The moon cast a pale glow over Dystonia as Aldric stood by his bedroom window, gazing at the vast fields stretching beyond the manor walls.
His body ached from the battle, every bruise and cut a reminder of how close he had come to death. But the pain was nothing compared to the turmoil twisting inside him, a gnawing unease that refused to fade.
He had fought, bled, and witnessed death up close. And yet, in the end, he was powerless.
His father's words echoed in his mind—sharp, scolding, yet filled with something unexpected. Pride.
"You risked your life like a fool… but you fought like a Ravenshield."
Aldric clenched his fists. He had done everything he could, but it wasn't enough. Varek Earthshatter had escaped, and worse, he had promised to return. Aldric knew his father would do everything to protect Dystonia, but what about the rest of the world?
He exhaled, his breath fogging against the cold glass. There was only one choice left.
If he stayed, he would always be protected, always be sheltered. But out there, beyond Dystonia, the world would not be so kind. If he wanted to change anything, he couldn't afford to remain weak. He had to leave—before he became just another noble bound by duty and expectations.
He had to leave.
Aldric moved quietly through the dimly lit corridors of Ravenshield Manor, his boots barely making a sound against the polished wooden floors. His heart pounded—not from fear, but from the weight of what he was about to do. He had left a letter on his desk, explaining his decision in careful words, though he knew his father would see through them.
"I'm heading to the Night Academy."
It wasn't a complete lie. The academy was real, and nobles often sought training there. But Aldric had no intention of staying within its walls. His real destination lay beyond—the northern transportation gate, the ancient relic said to lead to the world's center.
Tightening the strap of his bag, he pushed open the side door, stepping into the cold night air. The manor's gardens stretched before him, bathed in silver moonlight, the flowers swaying gently in the night breeze. The scent of damp earth and blooming lilies filled the air—so familiar, yet tonight, it felt like a world he was already leaving behind. He had made it this far. One step forward, and there was no turning back.
Then, a voice cut through the silence.
"Aldric."
His breath caught. He turned to see his mother standing at the doorway, wrapped in a light shawl. Her long, raven-black hair shimmered under the moonlight, and her eyes—those kind, knowing eyes—held a sorrow he couldn't bear to face.
She had known.
Claire stepped forward, her soft slippers making no sound on the stone path. Aldric stiffened, gripping the strap of his bag as if it could anchor him in place. He had expected this moment—had dreaded it—but standing before his mother now, all his resolve wavered.
She didn't scold him. She didn't demand an explanation. She simply looked at him, her gaze piercing through every excuse he could muster.
"You were never going to say goodbye, were you?" she asked, her voice quiet, carrying none of the anger he had braced for.
Aldric lowered his head. "If I did, I wouldn't be able to leave."
She took a slow breath, as if steadying herself, as if forcing her heart to accept what her mind already knew.
Claire sighed, stepping closer. "I won't stop you, Aldric."
His eyes snapped up, surprised. He had expected resistance—tears, pleading, maybe even guards to drag him back. But his mother simply reached out, adjusting the collar of his cloak like she always did before he went outside as a child.
"I knew this day would come," she continued, her fingers lingering for a moment. "Ever since you were little, I could see it in your eyes. You don't want to be just a noble's son. You want to be something more."
Aldric clenched his fists. "I'm not strong enough."
"You will be," she said, her voice unwavering. "But promise me one thing."
He swallowed hard. "Anything."
Claire cupped his face gently, her warmth almost making him break. "Come back home safely."
The words hit him harder than any scolding could have. His throat tightened. He gave a firm nod, unable to trust his voice.
Claire smiled, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. Then, without another word, she stepped back into the shadows of the manor.
Aldric exhaled shakily. The moment she disappeared, he turned on his heel and strode forward, not daring to look back. His heart pounded, his feet carrying him away from the only home he had ever known.
He was scared. He was uncertain. But for the first time in his life… he was truly free.