Night had fallen by the time the group returned to the manor, the sky dotted with stars and the sound of cheerful chatter filling the air.
"The circus was amazing! The lion jumped through a ring of fire!" Claren exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat, his face glowing with joy.
"It was magical," Yael said softly, leaning back with a smile. "It's been so long since I felt this free… like I'm living, not just
surviving."
The others turned to him with warm, understanding smiles. It was a night of wonder for all of them.
"We should celebrate this!" Clara suddenly declared, eyes sparkling. "Let's have a party at the manor, music, dancing, good food… and maybe a little wine?"
"Yes!" Luren clapped his hands excitedly. "Or tomorrow we could relax in the hot springs!"
"Hot springs?!" Clara gasped dramatically. "You were hiding that from me?! We're going first thing in the morning!"
"But," Karin interjected with a playful grin, "no alcohol for you two." He glanced between Luren and Yael with a raised brow.
"They're both expecting," Velzra added with a smile, gently nudging Luren. "You'll be celebrating with warm tea instead."
Luren laughed. "I'll take hot cocoa and a dance over wine any day."
Yael smiled and nodded. "Honestly, that sounds perfect."
As the carriage pulled up to the glowing manor gates, the group was still laughing and teasing each other. The windows shimmered with light, and the soft scent of baked pastries greeted them even before they stepped inside. It was the perfect end to a perfect night.
"Where have you been? I've been waiting all day!" A man sitting like he owned the place greeted them with a wide smile as they entered the Manor. The others quietly returned to their cabins, giving space to the
reunion.
"Cleven… I didn't think I'd see you again in just a few month," Craige said, a hint of disbelief and warmth in his voice.
"Uncle Cleven!" Claren cried out, running forward and jumping into the man's arms.
"Hey, hey, my boy!" Cleven laughed heartily, catching the child in a tight embrace. But as he smiled, his eyes drifted to Karin, who
stood still, refusing to meet his gaze.
"I heard what happened," Cleven's tone shifted, the smile fading as concern clouded his features. "As soon as I did, I rushed to the
North. I'm just… so glad you're all safe."
"Well, welcome and enjoy your stay. Everyone's tired from a long day of adventure, so we're all headed to our rooms. Let's talk tomorrow," Craige said, wrapping an arm around Luren's waist as they walked up the stairs.
"Good night, Cleven," Keith and Clara said in unison, holding hands as they disappeared into their room.
"Wow, that's a bit cold from all of you,"
Cleven exclaimed dramatically, clutching his chest as if wounded.
"Good night, Uncle Cleven!" Claren chimed sweetly before running over to Ione, who now acted more like Cleven's babysitter.
"You know where your room is," Craige called from the staircase with a teasing smirk.
Karin didn't say a word. He simply turned and walked away, heading to his own room.
Cleven stood there, jaw dropped, alone in the hall.
He quickly gathered himself and rushed after Karin, slipping into his bedroom just before the door closed.
"What the hell, Cleven?"
Karin snapped, his eyes narrowing as he spun around. "You can't just barge into my room like this!"
"Are you okay?" Cleven asked, his voice low as his eyes landed on the bandage wrapped around Karin's arm. "Why didn't you wear the
bracelet I gave you?" he added, his tone tightening with frustration and concern.
Karin's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp like ice. "Why do you care? You really think I'd wear that after what you did?"
Cleven sighed, his shoulders dropping with guilt. "I know I was wrong... I'm sorry."
"Well, it happened," Karin muttered bitterly, his gaze burning with contempt. "But sorry doesn't erase everything. Just go. Leave me
alone. What are you even doing here?"
"I just..." Cleven took a step forward, his voice trembling. "I just want us to be friends again, Karin."
"Friends?" Karin said sarcastically. "Friends don't fuck, Cleven," he snapped, anger laced in his voice.
"You're the one who crossed the line," Cleven shot back, his jaw tightening.
"You're right," Karin said grimly, his voice cracking as the weight of pain settled in his chest. "I'm sorry for seducing you… even though you never had the slightest interest in me."
"Hey," Cleven softened, stepping closer. "I didn't mean it like that. I—"
"Just leave," Karin interrupted, his tone drained and hollow. "I'm tired."
Cleven hesitated, eyes lingering on him for a moment. Then he turned away, stepping out of the room with a heavy sigh.
Karin moved to his bed, tears silently trailing down his cheeks as the memories of what happened between them came rushing back.
Cleven stood frozen in front of the closed door, his breath uneven.
Why did he come back running again? He had just left, so why now? Was it because he heard they were attacked?
His brows furrowed, heart racing. None of this made sense.