Vedik woke up by sunrays falling on his eyelids. Although physically he was in his bedroom , but mentally his mind was wandering still in thoughts about his parents past and the journey to Verna territory.
He wanted to know more but he knew someday his questions would be answered.
Vedik stretched, surprised by the ease of movement. The dull ache that had plagued him was gone, replaced by a pleasant lightness.
He glanced towards the bedside table, and saw an untouched tray holding fluffy pancakes and now-cold tea. His stomach rumbled, but the turmoil within him overshadowed his hunger.
"Mom? Dad?" he called out, his voice hoarse. But only silence answered him .
Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Edgar with a gentle smile. "Good morning, Young Master Vedik. Feeling better today?"
Vedik nodded, forcing a smile. "Better, thank you for asking , Grandfather Edgar."
"Excellent," Edgar said, placing a steaming cup of tea on the bedside table. "Miss Jasmin and Young Master William are busy preparing for our journey. They should be back soon."
A few moments later the door creaked open again, revealing Jasmin and William. Their faces were etched with a worry that went beyond the immediate perils of the journey.
"Are you alright, Vedik?" Jasmin asked, rushing to his side. Her voice, usually strong and confident, held a tremor of worry.
"I'm fine, Mom even better due to your potion," Vedik replied, forcing a smile.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. Seeing that Vedik's condition was improving, William instructed Vedik on basic Qi manipulation exercises.
Though William tried to hide his injuries but his movements were a little slow and uncoordinated.
As dusk settled, casting long shadows across the room, a heavy silence descended upon the family.
Jasmin entered with a vial filled with a glowing blue liquid. She offered it first to William, then to Vedik. After consuming the potion, a wave of warmth washed over them, easing the residual aches in their bodies.
"We leave for Verna territory tomorrow,"
William announced "his voice heavy with unspoken emotions."
Vedik sensed the tension in the air. His parents exchanged a hesitant glance, a silent conversation passing between them.
"What is it?" Vedik blurted out, unable to bear the tension. "Is there something else wrong?"
William hesitated, then met Vedik's gaze. "Son," he began, his voice low and serious, "there are those who remember my and your mother's past. Not everyone will be happy to see me return .
Vedik asked , Why? William hesitated, then answered " it's because I left the Verna family , and ..... both Jasmin and I wanted to stop the meaningless fight between demons and humans , which obviously many people didn't like.
Vedik asked "Dad but it's good that both demons and humans doesn't fight , so why do people insist on fighting."
William with a proud expression said
"My son , if only people were as intelligent as you are but all they see is wealth and fame ".
Once , I was also like them but your mother opened my eyes to the truth.
Just when Vedik was going to ask more questions , Jasmin interuppted.
"Enough questions for tonight," Jasmin said gently, her voice laced with an underlying firmness. "We'll explain things when the time is right, I promise. But for now, get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."
Vedik sank back into the pillows, his mind racing. He yearned for answers, yet a part of him understood that when the time is right , his parents will tell him everything .
As Vedik drifted off to sleep, a new resolve hardened within him. He would become strong, strong enough to protect his family .
The Next Day
The first rays of dawn painted the room in soft hues of gold as Vedik awoke. A renewed sense of purpose invigorated him. He had a long road ahead, a path filled with both danger and the promise of a hidden past.
He rose slowly, his muscles still protesting but his spirit unyielding. He found Jasmin in the kitchen, preparing a simple breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom," Vedik said, his voice filled with newfound determination.
Jasmin smiled, a hint of relief flickering in her eyes. "Good morning, Vedik. Are you feeling better today?"
"Much better," he replied, meeting her gaze steadily. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
A flicker of pride warmed Jasmin's eyes. She reached out and ruffled his hair. "That's my boy," she said, her voice filled with love and a hint of worry. "But remember, this won't be a walk in the park. There will be challenges . But don't be afraid your parents will always be standing beside you".
Vedik nodded, a steely glint in his eyes. "I know, Mom. I'm not afraid."
He spent the morning practicing his Qi manipulation exercises, his movements gaining a newfound focus. William, observing him from the corner of his eye, offered occasional pointers, his voice gruff but his instructions clear.
By midday, everything was packed and ready. A carriage, procured by Edgar, stood waiting outside their humble abode. It was a simple affair, but it would carry them towards a future shrouded in both mystery and hope.
As they climbed into the carriage, Vedik cast a final glance at the house that had been their home for so long , a place of laughter and warmth. Now, it stood silent, a stark reminder of the life they were leaving behind.
As the carriage moved, a heavy silence descended upon the family. Jasmin's hand, usually steady as a rock, trembled slightly as she set down a cup of tea.
William stared out the window, his jaw clenched so tightly the muscles in his face threatened to snap. Vedik felt a whirlwind of emotions churn within him. Confusion? A flicker of fear? He didn't quite understand it yet, but he knew one thing for sure – his life was about to change forever.