Kazien lay curled beneath the thick velvet sheets of his bed, his face buried in the pillow as trembling breaths escaped him. Tears soaked the linen—silent at first, then breaking into uncontrollable sobs that shook his entire body. For so long he had held everything inside: fear, confusion, loneliness, and a burden no human should have to carry alone. Now, surrounded by the people he loved most, he finally allowed himself to fall apart.
His family did not remain distant observers. One by one they gathered around the bed—his siblings at the front, his parents close behind—faces carved with worry, tenderness, and the fierce desire to shield him from the pain he felt.
"Don't think too much about it, Kazien." Virena was the first to speak, leaning over him with a gentle hand against his back. Her voice was warm, yet firm with the confidence of an older sister. "Just focus on making Alvin happy when we're gone. That's what matters."
Kazien swallowed hard, lifting his head slightly. He wanted to protest, but before he could, William chimed in.
"Virena's right." William's smile was soft, reassuring. "Alvin really cares about you. Whenever you trained in the library, he'd wait outside or pace around thinking about you. The two of you… you'll support each other. I'm sure of it."
Davin folded his arms, nodding with his usual blunt honesty. "You worry about unnecessary things! Immortal or not, everyone eventually lives their own life. Look at Sis Selena—tomorrow she's getting married, and she'll spend forever with her husband. That's normal!"
Their words struck deeply—so simple, yet spoken with such sincerity that Kazien felt them settle into the cracks of his breaking heart. These were the siblings who annoyed him, teased him, argued with him, and now stood united to pull him out of the darkness swallowing him whole.
His father stepped forward last—Duke Elgard Altavis, a man of strength and dignity whose presence alone could steady turbulent hearts. He placed a firm hand on Kazien's shoulder.
"Kazien," he said gently, though his tone carried authority, "I hope you continue doing what you must. Like your soblings said, do not burden yourself with fears that serve no purpose. Your life is long."
"But father… what if—"
The duke immediately cut him off, sensing the spiral his son was about to fall into again. "You are my son." he stated firmly, every word resonating with unquestionable belief. "You will overcome whatever comes your way. Think of Alvin's feelings. You chose him. Do not make him suffer for your doubts. And if one day you miss us…" His voice softened. "Visit our graves. We will always be with you. But do not torture yourself any further. Do you understand?"
The mixture of tenderness and command in his father's voice pressed tightly around Kazien's heart. He felt the weight of expectation… but also love. So much love that it hurt.
His thoughts drifted instinctively to Alvin—the quiet, loyal elf who had stayed by his side through everything. Alvin, who watched him with devotion brighter than the moonlight. Alvin, who had never once left him alone.
They're right! If I drown in my own fears, I'll only make them sad. I don't want to be a burden. I don't want to be someone they worry about forever. I must be strong… for them. For Alvin.
"I understand, Father," he answered at last. He wiped his tears and forced a wide, brave smile that trembled slightly but still shone with determination. "Thank you."
Selena grinned and flicked his forehead lightly. "Good! Tomorrow is my wedding day. Do you want us all crying on my happiest day? If you ruin it, I'll make sure you take responsibility!"
Her teasing threat chased away the last shadows lingering in the room. Kazien gasped dramatically, eyes widening.
"Of course I wouldn't ruin your day! I wouldn't dare!"
His frantic response made everyone burst into laughter—warm, genuine laughter that filled the room like sunlight breaking through a storm. The heaviness melted away, replaced by comforting warmth and the bond that only a loving family could create.
Outside the room, leaning quietly against the hallway wall, Alvin exhaled in relief. He had been listening—not intentionally at first, but deeply unable to pull himself away.
Forgive me for eavesdropping. But I'm grateful. They accept you… and they accept me. My dear Kazien, I'll be at your side for eternity. You will never be alone.
Morning arrived with dazzling sunlight that bathed the Altavis mansion in warmth. Servants rushed about preparing everything needed for the day. Carriages lined the courtyard, banners fluttered in the breeze, and nobility from across the region arrived in ornate attire.
The ceremony was held at the grand residence of Marquis Jastiver Vorusan—Selena's groom. Once the heir to his house, now the new Marquis after his father, Jostas Vorusan, had succumbed to illness. His home radiated grandeur, decorated with cascading silk drapes and glittering chandeliers.
Nobles filled the hall, speaking in excited murmurs. Among them was even His Majesty, Nalvon Erloch Da Garveon, the seventeenth king of the Garveon Kingdom.
Before the ceremony began, Duke Elgard approached Marquis Jastiver. The duke stood tall—his solid build, striking features, and short gray hair marking him as a man impossible to overlook.
"Sir Jastiver," the duke said, "as my four children enter later, may I announce their engagements to the guests?"
Marquis Jastiver blinked in surprise. The request was unexpected—but he smiled warmly and inclined his head. "Please do, Lord Duke. Such news will only add joy to this celebration."
Duke Elgard bowed lightly and walked away, leaving the marquis watching with respect and growing admiration.
The hall fell silent as the officiant stepped forward and announced,
"At the request of Lord Duke Elgard Altavis and Lord Marquis Jastiver Vorusan, I will now call the members of the Altavis family to enter!"
The crowd stirred with curiosity.
"Let us welcome the heir to Duke Elgard Altavis and his fiancée! William Altavis and Rosalia, please enter the room."
Gasps rose immediately.
"The heir has a fiancée already?"
"And a commoner at that?"
But the moment Rosalia entered—radiant in her golden-green dress—many of their whispers shifted from skepticism to admiration. Her beauty was soft yet striking, her posture calm and respectful.
Behind her came her younger sisters, Raliana and Ritalia, both equally captivating.
"And the second is Duke Elgard Altavis's second daughter and her fiancé! Let's welcome Virena Altavis and Victor, son of Commander Hellius."
Virena glowed in an elegant blue dress, her confidence shining. Victor, son of Commander Hellius, walked beside her with composed pride in all-black attire.
Whispers followed them as well.
"So, her fiancé is the son of the strongest commander?"
"What a powerful union…"
"And the third is Duke Elgard Altavis's second son and his fiancée! Davin Altavis and Karen, please enter the room."
Karen, walking hand in hand with Davin, wore a soft white dress that accentuated her gentle charm. Everyone praised Karen's beauty and elegance, as well as Davin's good looks in his luxurious all-black outfit. Behind them followed her younger brother, Rio, and his wife, Yonna.
"And the fourth is Duke Elgard Altavis' third son and his fiancée. Kazien Altavis, Alvin Dass'ell Latreess, please enter the room."
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for—though they didn't know it.
"Dass'ell Latreess? What family is that?"
"Isn't Alvin a man's name?"
The doors creaked open.
A hush fell across the entire hall.
Kazien entered the room—confident yet composed—and beside him, hand in hand, walked Alvin.
Gasps exploded like a wave.
"An elf?!"
"He's so beautiful—wait, handsome? Both?!"
Even King Nalvon leaned forward, eyes wide with shock.
The officiant continued, voice echoing.
"According to the information written here, Alvin Dass'ell Latreess is a high elf, crown prince of the Latreess Kingdom from the continent of Reavel!"
The hall erupted instantly.
"A high elf?! Here?!"
"Engaged to Duke Elgard's son?"
"But they're both men—!"
The noise rose in a thunderstorm of whispers, shock, debate, and disbelief. Until—
"Enough!"
King Nalvon's voice sliced through the chaos like a blade. The hall fell silent at once.
"This is a wedding ceremony. Do not disgrace it with your noise!"
The tension evaporated instantly. Kazien leaned closer to Alvin.
"See? You caused a storm just by existing."
Alvin smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "If I can stay beside you, I don't care how much noise they make."
Kazien's heart warmed. "You're the best."
On the stage, Marquis Jastiver stared at the elf with disbelief.
A high elf… a real high elf. How did the Altavis family form a bond with the elves? What secrets have they been carrying?
Finally, the moment everyone anticipated arrived.
"Lastly, the bride—Selena Altavis! Accompanied by Lord Duke Elgard Altavis and Lady Duchess Larina Altavis!"
A breathtaking figure stepped through the doorway.
Selena wore a white dress intricately embroidered with silver patterns that shimmered like starlight. Her veil flowed behind her like mist drifting across a moonlit lake. Her beauty was so radiant that even the nobles accustomed to luxury fell silent in awe.
On her right walked her father, dignified and proud. On her left, her mother, Duchess Larina, glowing with emotion. Together they made their way toward the altar where Marquis Jastiver waited, heart pounding with admiration.
Applause erupted—grand, thunderous, and filled with joy.
And as Kazien watched his sister walk forward, surrounded by warmth, acceptance, and celebration, he felt the final remnants of his despair fade away.
For the first time in a long time, he believed…
He could face eternity. He could carry his burden. He could live—not alone, not in fear—but embraced by love.
And for him, that was enough.