Velor sat on the cold stone wall, watching the training ground. There she was—a 12-year-old girl who had grown before his eyes. Now 17, he was soon going back home after spending six years with her. During that time, they had built a deep friendship and trust, the first time either of them had someone to rely on and share secrets with. Well, most secrets. He couldn't tell her everything he knew.
The chilling visions of her haunted him—a merciless goddess, bloodshed, and destruction. Sometimes, he thought he could see those traits in her. Right now, she was effortlessly defeating the commanders of the holy army of the God of Destruction and Renewal. A small girl completely overpowering them. Her brother watched with intense devotion.
Velor felt a twinge of fear regarding the siblings. He was worried about the moment Ariadna would interact with the holy flame again. From all he'd learned about its power, he believed that using the flame came at a cost—the wielder's humanity. The stronger the holy flame, the closer one became to God, and the more like Him. He wondered if she was being prepared to be a vessel to help the God ascend to Earth. But he didn't have the heart to tell her. Instead, he hoped he was wrong.
He watched her finish off the last commander, triumphant. As she headed down to him, he waited patiently for her to finish her conversation with her brother. When the moment felt right, Velor approached and offered his hand. "My lady, would you allow me to escort you to your chambers?"
She smiled at him, her budding beauty already shining through. He couldn't help but compare this lovely young girl with the all-consuming goddess from his visions. A slight shiver ran through him, but she noticed it and asked, "Are you unwell, my lord?"
"Don't worry. It's just a chill from the cold air," he replied. She nodded, took his hand, and they began walking away.
As they walked, she asked again, "What is it really? No one can hear us now."
"I'll be leaving in a few months. When spring comes," he said. She stopped suddenly, pulling on his hand. Despite being much shorter than him, her strength as a swordmaster was surprising.
"You are leaving?" she said in disbelief.
"Yes, I have to go home. I need to be there for a few years before my ascension as heir."
"So you're leaving me here all alone?" she exclaimed.
"You knew it was bound to happen," he reminded her gently.
She looked down and whispered, "I was hoping you would decide to stay."
He smiled gently. "You know I can't. Perhaps going back will help me learn new things. Families guard their secrets closely, and I hope as an heir I will uncover at least some of them."
"Let's go," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
"I will have my first lesson on wielding the holy flame with Vayan," she blurted out.
He stopped in his tracks, his heart sinking. "When?" he asked sharply.
"In a few months," she whispered again.
He gritted his teeth, realizing they were waiting for him to leave. He looked back at her and said, "We'll keep in touch. I'll see if I can postpone my travels, but I'm not sure I should. They won't start your lessons while I'm here."
She nodded in agreement. "Why do you think that is?"
"Secrets," he laughed softly. "It's always secrets."
Then he looked back at her and said, "There are a few things I will share with you. We have a few months to prepare for our separation. But today, I suggest we go for a walk and just relax. We haven't had a normal outing in a long time."
She smiled and agreed, "That sounds perfect. I'm tired, and I'd love a stroll to clear my mind."
Once they reached her room, they parted ways. He sighed heavily, still contemplating how much to tell her before he left.