Chapter 84As the sun slowly set over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the room, Simon and Myra stood in her bedroom surrounded by boxes and suitcases. There was a heaviness in the air, a mix of sadness and uncertainty, as they worked methodically together, carefully folding each piece of clothing and placing it in its respective container.Simon looked at Myra, his eyes filled with genuine sadness and concern. "Do you really have to go? Myra, you don't have to go," he murmured softly, his voice barely a whisper. "I can protect you. I'll do anything to keep you safe. Just stay."Myra paused, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She reached out, touching Simon's arm gently. "I know, Simon. I know how much you care, how much you want to protect me. But for how long? What happens when you're not here? I need to feel safe, and it's only back home that I can truly find that peace."Simon sighed and nodded, understanding Myra's sentiment. With a heavy heart, they continue
Chapter 85The dimly lit cave felt endless as Pelenore and Aeron navigated through the winding tunnels and treacherous passages. The walls were made of jagged rocks that glowed with an eerie blue light, casting strange shadows along their path. The air was thick with dampness, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the labyrinth.Aeron's breathing grew heavy, his footsteps becoming slower and more labored with each passing minute. He looked up at Pelenore, his mentor and guide, with exhaustion etched onto his face. "Father, when do we get there?" he called out, hoping for a ray of hope to lighten his burden.But instead of the comforting response he had anticipated, Pelenore's voice dripped with a coldness that pierced his heart. "You have lost the right to address me as father," he snapped. "You must earn it back. So for now, it's Great Wizard or Pelenore to you."Aeron's hurt cut through him like a sharp blade, but he remained silent. Deep down, he believed that maybe he did
Chapter 86In the grand throne room of the castle, the morning sun cast dancing shadows on the walls, illuminating the opulence that surrounded them. Baron and Oswald stood at the back of the room, their voices barely above a whisper as they engaged in hushed conversation. It was a somber exchange, their faces fraught with concern.As they spoke, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, and a figure slowly emerged, her hand clasping the tiny hand of a one-year-old baby named Allistar. Myra, dressed in a flowing gown that cascaded to the floor, walked into the room, a gentle smile planted upon her lips. Allistar's wide, curious eyes scanned the room, taking in the intricate tapestries and towering statues.Occasionally, Allistar would tap Myra's arm, pointing to a particularly grand statue, and Myra would respond with a wry comment or a playful remark, causing laughter to bubble from the child's mouth. Their presence added an air of innocence and joy to the otherwise tense atmosphere.As M
Chapter 87Aeron paced back and forth in front of Pelenore, his emotions a volatile mix of anger, desperation, and disbelief. He couldn't believe that he had come to Pelenore for help, only to be met with indifference. The room was tense, the air thick with pent-up frustration.Finally, Aeron stopped in his tracks and turned to face Pelenore directly. The words came out in a rush, his voice trembling with intense emotion. "Are you trying to help me or punish me?" he yelled. Pelenore, who had been nonchalantly focused on his potion-making, finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "I don't understand what you mean, Aeron," he replied calmly.Aeron's frustration grew, and he ran a hand through his hair in exasperation. "I came to you for help," he said, his voice tinged with desperation.Pelenore continued to focus on the potion he was making, seemingly unfazed by Aeron's outburst. He finally looked up, a faint crease lining his forehead. "I still don't understand what you mean," h
Chapter 88Myra and Oswald sat together at the grand dining hall of the palace, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility amidst the flurry of their busy lives. The soft glow of the candles cast a warm light over the hall, casting dancing shadows against the walls. The aroma of a sumptuous feast filled the air as servants bustled around, attending to their every need.As they ate, Myra and Oswald engaged in a lighthearted conversation, the strains of their laughter mingling with the tinkling of silverware. The topics meandered from polite inquiries about Myra's experiences in the human world to curious questions about the intricacies of human life. Oswald listened intently, his eyes crinkling with unspoken emotions as he watched Myra recount her tales with animated gestures.Unknown to them, a dark figure moved with stealth and precision outside the palace walls. Aeron, consumed by a singular purpose, had launched a one-man coup and was already executing his plan. He moved with silent pu
Chapter 89Aeron's heart felt heavy as he walked into Pelenore's cabin, his steps slow and hesitant. He looked worn, his face pale and stained with tears. Pelenore, sitting at his desk, glanced up at Aeron but said nothing. He didn't even acknowledge Aeron's obvious distress.Aeron couldn't take the silence any longer. "You knew, didn't you?" he asked softly, his voice carrying the weight of betrayal. "You knew they had Myra, that's why you asked me to let her go, isn't it?"Pelenore remained unresponsive, his gaze fixed on the documents spread out before him.Unable to bear the tension any longer, Aeron sank to the floor, his back against the wall. Emotion overwhelmed him, and he vented his frustrations. "Why did they have to bring Myra into this? She has nothing to do with it! She's innocent!"Pelenore finally broke his silence, his voice calm and unmatched by the turmoil in Aeron's heart. "It is because they know she's your weakness," he said matter-of-factly.Looking up at Pelenor
Chapter 90Myra, her face flushed with anger, stormed back to the palace. The once beautiful nature and joyful laughter around her now seemed to hold no pleasure. She muttered to herself in disbelief about Aeron's accusation. How could he say something like that? Oswald being wicked, Augustine being a scientist, and Augustine wanting to kill Alistar? It was all too much for Myra to comprehend.In frustration, she kicked a stone, only to hurt her toe. Exclaiming, "Fuck!" she inadvertently made Alistar cry. Myra, now torn between irritation and guilt, petted Alistar as she took deep breaths to calm her nerves. If she had known this was the nonsense Aeron wanted to tell her, she would never have agreed to meet him.She finally arrived at the palace and as she entered, she noticed three figures engaged in a secretive conversation. Baron and Oswald were there, but Myra couldn't get a clear view of the third person as they were cloaked. Curiosity got the better of her, and she quietly tipto
Chapter 91The moon cast its silver glow over the palace as Myra, cloaked and silent, sneaked out in the dead of night, unaware that Baron had keen eyes on her every move. Her steps were calculated, avoiding the creaky floorboards, and she disappeared into the shadows.Finally free from the confines of the palace, Myra made her way towards the cave of waters. Breathing heavily, Myra approached the cave and saw the figures standing there, patiently waiting for her. Aeron, unable to control his excitement, rushed forward. His voice was filled with concern as he asked, "Myra, are you alright? I was so worried." But before he could finish his sentence, Myra cut him off with a deep, passionate kiss, drawing him into the intensity of the moment.Aeron's surprise quickly gave way to reciprocation as he pulled her closer, surrendering to the fire that ignited between them. Their hearts beat in rhythm, lost in the moment, until Pelenore's throat clearing abruptly interrupted their kiss. Break
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