Someone was watching us.
At first, I didn't know from where.
But when I focused…
I felt it.
Behind us.
In a corner.
Eyes.
Fixed.
I turned sharply.
Nothing.
Empty.
No one was there.
And the feeling… disappeared.
As if it had never been there.
—What's wrong, Ren? —Tarin asked, confused.
—Nothing… —I said, hesitating—. I thought I felt something, but… I guess it was just my imagination.
Tarin shook his head.
—I wouldn't ignore it so quickly. After all… that's your power.
I sighed.
—Yeah… I guess you're right.
I looked around one last time.
—But it's gone now.
Silence stayed with us for a few seconds.
—I don't like my power —I finally said.
Tarin looked at me.
—Why? It could be pretty useful.
I shook my head.
—It's not.
I clenched my fists slightly.
—I wanted something for combat. Something like Elijah's.
I looked down.
—But this… in that sense, it's useless.
—It doesn't have to be…
—Yes, it does —I cut him off, not raising my voice but firm—. I can sense things, sure. I can feel presences… danger…
I looked at him.
—And what good is that if I can't do anything against them?
Tarin stayed silent.
—Besides… —I continued— I can't even aim for more than C.
I let out a short, humorless laugh.
—You, for example, can reach A.
—That doesn't mean yours isn't valuable in other ways.
—You don't understand…
My voice tightened slightly.
—I need it to be strong in combat.
—Why?
I looked at him.
—Because I want to be like my brother.
The words came out on their own.
—He was going to be the best. A court mage. Strong, respected…
I lowered my gaze.
—I wanted to be like him.
Tarin stayed quiet for a moment.
Then he spoke, calmer.
—Do you really think that was his goal?
I frowned.
—What do you mean?
—Your brother didn't just want fame or money —he said—. Yeah, he liked the idea, sure… but that wasn't it.
He smiled faintly.
—He wanted to help people.
Pause.
—And protect you.
I stayed silent.
—Everyone knew that.
I clenched my teeth.
—I… have another reason.
Tarin stopped smiling.
—What?
I looked at him.
This time without hesitation.
—I have to avenge his death.
The air felt heavier.
—The king has tasked me with taking down Aether.
The words came out before I could think.
I knew I shouldn't say it.
But… I needed to.
Tarin froze.
—What?
—I haven't just been missing these past few days —I continued—. I've been at the palace.
I lowered my gaze.
—And the king… gave me that mission.
Silence.
—He gave me the chance to avenge Elijah.
Tarin frowned.
—Ren…
He hesitated.
—I don't know if you should do it.
I sighed.
Here we go again.
—Why?
—Do you think Elijah would want that?
I went still.
I didn't know how to answer.
—Your brother's priority was you —he continued—. Always. I don't think he'd be very happy seeing you risk your life to avenge him.
I clenched my fists.
—You might be right…
But I looked up.
—If I do nothing, Aether will become a court mage. A murderer… inside the court.
I shook my head.
—I can't allow that.
—And why does it have to be you?
—Because he killed my brother —I replied without hesitation—. I'm the one who has to stop him.
Tarin stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then he sighed.
—Ren… I understand that you're broken.
He looked at me seriously.
—But that doesn't mean you have to throw yourself to your death.
—He was my brother.
—I know.
His voice softened.
—We all cared about him.
Pause.
—And we all admired him.
He looked at me.
—Just like I admire you.
I blinked.
—You… admire me?
—Yeah.
He smiled faintly.
—You're stronger than you think.
I shook my head.
—You have a better power than me.
—That doesn't matter.
He took a step closer.
—You're someone who doesn't give up. Who always tries to get back up, even when everything falls apart.
I lowered my gaze.
—You've always lived in Elijah's shadow… and still, you wanted to improve.
He paused slightly.
—That doesn't make you less. It makes you more.
I didn't know what to say.
—And what does it matter if you admire me? —I murmured—. It doesn't change anything.
Tarin shook his head.
—Of course it does.
He looked at me directly.
—Because the person I admire…
Pause.
—Wouldn't stay stuck in the past trying to kill someone. He would try to move forward.
Silence.
I didn't know how to respond.
Did I really… have to let it go?
Could I?
—Thanks… —I finally said.
—No problem.
Tarin smiled and turned around.
—Are we leaving?
—I'd rather stay a bit longer.
—Alright.
He started walking away.
But before leaving completely, he stopped for a second.
—Don't forget what I told you.
Pause.
—And remember… when we saw Aether, something changed.
He turned his head slightly.
—Try not to go down that path.
He left.
I stayed alone.
—I'll keep it in mind… —I murmured.
But I didn't even know if that was true.
The square fell completely silent.
Only the sound of the fountain remained.
Fewer and fewer people were walking through the streets. It was getting late. Most were heading home; they had work the next day.
But me…
I had nothing to do.
I was there, with no one waiting for me at home, thinking about everything that had happened that day.
The funeral…
Helen…
my power being revealed…
Mira's story…
and Tarin.
It had been a full day, that was certain.
But there was still something left.
Something I didn't expect.
And that would change everything.
I felt that gaze again.
But this time… much closer.
And before I realized it, a hand rested on my shoulder.
It was large. Heavy.
A chill ran down my spine.
Who could it be?
—Ren… right?
I turned sharply.
It was a robust man, wearing a uniform. At first I couldn't make him out well in the darkness, but little by little I recognized it.
Royal guard.
—Yes…
—I need you to come with me… in the king's name.
I didn't respond.
I didn't know what to say.
I just stood up… and followed him.
We walked through the dark streets of the city in silence, until we reached an alley I had never seen before.
A secluded place.
No people.
Too quiet.
—I assume… you know why you're here —he said.
—Yeah… I have an idea.
—Good.
He paused briefly.
—I'm here to give you the final instructions for your "task" regarding Aether.
There they were.
Those damn instructions.
—But first…
He turned slightly toward me.
—Who was that you were with at the fountain?
—A friend —I replied without hesitation.
—You didn't tell him anything about this, did you?
Damn.
I had to lie.
I couldn't tell the truth.
—Of course not —I said, trying to sound calm—. It's completely secret.
I swallowed.
The guard watched me for a few seconds.
—Good.
He took out a letter.
—I'm delivering this to you. It was written by the king himself.
It bore the seal of the royal house.
—The instructions inside… not even I am allowed to know them.
He handed it to me.
—So you can imagine the level of confidentiality.
I nodded.
—The king has nothing to worry about. I won't tell anyone.
At least… not the instructions.
—Then everything is settled.
The guard turned around.
—Open it at home.
He started walking away.
—Have a good night.
And he disappeared into the shadows.
I tucked the letter inside my shirt, somewhere it couldn't be seen.
If someone found it on the street… it could be dangerous.
I started walking back home.
The streets were dark, almost unrecognizable. Nothing like during the day.
I don't think I had ever been out this late.
After a while, I reached the door.
I went in.
Closed it slowly behind me.
Silence wrapped around me instantly.
I took out the letter and placed it on the table.
I lit a candle.
The flame flickered slightly.
I stared at it for a few seconds.
And then… I looked at the letter.
I was about to open it.
But something stopped me.
A thought.
What if I shouldn't?
What if opening that letter meant there was no turning back?
That my fate… would be sealed.
I clenched my jaw.
Tarin.
I remembered his words.
"Try not to go down that path."
I swallowed.
Maybe I should never have accepted this.
Maybe I was still in time to stop.
I felt… like I shouldn't open it.
But there was something else.
Something pulling me in the opposite direction.
Curiosity.
And something darker.
The need to know.
The need to do something.
To take revenge.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
And broke the seal.
I unfolded the letter.
My eyes scanned the first words.
Perfect handwriting. Careful.
Cold.
"Dear Ren…"