Chapter 6: Darkness

SERIS VITRA'S POV:

Caera has grown remarkably in the past two years, far surpassing my expectations. Yesterday's bestowal was proof of that—she received an unusual Regalia, or so I believe. Regalia is the highest form of the rune in the Alacryan mana system. To obtain such a powerful rune at the tender age of eight is nearly unheard of. If word of this gets out, it could cause a significant uproar, one that would draw unwanted attention from all corners of Alacrya.

Hiding her further, as I've done in the past, is no longer an option. The more we try to conceal her abilities, the more suspicious it will become. Instead, I've devised a different plan: to put her in just enough attention that no one will question her presence or her abilities. Hiding in plain sight, as they say, is often the best approach.

As I contemplated this plan's details, a knock sounded at the door. I turned as Nessa stepped in, her expression calm as always.

"Has Caera awoken yet?" I asked, my voice even as I turned to face Nessa.

"Yes, Scythe Seris," Nessa replied with her usual composure. "She woke up not long ago, but she's still exhausted and has gone back to sleep."

I nodded, processing the information. The burden of receiving a Regalia at such a young age was immense; it was only natural that she would need time to recover. "And the rune instillers?" I inquired, my tone turning sharper.

"They have been disposed of, as per your instructions," Nessa answered without hesitation.

I let out a small sigh of relief. The secrecy surrounding Caera's abilities was paramount, and any potential leaks had to be silenced. The fewer who knew of her capabilities, the better, especially in these uncertain times.

Nessa's loyalty and efficiency had never been in question. Her abilities, especially her affinity with sound-based Regalia, made her an invaluable asset-one I relied on heavily in situations like these. Her lack of Vitra blood, while it had excluded her from certain privileges, also allowed her to operate in the shadows without drawing too much attention.

"Good," I said, my tone calm but firm. "We can't afford any loose ends."

Nessa nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Is there anything else you require, Scythe Seris?"

I paused, thinking about the next steps. "Yes, make sure Caera rests and doesn't strain herself. We need her at her best for what's to come."

Nessa acknowledged my orders with a slight bow before leaving the room, her presence as quiet and unobtrusive as ever. I returned to my thoughts, planning the next moves carefully. The coming days would be crucial, not just for Caera, but for the future we were preparing her for.

_________________________________________________________________________________

CAERA DENOIR'S POV:

Darkness. That was the only word that came to my mind.

I felt like I was floating in a place where light had never existed. I could feel my body—my arms—my legs, even my heartbeat—but I couldn't see anything. The world around me was an endless void, suffocating in its silence and emptiness.

Fear gripped me, and I tried calling out for help. "Mama! Nessa! Cylrit!" I screamed their names, hoping, praying, that someone would answer. But the sound that left my mouth seemed to vanish into the void, swallowed by the darkness without a trace.

It felt like I was trapped here for an eternity, yet it was also just a fleeting moment. The sensation of time was twisted and distorted. I was alone, utterly alone, in this place that seemed to defy reality.

Then, finally, a voice pierced the silence. [So you are the chosen one,] the voice was low and menacing, each word laced with a power that made my whole body tremble. The sheer force of it made me feel like I could collapse at any moment, the voice continued, [Interesting! I hope to see you soon.]

With a gasp, I jolted awake, my body drenched in sweat. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to shake off the lingering fear from that dream-or was it something more?

I sat up in bed, glancing around the room. Everything was in its place, familiar and comforting, yet I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling from the dream. I turned my gaze to the window, noticing that the sky was just beginning to lighten-it was almost dawn.

I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep, not with the remnants of that dream still clinging to my mind. Sliding out of bed, I made my way to the bathroom, hoping that a shower would wash away the lingering unease.

The warm water helped a little, but the memory of that dark place and the voice within it remained vivid. After freshening up, I dressed and quietly left my room, heading to the garden.

The air was cool and crisp as I stepped outside, the first hints of morning light touching the horizon. The sun had yet to rise, but that was how I liked it. I made my way to the spot where I kept my sword and began my practice routine.

I had been doing this for as long as I could remember—swinging my sword in the stillness of the early morning. There was something about the rhythm of the movements, the focus it required, that helped clear my mind and steady my thoughts. Today, more than ever, I needed that clarity.

"Hmm, you're awake quite early, Caera."

After an hour, the familiar voice of Mama-Scythe Seris—broke through the steady rhythm of my sword practice. I paused mid-swing, lowering my blade as I turned to face her. She stood at the edge of the garden, watching me with an unreadable expression.

"Mama," I greeted, catching my breath as I sheathed my sword. "I couldn't sleep."

She stepped closer, her gaze sweeping over me with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Why? Do you not feel comfortable?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to explain the unease that had settled over me since the dream. "It's not that," I finally said, choosing my words carefully. "I had a dream—I was in a really dark space. It felt so real this time like I was trapped in it. And then there was that voice... it said, 'So you are the chosen one. Interesting, I hope to see you soon.' It was so intimidating, Mama. It felt like I could collapse any moment."

Seris's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of concern crossing her face. She didn't speak immediately, and I wondered if she was thinking of what the dream might mean. "Dreams like these," she began slowly, "can be unsettling, especially for someone as young as you, Caera. But remember, you are in control. No matter how real it feels, it's still just a dream. You are safe here, and you are strong."

I nodded, trying to absorb her words, but the memory of the voice still sent shivers down my spine. "But what if it means something? What if-"

Mama placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch warm and steadying. "If it means something, we will face it together. But until then, don't let it consume you. You have too much potential to be held back by fear, Caera."

Her words brought a sense of calm, as they always did. "Thank you, Mama," I whispered, feeling a bit of the tension ease from my body. "I'll try to be strong."

THIRD PERSON'S VIEW:

"Good! Now show me the rune you received yesterday," Seris instructed, her tone gentle but firm.

Caera hesitated briefly before nodding. She turned around, lifting the back of her shirt to reveal the spot where the rune had manifested. The area was still tender, a reminder of the overwhelming power that had been forced into her young body. She felt Seris's gaze on her back as she studied the newly carved rune.

For a moment, there was only silence. Caera could feel the tension in the air as Seris examined the mark. Her fingers lightly traced the intricate patterns, and Caera sensed her confusion.

"This... is different," Seris finally said, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I've seen many runes in my time, but this one is... unusual. It's more complicated, and more intricate than any I've encountered before...."

Seris took a deep breath, her fingers lingering on the rune before she let go. "It's almost as if it was meant for something far greater than we understand. The complexity of this rune is beyond anything typical, even for a Regalia. But I don't want you to worry, Caera. We can figure this out with time."

Caera turned back around to face her, feeling a mix of pride and fear. "What does it mean, Mama? Why is it so different?"

"I'm not sure," Seris admitted, her expression thoughtful. "But whatever it is, it marks you as someone extraordinary. This rune... it's a gift, but also a responsibility. We'll need to be cautious, and you'll need to be even more careful. Until we understand its full nature, you should refrain from using it."

Caera's initial reaction was one of disappointment, her brow furrowing as she pouted slightly. "But, Mama, I want to test it now! I can handle it-I know I can!"

Seris shook her head, her expression firm but understanding. "Caera, I understand your eagerness, truly. But you have to realize the dangers involved. Even using a Regalia at your age is risky. The burden it places on your body and mana core is immense. But this new rune-" She paused, searching for the right words. "This new rune is something different, something more complex. We don't fully understand its nature yet, and using it without knowing could be extremely dangerous."

Caera bit her lip, feeling the weight of Seris's words. The excitement she had felt earlier was now overshadowed by a creeping sense of unease. "But what if I never get to use it? What if I'm not strong enough?"

Seris knelt down to Caera's level, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You are already incredibly strong, Caera. But strength isn't just about power; it's about wisdom, patience, and knowing when to act. Right now, your body needs time to adapt to this new rune. Rushing into things could cause irreversible harm."

Caera's shoulders slumped, but she nodded slowly, recognizing the truth in Seris's words. "I understand, Mama. I'll wait."

Seris smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Caera's face. "Good. I promise you, when the time is right, you'll be able to use your new abilities to their fullest. For now, focus on your training and keep getting stronger. When the time comes, you'll be ready."

Caera nodded, the initial disappointment still lingering but tempered by a sense of determination. "I'll do my best, Mama."

"That's all I ask," Seris replied, standing up and summoning a sword out of thin air, and continued, "Now let's see how much you have improved, shall we?

Caera's eyes lit up at the sight of the sword in Seris's hand. Despite the lingering thoughts about her new rune, the idea of sparring with Seris immediately shifted her focus. A determined smile spread across her face as she nodded, her earlier disappointment replaced with excitement.

"Yes, Mama!" she replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Seris's expression softened into a smile as she readied herself, holding the sword with practiced ease. "Remember, Caera, it's not just about strength-it's about control, precision, and knowing when to strike."

Caera unsheathed her own sword, taking a deep breath as she mirrored Seris's stance. She knew that sparring with Seris was never just about the physical battle; it was a test of everything she had learned-discipline, strategy, and resilience.

Without another word, the two began to circle each other, the garden becoming their battleground. Caera felt the cool breeze on her skin, the early morning air still crisp and fresh. It was moments like these that she cherished the most. Each swing, each parry, was a lesson, a step closer to becoming the warrior she aspired to be.

Seris moved with the grace and precision of a seasoned warrior, her strikes swift yet controlled, always pushing Caera to her limits but never beyond. Caera responded with everything she had, her movements fluid as she matched her Mama's pace, determined to show how much she had improved.

As they sparred, the worries about her new rune faded into the background. All that mattered now was the rhythm of the fight, the connection between teacher and student, mother and daughter. In this moment, Caera knew she was exactly where she needed to be, on the path to mastering her own strength, both inside and out.

~~

A/N: Okay? maybe the ending was a bit cliche but I got lost in this and wrote, anyway did you enjoy the chapter, if yes, then make sure to vote and comment what you think. There is a a lot of mysteries going on but with time they will be explained.