Orryn's POV:
Nadya paces the room, her voice animated as she shares a tale that would be deemed unbelievable by many. If not for the overwhelming surge of magic I experienced firsthand from her, I might have dismissed her claims as mere fantasies. Her assertion that she's a descendant of the Mother of the Cosmos is not something that could be brushed aside lightly. The magic that surged within me, that changed me, wasn't just powerful, it was unparalleled. While magic is common in our realm, the sheer magnitude of Nadya's power is unlike anything I've ever encountered.
An average fire mage can conjure flames, and direct them at their adversaries. But Nadya? She unleashed a colossal wave of fire magic that stretched for miles. What's more astonishing is that her flames didn't just scorch indiscriminately. They seemed to possess an intelligence of their own, harming some while shielding others. Traditional fire magic, with its raw and destructive nature, ravages everything in its path. But Nadya's fire magic, imbued with healing and protective properties, defies everything we know about the element.
Whispers and rumors circulated as she slept, but none of the conjectures even remotely approached the truth. I sat there, absorbing her words about prophecies, about her sisters and the dire consequences that would befall the world if she failed to find them.
"I sound crazy, don't I?" Nadya suddenly stopped, pivoting to face me. The unease, bordering on dread, was clear in her eyes. "No one's ever going to believe a story like that."
"I believe you," I responded, shifting to alleviate the discomfort from sitting too long in the chair.
A flicker of gratitude appeared in her gaze, and a sigh of relief left her lips. She seemed buoyed by the realization that she wasn't alone. I was elated that I could offer her even a semblance of solace. I had pined for her during her time in that dreamlike state. Although merely two months had passed, it felt like an eternity since I last lost myself in her gaze.
"You would believe anything I say," Nadya states, shifting her gaze away from mine, her cheeks adorned with a warm blush.
Rising from my chair, I approached her. Even though her gaze remained averted, the deepening blush on her cheeks betrayed her awareness of my proximity. "If you wish it," I whispered, "I'd take on the world for you."
Standing before her, I tenderly brushed her cheek, marveling at the stark difference between her soft skin and my calloused fingertips. She tilted her face into my hand, eyes closing in a serene moment, savoring our intimate connection. "I don't want to drag you into danger."
I chuckled softly, amused and touched by her concern. "I've faced danger long before our paths crossed. Believe me, I can handle it."
She opened her eyes, the depth of her emotions evident within. "But this is different, Orryn," She murmured. "The danger that is coming, it's not of this world. The stakes are far higher, and the enemies we'll face are unlike any other."
Cupping her face gently, I forced her gaze to meet mine. "Be that as it may, my want to stand by your side, is far stronger than the fear of what might happen."
She looked uncertain, her fingers playing with the edge of her tunic. "I just don't want you to regret your choice."
Smiling tenderly, I replied, "I made my choice the day I met you. Come what may, I have no regrets."
She looked up at me, her eyes a swirling mix of longing and tenderness, mirroring the emotions that surged within me.
"Orryn..." Her voice, barely above a whisper, caressed my name, making it sound more enchanting than I had ever perceived it to be. Having yearned for so long to hear her voice say my name, the reality was far more captivating than any of my previous imaginings.
As I gaze into her eyes, my imagination takes over, visions of our shared future flood my mind. I see us standing united after winning the war, forging a tranquil world for our children. I hear the infectious laughter of our offspring echoing throughout our castle, their small feet creating a harmonious ruckus against the ancient stones. I envision her radiant face, aglow with the happiness and contentment of shared years, always beside me, always loving, always loved. Together, I see us exploring uncharted territories, embarking on countless adventures, and finding joy in the ordinary moments that become extraordinary with her by my side.
The distance between us narrows, every inch drawing us closer to a moment that promises pure, unhindered intimacy. The memory of our first kiss, shared in front of curious eyes, flashes in my mind. It was passionate and meaningful, especially given her miraculous awakening. But this... this promises to be something even more profound. Free from distractions or watchful gazes, it's just her, me, and the promise of countless tomorrows.
"You're back!" Fleya bursts into the tent unexpectedly, halting instantly as she sees our nearly intimate moment. With a swift turn, she shields her eyes from the scene. "Ewwwwww."
Caught off guard, Nadya and I pull away from each other instantly. I could feel the heat on my cheeks, and by the rosy hue on Nadya's face, I was sure we mirrored each other. She sneaks a glance in my direction, but quickly looks away when our eyes meet.
The sudden entry of Fleya was like a splash of cold water. The electrifying moment we were about to share was interrupted, and the intimacy of the moment was replaced with a comical awkwardness.
I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. "Fleya, ever heard of knocking?"
She huffed, still facing away. "It's a tent, Orryn. How does someone 'knock' on a tent? Plus, I didn't expect to find you two... ugh."
"It's natural. Grownups do it all the time," I explain, attempting to defuse the awkwardness. "So did mom and dad."
Fleya makes a gagging sound at the mention of our parents. From the corner of my eye, I catch Nadya struggling to contain her laughter behind her hand. Trust her to find amusement in such a situation. She always had a penchant for mischief.
"How long has this been a thing?" Fleya asks, pivoting to face us, her hands planted firmly on her hips and eyes accusatory. "You said she could be our sister!"
"I never said that," I reply flatly, not the least bit interested in where this conversation was going.
"But when I asked if she could join our family, I meant in a sisterly way," Fleya retorted, her voice rising in frustration. "Not...this!"
"Well, if I were to marry her, she'd technically become family," I venture, attempting to find some logic in the situation.
Nadya chokes a bit on her surprise, shooting me a wide-eyed look as if to say, "Really? Already?"
Fleya, on the other hand, transitions from anger to glee almost instantaneously. "Wait! So, you two are getting married?!"
"I said 'if'," I quickly correct, feeling slightly cornered and scratching the back of my neck nervously.
Fleya's eyes darted between Nadya and me, taking in our flustered expressions and her earlier shock was replaced by a mischievous grin. "Ah, so not yet then. But soon?"
Nadya cleared her throat, her cheeks still flushed. "We haven't talked about it," She replied delicately.
Fleya huffed, clearly disappointed. "Well talk fast, theres a lot o…." She trailed off, her eyes widening in shock. "You talked."
Nadya's smile was a bittersweet one, her eyes softening at Fleya's raw display of emotion. Tears welled up in Fleya's eyes, glistening with words unspoken, and threatening to spill. Without any preamble or hesitation, Fleya dashed forward, burying herself deep into Nadya's embrace, her small frame shaking with the weight of her suppressed emotions.
"I..i..i thought I would never hear your voice again," Fleya's voice trembled, choked by the intensity of her sobs. Each word was punctuated by the rhythm of her heartfelt tears, soaking into Nadya's garments.
Nadya, taken aback by the flood of raw emotion, responded by gently stroking Fleya's hair, her fingers weaving through the strands in a soothing rhythm. The warmth of the gesture was like a balm, meant to heal the deepest of wounds. "I'm so sorry," Fleya's voice wavered, guilt evident in her tone, "You suffered so much, and it was all because of me."
"Shh," Nadya whispered, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. She pulled back slightly to gaze into Fleya's tear-filled eyes, ensuring her message was clearly conveyed. "I've never once blamed you for any of it. None of it was your doing."
"And as for me," She continued, her tone filled with conviction, "Orryn saved me just in time, now it's my turn to do the same for the others. Together, we'll make everything right."