Lumi sat at the table, her tiny legs swinging beneath the chair, a plate of food in front of her.
She munched on a piece of bread, her face scrunched up in irritation as she shot glances at Kendrick.
Her cheeks were puffed out, making her look even more comical as she chewed. The atmosphere in the room was thick with unspoken tension.
Kealith, sensing the weight of the silence, broke it.
"So, Lumi," he began, "what brings you to Kendrick's house?"
With her mouth full, Lumi swallowed hastily before replying,
"I'm here to punish the guy who broke his promise! He hadn't visit me anymore, and it really hurts!" Her voice was a mix of indignation and childish disappointment.
Kendrick sighed "I'm sorry, Lumi"
Lumi didn't accept his apology and just turned her head to her side "Hmp!"
Elara, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions and new information, chimed in,
"Whoa so you're a pixie, but why did you put sleeping dust on Dad?"
Lumi turned to Elara, her eyes narrowing.
"Who are you supposed to be?" she asked, her voice dripping with irritation.
Taken aback, Elara sat in stunned silence, unsure how to respond.
Kealith interjected quickly, "This is Elara, Kendrick's daughter."
Lumi's eyes widened in surprise as she shifted her gaze between Kendrick and Elara. "Is she an elf? Judging by her ears and hair?"
Elara blinked, her brow furrowing. "An elf?"
"That's right!" Lumi replied enthusiastically.
Kendrick furrowed his eyebrows, realizing he hadn't informed Elara about her true heritage.
He could see the confusion on her face as she turned to him, sensing his nervousness.
Kendrick felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, fearing how Elara might react.
But to his surprise, Elara calmly replied,
"No, I just have a condition that's all."
Lumi paused, her expression thoughtful. "Really?", She then turned to Kealith. "Is she telling the truth?"
Just then, a knock echoed through the house, pulling everyone's attention.
A voice of a girl was heard "Hello Elara are you in here?"
"It's Lila!" Elara exclaimed, jumping up with excitement.
Elara then opened the door and hugged Lila tightly.
Lila broke the hug then explained to Elara that she had been busy with helping her mom and that she's was sorry.
Elara shook her and said that it was ok and that she understands.
Kendrick smiled, relieved at the distraction. "Why not go play outside?" he suggested.
Both girls agreed eagerly, but as they raced out, Lumi called back bluntly,
"I didn't know you got it with an elf! Is that why you didn't come to play anymore?" her face unfazed but a bit of tease was visible.
Kendrick's face turned a deep shade of red.
"I did not get it with an elf! I found Elara when she was a baby in the woods."
Lumi, unconvinced, squinted at Kendrick. "She's the last elf I presume, she'll probably ask you about the truth."
Kendrick sighed, weariness creeping into his voice.
"I know, but I'm just waiting for the right time."
Kealith, keen to ease the tension, stood up. "I'll go outside and train Elara."
Lumi turned to Kealith, curious. "Train her about what?"
"To wield her powers," Kealith replied seriously. "It's best she learns to control them so she can defend herself when necessary."
Kendrick started to rise as well, but Lumi waved her tiny hands. "Sit back down!"
As Kendrick was about to protest, she cast a gentle gust of wind that pushed him back into his seat.
"We need to discuss things further," she insisted.
Kealith stepped outside, wishing them luck as he departed.
Once alone again, Lumi's demeanor shifted.
"Kendrick," she said, her tone sobering, "I heard from the other guardians that demons are scouting for something."
Kendrick's heart raced. "What do you mean?"
"A few days ago Aeloria the Fairy Guardian of the west part in Evermystic forest had claimed she saw them." Lumi added
"They might know that Elara is still alive," Lumi warned. "They could be hunting her down."
Shocked, Kendrick struggled to find words. But Lumi reassured him,
"You'll have stay in my forest. You cant can't risk going out until Elara is ready. Well it best if you're out in about you should let Kealith stay and guard Elara."
Kendrick didn't like the idea, but he knew she was right. "What about safety?"
Lumi nodded. "I casted a spell that will render your house as well as yourselves unseen to trespassers."
Kendrick sighed in relief. "Thank you for your help, Lumi, even if I didn't keep my promise."
Lumi shrugged, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "It's okay. You're probably too old to play anyway. I'll just play with elara and maybe teach her some magic with Kealith."
Kendrick felt a warmth spread through him at her words.
With a determined look, Lumi floated up, announcing cheerfully,
"I'm going to play with Elara and Kealith now!" And with that, she zipped outside, leaving Kendrick alone in the house.
As Kendrick gazed out the window, he saw Elara and Lila sitting on the grass, while Kealith and Lumi animatedly demonstrated some simple spells. He felt a mix of concern and relief wash over him.
Kendrick then thought of what Lumi said "Should I tell her now?"
The voice inside him murmured to wait.
It was deep, that voice of a man, he didn't recognize this voice, nor did he understand its origins, but for now, he decided to heed its guidance.
Watching the girls laugh and play outside, Kendrick felt a lightness in his heart, momentarily free from worry.
Perhaps, just maybe, everything would turn out alright.