(Theron POV)
After my battle with Kael, I proceeded to burn the town down. I couldn't risk leaving any stragglers alive who might spread information about my presence. I had to make it look like Ezra was responsible. That way, when I told Kael's family and guild what transpired, there would be no debate. Besides, I always hated the way the town looked, and since I'd be taking over the region anyway, I figured I might as well get a head start on rebuilding the small, fairly unknown Celestium mining town in my image.
A few days later, I went to pay a visit to Kael's family. It was my first time at his home. The house was warm and quaint—something I didn't expect from someone of Kael's stature. He was known as one of the strongest Starbound in the region and a prominent guild leader on the global stage.
I knocked lightly. There was a soft shuffle behind the door.
"Mom, someone's at the door," a young girl said.
"Thank you, dear. I'll get it," Kael's wife replied as she opened the door.
The look on her face was one of shock. We had only met a few times—mostly when came down to speak with Kael regarding trade talks and other matters regarding Lux Tenebris affairs.
"Lord Enzo? To what do we owe this surprise? If you're here to see my husband, he's currently away on business. He said he'd be back any day now."
"Thank you. But actually, that's why I'm here," I said, stepping inside.
"Here you go, Lord Enzo. I'm sure you're hungry from traveling," Mira said sweetly, offering refreshments.
"Thank you, Mira. You're too kind."
"So, what is it you needed to discuss, Lord Enzo? Did something happen to Kael?"
"I'm afraid so. Kael went to mediate a dispute involving a trade partner with access to precious materials. But during the encounter, the fugitive and former ruler of Arthenos—Ezra Solaris—showed up. He was attempting to steal resources... for who knows what purpose."
"So my husband confronted him, didn't he?" Kael's wife asked, her voice trembling as her head sank into her hands. Sadness and despair poured from her with every tear that fell onto the floor.
"He did," I said solemnly.
There was no need to say more. My presence confirmed the worst. Her quiet sobs quickly transformed into wailing hysteria. She lost all the composure she had earlier. I didn't blame her. She had just lost her husband.
A part of me felt guilty for what I'd done—what I'd destroyed. But Kael disobeyed orders. No matter how valuable his talents were, there was no place for someone who couldn't follow a simple directive.
I turned my attention to Mira. She quietly supported her mother, but her own expression barely changed. I had expected the young girl to be devastated. But she remained composed, unaffected. Even though Kael often annoyed me, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous of him having a loving and caring family. He raved about his daughter and her promise as a starbound, it seemed like they had a great relationship, so it just confused me that she wasn't reacting similar to her mother.
As night approached and Kael's wife went to bed, I stepped outside. I had sensed a familiar vibration through the ground. Up the hill behind the house, I found Mira training. I approached quietly, observing from a distance.
The earth trembled. Rocks shifted in precise, fluid patterns. With each movement, her cosmic energy surged and receded. Even as an embryonic-stage Starbound, her control of cosmic energy was exceptional. Now I understood why Kael was so proud of her.
Her movements brought memories back—of when I once trained someone I cared deeply for. After watching a while longer, I finally approached.
"You look tired, Mira. How about some water?" I said, offering her a drink from the well behind the house.
"Thank you, Lord Enzo."
"Of course. Mind if I ask a question?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"Did you love your father?"
"Of course. Why would you ask such a thing?"
"It's just… you didn't seem sad earlier. You had no reaction."
She paused, then looked out toward the treetops.
"Ahh, well you see my father raised a warrior. Even though he still treated as his little princess. He brought me up to be stronger than most. Taught me how to strengthen my will to never falter. I learned to never be saddened by death. The path of warrior will lead me down a path of tumultuous things. I will bear witness to many horrors, so I have to stay strong otherwise I will falter. My mom isn't as strong. I need to be a pilar for her, at least that is what my father always instructed before he left for missions just in case something ever happened. Each time he left I had been preparing myself for the day he may never come back. Plus, I'm sure that he wouldn't have wanted to die of old age. I'm sure he would have wanted to go out in a blaze of glory. Thats just who he was. He was someone who loved battle, it was imbedded within his DNA. There will be times that I miss him more than others, but I'm happy that he at least got to go the way he wanted." Mira said as one tear started to trickle down her beige skin.
"You truly are your father's daughter. If there's ever anything you need, Mira, just say the word."
"There is one thing. Bring my father's killer to justice. I know he loved battle, but he died trying to help others. That fugitive must pay. Help me get revenge."
"I'd be happy to help. But you'll need to get stronger first."
"I know. That's why I want time to pass so I can enter the academy as soon as possible. When I graduate, I'll be strong enough. And I'll come to you. My father always said you were one of the strongest men he'd ever seen. If we team up, we can win."
"I'll be waiting for your call, Mira."
"Thank you, Lord Enzo."
"Of course. And 'Lord' is too formal. You can call me... Uncle."