The siblings exchanged glances, their fear and uncertainty slowly giving way to a fragile sense of determination. They were far from safe, and the road ahead was fraught with danger, but for the first time since the attack, they felt the faintest glimmer of hope.
They were survivors. And together, they would endure.
It was Zorion who broke the silence, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "Will you train us?" he asked, his piercing eyes fixed on Eryon.
Eryon hesitated, his expression unreadable. He glanced at each of them, as though trying to gauge their resolve. Finally, he spoke. "Do you want me to train you?"
Bastiel's voice was the first to answer, calm and firm. "We all want to train." He turned to his siblings, meeting each of their gazes in turn before continuing. "We want to be stronger. Strong enough to protect ourselves and each other. Strong enough to fight back. Will you help us?"
Eryon's sharp features softened, and for the first time, a small, genuine smile played on his lips. "I can," he said slowly. "But this isn't just about me. This camp isn't just my home—it's a base, filled with soldiers. Wizards, shifters, witches, and other powerful individuals who've dedicated their lives to guarding the gates and maintaining peace. If you're serious about this, you won't just be training with me. You'll be training with them."
His smile faded, and his voice grew serious. "But you need to understand what you're asking. Training here isn't easy. It's grueling, relentless. You'll be treated like soldiers, not family. Can you handle that?"
Bastiel didn't hesitate. "Yes," he said firmly.
Nerys, still pale and visibly weak, managed a nod. "I can handle it," she said softly, but there was steel in her voice.
One by one, the others voiced their agreement. Even Orin, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the conversation, nodded with determination.
Eryon studied them for a moment, his eyes lingering on each of them as though searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. When he found none, his smile returned, this time broader and more genuine. "As you wish," he said. "But for now, let's focus on getting you settled. Training can wait until you've had time to rest and recover."
He rose from his chair and gestured for them to follow. "Come on," he said. "I'll show you to your rooms. They're simple, but we can go shopping later to get you clothes and anything else you need."
The siblings followed Eryon through the treehouse, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floor. The corridors were lined with intricate carvings and glowing runes, and the air hummed with faint traces of magic. Despite its rustic appearance, the treehouse was filled with subtle technological enhancements—floating orbs of light that illuminated the hallways, doors that slid open with a soft hiss, and panels that displayed holographic images of the camp below.
"This place is... different," Amara said, her voice filled with awe as she glanced around.
Eryon chuckled. "It's a mix of old and new," he explained. "Most of the camp is medieval in design, but over the years, we've incorporated technology—both human and magical. It's not perfect, but it works."
They reached a set of doors at the end of the hallway, each one marked with a glowing rune. Eryon gestured to them. "These will be your rooms," he said. "They're small, but they're yours. Take a moment to settle in. If you need anything, just let me know."
The siblings exchanged glances before moving to their respective doors. Inside, the rooms were modest but comfortable, with wooden furniture and soft lighting. A bed, a desk, and a small wardrobe occupied most of the space, and a single window offered a view of the camp below.
Bastiel stood in his room for a moment, taking it all in. The simplicity of the space was a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind, but it felt safe. For the first time in days, he felt a faint sense of peace.
After a few moments, he stepped back into the hallway, where Eryon was waiting. One by one, the others joined them, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and quiet determination.
"Rest tonight," Eryon said. "You've been through a lot, and you need time to recover. Tomorrow, we'll start planning your training. It won't be easy, but I'll be with you every step of the way."
"Thank you," Bastiel said, his voice sincere.
Eryon nodded. "We're family," he said simply. "And family looks out for each other."
As the siblings returned to their rooms, Eryon watched them go, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. They were stronger than he had expected, and he had no doubt that they would rise to the challenges ahead.
But as he turned and made his way back to his own quarters, his expression grew serious. The road ahead would be difficult, and the threats they faced were unlike anything the siblings had encountered before. He would do everything in his power to prepare them, but he couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.
For now, though, they had a moment of peace. And Eryon intended to make the most of it.
---
The next morning, Eryon gathered the siblings in the main hall. They sat around the same circular table from the night before, their expressions a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
"Before we begin your training, there are a few things you need to know," Eryon said. "This camp is more than just a home or a base. It's one of a thousand around the world, each one guarding a gate to the Otherworld. These gates are powerful and dangerous, and they're the key to maintaining peace between realms."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The soldiers here are some of the best in the world. They're not just warriors—they're wizards, shifters, witches, and more. Each of them has dedicated their life to this cause, and they'll be the ones training you."
Amara frowned. "Won't that... draw attention to us?" she asked.
"It might," Eryon admitted. "But it's a risk we have to take. The only way to protect yourselves is to become stronger. And that means training with the best."
He looked at each of them in turn. "You've already proven that you're survivors. But this won't be like anything you've faced before. It will be hard—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You'll be pushed to your limits and beyond. But if you're willing to put in the work, I promise you'll come out of it stronger than ever."
Bastiel's eyes burned with determination. "We're ready," he said.
The others nodded in agreement, their resolve unwavering. Even Nerys, still pale and visibly tired, sat up a little straighter, her eyes filled with quiet determination.
Eryon smiled. "Good," he said. "Then let's get started."
As the siblings rose from their seats, the faint glow of determination in their eyes seemed to brighten. They were still afraid, still uncertain about what the future held, but for the first time, they felt a sense of purpose.
They weren't just survivors anymore.
They were fighters.