109 — New Name

"We made a promise. Do you remember? You better not forget it," the dark-haired young woman said in a stern tone.

Lyon lowered his head, his cheeks puffing slightly in protest. He knew the promise would hold until he turned twelve.

But isn't that still a long time away?

As he wondered, a knock came at the door.

"Who might it be at this hour?" his mother muttered, brushing her hands on her dress. Her gentle gaze shifted sharply, guarded now. "Stay here. I'll see who it is," she said, offering him a small smile before heading toward the entrance. She opened the wooden door.

"Yes?"

Lyon waited, straining to hear the conversation, but the voices were too faint. Only fragments reached him.

"I see…"

"I'll talk to him."

Although curious, he stayed put, his mother's teachings about eavesdropping echoing in his mind. She always said it was bad manners, though everyone in the village seemed to do it.