Chapter 5 – The Village of Fractured Light
(Arc 1: The Awakening of Lumora)
Morning light filtered through the thick canopy, breaking into a thousand rays that shimmered across the mist. For the first time since his arrival, Arin felt warmth instead of fear.
Liora walked ahead, silent as always, her bow slung across her shoulder. Arin followed close behind, his shoes crunching on the mossy path.He couldn't help but stare at the strange glowing plants and trees—they pulsed faintly, like they were alive.
"Everything here… glows," Arin said softly.Liora glanced back. "That's Lumora's essence. The forest holds ancient energy—light and darkness both. The light keeps us alive."
After hours of walking, the dense forest opened into a wide valley bathed in sunlight. Below, nestled between cliffs and a crystal-blue stream, was a village.
Tiny houses made of smooth stone and wood glowed with faint golden light. Wind chimes hung from the roofs, each one giving off a gentle, melodic sound. Strange floating crystals hovered in the air, illuminating paths with soft warmth.
Arin froze. "It's… beautiful."
Liora smiled faintly for the first time. "Welcome to Vaelwyn—the Village of Fractured Light."
They walked down the path, and as they entered, the villagers turned to look at them. Men and women with pale skin, eyes that shimmered in the sunlight, and markings similar to the one on Arin's hand—though duller—watched curiously.
A child ran up to them, giggling. "Liora! You came back!"The girl knelt, patting his head. "Told you I'd be fine." She nodded toward Arin. "This is Arin. He's… new."
The boy stared wide-eyed. "From the stars?" he asked innocently.
Arin blinked. "From… uh, somewhere far away," he said awkwardly. The child laughed and ran off.
Liora led him toward a small open area at the center of the village. A tree stood there—massive, ancient, its trunk glowing with soft silver veins.Around it, villagers sat quietly, praying or meditating. The air felt calm, almost sacred.
"This tree," Liora said softly, "is called Elyndra. It's said to be connected to Lumora's heart. Every living being in this land shares a piece of its light."
Arin placed his hand on the bark. The warmth spread through him, soothing the fear he didn't realize he was still holding."It feels… alive," he whispered.
"It is," she replied. "This village was built here because Elyndra keeps the darkness away. That's why it's called the Village of Fractured Light — part of the original light that once covered Lumora."
They spent the afternoon walking through the village. Arin watched people weaving glowing threads into fabric, tending luminous gardens, and drawing energy from small crystals.It all felt peaceful — simple, yet filled with quiet magic.
An old man approached, his white robes flowing gently in the wind. His eyes were deep blue, wise and kind. "You must be the outsider," he said.Arin bowed slightly. "I… guess I am."
The elder smiled. "Then Lumora must have chosen you. It never brings someone here without reason."
Arin looked down at his mark. "Everyone keeps saying that. But… I don't even know what I'm supposed to do."
"Then start by understanding," the elder said. "Not everything needs to be fought. Sometimes, to awaken one's path, you simply have to listen—to the forest, the people, and yourself."
Those words stayed with Arin as the day faded into evening.The villagers lit floating lanterns that rose slowly into the air, filling the night sky with golden dots of light. It looked like stars were being reborn above them.
Liora stood beside him. "Not every part of Lumora is cruel," she said quietly. "Some places still remember peace."
Arin smiled faintly. "Then maybe I was brought here to find that peace."
She looked at him for a moment, then turned toward the glowing horizon. "Maybe," she said softly. "Or maybe… to protect it."
The night deepened, and as the lanterns drifted higher, Arin felt—for the first time since he arrived—a strange sense of belonging.A whisper of hope.