Chapter 73 - The gift

Chapter 73

Katarine's body had never been that swollen and hurting in her entire life. The intense sparring session with Ethan mother just for a day had pushed her to her limits. Ethan, accustomed to the harsh training he received and understanding what it felt like to be at the receiving end of his parents' spar lessons, looked at Katarine with concern as she winced in pain.

"Are you okay, Kat? Maybe you should relax for today,"

" you don't need to help out, "

Ethan said, his brow furrowed with worry.

Katarine shook her head stubbornly, refusing to give in to the aches coursing through her muscles. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit sore," she gritted out through clenched teeth, attempting to stand up from the dining rable.

Ethan reached out a hand to help her, steadying her when her legs threatened to buckle. "You're not fine, Kat. You're hurt. Let me take you to bed," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Biting back a hiss of pain, Katarine reluctantly allowed Ethan to support her as he led her out of the kitchen. She hated feeling weak and dependent on others, but deep down she knew Ethan was right. The sparring session had been brutal, with both of them pushing each other to their limits.

As they walked, Ethan filled her in on his parents' harsh training methods, describing the countless times he had ended up battered and bruised. "They always said it was the only way to become strong," he explained, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "But I don't want that for you, Kat. I don't want to be the one to hurt you like that."

Katarine managed a weak smile at his words, touched by his concern. "I know Ethan. And I appreciate that. But this is my choice. I want to be strong, to be able to protect myself and others. If that means a little pain and bruising along the way, then so be it."

Ethan was quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I get it. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I promise," Katarine said softly, leaning into him as they reached the infirmary doors. "And I promise the same for you. We're in this together, always."

Together they stepped inside the living room, ready to face whatever challenges and pain lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that they had each other's backs, no matter what.

Unable to move her arms without feeling shooting pains all over, Katarine watched in awe as Rebecca, three times her age, moved around effortlessly without any signs of discomfort. The contrast was striking; it seemed as if Rebecca floated gracefully through the air, each motion precise and fluid, while Katarine felt like a marionette with tangled strings, painfully aware of her limitations.

The younger fighter's eyes were drawn to her mother, a woman who had long since established herself secretly in the realm of skilled combatants, and in that moment, admiration washed over her like a wave. Deep down, though, beneath the layers of awe, Katarine battled with feelings of defeat, wondering when she would be able to grasp that same level of mastery without enduring the torment of every twist and turn.

Feeling the weight of her own frustration, Katarine mustered the strength to turn to Ethan, curious if he understood the depth of Rebecca's skills. "Did you know how skilled my mother was as a fighter?" she asked, her voice tinged with both respect and envy. Ethan, with a gentle smile that was both reassuring and knowing, replied, "Who do you think I sparred with when my dad was busy working at the farm or he was on a mission?" His words were a reminder that her mother had not only honed her talents but had also shared them with those around her, creating a legacy that extended beyond mere combat proficiency.

"my mother was my fathers first student."

As Katarine processed his response, she felt an intricate web of emotions knotting within her—pride in her mother's prowess mingled with the bitter taste of frustration at her current predicament. She wanted to lash out, to voice her displeasure at the situation, but deep down, she recognized that she was the architect of her own discomfort.

After all, it was her own eagerness that had prompted her to engage in the sparring match in the first place. This realization left her with a sense of resilience; if her mother could push through challenges, perhaps Katarine could learn to navigate her own.

Katarine had always prided herself on her resilience, but today was different. The weight of her struggles pressed down on her like an anchor, dragging her deeper into a sea of exhaustion and despair. As she sat on the edge of the sofa, the world around her seemed to spin, and she felt a sense of defeat creeping in. Ethan, observant and empathetic, noticed the turmoil swirling within her. Without a word, he reached out, taking her hand in his, a silent promise of support. He gently guided her to the sofa, an inviting sanctuary that felt like a refuge from her troubles.

As he began to massage her aching arms and shoulders, Katarine could feel the tension dissolving beneath his careful touch. Each stroke was like a wave washing over her, carrying away fragments of stress and fatigue.

The soothing rhythm of his hands lulled her into a state of tranquility, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself to let go. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to the moment, feeling lighter, as if she were floating above her worries—untethered and serene.

In that intimate space, surrounded by the quiet warmth of friendship, Katarine discovered that strength can manifest in unexpected ways. It wasn't about conquering the world single-handedly; sometimes, it was about accepting help and finding comfort in the gentle care of those who truly understood.

Ethan's kindness enveloped her like a soft blanket, shielding her from the chill of her anguish. As she absorbed the solace he offered, Katarine felt a newfound resolve bubbling within her. With the right support, she realized she could face any challenge head-on, knowing she was never alone in her battles. She opened her eyes, a soft smile gracing her lips, knowing that with Ethan by her side, she was already stronger than she had ever imagined.

Ethan sat beside Katarine, his fingers gently working their way along the contours of her arm, easing away the tension that had settled in her muscles. The warmth of his touch sent ripples of comfort through her, a soothing balm against her discomfort. Katarine closed her eyes, relishing the closeness they shared, wishing her body would cooperate and allow her to fully immerse herself in this intimate moment.

If it weren't for the ache that plagued her, she would be draped over Ethan like a loving leech, clinging to him with an insatiable craving for connection. In her mind, she could already picture the way she'd whisper sweet nothings in his ear, teasing him with promises of the romantic adventures that awaited them. Right now, however, she had to settle for the gentle warmth of his presence—a silent reminder of the deep bond they shared, and the passion that flickered beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to ignite.

Ethan Father was casually sitting at their farm house porch like he always does and drinking his iced cold beers while his mother was finishing up the dishes and walked past the two while sitting on the sofa.

"Son, your fiancée is already sleeping, poor child. "Maybe you should go tuck her in," his mother suggested with a knowing smile, as Ethan's heart swelled with love for both women in his life. He nodded, grateful for their understanding and support, before quietly making his way to their bedroom to watch over his sleeping fiancée.

Ethan gently carried Katarine in his arms, cradling her close as they made their way to his room. The soft, rhythmic sound of her heavy snoring was a clear testament to her exhaustion, each breath echoing the weariness that had overtaken her after a long day. He could feel the warmth of her body against him, a comforting weight that reminded him of the times they had spent together, sharing laughter and dreams. As he reached the bed, he carefully laid her down, her delicate features tranquil in the dim light.

With a tender touch, Ethan brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for a moment as he marveled at her peacefulness. In that quiet moment, he felt an overwhelming surge of affection and whispered "I love you" softly, hoping his words would seep into her dreams. The intimacy of the gesture was not lost on him; it was a promise of care and commitment that he held dear. After ensuring she was comfortably nestled under the blankets, Ethan turned off the lights, allowing the room to envelop her in soothing darkness.

As he stepped out of the room, he could hear the familiar sounds of the house, a gentle reminder of the way things used to be when he was younger, rushing to join his father after tucking in his siblings. The echoes of laughter and the warmth of family filled the air, tugging at his heart as he made his way down the hallway. He cherished these moments, the simplicity of them grounding him as he prepared to embrace the joys and responsibilities that lay ahead, all while keeping Katarine nestled safely in his heart.

Ethan stepped outside, the cool evening air wrapping around him like a soothing blanket. As he made his way toward the porch, the sight before him painted a warm picture of familial love. His mother was leaning in, planting a gentle kiss on his father's cheek, a simple yet profound ritual that signified the end of another long day. He could see the weariness in her eyes as she whispered her request for sleep, her voice laced with affection. Nicolas, ever the devoted husband, nodded in understanding, pulling her close for a loving embrace that spoke volumes of their bond.

Rebecca, Ethan's mother, caught sight of her son approaching and, with the same natural ease she shared with her husband, leaned down to give Ethan a soft goodnight kiss. It was a moment filled with warmth and care, a reminder of the connection they shared as a family. "Sleep tight, my love," she said lovingly, her eyes sparkling with the kind of affection that only a mother could possess. With that, she disappeared into the house, leaving Ethan and his father on the porch with their thoughts.

A sense of comfort enveloped him; the world felt safe and sound as he glanced at his father, who sat with a smile, ready to share stories or simply enjoy a moment of quiet togetherness before they both turned in for the night.

A wooden box was beside the chair Nicolas was sitting in; he grabbed an ise cold light beer and handed it to his son.

"Here, son, join me for a while."

Ethan accepted the cold beer with a grateful nod, feeling a rush of gratitude for his father's presence and the simple moments they shared together. As they sat in comfortable silence, then his father handed the box and told him that his request was inside the box, including a few other additional items for him and for Katarine.

He opened the box with a sense of anticipation, the soft creak of the lid echoing in the quiet room. Inside lay two sets of masks, intricately designed with elegant patterns that spoke of both artistry and purpose. His mask, a deep black, absorbed the light around it, giving it an air of mystery and power. The other, dark red, seemed to pulse with an energy of its own, as if imbued with the essence of ancient battles. The materials felt different to the touch; there was a unique sense of mana woven into their creation, hinting at the masks' potential to enhance the wearer's abilities.

Beneath the masks, two sets of armbands lay nestled within the velvet lining of the box. One was a perfect match for the black mask, a sleek piece of craftsmanship that echoed the design Ethan was currently using. However, unlike his own, this armband was devoid of any weaponry—a dagger or chain that would typically signify readiness for combat. Instead, there was something more intriguing about it—a minimalist elegance that hinted at hidden capabilities.

As he examined the arm guard that accompanied the masks, Ethan realized it had a remarkable feature: a retractable whip short sword concealed within its fold. This was no ordinary piece of armor; it was an extension of himself, a companion in battles that had yet to come. He could feel the balance and precision that it promised, and a spark of excitement ignited within him. The combination of these crafted tools, each imbued with a sense of purpose and magic,

While the other arm guard was specifically designed for Katarine, it was not just an accessory; it was a sophisticated piece of technology. This unique arm guard featured a retractable claw mechanism that added an intimidating edge to her already formidable combat skills.

The claw could unfurl with a swift flick of her wrist, allowing Katarine to strike with precision and power in close-quarters combat. Beyond its lethal functionality, the arm guard was crafted with a sleek, thin tactical body armor that nearly blended into her form, offering protection without sacrificing agility.

What fascinated Ethan the most was the armor's composition. The materials seemed alien, pulsating with a subtle energy that hinted at advanced engineering beyond his comprehension. They shimmered under the light, shifting colors as if responding to the environment.

As he examined the arm guard, he couldn't shake the feeling that it held secrets—possibly even a history—that could change the dynamics of power in their ongoing struggle against the creature that came from the dark mythological world . The melding of technology and combat in this armguard symbolized not just a tool for war but also a bridge to untapped possibilities, leaving Ethan eager to uncover its true potential.