Chapter 12 - Echoes of the Past Part 2

Han sat back in the wooden chair, stretching his legs out and folding his arms. He gave Ronan a lazy glance before motioning for him to continue.

"So? What happened next? Keep going with your story."

Ronan scratched his head, as if trying to recall where he left off. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Alright, listen up."

He took a deep breath and leaned forward slightly, his tone growing heavier as he began recounting the past.

"It was when I was around ten years old. The war had thrown everything into chaos—lawlessness was spreading like wildfire, and criminals ran unchecked. My father, being a merchant, was always on the move. He feared for our safety, so he decided to take our family to a nearby town where he had business, thinking it would be safer. We had barely settled in when we got the news… our village had been attacked by a nearby bandit hideout."

Ronan's hands curled into fists as he spoke.

"My father was desperate. He pleaded with the city lord to send soldiers, and eventually, he managed to gather a small force. We rushed back to the village, but by the time we arrived, it was… already too late."

A heavy silence filled the room.

"The bandits had come and gone, leaving nothing but ashes and blood behind. More than half of the villagers were killed. The survivors were either wounded or traumatized beyond words. And… during that massacre… Seraphina's mother was murdered."

Han sat up slightly, sensing the weight behind Ronan's words.

"From that day on, she changed. She became distant, colder. She never played with the other children again, never smiled the same way she used to. Her entire world had crumbled in a single night."

A bitter chuckle escaped Ronan's lips. "Her father returned a few days later. He came riding into the ruined village on horseback, probably thinking he'd reunite with his family… but instead, he found only devastation. He was completely shattered. He mourned her death for days, barely speaking to anyone."

Han nodded, his expression serious. "And then?"

"Then, after a while, he took Seraphina and left. I don't know much about what happened afterward, but years later, when she finally returned, things were different. She never spoke of her father, and from what I've heard, they're not on good terms anymore. He's still in the village, a miserable drunk who keeps to himself. And she… she's never once gone to visit him."

Han furrowed his brows.

Ronan continued, his voice quieter now. "Actually, I wouldn't have even known where she was all these years… if not for her father."

Han raised an eyebrow. "Her father told you? Why would he do that?"

Ronan hesitated, as if unsure how to explain. Then, with a sigh, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pendant.

"He gave me this. It belonged to her mother. There's a tiny portrait inside, one of Seraphina and her mother together. He said it was the only thing she had left of her mother."

Han's eyes widened. "This is important information! You should've told me this sooner!"

Ronan scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, my bad."

Then, with a half-nervous chuckle, he added, "So, what do you think? Should I return this to her when I confess? Maybe she'll finally notice my feelings."

Han smacked his forehead. "Are you an idiot?"

Ronan blinked in confusion.

"You seriously think returning her mother's pendant will make her fall for you? No! If anything, it might do the exact opposite! She could end up resenting you!"

Ronan's expression dropped. "Wait, what? Then what am I supposed to do?"

Han let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. "Give me some time to think about it. For now, just hold onto that pendant. Don't do anything stupid."

Without waiting for a response, Han spread his wings and flew straight out of the window, disappearing into the night.

Ronan stared at the empty space where Han had been, before glancing down at the pendant in his hand. He sighed.

"Well… what now?"