Kialan
The dinner was… well, good. I'll say that. Not that I've ever been to something like it before. We're wealthy in Ziaga, but my parents aren't the party-hosting type—for security reasons. They prefer a quiet life.
Funny, isn't it? One of the fiercest fighters with divine blood hates violence. That's my mom. She's also one of the kindest people I know.
My father married into the family. Just an ordinary man who left everything behind for her. I know little about his side, but they're fine with the silence. So am I.
At dinner, he got the respect he deserved. No fuss.
Mom walked me around, introducing me to the other families' children and elders. That's when I learned the real reason behind Cosmos' resentment.
The battle had been meant for the three of us—Liam, Cosmos, and me.
Liam was our healer, supposed to patch us up if things went wrong. But I found out he hasn't awakened his powers yet. Understandable—he's still young. But the elders? They don't see it that way. They talk about awakening at ten, eleven… some even at nine. Divine blood or not, we're rarely allowed the space to be our own people. To grow in our own time.
And Liam... he's too quiet for my liking. No surprise they target him. It's irritating, but that's just how he is.
Cosmos, on the other hand—ugh. His role was to trick the sea beast into thinking I'd died, so it would retreat. But his illusion failed. The beast nearly killed me instead. I had no choice but to slay it—an innocent creature. And now? Now he's sulking like a child who didn't get his way.
The only refreshing part of the evening was their sisters. Katrina and Jiana did most of the talking—warm, easy company. For once, I didn't feel suffocated by duty or expectations.
Then Liam spoke.
"Excuse me, please. It's time for Tessa to go to bed."
Everyone stilled. It was the first time he'd spoken all night.
His voice... calm and clear. The voice of a healer.
He's beautiful in an almost unfair way. Hazel eyes rimmed with gold. Perfectly sculpted features, like someone had drawn him with intention.
An older woman came to lead him and the little girl from the hall. The rest of us just watched. No one expected that quiet strength from him.
He barely speaks, yet somehow commands the room.
He's… intriguing.
I glanced at Cosmos. He wasn't immune either. But when he caught me watching, his face hardened.
I smiled at him. He stood and left our side of the table.
His sister followed after a soft goodnight.
The guard who had brought me to the hall stepped forward to escort me back to my quarters.
Lydia was waiting when I arrived. She helped me undress in silence, her hands quick and familiar.
"Where did my parents go during the banquet?" I asked.
"They had a meeting. About tomorrow's Renewal. Don't ask—I don't know the details."
Typical Lydia—curt, loyal to a fault.
"I was just curious," I muttered, not expecting more.
"When the time comes, you'll know. No point in rushing it."
I sighed. "Okay, Auntie Lydia. You can go now." I yawned. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," she replied gently and left.
I crossed the room and opened the window.
The night air was still. The sky above stretched wide and dark, like a sea without end.
But the stars didn't calm me. The silence didn't soothe me.
What really lies beyond the forest?
Meanwhile, as sleep wrapped around the Domus gathered on the island, a shadow slipped silently across the southeastern edge of Businish Island.
No name.
No face.
Just lurking.
Purpose unknown.
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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