Chapter 38: Rekindling a Childhood Bond
Elton opened the door to his quarters with a slow creak, stepping aside so Erica could enter first. She moved with cautious grace, her boots barely making a sound against the wooden floor. Her gaze lingered on the modest furnishings of the room—plain shelves, a small table, a worn couch by the wall. The space was humble, almost too quiet, but it carried the scent of someone who lived through struggle rather than comfort.
He shut the door behind them, the click echoing in the silence. For a while, neither spoke. The stillness felt heavy, almost sacred, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.
"You can sit down," Elton said softly, motioning toward the couch.
She obeyed without a word, settling upright with her hands folded neatly in her lap. He hovered near the table for a moment, considering what to say, then asked, "Would you like tea? Or water?"
She shook her head. "No, thank you." Her voice was soft and polite, but a tension underlined every syllable.
Silence returned, broken only by the faint ticking of an old clock on the wall. Eventually, Elton exhaled heavily, his shoulders slumping. "So… why did you come here, Erri?"
Instead of answering directly, she asked, "How have you been… all this time?"
He gave her a half-smile that never reached his eyes. "Life's had its downs, no question. But I'm alive, and I found my own way. Can't complain too much." He hesitated before adding, "What about you? It's been nearly five years, hasn't it? We were just children back then. Seven and six, playing like fools without realizing how dangerous the world already was."
Her expression softened, touched by memory. "I have been… alright. The Soloman family's main branch in Brawlmanica took interest in me early. My energy affinity stood out, and so came expectations. Responsibility pressed down faster than I could breathe."
Her words trailed off. She lowered her eyes, her features shadowed by guilt. Elton recognized it immediately. That same look often haunted the survivors—those who carried burdens they could not erase.
"Don't worry about me," Elton said quickly, forcing a crooked grin. "I managed to get this far, didn't I?"
Erica stood suddenly, bowing low before him. Her voice trembled with sincerity. "I apologize… on behalf of the Soloman Clan. For their indifference. For abandoning your branch and others tied to them when the war raged. They turned their backs, and you paid the price."
The breath caught in Elton's throat. A storm welled in his chest—anger, grief, confusion—but he moved forward quickly, lifting her shoulders before she could bow deeper. "Enough. Don't bow to me. Not for that."
His eyes grew distant, his voice quieter. "Truth is, I don't remember everything. I was too young. My father told me we came from a great lineage, but he always insisted we rely on ourselves. He lived by justice, even when it cost him. My grandparents kept the family bright on the surface, but I think my grandfather was forcing himself to smile. My uncles and aunts… they were hollow. My father stayed hopeful. That was his curse."
He sat down beside her, his tone carrying weight. "Every now and then, 'distant relatives' would appear. That's how I met you. I remember how the elders lit up when they arrived, hoping for something better. Every time, they were disappointed. My older cousins understood more than I ever could back then."
Erica's eyes burned as she clasped his hands. "Then let me make it right. I'll see you reinstated into the Soloman family. If not, I'll convince my parents to adopt you directly. Your branch may be gone… but you are still here. We are still here."
Elton's eyes narrowed. His reply came sharp and steady. "No. I'm not a Soloman. I'm Solman. That name is mine. I grew with it, lived by it, bled for it. I don't need anything else."
Her face crumpled with pain at his rejection. "But… what about our promise?" she whispered. "You said we'd always be together. No matter what."
The words pierced him, dragging out memories he buried deep. Before he could think, his mouth moved—yet it wasn't his will.
"Of course we can," he said, his voice low and strange. "We can remain together forever, if you give yourself to me. Connect with me through your magical essence…"
His eyes snapped wide. What the hell?
He slapped a hand over his mouth, panic racing through him. "I—I was joking! That was a joke!"
Erica stared, her eyes shimmering with both awe and disbelief. "El… Onyem? You…"
He stumbled back, horrified. But before he could retreat further, she threw herself into his arms, clutching him tightly.
"I understand," she murmured against his chest. Her voice held new steel. "The family may disapprove, but this is the start. This is a path for us."
"What are you talking about?!" Elton asked, completely bewildered.
Her body began to glow. The rune etched on her cheek flared like living fire. Light poured from her form, bathing the room in brilliance. Elton gasped as heat seared his chest. He looked down to see a rune burning itself into his skin, etched just above his heart.
Then came the darkness.
When the glow faded, Erica collapsed into his arms, breathing softly, unconscious.
Elton stared down at her pale face, stunned, then exhaled a bitter laugh. "Something really troublesome just happened, didn't it?"
He carried her carefully to the spare bed and laid her down, brushing stray strands of hair from her face.
For now, he chose silence. He sat back, watching over her, thoughts turning like storm clouds.