Kai walked through the familiar streets, heart pounding with an eager anticipation he hadn't felt in years. It had been far too long since he'd last seen Nahlia, and the thought of meeting her again spurred him onward. He'd chosen not to ride Muz this time, preferring to soak in the village's sights on foot, letting the walk stir old memories.
Though the village had changed little—markets still bustling, familiar faces passing by—Kai felt strangely at ease. At the estate, he was constantly burdened by worry: When would his abilities fail to restrain Leon's condition? When would his own body give out completely?
Were it not for Leon, and for the promise he felt to shoulder his family's welfare, perhaps he might have surrendered to despair. But now, with Nahlia's presence looming in his thoughts, he found a renewed will to press on.
I wonder how she looks now? he mused, a quiet excitement bubbling within him.
Before long, Kai stood before a modest house, nearly identical to how he remembered it. He knocked softly, then froze, noticing his empty hands.
You idiot—showing up empty-handed after three years? A wave of sheepishness made him consider fleeing, but before he could move, the door creaked open.
"Yes?" A young man stepped into the doorway. He had light brown hair, stood slightly shorter than Kai, and studied him curiously.
Kai offered a quick smile, extending a hand. "You must be Kamil, Nahlia's brother."
The man's eyebrows lifted. "Yes? And you are…?" He accepted Kai's handshake, seeming puzzled. Having been away for a long time, he hadn't met Kai in person.
"I'm Kai—Nahlia's fiancé," Kai said, grinning.
Recognition dawned on Kamil's face. "Oh! Yes, of course." He straightened, returning a friendlier smile. "Pardon me—I've been gone a while, so we never had the chance to meet. Come in, please."
Kai slipped inside, recalling the last time he'd been in this house years ago, chatting with Ulia. Warm memories and an unfamiliar tension curled around him.
After settling in, Kamil guided Kai to a modest sitting area. "What brings you back?" Kamil asked, pulling out a small platter of snacks and placing it on the table.
Kai took a seat, glancing around at the same comfortable furnishings. "I've been away for three years, dealing with… responsibilities. I came home so my younger brother, Leon, can spend time with our parents before we leave again. I was hoping to see Nahlia before that."
Kamil frowned slightly. "You're leaving again? Any idea how long this time?"
A sigh escaped Kai. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I have duties I can't ignore, but I wanted to stop by first."
Kamil studied him for a moment, pushing the plate of snacks closer. "I see. If I'm being honest, I don't know much about you and Nahlia's situation—just that you've been engaged for three years. Now you're leaving again, without a clear return date?"
Kai offered a wry smile. "You know how it is with obligations…"
Kamil's brow furrowed. "So, if you're uncertain when you'll return, have you considered, well… when you'll actually marry my sister? You two haven't even spent much time together, to be frank."
"I agree," Kai admitted softly, expecting such a question. "I'd planned to discuss that with your family."
Kamil folded his arms. "Go ahead. I'm in a position to make decisions too—our parents trust me a lot."
Kai's gaze drifted, his tone hopeful. "I was thinking we could… get married while I'm here. Then perhaps I could bring her with me?" He spoke carefully, leaving out the more dangerous aspects of his journey. Over the past three years, he had grown to adore Nahlia in a way that felt urgent, as though she was the only bright thread in his uncertain future.
Kamil blinked. "Now? That soon?"
Kai nodded. "I'll be around for a few weeks, so we could arrange it if you all agree. I—I really want to marry her."
A broad smile broke across Kamil's face. "That's great news! My family has been waiting to hear this for a while. They will be thrilled!"
Kai's chest flooded with relief. "I'm glad to hear it. By the way, is Nahlia around?" He glanced around, as though half-expecting her to appear.
"She's out with friends right now," Kamil explained. "Should be back soon. If you like, I can track her down for you."
Kai's eyes brightened, though a small flicker of disappointment welled inside. "No, it's alright. Let her enjoy herself."
Kamil waved a hand, looking slightly incredulous. "She'd want to see you. Why not let me bring her to your home? If you go now, ill bring her in two hours. I promise, she won't mind."
"Are you sure?" Kai asked, still slightly awkward. "I don't want to disturb her."
"Nonsense. Leave it to me," Kamil replied, and Kai rose to depart.
"Alright, thanks. I'll see you in about two hours, then."
"Sounds good," Kamil said with a grin, walking him to the door.
By the time Kai returned to his parents' house, he found the entire family gathered in the living area—Maribel included, eating steaming pastries.
"Back so soon?" his mother asked, noticing Kai enter.
He shrugged and made his way to the table, snagging a piece of bread from a platter. "Nahlia wasn't home, but her brother, Kamil, said he'd bring her here soon. Also, I have an announcement."
The room stilled. "What is it?" his mother prompted.
Kai calmly took a bite, then grinned. "I plan to get married while I'm here. I'll ask Nahlia to join me on my trip."
Leon nearly choked on air. "Wait, you're taking her to—our trip?"
Both parents exchanged wide-eyed looks. "Marriage?" his father echoed.
"Yes, and yes," Kai repeated, excitement twinkling in his eyes. "It's been three long years without her. I'm sick of being apart."
Maribel arched an eyebrow. "You two barely knew each other before you left. That was, what, a handful of dates?"
Kai shrugged, though his cheeks warmed faintly. "Maybe I fell too hard too fast. But these past years were rough. Her letters were everything."
"That's wonderful news," his mother exclaimed, eyes shining. "We need to start planning!" She motioned to Maribel, her face lighting with enthusiasm. "Maribel, get the book—we'll look at clothes and themes."
Maribel leaped from her seat, practically saluting. "On it!" she called, dashing upstairs.
Kai's father beamed. "So maybe I'll see a grandchild in my lifetime?" He chuckled, slapping his knee.
"Maybe," Kai replied softly, trying to contain his own grin. But before he could bask in the family's excitement, Leon tugged at his sleeve.
"Bro, can we talk?" Leon murmured, worry etched into his eyes.
They stepped aside. "You plan on taking her to Shumara?" Leon hissed, disbelief mingling with concern. "I know you missed her, but that's… unbelievably risky."
Kai exhaled. "I'm not marching her into Shumara. I just want her close by while we travel. I'll keep her safe. I can't stand getting letters every few months, not anymore."
Leon frowned, still uneasy. "Are you absolutely sure?"
Kai mustered a confident nod. "I protect you, don't I? I can protect her, too." A gentle smile touched his lips. "She's going to be my wife, Leon. It's only right she knows at least part of what's going on."
Leon pursed his lips. "I still think you're jumping in headfirst. You've been basically obsessed with her letters."
Kai smirked. "That's what love's for, right? If I can't think about her all the time, what's the point?"
Leon rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine, it's your call."
They rejoined the group at the table just as Maribel reappeared, lugging a hefty binder of wedding ideas. She and their mother flipped through pictures, discussing color schemes and decorations.
"We can do a blue theme," Maribel suggested.
"But Kai loves purple," their mother insisted. "We'll ask Nahlia, see which mix suits them." She glanced expectantly at Kai.
Kai swallowed a piece of bread and shrugged playfully. "She'll be here soon. Better to hear it from her."
Maribel sighed. "You still don't know her favorite color, do you?"
Their mother tsked in mock disapproval. "Really? That's basic knowledge. Honey—what's my favorite color?" she teased her husband.
He hesitated, clearing his throat. "Uh… red?"
She shook her head with exaggerated dismay. "It's blue—like father, like son."
Kai's father chuckled, unaffected. "I'll talk to some friends about the venue. I want everyone to see this wedding."
His mother snapped her fingers. "Oh right—invitations. Maribel, you mentioned a friend who does that professionally. Invite her tomorrow, so we can get started."
Maribel nodded firmly. "Will do."
Watching them all plan so enthusiastically filled Kai with an unexpected glow. He rarely saw his family this animated, and their genuine involvement in his life warmed him.
Suddenly, a brisk knock echoed from the door. Kai's mother sprang to her feet, practically beaming.
"That must be her!" she cried, rushing to answer it. Throwing it open, she smiled radiantly at the visitor. "Nahlia!"