chapter 3

FLASHBACK (War)

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The air was heavy with smoke and the scent of blood. Screams echoed across the battlefield, where men fell like broken dolls and magic scorched the ground. Kaelen pushed forward, gasping for breath, his robes torn and blood smeared across his face. His side was bleeding, but he kept going. Faint traces of spells shimmered at his fingertips.

Through the swirling smoke, he caught sight of her.

A girl, no older than fourteen—surrounded by enemy soldiers at the edge of the ridge, her hair whipping in the wind as she fought to stay on her feet. She kicked, twisted, and lashed out with every ounce of strength she had, her hands glowing with wild, untamed wind magic. But she was outnumbered it was none other than the youngest heir of the Laventhren family.

They were trying to subdue her while others were too distracted to help her.

Kaelen's body moved before he could think. His injuries screaming in protest, the pain he was feeling was immense but, he didn't care.

he roared as magic sparked from his fingertips that looked like flames racing down the sword as he threw himself into the fight.

When the smoke cleared, three soldiers lay motionless on the ground.

Kaelen stood, barely upright, before the girl, panting, blood dripping from his lips as he struggled to stand on his feet. The girl stared at him, with mixed expression of shock and disbelief or maybe it was an expression of appreciation. Kaelen managed a faint smile. "You're safe now young miss..," he said softly, before collapsing.

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The scent of blood and ash still hung in the air as moonlight fell over the camp. Most soldiers were resting or treating their wounds. Kaelen sat near a dim lantern inside on of the tents since others were outside sitting near the bonfire, bandages wrapped tightly around his torso. Every breath was painful, and even slight movements sent pain through his body—a constant reminder that he could no longer fight.

The tent flap rustled. He looked up and saw a figure in shining silver armor that was shining under the full moonlight.

"Lady Amira," Kaelen said, trying to bow despite his pain.

She stepped into the tent and said, "You were the one who saved me that day, weren't you?"

Kaelen gave a faint smile. "It doesn't matter who saved you. What matters is that you're safe now."

She frowned slightly and replied, "But you're badly injured. You won't be able to use magic the same way anymore. And yet, you let others take credit for saving me."

Kaelen shook his head. "It was never about recognition. I did what I had to because it was the right thing to do."

Amira's jaw tightened. "Still, you should have been honored for it."

Kaelen chuckled softly. "I've already received my reward."

She looked confused, so Kaelen explained, "I'm going home. My wife gave birth to twin boys. I wasn't there to support her, and that was bothering on me. But now, I have the chance to be with them—to be a father, a husband, and live a simple, happy life."

He looked at Amira and added warmly, "You fought bravely out there, even at age of fourteen. I'm honored to have fought alongside you. If I ever had a daughter, I'd hope she'd grow up to be as strong and courageous as you."

Amira nodded and said quietly, "Thank you."

Kaelen smiled and lay back on his cot. "Rest well, Lady Amira. You have a great future ahead of you."

She left the tent, and Kaelen sighed, a content smile on his face. He didn't need medals or fame. He had his life, his family, and a second chance.

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Flashback – The Final Moments of Kaelen

Amira arrived at the village but it was too late. Her other soldiers had also arrived some started killing the shadow monsters one by one, while the others were trying to extinguish the wild fire.

Kaelen lay on the scorched earth, his body severely injured and covered in blood. Each breath was a shallow gasp. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he reached out with trembling fingers toward a motionless figure nearby—Aeris, his beloved.

"Sir Kaelen..." Amira's voice trembled.

His meet hers. "Could you help this defeated man? Just… he..help me g..et to my w..ife." Kaelen asked with broken words.

Without hesitation, Amira dropped on her knees beside him. Her hands were shaking when helping him get closer to Aeris. Kaelen's fingers finally brushed his wife's hand.

"Aeris…" he whispered "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.... If I'm ever given another life... I'll spend every second of it with you... I wish I could have lived with you forever and ever."

More tears fell as he stared at Aeris's motionless face. "Why… why do I have to see you like this? I....I wish I could've taken the pain instead..."

Amira wiped her cheeks, struggling to stay composed. "I should've come sooner… I should've been here to protect you both."

Kaelen turned to her, the last flickers of life in his eyes. "Then… do me a favour young miss. My daughters… Pearline and Elysia. Please… save them."

Amira's breath caught in her throat, but she nodded firmly, with tears in her eyes she said, "I will I promise."

A gentle smile touched Kaelen's lips. And then, with one final breath he was gone.