The world around Kael Voss was still suspended in that strange, otherworldly pause. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—grief, anger, confusion—but Arkael's commanding presence cut through it all. The old god stood tall, his one arm resting on the hilt of a weapon that seemed more a symbol than a tool of war. His other arm was folded across his chest, and his gaze was both piercing and inscrutable, as if he could see through the very fabric of Kael's thoughts.
"Before the real trials begin," Arkael continued, his voice resonating with divine authority, "you deserve to take this day with your family. Cherish this time, for it is a gift. Do not think of the burdens or the battles ahead just yet. You have many duties to fulfill, but today, your duty is to them. Enjoy it, for once we begin, your focus must be unwavering."
Kael stared at Arkael, the gravity of his words sinking in. The future loomed over him, a dark cloud of uncertainty, but for this moment, he could set it aside. His family was waiting, unaware of the storm on the horizon, and he would have this one day to be with them—truly with them—before the weight of the world settled back onto his shoulders. Arkael's words echoed in his mind, and the notion of a single day's peace seemed almost too precious to grasp fully.
Arkael's stern gaze softened, just slightly. "Remember, Voss, this is your last chance. Do not repeat the mistakes of the past. You have been given this opportunity for a reason—make the most of it." His voice carried a hint of personal regret, a reminder of battles and choices made long before Kael's time.
Kael nodded, understanding that this brief respite was as much a part of his preparation as anything else. The battles would come, but today, he could still find peace. The thought of returning to his family was a balm to his soul, soothing the raw edges of his anxiety and dread.
As the world began to shift back into motion, Kael's heart raced. The pause ended, and the familiar warmth of his home enveloped him. The rich aroma of cooking filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of fresh flowers from the vase on the dining table. His family, gathered in the living room, turned to him with puzzled expressions as he appeared in the doorway.
Without a word, Kael rushed forward, tears streaming down his face. He enveloped his family in a desperate embrace, his sobs shaking his entire body. For years, he had shown little to no emotion, but now, the dam broke, and the pain and love he had buried inside flowed freely. The room, once filled with the mundane sounds of daily life, was now quiet except for the soft murmurs of concern from his family and the occasional sniffle.
His father, stunned by the sight of his son's rare display of vulnerability, looked on in shock. "Kael? What's wrong? Why are you—" His voice trailed off as he tried to process the sudden and unexpected show of emotion.
His mother's face was a mask of concern as she gently stroked his back. "Is something the matter? Are you in trouble? Why are you crying?" Her voice was soothing and maternal, her hands moving in a comforting rhythm as she held him close.
Kael's sister, Lena, always perceptive, raised an eyebrow with a mix of worry and sarcasm. "Did you finally lose it? I always knew something like this would happen." Her voice carried a sharp edge, but there was genuine concern in her eyes.
Through his tears, Kael managed to choke out, "No… I just… I've missed you all so much. I didn't know if I'd ever get to hold you again." The words were thick with emotion, barely audible through the choking sobs.
The room fell into a profound silence, filled only with the sound of Kael's sobs and the occasional murmurs of his family, trying to comfort him. They were bewildered but touched by the rare display of emotion from Kael. The silence was punctuated by the faint crackle of a nearby fire and the soft clink of dishes from the kitchen.
Jorin, his father, still looked confused. "What do you mean? We were just together a moment ago." His brow furrowed in confusion, and he looked around as if expecting an explanation to appear out of thin air.
Lena tilted her head with a mix of concern and exasperation. "Do you need something? Always carrying an act to get what you want." Her tone was softer now, though the skepticism remained evident.
Elaine, trying to comfort her son, gave Lena a stern look. "Don't disrespect your brother. He's clearly upset." Her voice was firm but carried a note of reassurance, as she guided Lena away to give Kael some space.
Kael chuckled through his tears, trying to lighten the mood despite the weight he carried. Inside him, Kael thought, I wish I could tell you everything. I just need to keep some things to myself for now. The weight of his unspoken fears pressed heavily on his chest, making the simple act of hugging his family feel both like a solace and a bittersweet reminder of the coming challenges.
He looked at his family, his voice trembling as he spoke. "I had a bad dream… it felt so real, like I was losing all of you and living alone. It made me realize how much I cherish every moment with you." The confession was raw, the emotional strain evident in his shaky voice.
His family was taken aback. Lena, still skeptical, asked, "So, you're doing all this because of a dream?"
Kael gave a faint smile, feeling a bit of annoyance at the skepticism. "Yes, a dream. But it felt so real, and I needed to be here with you. To make sure I appreciate every moment." His eyes met each of theirs, willing them to understand the depth of his feelings.
Elaine, trying to comfort her son, said softly, "Oh, my son, don't worry. We're not going anywhere. We'll be here." Her voice was calming, a soothing balm to his troubled soul.
Jorin, trying to lighten the mood, flexed his muscles and joked, "If anything happens, I'll protect the family. Look at these muscles!" His attempt at humor was met with a mixture of chuckles and appreciative smiles.
Kael managed a small laugh, though his thoughts were dark. He thought to himself, But you don't stand a chance against even the lowest-level enemy, if you only knew. The juxtaposition of his father's lighthearted bravado against the harsh reality he faced only deepened his sense of melancholy.
He hugged them all again, feeling a deep appreciation for the fleeting normalcy before the inevitable storm. As he embraced them, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, this moment with his family was a precious gift, a source of strength to carry him through the trials to come. The warmth of their presence, the familiar hum of their laughter, and the simple comfort of being surrounded by those he loved provided a temporary respite from the darkness that awaited him.