"Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies."
Edna St. Vincent Millay.
{??? pov}
Mommy always said I was smart for my age. By 6, I'd already read every single book in the family library.
I was good at swordsmanship, had a loving family, and felt like the luckiest boy alive. Life was… simple.
After I finished reading all the fairy tales in the library that day, I decided to walk around the house. The halls were big and quiet, and sometimes I liked pretending I was an explorer.
"Kol! Come on, let's play!"
I turned to see my big sister, her long white curls flowing behind her, pale skin glowing in the sun, and blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
That grin of hers could infect anyone with excitement.
Lily, her maid hurried behind my sister. Her glasses slipping down her nose, brown hair tied neatly, freckles dusting her bridge. She tried to keep up with Leah, hands fluttering nervously as she hurried along.
"Lady Leah!" she called, breathless.
Leah grinned, grabbed my hand, and pulled me into the garden.
"Why are we running?" I asked, trying not to trip over my feet.
"Mom's trying to make me take boring classes," she said, eyes glinting with rebellion.
We took a sharp left toward our favorite spot—the cherry blossom tree. We scrambled up the branches, giggling as Lily huffed below, hands on her knees. Mommy and Daddy had warned the servants never to climb it or even touch it but only us.
"We did it, Leah!" I grinned.
"Yeah, that's my little bro," she said, ruffling my hair.
Suddenly, a violent gust of wind threw us off the branch, and we began to fall. But just as we were about to hit the ground, the wind stopped us inches above it. We exchanging glances, already knowing who it was.
A woman with hair as white and long as Leah's, but eyes glowing like a blood moon, stood beside us—our mother. She did not look impressed, her lips smiling but her eyes showed fury within, posture flawless and composed, radiating quiet authority. Then, with a gentle motion, she laid us softly on the ground.
"Kol, Leah… why is poor Lily running after you two?" Mother's voice was calm, but sharp.
Leah flinched and avoided her gaze.
Her red eyes shifted to my sister.
"Leah, go to class and stop dragging your brother into trouble."
Leah muttered, "Yes, Mother," and walked away.
"Kol"
I flinched and replied
"Yes ,mommy?"
"Come with me."
I followed her quietly, fiddling with my fingers. She led me to the garden table, and we both sat down.
"Kol, how was your day?"
I flinched. "It… was good, Mother."
She sighed, a soft smile forming.
"You went to the library again, didn't you?"
I stayed quiet because mommy had banned me from the library.
"You only call me 'Mother' when you do."
A small breeze moved my hair. Mommy was an S-rank wind mage, so even the air around her listened.
"Yes but I couldn't stop myself. The books are all interesting."
Mommy sigh.
"It's fine,okay?Let's go inside because getting cold out for you out here."
We walked into the house but as we were walking I heard the door open and bolted toward it.
"Papa!" I shouted.
Papa stood in the doorway. His blonde hair shined in the light, and his blue eyes looked cold like ice, but he was smiling. There was always a little frost around him. His sword hung at his waist.
Papa is also a S-class like mommy but he's different he's an frostblade Knight. He always has cold air as he walks and everybody respects him. He helps with protecting the boarders.
He lifted me effortlessly, the cold brushing against my cheek as he smiled.
"How's my little bookworm." he said, ruffling my hair.
Just then, Leah burst into the room, her white curls bouncing as she ran straight into Papa. She giggled and hugged him tight. Even Mother's lips curved into a smile as she watched us.
That was one of the last memories I have of my… family.