My heart was pounding relentlessly, my skin crawled from within. My lungs felt as if they were filled with smoke. Black, suffocating, smoke. Breathing was painful, so was thinking. My mind filled with darkness, forming shapes. Demonic shapes. Pressing me. Squashing me like a bug.
"Are you ok Kael? You are sweating buckets" A voice asked from behind me, a known lively voice. Not broken, not something demonic. A normal, soft voice.
I turned around panting, still trying to grasp what had happened. The rune lights were normal, no flickering. The cold atmosphere essentially disappeared. The maniacal laughter was completely gone.
There stood Fara, leaning against the door, her eyebrows raised in concern.
As soon as I came too I tore my hands around Fara embracing her in a warm tight hug. She flinched in confusion but welcomed it none the less.
"What happened Kael? Saw something scary Mr cry baby noble?" She shot, her voice sharp with sarcasm but filled with concern. Seeing my state she quietly retreated, placing her hand on my head caressing it gently. Her warmth was a complete contrast to my cold skin.
That's when Lilith came out from the living, her expression turning to cringe as soon as she saw me and Fara. I turned around, leaving Fara and sprang to Lilith, holding her in a tight hug, as if this was the last time I'd ever get to hold her, justifiably so.
"What are you doing big brother, i—its tight, I c-can't bre—breathe" she choked.
I let her go, taking one long look at her before running to my room, locking my door shut.
I didn't want them to see me cry. I was shaken up, heck anyone would be after what I saw. Tears wouldn't stop flowing from my eyes.
I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, my chest rising and falling as I struggled to catch my breath. My legs felt like they would give out any second, so I slid down to the floor, hugging my knees. The faint hum of the runes on my wall filled the silence, steady and soft, like a heartbeat—normal, as if nothing had happened.
But everything felt wrong.
My hands wouldn't stop trembling, and my mind replayed the twisted image of Lilith over and over again. Her face. That smile. Those hollow, swirling voids where her eyes used to be. The sound of her body cracking and twisting like it was made of dry branches. I clutched my head, fingers digging into my scalp as if I could claw those memories out of my mind.
Why was this happening? Why me?
I dragged myself to my desk, scattering books and papers in my path. I didn't care. The weight of the past hour—or had it only been minutes?—pressed down on me. My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breathe properly. My hands fumbled across the desk until they landed on a familiar object.
A picture.
I sank onto the bed, holding it up to the faint glow of the runes. The edges were frayed, the colors faded, but I didn't need perfect clarity to know what it showed. My dad, smiling with that big, goofy grin of his, holding me on his shoulders. Lilith was tugging on his arm, her hair a messy mop, her tiny face scrunched up in frustration because she wasn't the one up there. I could almost hear her whining, her voice high-pitched and bratty.
My lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but it quickly faded.
I ran my thumb over the image, tracing each of their faces. Dad, Lilith, me. Together. Safe. Happy.
"What's happening to us?" I whispered, my voice hoarse. "What's happening to me?"
I looked down at my desk again. Among the scattered papers and tools was a small wooden ball. It was something I'd made for Lilith a few months back, carving a crooked smile into the surface to make her laugh. I remember how she'd squealed with joy, clutching it to her chest like it was the greatest treasure in the world. Now, that smile seemed weird, probably due to the shadows but the smile seemed to be demonic just like that bastards eerie laugh.
I picked up the ball, turning it over in my hands. It felt heavier than it should have, like it carried the weight of everything I'd just seen. My fingers tightened around it until I thought it might crack.
"I can't…" I choked out, my voice cracking. "I can't let this happen. Not again. Not to her."
But even as I said it, I felt the old habits creeping back in—the isolation, the fear, the self-doubt. The same instincts that had kept me locked in my room for days on end back in my old life. The same habits that told me it was safer to shut everyone out, to disappear into my own world where no one could hurt me.
I wanted to believe things were different now. That I was different. But was I?
Three days passed. I didn't leave my room.
Fara knocked on the door a few times, shouting sarcastic remarks about how I'd probably turned into a hermit caterpillar by now, but even her usual teasing lacked its usual bite. Lilith came by once or twice, her tiny fists banging on the door as she demanded I come out and play with her. I couldn't bring myself to answer either of them.
The weight of what I'd seen—and what I felt—kept me frozen. My mind spiraled in circles, replaying the same images, the same laughter, the same fear. My meals went untouched, left outside my door by Mom. I could hear her muttering to herself as she walked away, probably worried out of her mind but trying to give me space.
I hated it. All of it. I hated that I was doing this to them. To her. But I couldn't stop.
On the evening of the third day, I heard the familiar sound of boots on the porch. Heavy, confident strides. Dad was home.
For the first time in days, I felt something stir in my chest—relief, maybe? Or dread? I wasn't sure. I heard his voice in the hallway, low and steady as he spoke to Mom. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but after a while, his footsteps came closer.
He knocked on my door, not too loud but firm enough to let me know he wasn't going anywhere.
"Kael?" His voice was calm, warm. "Can I come in?"
I hesitated, my throat tightening. A part of me wanted to tell him to go away, to leave me alone. But another part—stronger, louder—needed him here.
I tried to speak but my voice choked out. I thought that was it, he was gonna go away and I'd go back to my sulking just like my past, but no. He sat down, leaning against the door.
"Kael, I honestly didn't expect that I'd have to have this talk with you so soon and I won't linger too much but just listen to these few words." He spoke out after a while, his voice calm and coarse.
"I know sometimes in life things get scary. Everyone gets scared at times. Me, your mom, your grandparents. Everyone and it's ok to get scared, but getting consumed by that fear? That is wrong. I don't know what exactly happened to you nor do I seek answers. I am sure you don't want to remember it either, but Kael sometimes in life you just need to 'Man up'."
"Each time you lock yourself always remember there are people who care about you, who are worried sick. Think of them." he finished talking, his voice cracking at the end. He sniffed as if holding back a tear and walked off.
His words echoed in my mind the entire night. Of course the world wasn't going to wait for me. I needed to get my act back together. My mind sprang back to the past as a small frown appeared on my face.
What if just one of my countless foster parents had said something like that to me? What if, back then, someone had taken the time to remind me I wasn't alone? Maybe things would've been different. Maybe I wouldn't have spent so many years shutting myself off from the world.
I wiped the tears from my face, the first glimmer of resolve sparking in my chest.
No more hiding. Not this time. Not ever again.
—————————————
My hand trembled as I turned the doorknob, the wood cool under my palm. My reflection in the rune-lit glass of the window was unrecognizable—hair a tangled mess, eyes sunken, skin stretched taut over my bones. I looked like a ghost of myself.
For a moment, I hesitated. What would they say? What if they were angry? What if… they didn't care?
No, that's ridiculous. They care. They have to care.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. My legs wobbled with every step, my body weak from days without food. I felt pathetic for making them go through this.
I saw mom sitting on the table, looking worried, her hand covering her exhausted and sleep-deprived eyes. Fara was slouching on the floor, her face duller than ever. Lilith was laying down on the couch, sulking.
That's when someone hugged me from behind, their skin harsh and firm, but comforting. It felt warm.
"Wanna grab a bite Kael? You look quite thin" said Dad from behind me.
Hearing his voice everyone's eyes turned to us. Full of worry and anticipation. I think my mom even shed a tear when she saw me, before rushing towards me. She grasped me in her hands followed by Lilith and Fara.
"Never do that again. Got it Kael?" my mother said, her voice cracking. I quietly bogged my head in response.
She stood up, as she wiped her own tears, trying to hide her trembling.
Before I could catch up with my feelings, Fara and Lilith jumped on me like rabbits. Lilith buried her face into my shirt, her small hands clinging so tightly I thought she'd never let go. Fara sniffed loudly, muttering insults under her breath like she was trying to convince herself she wasn't crying.
"I swear to god you are such a big idiot Kael." Fara sniffed.
"I'm sorry. I'm so—" My voice cracked. "I'm so sorry. Everyone, I…" My words dissolved into sobs, the weight of everything I'd held in crashing over me like a wave, my tears unruly and unyielding.
"Its ok. Just never do that again. You can always talk to me. Got it?"
The room fell silent except for the faint hum of the runes on the walls. For a moment, I couldn't move, caught in the warmth of their presence. Lilith's tiny hands clutching my shirt, Fara's sharp but oddly comforting words, and my mother's trembling embrace—all of it grounded me in a way I hadn't felt in years.
"I promise," I whispered, my voice barely audible but filled with conviction. "I'll never scare you like that again."
Mom let out a small sigh of relief, wiping her eyes once more before standing. "Good," she said, her voice steadier now. "Now, go get some food in you before I have to force-feed you."
Fara snorted, her tail swishing behind her. "I'd pay to see that," she said, her usual sarcasm returning, though her voice was still softer than normal.
Lilith finally let go of my shirt, her teary eyes glaring up at me. "Big brother, you're such a dummy. You better not lock yourself away again. You promised to play with me, remember?"
I chuckled weakly, ruffling her hair. "I won't, I swear."
Dad clapped me on the shoulder, his heavy hand reassuring. "Come on, let's eat. You'll need your strength back for whatever crazy ideas you and your friends have cooked up this time."
The mention of my friends hit me like a splash of cold water. Fara, Selene, Varal, the dungeon expedition—it all came rushing back, a stark reminder of what lay ahead. I wasn't just pulling myself back together for my family. They needed me too.
As we sat down to eat, the familiar warmth of family filled the room, washing away some of the lingering shadows. But in the back of my mind, I knew this was only the beginning. If it's a god after me then be it. I will protect them no matter what.
———————
A few hours later, Fara and I left for Uncle Neryx's house. The cool evening air carried the faint sounds of the village—a distant hammer striking metal, children laughing somewhere far off. It felt good to be outside again.
We met Varal at the front gate. His sharp blue eyes scanned me, concern etched in his features, but he didn't press.
"You good?" was all he asked, his tone flat yet carrying a quiet sincerity.
I nodded, and he didn't push further. That was Varal—quiet, observant, but never prying. A small part of me appreciated it, but a larger part was concerned. Why did he never pry? Were we that uninteresting to him or did he have personal reasons?
Selene, on the other hand, was waiting for us inside, and she wasn't as forgiving.
"Where have you been? Are you alright? Bad stomach? Did you eat something weird?" Her questions poured out as soon as she saw me, her usual bubbly energy impossible to deflect. Her wide smile, a little too eager, carried a sincerity that almost made me forget everything for a second.
Almost.
"Looks like Dorian got through to you," Uncle Neryx's deep voice cut through the moment as he appeared behind me. He patted my shoulder, his grin as wide as ever. "Guess I won't get to have my great mentor moment."
His hand lingered for a moment, and for some reason, it steadied me. It wasn't just the warmth of his palm—it was the quiet understanding in his voice. He didn't ask questions. He didn't need to.
I tried my best to brush off Selene, whose barrage of questions continued relentlessly. "I'm fine. Just… took a few days off," I muttered, but that only seemed to fuel her persistence.
Fara grinned from the side, her tail swishing lazily. "Give him a break, Selene. Maybe he just needed to cry about how I'm way cooler than him."
"Fara!" I shot her a glare, but the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. She really knew how to pick her moments.
As I stumbled through more excuses for Selene's endless interrogation, Uncle Neryx clapped his hands together. "Alright, alright. I think that's enough grilling for now. Come on inside; let's talk about this dungeon business you're all so determined to jump into."
The lightness in his voice contrasted the weight of what we were asking for. But that was Uncle Neryx for you—always making even the heaviest things seem manageable.
And for the first time in days, I believed him.
The moment we entered the training ground, the atmosphere completely changed. The air was still and heavy, the dirt beneath our feet worn smooth from years of practice. A few stumps and logs were scattered around, their surfaces scratched and scarred, remnants of past lessons. Uncle Neryx sat down on one of them, his eyes sharp, piercing. It felt like he could see right through us.
"So tell me. Why do you want to go to the dungeon?" he asked, tone as sharp as a blade.
Selene took the lead, perching herself on the ground. Her demeanor screamed, Let me handle this. She took a moment to compose herself, cleared her throat, and finally spoke in the most salesman-like voice I had ever heard.
"A dungeon trip has several advantages! It allows us to grow, it's fun, it's a good way to bring back money, serves as real-life experience—" She faltered, Neryx's intense gaze boring into her. "And, uh… um…" she trailed off, her voice losing steam.
Uncle Neryx didn't say a word. He leaned back slightly, raising an eyebrow. It wasn't unkind, but it wasn't reassuring either.
Fara snickered quietly behind her hand, and I couldn't help but feel a little secondhand embarrassment.
Selene straightened her back, trying again. "It's… it's an opportunity to prove ourselves," she said, her voice softer this time, but earnest.
Neryx's eyes flicked toward me. "And you, Kael? What do you think?"
Me? Why was he asking me? Did my opinion even matter? Wouldn't Varal be the better choice here? Like he is the best fighter amongst us.
I shifted a bit in my position, flustered and caught off guard, before composing myself again.
"I—I think its a great idea." I paused looking at Selene's puppy face, begging me to convince him somehow.
It didn't matter why he asked me. The fact was he did and my friends were depending on me. There is no way in hell I'm letting them down,
"And I do believe we are ready." I continued, a small smile forming on my face. Confidence brimming from my stature.
Uncle Neryx paused for a while, his sharp eyes looking straight at me. For a while, the air hanged in anticipation, seconds felt like hours, heck days. The atmosphere growing stiffer by the second.
"Yeah no. You are definitely not ready." he said, with a devious smile.
A few hours of Selene and Fara's constant winning later. He finally scoffed. Nodding reluctantly.
"Fine," he said, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the room. "But only under my supervision. If anything goes wrong, you follow my lead. No exceptions."
"Dungeons are not a playground and things hardly ever go as expected. Remember that."
On hearing this Selenes almost teared up, running around in joy and victory. Varal scoffed going back to practicing a few swings with his usual training sword.
"When are we leaving? Tomorrow?" Fara asked from behind me.
"Three months. We go there in three months," replied Uncle Neryx,