The morning sun cast a warm golden hue over the hillside village of Nareth. Smoke curled peacefully from chimneys, children laughed in the distance, and the breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and dew-kissed grass. It was a perfect day. A day meant for peace, not for endings.
Kael Voss stood on the wooden porch of his home, arms folded as he watched his wife, Lira, chase their little daughter across the yard. His stern face softened at the sound of their giggles. For a man once known as a soldier, Kael had never imagined himself a family man. Yet here he was, content in a way he'd never known, his sword gathering dust inside the house.
"Papa!" his daughter squealed, running into his arms. He lifted her effortlessly and spun her in the air.
"Strongest in the world," he said with a chuckle, kissing her forehead. "Who can stop you?"
"No one!" she shouted.
Lira smiled, stepping forward with a cloth in hand. "Breakfast's ready. You two warriors done with training?"
Kael nodded. "If we don't eat now, she'll defeat me."
They headed inside. The small house was humble but full of warmth. Wooden furniture built by Kael's hands, tapestries woven by Lira, and drawings from their daughter hung on the walls.
That day, they laughed. They ate together. They sang. For the first time in years, Kael felt truly safe.
He didn't know it would be the last.
—
That night, when the stars scattered like fireflies over the dark sky, Kael awoke to the sound of splintering wood.
CRASH.
He reached for his blade, instinct awakening like a long-buried flame. Too late.
Figures in black poured into the home. He shouted, told Lira to run—grabbed his daughter—fought like a man possessed. But they were too many. Too prepared.
He was stabbed, beaten, forced to watch as fire swallowed his home.
Lira's scream.
His daughter's eyes staring, lifeless.
And then—darkness.
—
Kael awoke three days later in a burned-out ruin.
Alone.
Broken.
Alive.
The world had taken everything from him.
And now, he would take everything back—starting with their blood.
To be continue...