I want to être

The first rays of dawn gently caressed the stone walls of the Kreuznacht dwelling, filtering through the white linen curtains that adorned the modest chamber where Isaak d'Averno had spent his first night among mortals.

He awakened naturally, without effort or confusion—as if sleep were for him merely a voluntary pause rather than a necessity. His eyes opened to a carved wooden ceiling, humble but well-crafted, and he felt that same peace that had enveloped him near the sacred river.

Curious, he thought. Material comfort doesn't seem to alter the serenity I feel. Perhaps true peace doesn't depend on place, but on state of mind...

He rose with that natural grace that was his own, observing through the window the landscape that stretched before him. Rolling hills disappeared into the morning mist, dotted with century-old trees and meadows where a few sheep grazed. In the distance, smoke could be seen rising from chimneys—other dwellings, other lives awakening in turn.

A gentle knock at his door interrupted his contemplation.

Theresia: "Isaak? Are you awake? Breakfast is ready."

Isaak: "I'll be there in a moment, Theresia. Thank you."

He put on the simple tunic she had given him the evening before and left his room. The corridor was bathed in soft light, and the air was fragrant with fresh bread and something more subtle—perhaps honey or aromatic herbs.

The common room where they took their meal was warm and welcoming. A large oak table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by mismatched but comfortable chairs. Henri was already seated, his hair even more disheveled than the day before, nibbling a piece of bread with the air of someone not quite awake.

Claire, on the other hand, was perfectly groomed and seemed to have already accomplished a dozen tasks before the others had risen. She was carefully arranging bowls of steaming porridge on the table.

Claire Velvener: "Good morning, Mr. d'Averno. I hope you slept well?"

Isaak: "Perfectly, thank you. And please, just call me Isaak."

Henri looked up from his bread, still half asleep.

Henri: "I dreamed that Claire was chasing me with a giant ladle... Oh wait, that wasn't a dream, that was last night after the jam incident."

Claire shot him a look that could have struck down an oak tree.

Claire Velvener: "Henri, you promised not to talk about that anymore."

Theresia sat at the table with an amused smile.

Theresia: "You'll get used to it, Isaak. Henri has a particular gift for transforming simple situations into memorable catastrophes."

Isaak tilted his head, intrigued.

Isaak: "A gift, you say? Like the one you possess for detecting lies?"

A silence settled around the table. Henri stopped chewing, Claire interrupted her preparations, and Theresia exchanged a glance with them.

Theresia: "You... you really want to know more about our abilities?"

Isaak: "If it doesn't bother you. I must admit that the concept of 'gift' intrigues me. Yesterday, Mr. Kreuznacht seemed to suggest that certain people possess particular aptitudes."

Claire sat down in turn, her hands clasped before her.

Claire Velvener: "It's... complicated to explain. Our faith in Reinhardt Voss von Abendrot isn't just a matter of prayers and rituals. It transforms us, elevates us."

Henri nodded, suddenly more serious.

Henri: "Every person who sincerely embraces the faith develops what we call a 'Grace'—a divine manifestation of their devotion."

Theresia: "Mine, as you've seen, allows me to perceive truth in others' words. I sense when someone lies, but also when someone is hiding something important—even from themselves."

She paused, carefully observing Isaak's reaction.

Theresia: "Claire has received the Grace of Preservation."

Claire Velvener: "I can... maintain things in their ideal state. Food doesn't spoil under my watch, clothes don't wear out, wounds heal faster. That's why I handle the housekeeping here."

Isaak turned his gaze to Henri, who suddenly seemed embarrassed.

Henri: "Me... well, it's a bit embarrassing. I have the Grace of Misfortune."

Isaak: "Misfortune?"

Henri: "I can... attract bad luck to my enemies. But the problem is that sometimes it turns against me or my loved ones if I don't control it well. That's why I often cause accidents."

Claire grumbled.

Claire Velvener: "Often? You mean constantly."

Henri: "I'm improving! Last week, I only broke three plates instead of five!"

Isaak listened with fascination. These 'Graces' seemed to be manifestations of something deeper—a connection between faith and reality itself.

Isaak: "And Mr. Kreuznacht? What is his Grace?"

Theresia: "Father possesses the Grace of Revelation. He can perceive hidden truths in ancient texts, understand prophecies, and sometimes... see fragments of the future."

Henri: "That's why he spends so much time in his study with his manuscripts. He's constantly searching for signs, clues about what's going to happen."

Isaak nodded slowly. All of this was beginning to make sense—this family wasn't ordinary. They were devoted servants of a divinity who granted them powers in return for their faith.

Isaak: "Tell me about Reinhardt Voss von Abendrot. Who is he exactly?"

The three young people exchanged glances, as if wondering where to begin.

Theresia: "Reinhardt isn't... how to say... a traditional god. He was once a man, like us. A man who reached such a level of spiritual purity and divine understanding that he rose above the mortal condition."

Claire Velvener: "According to our texts, he lived several centuries ago. He was a scholar, a philosopher, and a healer. But above all, he was of exceptional goodness and wisdom."

Henri: "He taught that every human being carries within them a divine spark, and that through faith, compassion, and the search for truth, one can grow this spark until becoming divine oneself."

Theresia: "When he achieved perfect illumination, he didn't die like other mortals. He... transformed. He became a pure spiritual force, capable of guiding and blessing those who sincerely follow his teaching."

Isaak felt something stir within him—a recognition, perhaps, or an intuitive understanding of these concepts that seemed strangely familiar.

Isaak: "And you believe he watches over you? That he guides your actions?"

Claire Velvener: "We know it. Our Graces are proof of it. Every time we act in accordance with his teachings, we feel his presence, his blessing."

Theresia: "That's why father was so interested in your arrival, Isaak. Your presence here, at the moment when dark forces are awakening... it cannot be chance."

Before Isaak could respond, Aldric Kreuznacht's voice resonated from the entrance to the room.

Aldric Kreuznacht: "My children, excuse me for interrupting, but we have visitors."

All turned toward him. His expression was grave, and he held a sealed parchment in his hand.

Aldric Kreuznacht: "A messenger has just arrived from the village of Niederwald. It seems that... strange events are occurring there."

Theresia stood immediately.

Theresia: "What kind of events, father?"

Aldric Kreuznacht: "Disappearances. Three people in two days. And witnesses speak of... creatures in the woods. Things that shouldn't exist."

Henri swallowed his mouthful of bread with difficulty.

Henri: "Creatures? You mean... like wild animals?"

Aldric shook his head.

Aldric Kreuznacht: "No, Henri. Something far more disturbing. The messenger speaks of shadows that move against the light, of voices that whisper in unknown tongues."

Claire shivered.

Claire Velvener: "Do you think it's related to... what you were talking about yesterday? This malevolent force that has awakened?"

Aldric Kreuznacht: "I'm afraid so. And if that's the case, then our period of peace is coming to an end."

He turned to Isaak.

Aldric Kreuznacht: "Mr. d'Averno, I know you've just arrived among us, but... would you agree to accompany us to Niederwald? Your presence could be... significant."

Isaak stood without hesitation.

Isaak: "Of course. If I can help in any way, I will."

Theresia: "Are we all going?"

Aldric Kreuznacht: "You and I, my daughter. And Mr. d'Averno, if he wishes. Claire, Henri, you'll stay here to guard the house."

Henri seemed relieved, but Claire appeared disappointed.

Claire Velvener: "Father Kreuznacht, my Grace could be useful if someone is injured..."

Aldric Kreuznacht: "I know, dear Claire. But someone must protect our home. And Henri will need your help to avoid destroying the house in our absence."

Henri protested weakly.

Henri: "Hey! I'm not that catastrophic..."

Everyone looked at him in silence.

Henri: "... okay, maybe I am a little."

Isaak observed this strange family with growing affection. Despite their differences and petty disputes, they were united by something stronger than blood—a common faith and sincere mutual love.

Isaak: "When do we leave?"

Aldric Kreuznacht: "In an hour. Time to prepare and gather some provisions."

As everyone dispersed to prepare for the journey, Isaak remained alone for a moment in the common room. He looked through the window at the peaceful hills, wondering what they would discover in Niederwald.

Three days, he thought. Three days ago, something awakened. And now, shadow creatures are appearing, people are disappearing... Is it really a coincidence that I awakened at the same moment?

He unconsciously touched his chest, where he sometimes felt something stronger than an ordinary heart beating.

Who was I before? And above all... who am I destined to become?

The wind blew softly against the windows, as if carrying the answer to his questions—but in a language he didn't yet understand.