I woke up with a yawn, stretching my arms as the morning sun hit me through the window. "It's today, isn't it?" I thought to myself. "It's already been three years since he left. I still remember that morning like it was yesterday. The day my life was turned upside down."
Three years ago, I had awoken to find a letter written by my father to me. I could still recall the words vividly:
Dear Arin,
I know that by the time you're up from bed, I will already be gone. You have brought me nothing but misery since the day you were born into this world. Every time I look at you, I'm reminded of a wound that will never heal. I remember what I've lost. If only you hadn't been brought into this world, my wife would not have died. You are the cause, Arin. You are the sole reason she's not here.
I am not heartless, though it may seem so. I've left you some of my belongings and some money. Use it wisely. I hope you can find a way to survive in this harsh world, even when there is no one here to guide you. Remember, Arin, the only thing that can keep you down is yourself. Do not let the shadows of your past dictate your future. Find your strength, and maybe one day you'll understand why I had to leave.
Farewell,
As I got out of bed, my muscles ached from all the work done the previous day. Despite the hardships, I had always found a way to survive. The pain of my father's abandonment had never fully healed, but it had driven me to become stronger and more determined. I was no longer the helpless boy who had found the letter; I was now a young man with a purpose.
After my father left, Aunt Niel, a kind-hearted woman who had known my family for years, took me in. She worked as a servant at the manor of Lord Darian, a powerful figure in the region. The manor was grand, with sprawling gardens and towering walls that seemed to touch the sky. The Darian family was known not only for their immense wealth but also for their mastery of fire and wind magic. Their influence extended far beyond the village, and their power was both respected and feared.
Aunt Niel managed to get me a job at the manor, and I moved in with her. Despite the opulence around me, my life was far from easy. Many members of the noble family treated me with disdain, seeing me as nothing more than a lowly servant. I was often given the most grueling tasks and was the target of cruel jokes and harsh punishments.
However, the other servants at the manor were kind and supportive. They took care of me and treated me like family. Aunt Niel, in particular, was a constant source of comfort and guidance. Her kindness and wisdom helped me navigate the challenges of my new life.
At 12 years old the same age as Cedric and Elara role at the manor soon evolved, and I became the personal servant of the young master, Cedric, Lord Darian's third son, who despised me. He saw me as nothing more than a tool to be used and discarded. His hatred for me was palpable, and he never missed an opportunity to make my life difficult. Despite this, I remained determined to prove my worth and rise above the circumstances of my birth.
I had always been fascinated by magic, especially the powerful fire and wind magic that the Darian family wielded. I would often watch from the shadows as they practiced their spells, longing to learn and master the art myself. But Aunt Niel had always warned me against it.
"Arin, you must focus on your work," she would say. "Magic is not for the likes of us. It's dangerous and can bring more trouble than you can imagine.. Leave it to the nobles and concentrate on doing your duties well." Who was I to complain that's just how it was for us commoners.
Despite her warnings, I couldn't help but feel a burning desire to learn magic. I knew that mastering it could change my life and perhaps even earn me the respect I so desperately sought. But for now, I had to heed Aunt Niel's advice and focus on my work.