The small town became the refuge of Lilith and her son for five years. Life passed in a calm and peaceful rhythm, filling the days with serenity and hope. Under the protection of the old knight, they found a home where they could heal their wounds and rebuild their lives.
Lilith, though still carrying the shadow of sadness, had found strength to face each day. The loss of Gabriel was still an open wound, but the unconditional love she felt for her son gave her the strength to carry on. Every smile, every child's laughter, was a balm for his soul and a constant reminder of the life he had created.
The old gentleman became a grandfather to the boy, teaching him about the world and passing on his wisdom accumulated over the years. Together, they would explore the surroundings of the village, going deep into the woods and discovering the secrets that nature had to offer. The knight would teach the boy about respect for the land and the animals, instilling in him values of humility and love for the environment.
The little house they lived in was filled with life and warmth. The days faded away amidst laughter and games, as Lilith watched in wonder as her son grew and developed. Her curious golden eyes explored the world around them, searching for answers to every question that formed in her restless mind.
The village also embraced Lilith and her son with love and hospitality. The neighbors became an extended family, sharing their generosity and support. Evenings were filled with visits to neighboring homes, where children played together and adults shared stories and laughter around a table.
Time passed quickly and the boy began to show interest in Roland the old gentleman's morning training. With the old knight's guidance, he developed skills in sword and battle, taking his first steps to wielding a wooden sword and finding passion in fighting. Though against her mother who feared for her safety, and hoped she would not go down the path that once ended her husband.
Lilith, meanwhile, found renewed purpose in the village. Supported by the community, she embarked on projects to help those most in need. She organized sewing and knitting workshops, sharing her skills and knowledge with other women in the village. Each stitch was woven with love and hope, as a symbol of unity and self-improvement.
***
The old gentleman watched the child with a gentle smile as he tried to convince him that it was time to go to sleep. However, the little boy stubbornly resisted, refusing to close his eyes and immerse himself in the world of dreams.
"It's time to rest now, little one," the gentleman would say in a soft tone. "Tomorrow will be another day full of adventures and discoveries."
"Grandpa Roland I'm not getting tired" replied the child with a pout.
Then, the old gentleman decided to resort to an old technique that used to work on occasions like this. In a deep and mysterious voice, he began to tell him a scary story.
"Do you know, little one, that deep in these woods there are magical creatures that lie in wait for disobedient children?" the knight whispered. "It is said that if you don't behave, these dark beasts come out of hiding and drag you into the shadows."
The boy's eyes widened in amazement, captivated by the knight's tale. The old man described in detail the characteristics of these creatures, painting images of darkness and danger in the boy's mind.
Finally, weariness overcame the little boy, and his eyelids grew heavy. Surrendering to the power of the knight's words, he drifted off to sleep.
At dawn, the boy awoke with a palpable determination. Remembering the story of the magical beasts, he decided that he wanted to face his fear and find out if it was true what the old knight had told.
***
Luzbel, at his young age, was an exceptionally handsome boy. His jet black hair framed his angelic face, and his golden eyes shone with a captivating intensity. He possessed an enigmatic beauty that drew the eyes of everyone around him.
With a charming smile and a persuasive voice, Luzbel had the ability to convince the other children to follow him in his adventures. His charisma was irresistible, and his natural magnetism exerted a power of attraction over others.
Armed with sticks and childlike courage, they ventured into the thick forest. As they advanced, the atmosphere grew darker and more sinister, the branches of the trees creaked ominously and the wind whispered inaudible secrets.
Suddenly, a high-pitched, shrill sound filled the air, attracting their attention. Following the noise, they came to a clearing where a group of hungry goblins stood, feeding on a helpless wolf.
Goblins were grotesque, vicious creatures with small, deformed bodies. Their sharp teeth and glowing eyes reflected their malevolent nature. The children were petrified at the scene, feeling a shiver run down their spines.
Noticing the children's presence, the goblins released their ghoulish feasts and glared at them with malice. Terror seized the little fellows, who recoiled and fled in disarray.
Luzbel, however, could not move in time. He stumbled and fell to the ground, falling at the mercy of one of the goblins. As he lay helpless, the boy saw the goblin raise a pointed stick, ready to fiercely pierce him.
In that instant, a warm and powerful feeling spread throughout his body. A force he had never experienced before flowed through his veins. Without understanding what was happening, the boy felt something stirring inside him, as if a fire was burning inside him.
In an instant, the pent-up energy burst into a volute of bright flames that engulfed the boy. The blinding light illuminated the forest clearing, chasing away the darkness and startling the goblins, who recoiled in fright.
The fire spread to the nearest goblin, who let out a cry of pain as his clothes burst into flames. The other goblins, terrified by the sudden burst of power, fled in panic in all directions, leaving the boy in safety.
Luzbel stood up trembling, staring in amazement at the flames dancing around him. He had discovered something within himself, an unknown and wild power that seemed to answer his need for protection.
Heart pounding, the boy hurried back to the village, unaware that this was the gateway to a world he could not have imagined even in his best dreams.