Joyce's heart pounded as she led Alex through the dense forest.
The moonlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, casting eerie shadows on the ground.
She held Alex's hand tightly, her grip firm and reassuring.
Alex, still wiping tears from his eyes, tried to keep up with her swift pace.
"Mom, where are we going?" Alex asked, his voice trembling.
"We're going to a safe place, Alex," Joyce replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
"A place where they can't find you."
They reached a large, ancient oak tree, its roots sprawling and twisting into the earth.
Joyce knelt down, feeling around for the hidden latch.
She found it and pulled, revealing a trapdoor camouflaged by the forest floor.
The entrance to the hidden tunnel lay beneath.
"Mom, what is this?" Alex asked, his eyes wide with confusion and fear.
"This tunnel will take you far away from the kingdom," Joyce explained.
"It's a secret passage built by our ancestors for emergencies like this.
"Alex's tears began to flow again.
"But why, Mom? Why do I have to leave? Why can't you and Dad come with me?"
Joyce hugged Alex tightly, trying to hold back her own tears.
"Alex, your father and I need to stay and protect the clan.
We can't let the Aether name disappear.
You are our future.
You must survive and grow strong. One day, you'll understand."
Alex began to cry harder.
"Mom, please don't leave me.
I don't want to go alone."
Joyce knelt down and cupped Alex's face in her hands.
"Alex, you are strong.
Stronger than you know.
You have the power of the Aether clan within you.
Use it wisely.
Stay hidden, stay safe, and remember everything we've taught you.
We will always be with you, in spirit and in your heart."
With a heavy heart, Joyce helped Alex climb down into the tunnel.
She handed him a small, glowing stone.
"This will light your way.
Follow the tunnel until you reach the end.
"You will have to find your way From there.
There is a map inside the bag and it will lead to to a safe house, there should be someone there waiting for you."
"Please stay safe "
Alex looked up at his mother one last time.
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, Alex.
Be brave.
We'll always be with you.
"Joyce closed the trapdoor, sealing Alex into the safety of the hidden tunnel.
She stood up, her resolve hardening, ready to face whatever was coming.
Alex stood at the door after his mom locked it, feeling scared and missing his parents.
The tunnel was dark and silent, making him feel even more alone.
He held the small, glowing stone his mom had given him and activated it, casting a soft light around him.
Taking a deep breath, Alex looked around the tunnel.
It seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkness, with damp walls covered in roots.
The path ahead was frightening, but he knew he had to move forward.
He took a hesitant step, then another, each one taking him farther from his parents and the life he knew.
He had no choice.
He promised to come back and save his parents when he unlocked his powers, but first, he had to reach the safe house his mom told him about.
Determined to be brave, Alex reminded himself of his mother's words.
He was the hope of the Aether clan, and he had to survive.
He also promised himself to take revenge for his parents and his clan.
The anger and sorrow in his heart fueled his resolve.
Clutching the glowing stone tighter, he began his journey through the hidden tunnel, his heart filled with a mix of fear, determination, and a burning desire for justice.
He kept moving forward on the long road, which sometimes narrowed to a tight squeeze and at other times widened into a spacious corridor.
He didn't know how many hours had passed, but he was getting hungry and his legs were failing him.
"How is this so long? When will I reach the end?" he asked himself as he turned to look around for a place to sit.
The tunnel was relatively safe since he had not encountered any danger along the road.
Finding a small alcove, Alex sat down, his body aching from the constant movement.
His thoughts turned to how his life had turned upside down because of the so-called nobles.
He gritted his teeth in anger, feeling a surge of determination mixed with sorrow.
He couldn't let them get away with this.
Alex started going through the bag his mom had packed for him. Inside, he found water, some dried fruit, bread, and cheese.
He quickly took out the water bottle and took a few sips, feeling a bit of relief as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat.
He then grabbed a piece of bread and cheese, eating slowly as he tried to gather his thoughts.
As he ate, he thought about his parents and the promise he had made to himself.
The tunnel seemed to go on forever, and the journey was taking a toll on him both physically and emotionally.
After finishing his small meal, Alex leaned against the tunnel wall and closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself a brief rest.
The memories of his mom's comforting presence and his dad's strong support filled his mind, giving him a renewed sense of purpose.
He took a deep breath, stood up, and adjusted the bag on his shoulder.
With one last look at the place where he had rested, he resumed his journey through the tunnel.
After days of walking, or at least it felt like days to Alex, he finally came to a stop in front of a wall.
His legs were sore, and his stomach growled with hunger.
He held the glowing stone up to the wall, hoping to find some clue.
Remembering how his mom had found the hidden latch on the other side, he began to feel around the rough surface, searching for anything that might open the way.
His fingers brushed over the cold, damp stone until he found a small, almost imperceptible notch.
With a surge of hope, he pressed it, and the wall started to shift.
A hidden door slowly creaked open, revealing the exit to the tunnel.
Alex's heart leaped with relief as he stepped through, his eyes adjusting to the brighter light outside.
Alex emerged from the tunnel into a forest, a beautiful one with tall, ancient trees and a canopy that let in dappled sunlight.
Despite the serene surroundings, he felt a sense of dread as he looked around.
The forest was too quiet, and the stillness unnerved him.
He quickly reached into his bag and pulled out a dagger his mom had packed for him.
Holding it tightly, he felt a bit more secure. The dagger was small but sharp, its blade glinting in the soft light.
Alex knew it was meant for his protection, a last line of defense if needed.
With cautious steps, he moved forward, constantly scanning the area for any signs of danger.
After walking for some time, Alex heard a movement behind him.
He slowly turned around and found a wolf staring at him, hunger evident in its eyes.
"The hell is this? It's too early for this," Alex lamented to himself.
Gripping the dagger tightly, he took a cautious step back, trying to keep his composure despite the fear creeping into his mind.