron and Myra's cozy living room, the gentle flicker of candlelight dancing across the walls. Myra, her baby bump clearly visible now, sat on the couch, a look of frustration etched on her features. Aeron, sitting opposite her in an armchair, gazed at her with a mix of amusement and concern.Myra's mood had been unpredictable lately, a common symptom of her advancing pregnancy, and today was no exception. She fidgeted with the remote control, her brows furrowed as she struggled to find the perfect movie to watch, her emotions teetering on the edge."Aeron, I just can't find anything that feels right!" Myra exclaimed, her frustration palpable. Aeron tilted his head, suppressing a smile as he tried to hide his amusement, knowing well that pregnancy tantrums were a part of the journey ahead."I could help you look for something. What are you in the mood for?" Aeron offered, his voice calm and soothing.Myra sighed, her gaze fl
Chapter 109Myra and Aeron were in the midst of preparing breakfast when the joyous sound of little feet echoed in the kitchen. Allistar, their bright-eyed and adventurous four-year-old daughter, burst into the room, clutching a colorful painting in her tiny hands. Aeron's eyes lit up as he saw her approach, a warm smile embracing his features. "Daddy, look what I made!" Allistar exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.Myra shook her head with a tender smile, a gentle reproach in her voice. "Allistar, how many times will I tell you not to run in the house?" Allistar's eyes widened in innocence as she looked up at her mother. "But Daddy says I can run when I become a big girl. I just turned four, so I'm a big girl now," she protested with all the conviction of a child.Aeron scooped her up into his arms and twirled her around, his laughter filling the air. "Of course, you're a big girl, Allistar, and big girls also obey their mothers," he reminded her gently before setting her
Chapter 108As the golden sunlight bathed the palace garden in a warm glow, Aeron labored diligently, stirring pots and arranging fragrant bouquets under the vibrant canopy of blossoming trees. Soft laughter escaped his lips as he meticulously set the table with ornate silverware, fairy lights twinkling like stars above. The tantalizing aroma of exotic spices and delicacies intermingled with the invigorating scent of dewy petals, infusing the air with a sense of enchantment.Aeron checked that everything was in place, a pleased smile gracing his features. He tiptoed back into the palace to retrieve Myra, his heart aflutter with anticipation. Upon returning to her side, he gently bound a silken blindfold over her eyes, his touch feather-light and tender.With the utmost care, he guided her through the labyrinthine corridors, her trust unwavering despite her curiosity. As they drew closer to the garden, Aeron's footsteps quickened, brimming with eagerness, until they finally came to a h
Chapter 107The dense forest loomed around Aeron like a living labyrinth, each tree a sentinel guarding its secrets. His voice echoed through the stillness, a desperate call searching for any sign of life. "Is anyone there?" he shouted, but the only response was the rustle of leaves in the wind.Undeterred, Aeron began to walk, the towering trees closing in around him, casting shadows that danced in the dappled moonlight. His footsteps seemed to be swallowed by the silent expanse, and a sinking feeling settled in his chest as the forest embraced him in its enigmatic grasp.As he wandered deeper, Aeron's sense of direction faltered, and the forest became an endless maze. Panic clawed at the edges of his mind, urging him to escape the suffocating greenery. In the distance, a cave yawned open like a dark maw, a potential escape from the wilderness that threatened to swallow him whole.Aeron cautiously entered the cave, the shadows within conspiring to distort his perception. The cavern s
Chapter 106As Aeron sprinted through the moonlit night, his keen senses heightened by desperation, he tried to catch Oswald's scent in the air. Frowning, he realized that Oswald had masked his presence, making tracking nearly impossible.Aeron chuckled grimly, muttering to himself, "Buffoon." Undeterred, he dropped to his knees, placing a hand on the ground. Silent incantations escaped his lips, and soon, glowing footsteps appeared on the path ahead. Aeron grinned, his determination unwavering as he followed the ethereal trail.The luminous footprints guided him to a secluded cabin. Aeron cautiously pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside. There, on a wooden bed, lay Allistar. Relief and urgency surged through him, but before he could reach for her, Oswald leaped from his hiding spot, launching at Aeron with deadly intent.Reacting swiftly, Aeron dodged the assault, and the two engaged in a fierce battle once more. Aeron's skill with the sword proved superior, but in a cunni
Chapter 105Panic and fear were etched into every line of Aeron's face as he frantically darted through the sprawling corridors of the palace, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His eyes were wild with desperation as he searched, each passing second seeping away with a sense of impending dread. Shadows clung to the walls, and the oppressive weight of the air seemed to press down on him, suffocating him as he raced against the insidious tide of time.It was in this frenzied state that Aeron collided with Pelenore, his father, and the impact sent them both stumbling, only to regain their footing with a sense of urgency. Pelenore regarded his son with a mixture of concern and confusion, his brow furrowed as he asked, "Aeron, what's wrong? Why are you so frantic?"Aeron's voice trembled with raw emotion as he blurted out, "It's Myra. She's in trouble. I heard her call out to me, and I can't find her anywhere. She's somewhere in this palace, and I can't bear the thought of her suffering."
Chapter 104In the aftermath of the great battle that had just taken place, the once serene and picturesque landscape was now a chaotic scene of destruction. The once lush green fields were now scorched and smoking, the trees reduced to charred stumps. The acrid smell of burnt wood and gunpowder lingered heavily in the air, mingled with the metallic stench of blood.Amidst the chaos, Pelenore stood a short distance away, his body trembling with grief. In his arms, he cradled his beloved son, Baron, the light of his life. The young man's face was now pale, marked by deep wounds. Pelenore's tears streamed down his weathered face, his cries of despair mingling with the chaotic sounds of the aftermath. He held his dying son tenderly, whispering comforting words through his anguished sobs, hoping against hope that he could bring some relief to his child."I'm sorry, father," Baron finally croaked, his voice barely a whisper amidst the havoc. The words were a plea for forgiveness, a burde
Chapter 103The night was dark, with only a pale sliver of moon hanging in the sky. Aeron and Pelenore sat side by side on a wooden bench, their bodies tense and their eyes fixed on the field before them. The soldiers had set up their tents and retired for the night, leaving the deserted field covered in the scattered remnants of their tests. The atmosphere was heavy with silence, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves.Neither Aeron nor Pelenore said a word, but the tension between them spoke volumes. Certainly by the morning they would go into battle and although they had prepared, they still felt tensed. Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by the sound of hooves pounding across the field. A horse burst through the darkness, its body shimmering as if born from smoke. A soldier clad in armor dismounted and bowed in obeisance before Aeron and Pelenore. "Your highness! Great wizard!" Aeron looked at the soldier with an intensity that ma