Six months had already slipped by since my banishment from the celestial realm and with each passing day, Emberfield began to feel more like home. I grew accustomed to its residents and its layout. Admittedly, it wasn't much of a challenge; with just a thousand residents, I could navigate its streets blindfolded after a barrel of wine, perhaps even stop by for groceries along the way.But I'd have left as swiftly as I arrived if my family weren't here. Eldoria is a vast land, teeming with diverse races and cultures, realms that I had only read within the village library's pages and reread countless times. Though I am happy here, truly, a part of me yearns for adventure, to journey to distant lands. It may seem contradictory—seeking a family only to leave them behind—but the mere thought of a family awaiting my return fills me with longing.Yes, I desired a family, but I also craved freedom. To see that dream realized, I knew I had to work for it, and so I did. Over the past six months, I immersed myself in training in the nearby woods, striving to regain the form I once possessed. Yet, no matter my efforts, this frail body of mine defied me. Fragile and prone to injury, it seemed to break at the slightest fall. There were the days when spears would glance off me harmlessly; now, I feared even the slightest scratch might lead to infection."How far have I fallen from grace?" I mused aloud, barely finishing a set of push-ups."Who are you muttering to now? You know, the villagers already think you're odd enough without the self-talk," a voice piped up from behind the trees."And you're not exactly the most popular either, Miss Pirate," I retorted."Ugh, shut it! I told you to never mention that again!" Iris snapped, clearly embarrassed by her past antics.
"Go wash your hands in the creek; Mother prepared lunch," she directed, her tone softened.
Observing her now, she seemed more mature than when we first met. Granted, she still had childish moments and threw tantrums over trivial matters, but she had just turned eleven—it was only natural for her to cling to childhood a little while longer."Let's see what Mother packed for us," I exclaimed eagerly, peering into the basket with a hint of drool escaping my lips.The food wasn't something we avians typically indulged in; in the celestial realm, the essence in the air sustained us. Here, however, food and water were crucial for survival. To build a stronger body, I needed plenty of both.As we sat on the rocks by the creek, the melodious chirping of birds echoed through the woods. It was a tranquil moment, inviting us to lower our defenses and lose ourselves in the peaceful surroundings.Iris remained beside me until I completed my training, and then we walked home together. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a cool breeze brushed against us, carrying with it an ominous feeling, as though something unfortunate loomed on the horizon."Iris, hurry!" I urged, my voice trembling with concern."Val! What's wrong? You look pale!" Iris exclaimed, her voice filled with worry.The sky darkened, and the wind began to howl, an unnatural chill settling over us. The once bright and clear day transformed into a cold, foreboding place in the blink of an eye as if we had stepped into another dimension entirely.Iris's hand grew cold as she brought me to a halt, her body stiff and unmoving. I turned to face her, but she remained frozen in place, her expression etched with deep concern in her eyes."Iris, what's happening?" I asked, but she didn't respond, her stillness mirroring the eerie atmosphere surrounding us.I glanced around and noticed that time itself seemed to have stopped: the birds hung motionless in the sky, the village smoke hovered in place, and the creek water ceased its flow. It was as if the world had become a painting, and I was the only one alive.Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the silence, and three shadows materialized on the ground, giving way to three figures emerging from them. The clinking of chains echoed through the air as the two hideous creatures came forward, their repulsive appearance and foul stench made my stomach turn. Tall and skinny, with pale skin and ghostly white eyes, they resembled nightmares born from the depths of the Abyss. Before them stood a boy with crimson eyes, gripping the chains that bound the grotesque beings.The boy appeared to be my age and bore a striking resemblance to me, almost as if we were two sides of the same coin. He shared my hair color, height, and overall physique, but his eyes were vastly different. They glowed crimson, reminiscent of spilled blood. His gaze was chilling, and a sinister grin played across his face as he tilted his head in amusement."How beautifully broken you are, dear Valerian," the boy remarked, his crimson eyes gleaming with malice."How do you know my name?" I demanded, my voice tinged with unease."To not know you would be to not know myself. For I was born from darkness, and darkness you have become," he spoke cryptically.The grotesque creatures strained against their chains, saliva dripping from their mouths as they sought to draw closer to us. A sense of dread washed over me as I realized just how weak I was. Without my celestial powers, I was defenseless, unable to protect myself or my sister. I needed a way out, and quickly."What do you want from me?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling.A malevolent smile spread across the boy's lips, but his eyes remained cold."I want you," he declared ominously.With those words, he released the chains restraining the beasts, setting them loose upon us.