Another year passed in the blink of an eye.
Last week, the family had been comforting Lea after she failed to awaken. They cooked her favorite foods, bought her a beautiful dress, and even managed to get Matt to visit. And like magic, her bright smile returned, just as it was meant to be.
Matt looked at her and said, "You don't need to be awakened to achieve something."
"Look at me," he continued, flashing a confident smile. "I'm 18, and I'm already a force to be reckoned with."
Then he turned to Lea and asked, "What do you like to do?"
She smiled shyly and answered, "I like to work on the farm." Lis and Jeff beamed with pride at her answer, happy that their sweet girl would stay close to them.
To make Lea smile even more, Matt asked, "Would you like to go swimming in the river?" He knew how much she loved swimming in the river near their hometown.
"Yes!" Lea shouted, laughing with joy, her dazzling smile lighting up her face.
That afternoon, Allice also came by. Over the past year, we had become best friends. They did everything together—taking walks, playing tag, and even having sleepovers. They would talk for hours about anything and everything. Unlike the other kids, who thought Sebastian was strange, Allice found him cool in his own way. Whenever they played or spent time together, I would memorize everything.
Matt then asked if they would like to join him for a swim as well. Allice quickly answered, "Yes," before I could decline. She laughed teasingly at me with a mischievous grin.
So, the four of them headed to the river, ready for a fun day.
But just as they were about to reach the river, a shout echoed through the air—"OOORCS!"
Matt immediately sprang into action, gathering the others and taking a defensive stance. He quickly ushered the kids back to the farm, where their parents were already inside the house. Grabbing his sword, Matt yelled, "Get inside!"
Everyone rushed into the house, but just as they thought they were safe, they found Allice lying in front of the door, an arrow piercing her heart.
It was already too late.
Filled with rage, Matt stormed out, hunting the orcs relentlessly, his fury growing with every agonizing scream from Sebastian.