As the sun dipped below the horizon, its golden rays cast a warm, mesmerizing glow over Gaiadom, painting the vast sea in shades of pink, orange, and gold. The vibrant sky merged seamlessly with the calm ocean, creating a masterpiece that could rival any canvas painting.
Standing there, I sighed, letting the wind's cool touch snake into my lungs. This breathtaking view of my hometown was one I had grown up with—a life filled with simplicity and routine. Yet, deep down, a quiet yearning stirred within me, a feeling that I didn't belong. Despite this, there were people I cared for, bonds that anchored me to this place.
"Up for another staring contest with the clouds?"
I turned to see Lukas approaching, his skinny arm raised in a playful wave. His ever-present grin stretched across his face as he flopped down next to me.
"Another blissful day ends," he remarked with a chuckle.
"It does," I replied, a faint smile tugging at my lips as the vibrant hues of the sky faded into the deep blues of night.
Lukas brushed at his face absentmindedly. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.
I smirked. "Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
He paused, then burst into laughter. "Just escaped the farm. Haven't had time. What's wrong? Dirt bothering you?"
"I've seen you worse," I teased.
"Yeah, yeah, like the good old days." He leaned back, his gaze wandering to the ocean.
A silence settled between us, broken only by the gentle rustle of the wind. Then, out of nowhere, Lukas asked, "Do you ever think about leaving Gaiadom?"
"And go where?" I countered, turning to meet his gaze.
His emerald eyes, so full of life and mischief, now seemed to hold a quiet intensity. Lukas had been my closest companion for as long as I could remember. Together, we'd weathered storms both literal and metaphorical, growing up side by side. He knew me better than anyone else, sometimes better than I knew myself.
"I don't know," he admitted, shrugging. "Far away. The world's a big place, Aria—full of possibilities."
I considered his words as the moon rose, its silver light casting rippling reflections on the ocean. The wind grew colder, wrapping around us like an unseen embrace.
"You're quiet. Does that mean yes?" he asked, his tone light, though his expression betrayed a flicker of concern.
"Why? Would you stop me?" I challenged.
"No," he said without hesitation. "But I'd follow you. You're not going anywhere without me."
"You'd leave your family behind for me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Only if you're leaving yours," he shot back.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "You're ridiculous, Lukas."
"So are you," he retorted. "But seriously, Aria, promise me—if you ever leave, don't go alone. And stop picking fights. Let people handle their own messes, alright?"
His sudden seriousness caught me off guard. Lukas rarely spoke with such gravity. In the end, I just nodded.
Later that evening, Grandpa and I prepared for our trip to the city. The ride would take four hours, so we packed light—some clothes, dry food, and enough water for the journey. Grandpa meticulously counted the medicinal herbs and remedies we planned to sell, while I double-checked our supplies.
As I worked, my mind drifted back to Lukas' words. What would life be like beyond Gaiadom? The thought both intrigued and unsettled me. Was it a journey of self-discovery or a road paved with regret?
"Did something happen, child?" Grandpa's voice broke my reverie. He didn't look up from his counting, but I could feel his quiet concern.
"Grandpa… have you ever thought about leaving Gaiadom?" I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.
He paused, his hands hovering over the herbs. "And go where, child? Everything we need is here."
"But have you ever wanted to?"
"There's no place like Gaiadom, Aria," he said firmly, his weathered face softening into a small smile. "I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"That's because you've never been anywhere else," I teased lightly, glancing at the flickering stars outside our hut's window.
He chuckled. "True, but it's by choice. You don't have to follow the same path, though. You're still young, Aria. When the time comes, you and Lukas will find your way. Just promise me you'll look after each other."
Grandpa always said that, and it never failed to stir a mix of warmth and melancholy in me. Lukas and I had promised to stick together, no matter what, and I intended to keep that promise.
Before heading to bed, Grandpa handed me a handkerchief. "Close the window when you're done packing. The air feels strange tonight."
I nodded, shutting the window as instructed. As I turned back to finish packing, a sharp knock on the door startled me.
"Who is it?" I called, hesitating.
"It's me," came Lukas' voice, trembling and barely audible.
I opened the door to find him standing there, pale and drenched in sweat. His chest heaved as though he'd run the entire way. His expression was one of sheer terror, and in his hands, he clutched a strange, old artifact.
"Aria… help me. I need to hide," he pleaded, pushing his way inside before I could respond.
"Lukas, what's going on?" I demanded, my heart pounding as unease crept over me. My eyes darted to the artifact he held tightly, its intricate carvings glowing faintly in the dim light.
"They're after me," he whispered, his voice cracking. "Please, Aria. I'm scared."
I had never seen him like this before. Lukas, who was always mischievous and full of life, now trembled like a cornered animal.
"What… what have you done?" My voice came out in a shaky whisper.
He hugged the artifact closer, his eyes wide with fear.
"I didn't mean to… I just… I took it," he stammered, his words spilling out in fragments.
"Lukas…" I breathed, dread pooling in my stomach as the faint glow of the artifact reflected in his panicked eyes.