The summer sun hung lazily in the June sky, its warm rays casting a golden glow over the lush greenery surrounding Everglade Manor. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the chirping of birds filled the otherwise tranquil atmosphere. Kael's boots crunched against the gravel path as he approached the gates, each step deliberate and heavy with emotion. His clothes were in tatters, the remnants of what once might have been a modest yet respectable outfit. Dirt streaked his face, and his long black hair fell messily over his golden eyes, gleaming faintly in the light.
The guards on patrol at the gate halted in their tracks upon spotting the figure approaching. One of them squinted, trying to make out his face, while the other instinctively tightened his grip on his spear.
"Is that... Kael?" one of the guards murmured, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Impossible," the other guard replied sharply. "He's supposed to be dead!"
Kael stopped a few paces from the gate and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "It's me," he said, his voice calm but edged with weariness. "Kael. Helen's son."
The guards exchanged glances, their initial suspicion giving way to hesitation. One of them stepped forward cautiously, his spear still at the ready. "Prove it," he demanded. "How do we know you're not some imposter?"
Kael let out a soft sigh, his golden eyes locking onto the guard's. "I've been through a lot," he said simply, his voice carrying a weight that seemed to still the air around them. "But I'm here now. I swear it's me."
There was something in his tone, something familiar and undeniable, that made the guard falter. After a moment, he nodded toward his companion. "Let him in. We'll take him to Helen."
The gates creaked open, and the guards flanked Kael as they led him into the estate.
***
Inside the manor, Helen paced the length of her quarters, her movements restless and her hands trembling. The sunlight streaming through the large windows did little to lift the weight of her worries. She clutched a handkerchief in one hand, her eyes red from countless sleepless nights. A soft knock on the door startled her, and her heart leaped in her chest.
"Miss Helen," one of the guards called from the other side, "we've found him."
The words barely registered before Helen flung the door open, her breath catching at the sight of the young man standing before her. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Her eyes scanned his face, drinking in every detail—the golden eyes, the strong build, the unmistakable features that were both familiar and changed.
"Kael," she whispered, her voice breaking as tears welled up in her eyes.
Kael stood frozen as she rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight embrace. Her sobs broke the silence, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Kael felt the warmth of familial love.
"I thought I'd lost you," Helen cried, clutching him as though afraid he might vanish again.
Kael hesitated, his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. The memories of his mother were there, fragmented but vivid enough to stir something deep within him. Slowly, he raised his arms and returned the embrace, albeit stiffly. "I'm... I'm fine, Mother," he said softly.
Helen pulled back slightly, her hands moving to cup his face. Her teary eyes searched his as if trying to confirm he was truly there. "Your eyes... they're gold now. And your body—what happened to you, Kael?"
Kael averted his gaze, unsure of how to explain. "It's a long story," he said, forcing a small smile. "I'll tell you everything soon. I promise."
Helen nodded, though the worry in her expression didn't fade. For now, she was content to have her son back.
***
Word of Kael's return spread quickly through the manor, and soon the halls buzzed with whispers. Servants peeked around corners and through doorways, their eyes wide with curiosity and disbelief. Some of the younger children, who had always looked up to Kael, gathered around him excitedly.
"Kael!" one of them cried, tugging at his tattered sleeve. "We thought you were gone forever!"
Another child pointed at his eyes, wide with wonder. "Why are your eyes so shiny now?"
Kael crouched down, his lips curling into a soft smile as he ruffled the children's hair. "I've changed a little," he admitted. "But I'm still the same Kael you all know."
The children giggled, their innocent joy a stark contrast to the weight Kael carried. The older servants watched from a distance, some murmuring about his transformation, others simply relieved to see him alive.
***
In her chambers, Elowen sat by the window, the faint aroma of tea wafting around her as she stared out at the gardens. Lyra, her maid, stood nearby, her hands folded neatly in front of her.
"My lady," Lyra began hesitantly, "Kael has returned."
Elowen's hand froze mid-motion, her teacup hovering just inches from her lips. Her usual calm demeanor faltered for a split second before she set the cup down deliberately. "He... came back?" she asked, her voice carefully neutral.
Lyra nodded. "Yes, my lady. He's with Helen now."
Elowen turned her gaze back to the gardens, her expression unreadable. "It doesn't matter," she said after a moment, her tone cold. "His life or death is of no concern to me."
Lyra bowed and left the room, but as the door clicked shut, Elowen let out a quiet sigh. Despite her words, a sense of relief washed over her. She couldn't afford to let herself feel guilty, and knowing Kael was alive eased a burden she hadn't realized she was carrying.
***
Late that night, Kael sat alone in his room, the quiet hum of the manor settling around him. His thoughts were a chaotic swirl of memories, emotions, and questions. He glanced out the window at the starlit sky, wondering what his next step should be.
Miara's voice broke the silence, clear and steady in his mind.
[From host's memories, this estate contains a private library. Suggested course of action: access the library to gather information.]
Kael tilted his head, intrigued. "A library?" he murmured. "That sounds... promising. Where is it?"
[Exact location unknown. Host is advised to explore the manor to locate it.]
Kael let out a soft chuckle. "All right, Miara," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's see what this place has to offer."
With that, he made up his mind. Tomorrow, he would begin his search for the library—and perhaps the answers he so desperately sought.