The Move

Days passed in a blur. Kai adhered to a strict schedule: he woke early to contain Leon's Nafs, spent long hours researching the phenomenon, and monitored the inner workings of Leon's energy throughout the day.

Fortunately, he'd found a way to extract small portions of Leon's Nafs using his own, which not only helped him protect Leon but also advanced his ongoing research into the Zhull.

Although Leon was slowly improving—sleeping again and no longer slipping into the Sahalim—Kai felt his own strength waning. He used his Nafs far more than usual, and his injured right arm refused to heal. The dark tint on his veins hadn't spread any further, but his flesh remained raw and painful, and the constant exertion left his mind throbbing with dull aches.

Worse still was the silence from Nahlia. She hadn't visited, and Kai couldn't bring himself to go to her. Every day without word from her felt like another piece of solace slipping away.

"Well, there goes my one chance at peace," he muttered bitterly, jotting more notes into a tattered notebook.

"Kai," came Leon's voice from the doorway, "we're leaving tomorrow?"

Kai looked up, noticing how much healthier Leon already seemed. The younger brother's sleep was deeper, his eyes clearer, and though he no longer spoke of becoming a Rulin, at least he was no longer traumatized.

"Yes. But we're not returning to the city," Kai answered, setting his pen down. "I've resigned from my position there. I'll conduct my own research in a smaller town instead."

Leon's eyes widened. "You resigned? Why would you do that?"

"What choice do I have?" Kai let out a dry laugh. "Going back would bring too much attention to me. It turns out experienced Rulin can sense Zhull, and I apparently reek of it." He glanced at his injured arm, flexing his fingers with obvious discomfort. "I was lucky enough to craft a decent resignation letter, so the academy—or what's left of my department—accepted my departure."

"But… the finances?" Leon asked hesitantly. They both knew Kai was the family's sole breadwinner. He paid for the house, food, and everyone's allowances.

"That won't be a problem," Kai replied with a small smile. "I won't earn as much as before, but I still collect royalties from my stories, research papers, and other publications." He paused for a moment, his gaze distant. "Besides… I'm thinking of switching career paths."

Leon's brow furrowed. "Switch? To what?"

Kai exhaled, a mix of resolve and uncertainty flitting across his eyes. "I've decided… I'll become a Rulin."

Early morning light fell on two large carriages parked outside the house, each harnessed to a pair of sturdy horses. Kai stood by them, exchanging final words with his parents. Leon hovered at his side, visibly eager yet subdued by the underlying tension.

"Mom, Dad… are you absolutely sure you won't come?" Kai asked for the umpteenth time, letting out a sigh. He already suspected the answer.

"It's fine, Kai," his mother replied gently, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "We'll stay here. Just take care of Leon."

Ever since Kai and Leon had laid out the situation, their parents had reluctantly agreed to let Leon leave. They now grasped the gravity of Leon's condition and Kai's reasons for relocating.

"Don't worry," Kai assured them. "I'll send our new address as soon as we settle in. We'll be in a more remote area, but it's not that far away."

His mother nodded. "That's fine. Just make sure you look after Leon. He's still young."

Kai exhaled, nodding. "Yes, Mom. I promise."

He couldn't help scanning the surroundings, hoping a particular face might appear. She's not coming, he thought, feeling a pang of disappointment. Then, turning back to his mother, he mustered a half-smile. "Mom… if Nahlia decides to break the engagement, don't make it difficult for her, alright?"

She frowned, sadness evident in her eyes. "I wouldn't. But it's heartbreaking it's come to that."

Kai forced a small shrug. "It is what it is."

"Bye, Mom!" Leon called out, sounding more upbeat. He had always longed for a chance to explore beyond the village, and now he finally had it—regardless of the circumstances.

"Bye, Leo," she responded, patting his cheek. "Try not to cause too much trouble, okay?"

Leon grinned. "I won't."

"Kai," his father's rough voice broke in, drawing Kai's attention.

"Yeah?"

"Take care of Leon," his father said, softer than usual. "He's your responsibility."

Kai dipped his head, keeping his expression neutral. "Got it." Then he motioned to the driver. "Alright—let's go."

The driver urged the horses forward. As the carriages began rolling away from the village, a sudden shout echoed from behind.

"Wait!"

Kai's head whipped around; he recognized that voice immediately. "Stop!" he commanded, and the driver brought the carriage to a halt.

In the distance, he spotted Nahlia running toward them, her hair swaying with each step. Relief flooded him—like a weight lifting off his chest. She's here.

He hopped down from the carriage, walking toward her with an excited smile. "You came."

"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, catching her breath.

Kai's smile faded slightly. "It's just… you haven't reached out in a while. I assumed you'd changed your mind about—us."

She narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed. "Didn't I say I like you?"

He nodded, heart thudding. "You did."

"Then why would I leave? I'm not that type of person," she stated, arms folded stubbornly.

Kai hesitated. "I didn't want to force you into anything."

"Force me?" She let out an exasperated huff. "I already told you—I want this. The least you could've done was come see me."

"I—" He started, then shook his head sheepishly. "I was worried I'd make things harder for you."

Nahlia took a step closer, so close he could feel her warmth. "Listen, Kai, one more time: I like you. Trust me."

A smile bloomed across his face. "I—I do."

Nahlia's gaze slipped to the carriages behind him. "So… you're leaving now?"

He nodded, sadness creeping in. "Yes. We're moving somewhere quieter for Leon's sake."

"I see," she said softly, her eyes clouded with disappointment. "Then… promise to write me lots of letters?"

"I will," Kai vowed.

She bit her lip. "Make sure you take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will."

"Eat well."

"Got it."

"Don't overdo it. Ok?"

He felt a slight warmth in his chest as she fussed over him. "I promise."

Unable to help himself, he lifted a hand and gently patted her head. "Thank you," he said, voice quiet. "I'm glad I fell for someone like you."

Though her cheeks turned pink, Nahlia managed a small, sweet smile. He lowered his hand, stepping back toward the waiting carriage.

"You look happy," Leon observed from the carriage door, flashing a knowing grin.

Kai let out a light laugh. "I am."

He climbed aboard, and the driver eased the horses forward again. Kai watched as Nahlia's figure shrank into the distance, a hopeful ache in his heart. I'll be back, he vowed silently.

Hours ticked by as the carriages rolled steadily along. Leon stared out the window, a hint of boredom in his eyes. Eventually, he turned to Kai, who was leafing through some notes.

"So… what's the plan now?" Leon asked, recalling Kai's announcement that he intended to become a Rulin again. He knew it wouldn't be simple.

Kai paused, collecting his thoughts. "Well, the place we'll be living in is extremely remote. Actually, no one else is around for miles."

Leon frowned. "I thought we'd be in a town?"

"No," Kai said, shaking his head. "The nearest town is an hour away by carriage. We'll be even farther from that."

"Why?"

Kai ran a tired hand over his bandaged arm. "Because I need to ensure nothing happens—no one unexpectedly sensing the Zhull aura on us. After we ran into Weaver Fren and even that middle-aged man, it's clear some people can detect it. I have to figure out how to completely restrict your Nafs while also uncovering its source."

Leon swallowed and nodded. "I get it. What about my studies, then?"

"For now, I'll handle your basic education," Kai explained. "And once things settle, we'll decide the next step for you."

Leon glanced away, silent for a moment. He knew things weren't great; he also knew he played a part in that. "I understand," he murmured.

Kai shot him a wary look. "I'll also need you to put up with a few… experiments, all right?"

Leon tensed and wrapped his arms protectively around himself. "You're not gonna dissect me, right?"

Kai rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "I'll try not to," he joked. "But seriously, I can't hold your Nafs back forever. You need to learn to control it."

Leon gulped but said nothing further. He knew it was true.

Kai sighed softly. I never imagined I'd walk the Rulin path again.

He remembered how, in his youth, their father had pushed him to become a Rulin. He'd shown remarkable aptitude with Nafs—his emotional control was high—and he had even managed to reach a few months prior Lawamma. Yet, he was never able to awaken his Latifa. Even upon accessing his Sahalim, he couldn't locate it, and so he gave up the idea entirely.

But that was before everything changed, before he realized how dangerous Leon's powers could be… and how powerful the forces pursuing them might become. He needed to prepare, especially if Weaver Fren decided to return. Fren was a skilled Weaver, after all, and there were far stronger ranks—Vanguards, Guardians, Sentinels—beyond him.

"Sir, we're here," the driver called from up ahead.

Kai peered through the window. An open field stretched before them, with a large house in the center, surrounded by vast, empty land.

Leon leaned forward. "Whoa… this place is huge."

Kai offered a weary smile. "I sold my place in the city—plus a few other assets—to buy it. It's sturdy and far away from everything."

Leon's eyes flicked across the rolling fields. "But… where's the town? We didn't pass one on the way."

"It's down that hill and through the small forest," one of the drivers explained. "You can reach it by carriage in about an hour."

"Great," Kai said, nodding. "Help us unload everything, then I'd like one of you to drive us there to pick up the supplies we need."

Leon smirked. "Look at you… all big-shot now."

Kai ignored the tease, though a faint shadow of a grin crossed his face. Back home, Kai had usually been locked away in his room, either lost in research or relaxing with his parents. So, anyone rarely saw this side of him. 

Maybe this is why Mom and Dad let him do as he pleases, Leon thought, observing how calmly his brother handled things.

"Yes, sir," the driver replied, exchanging a few words with the second driver. Both carriages pulled up in front of the house.

It was a two-story building, impressively large, with an empty stable and several outdoor storage sheds nearby. The vast field around it seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions.

"This place used to belong to the Tryan family," one of the drivers noted, sounding awed. "They used it as a vacation home. To think they'd sell it to you…"

Kai only shrugged. "I happened to know someone from the Tryan family—he gave me a good deal." He recalled that one of the Tryan Vanguards was part of his former research team. A short letter explaining his need for solitude had sealed the arrangement.

"That's amazing," the driver breathed. "The Tryan family are major players among the Rulin. People rarely even see them, let alone get close."

Kai just smiled politely.

"If you'd like," the driver went on, "I could bring a few folks from the town to help clean the place up?"

Kai considered, then nodded. "Yes, please. Have some people come organize everything. Meanwhile, one of you can take me and my brother into town so we can buy necessities."

"Understood, sir."

With that, the rest of the day was devoted to unloading luggage, settling in, and arranging for a crew to tidy up the large estate. As evening approached, the house began to feel a little more like a potential home—even if a lonely one in the middle of nowhere.