As Zaryth and Nico walked home from the academy, the tension from the encounter with Sirus slowly melted away. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting the streets in soft amber hues as the brothers strolled side by side.
"Zaryth," Nico began, glancing up at his brother's silver hair that shimmered in the light, "you're really different now."
Zaryth chuckled softly, placing a hand on Nico's head. "Well, I told you I'd make you proud, didn't I?"
The younger boy grinned, his admiration shining through his eyes. "Yeah… you really did."
---
Back at the Silverlight Estate
As the brothers stepped into their grand family home, the familiar scent of lavender and herbs drifted through the air. Elysia sat elegantly on one of the couches, polishing her armor, while their two mothers were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Their father sat at his desk in the study, reviewing documents, but his sharp eyes flicked up the moment Zaryth entered.
Ruby came bounding down the stairs as soon as she heard the door open. "Zaryth!" she called out, excitement lighting up her face. Her bright purple eyes sparkled as she ran toward him, throwing her arms around him in a hug.
"You're finally back! I thought you'd disappeared again," she said with a playful pout, but Zaryth could see the happiness in her expression.
"Come on, Ruby. You really thought I'd leave without telling you?" Zaryth teased, ruffling her hair.
"Hey! Don't mess up my hair!" Ruby swatted his hand away, but then a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Actually, you're one to talk with all that long hair of yours."
Nico suddenly perked up. "Let's braid his hair!"
Zaryth blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what?"
Before he could protest, Ruby and Nico tackled him onto the couch, giggling like little children. Ruby grabbed a handful of his silver hair while Nico started separating it into messy sections.
"Hold still, or I'll make it look worse!" Ruby warned, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Nico burst into laughter. "You're going to look like a princess by the time we're done."
Zaryth groaned in mock defeat but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It felt good to be home, surrounded by their love and warmth.
When dinner was ready, the whole family gathered at the long wooden dining table. The air was filled with the scent of roasted vegetables, freshly baked bread, and seasoned meats. Laughter echoed throughout the room as they talked and joked like no time had passed.
Their father, seated at the head of the table, observed Zaryth quietly for a moment before speaking. "You've grown, Zaryth. Not just in skill but in character."
Elysia leaned back in her chair, arms folded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I have to admit, you're not the same little brother who ran away last year."
Zaryth gave a playful smirk. "Took you long enough to notice."
Ruby rested her head on Zaryth's shoulder, playing with a strand of his hair absentmindedly. "Don't leave us like that again, okay?"
"I won't," Zaryth said softly, brushing her bangs out of her face. "I promise."
---
As the evening wound down, Zaryth stood from the table and stretched, his silver hair flowing behind him. "I need to go now. I've got something important to take care of."
Ruby and Nico looked up at him, puzzled. "What kind of work?" Ruby asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Zaryth leaned down, placing a kiss on both of their foreheads. "It's nothing to worry about. I'll be back late tonight."
Ruby puffed her cheeks, pretending to be annoyed. "You better not be doing anything dangerous!"
"I'll be fine." Zaryth smiled warmly. "You two just get some rest. We've got a lot to catch up on tomorrow."
Nico tugged on his brother's sleeve before he left. "Just... don't push yourself too hard, okay?"
Zaryth nodded. "I won't. Trust me." With that, he gave a reassuring glance to his family, waved goodbye, and walked out into the night.
As Zaryth stepped into the cool night air, his expression shifted—calm and determined. He glanced up at the moon, exhaling deeply.
"It's time."
With that, he disappeared into the night, his destination unknown to his family, but something important driving his every step. The next chapter would bring something pivotal—something that could change everything.