Chapter Eighteen: Back to the Light

Sigh"I have to hurry back to my sensei. It's already past my curfew," I muttered under my breath. Then I glanced at the girl beside me. "Aren't elves usually safe in forests?"

She furiously shook her head. "No! There are tons of creepy beasts in here! My parents told me that we're their favorite kind of food!"

I groaned, smacking my forehead. "Of course they are…" I rubbed my nose, thinking for a moment. "Okay, then. How far is your home?"

She looked around, eyes narrowing as she scanned the unfamiliar trees. "I… I don't know. This area doesn't look familiar at all…"

Then she paused. "Oh! Wait! I have a magical compass my parents gave me in case I ever got lost!"

She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a small necklace, a delicate silver compass glowing faintly with blue mana lines.

"See?" she beamed, holding it up proudly.

I stared at it for a second, then exhaled another long sigh and smiled faintly. "Looks like I'm gonna be late today…"

I told her to wait as I walked over to the van, rummaging through the dead bastards' stuff for anything useful—some potions, survival gear, and a clean pack. I returned and slung the bag over my shoulder.

"Alright," I said. "Let's go."

She nodded, and we started walking in the direction the compass pointed, deeper into the forest.

As we walked, she looked over at me and said, "Hey… I think we should at least know each other's names."

I side-eyed her. "Is that really necessary?"

"Yes!" she shouted, puffing her cheeks out.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine… My name's Jae Hoon."

Her face lit up. "Jae Hoon? That's a cool name! I think I'll call you… Jaey!"

I muttered, "Jaey…?" turning my face away to hide the growing blush on my cheeks. "What kind of ridiculous name is that…"

She smiled proudly. "It sounds cute—and I like it!"

I groaned again, still blushing. "Alright, alright. What's your name?"

With a soft, graceful tone, she replied, "Ayeloria Hoshizaki."

I paused, her last name ringing faintly in my mind. Hoshizaki… why does that sound familiar…?

As we continued walking, we fell into a surprisingly nice conversation. And through that walk, I learned five things:

She's a total crybaby.

Her parents must be incredibly reckless.

She's annoying and super picky.

She's actually polite when she wants to be.

And… she's kindhearted.

So much so that… she reminds me of who I used to be—before the pain, before the blood. A younger, softer version of myself from two years ago… before kindness became a weakness I could no longer afford.

And for some strange reason… I didn't want her to go through the same hell I did.

The sun began to set, and howls echoed in the distance.

I stopped and motioned for silence. "We'll camp here. No more noise after this."

I took out the tent kit I looted earlier and quickly set it up beneath a thick canopy. Then I pulled out a few blankets and some sweaters to use as a makeshift bed for Ayeloria.

"You'll sleep here," I said. "I'll keep watch outside."

She frowned. "Don't you think it's safer if you stay inside the tent too?"

I shook my head. "Nah. I'll be fine out here—"

She hesitated. "Well… beasts will be able to spot you easier if you're out in the open. And since you're a kid… you'd probably look like easy prey."

I looked at her and smirked. "What, are you scared of sleeping in a tent alone?"

Her cheeks instantly flushed pink. "T-That's not it, you jerk! I just think… it's safer if we both stay inside!"

I chuckled lightly. "Alright, alright. You win."

We both entered the tent. I laid down and said quietly, "Sleep well."

She closed her eyes slowly and drifted off. I stared at the roof of the tent, my thoughts drifting to the past.

Where are you, Mom... Ana…?

Then, without realizing it, I fell asleep.

— — —

"Hey! Wake up! It's morning!"

I blinked and opened my eyes. Ayeloria was crouched beside me, shaking my arm.

Sunlight beamed through the seams of the tent.

Wait—morning?

Crap. I accidentally fell asleep.

I scrambled up, embarrassed, and started packing everything back into the bag.

Once everything was loaded up, I looked at her and nodded.

"Alright… let's continue. Let's get you back to your family."