In the following days, neither Lavender nor Morvain ventured outside of their room. Their father brought them food, but Lavender refused her meals, while Morvain eagerly devoured his share. It was the first time he had received proper sustenance from the old man.
After some coaxing and feigned tears, Gideon managed to get Lavender to eat, albeit in small portions. Despite his fear of her powers, he knew a little hunger wouldn't do any harm, and it might even help mask his true intentions.
So, he fed her, playing the role of the caring father he pretended to be.
Morvain's vision improved each day, but alongside it, he felt something else. It was a sensation deep within his heart. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but a heavy feeling settled there.
A feeling of guilt.
He had been trying to convince himself that Eldric was merely a means to an end, and he shouldn't feel this way, but he did. And for some inexplicable reason, he couldn't shake this feeling.
'I'll have to come to terms with this,' he thought. 'It's for the best.'
He touched the broken teeth with his tongue, a constant reminder of the harsh reality beyond. Even in his weakened state, the dying man had managed to inflict such damage with just two punches.
'Why am I the only one who hasn't awakened yet? It's unfair. Those who are awakened simply seek a comfortable life, selling their abilities, without considering the potential to change the entire world.'
Two days later, Gideon entered Morvain's room and began to remove the cloth from his face. As the wraps around his head were undone, he experienced a sharp pain in his eye sockets and brain. The light was too much for him to bear..
Tears streamed down Morvain's face as he covered his eyes with his hands. Slowly, he dared to open them and began to adjust to his new vision.
"What the...?" He was too astonished for words.
Gideon watched Morvain, confusion knitting his brow. "What is it?"
"Did he always see the world like this?" Morvain looked at his hands, turning them around and studying them carefully.
"See it like what?"
"This, Father!" Morvain pointed at his new eyes. "The vision is different from what I was used to. It's like the difference between black and white. I can see more clearly. The world is so vibrant now. Colors are vivid and everything is sharp."
"Is that so...?" Gideon fell into a thoughtful stance, stroking his small white goatee. "It seems that it must be either the awakened ability that improved Eldric's eyes or perhaps it's a trait from the Stormwatch bloodline."
"Did you feel like this when you awakened, Father?"
"No, not really. I suppose it's based on our bloodline, then?"
"It's... so unjust." Morvain's voice was filled with bitterness and resentment. "I always thought being awakened meant having special abilities, but it seems the powers are just an extra. It's the bloodline that truly matters."
"And what will you do about it?"
"I'll change the world. No, no, no," he quickly corrected himself. "I'll be the change." He clenched his fist.
"That's all well and good, but remember, you'll have to steal all the money from the Estate and send it to me. Then you can do whatever you want with your life, alright, son?" Gideon's laughter held a menacing edge.
...
After adjusting to his new eyes, Morvain made his way to Lavender's room. He stood outside, torn about whether to go in or not.
His father had advised against it, but he yearned to see her. With Eldric gone, he couldn't help but think that maybe... just maybe...
'What's wrong with you? She only has eyes for handsome and wealthy boys. She won't spare a glance for you.'
Yet, there was a part of him that wished for her to truly see him. To reach out and hold his hand, to whisper in his ear just like she did with Eldric.
He shook his head, trying to dispel such thoughts, and gently knocked on the wooden door.
No reply. He knocked again. Still, no response.
Morvain turned the knob, and the door swung open as he entered.
Lavender was seated on the bed, her eyes red, swollen, and puffy. Tearstains marked her cheeks, and her hair was in disarray.
"I'm not hungry, Father," she rasped, her voice rough from crying.
'Dammit, Eldric! Why couldn't you make her happy even in your death.'
He approached her slowly and took a seat beside her on the bed.
"How are you holding up?"
It was then that she saw who had come in. Morvain's back was to her, so she couldn't see his new pair of eyes, the eyes that once belonged to her beloved.
"Mor..." She sniffled again, seeing him.
"Yeah. How are you holding up?" he inquired, his voice gentle.
"How am I holding up? That idiot died and you're asking me how I'm holding up?"
Her words stung, and Morvain winced. He knew he deserved her anger. He was the one who had taken Eldric's life.
"I didn't mean it like that-"
"He's gone, Morvain. He's gone because of you!" She yelled, tears streaming down her face once more.
An awkward silence hung between them.
"I'm sorry, Mor," she said, her grip on his shoulder tightening. She felt so fragile in that moment, and he longed to hold her. "It's just... it's so unfair."
She collapsed against him, sobbing onto his shoulder. "He was just a boy. A good boy. He didn't deserve this. Neither you nor him, Mor. It's all so unfair."
Morvain turned and hugged Lavender, his arms enveloping her as he gently patted her back. It felt natural, as if he was meant to be there for her.
"I know, Lavender. I know."
'Just stay here, in my arms. I'll take care of you. You'll find solace in me and my embrace. Just trust me.'
"I can't do it anymore, Mor. I can't. I don't want to live in a world without him, Mor." She clung to his shirt, her tears flowing freely.
Morvain held her tighter, his hand soothingly running through her hair. He closed his eyes, wishing for this moment to never end.
"I'm so sorry, Lavender. But I don't think he wanted to see you like this, constantly in pain and sorrow," he whispered near her ear. 'She smells so nice.' "He would want you to live a happy and fulfilling life. You know him, right? You know he would be saddened to see you like this. Please, don't make him sad, Lavender."
Another pause followed.
"You are right, Mor. You are right. I should not--" Lavender raised her head from his chest, her eyes meeting his. She fell silent, a look of astonishment washing over her face.