AUTHORS NOTE: Join the discord for spicy and nsfw arts if the characters. Link will be mentioned in the character illustration.
Even Alaric chuckled softly behind his cup.
Lisa giggled as she picked up a piece of her bread and held it out with both hands.
"Here, Brother! Have this," she offered sweetly.
Kael's smile deepened. Instead of taking the bread, he leaned in and gently pinched her cheeks.
"No, Lisa," he said softly, his tone teasing yet warm. "How can Brother eat yours? You're still small—you need to eat more if you want to become strong like me."
Lisa puffed her cheeks, pretending to fake annoyance, but her eyes betrayed the smile trying to break free. "But you looked hungry…"
Kael chuckled. "I'm always hungry—for power. But don't worry, I'll steal a bite from Mother's plate instead."
Lyra turned from the stove just in time to hear that. "Touch my food and I'll add a raw egg to yours," she warned playfully.
Laughter filled the kitchen, and for a moment, the worries of lust energy, realms, and dangerous meetings faded—replaced by the warmth of family.
A few minutes later, Lyra brought Kael's plate and joined them at the table. As they ate, light conversations flowed—plans for the day, gentle scolding from Lyra about chores, and Lisa's enthusiastic ramblings about a butterfly she chased yesterday.
Kael listened quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips as he licked his plate clean.
Eventually, breakfast came to an end.
Alaric stood first, stretching his arms casually over his head. "Kael," he said, glancing at his son, "the mayor will be waiting for us. Prepare yourself and meet me at the hall."
With that, he grabbed his axe and left the kitchen.
Lyra started gathering the dishes. As she passed Kael, her gaze lingered on him.
"Don't forget your sword," she said softly. "The mayor will likely want to see what you can do."
"I know," Kael replied, standing and rolling his shoulders.
Before anyone else could speak, Lisa leapt down from her chair, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I'm going to find the butterfly again!" she shouted, rushing toward the garden.
One by one, everyone returned to their own tasks.
Kael, too, turned toward his room—his mind already shifting to what the day might bring.
As he entered his room, the familiar sight of Nyx laying on his bed greeted him. She was on her side, flipping through an old book that glowed faintly with runes. Her legs were crossed, her gown slipping just enough to leave everything to the imagination.
"You're back," she said without looking up. "Did you miss me already, little swordsman?"
Kael smirked and closed the door behind him. "You make it sound like I ever stop missing you."
Nyx finally glanced up, her green eyes glinting mischievously. "Careful with that tongue. Say sweet things like that and I might mistake you for a charmer."
Kael stepped towards her, dropping onto the bed beside her. "Who says I'm not?"
She arched a brow. "Oh, I don't doubt your charm, Kael. But it's that new confidence in your walk that's got me curious. Did something exciting happen, or are you just happy to see me?"
Kael chuckled. "Both."
Nyx laughed softly, closing the book. "Mmm, now I'm interested. You're glowing a little... did someone naughty fuel your core again?"
Kael leaned closer. "Jealous?"
Nyx tapped his chest lightly. "Tempt me any more and I might make you late for your appointment with the mayor."
Kael's eyes sparkled. "Maybe that's what I want."
"Dangerous boy," she murmured, her voice like velvet. "Keep teasing me like this, and one day, you won't be able to leave the room at all."
Kael grinned, his pulse quickening. "I'll take that as a challenge."
Nyx just smiled, and though she didn't say it, her gaze said enough. Her expression then shifted, the earlier playfulness fading into something more serious.
"By the way, be careful out there. "The necromancer might have already slipped into the village, disguised as a commoner. You can't afford to let your guard down."
Kael's relaxed posture tensed slightly. He could hear the concern in her words—this wasn't just casual concern.
"Is it really that dangerous?" he asked.
Nyx nodded. "Yes. Necromancy is no mere magic trick. It's a soul-slaving technique. While most attacks aim for the body or the mind, necromancy goes deeper. It bypasses both, reaching directly into your soul."
She paused, watching him closely.
"For young swordsmen like you, whose cores are still forming and stabilizing, it's especially risky. If a necromancer latches onto your soul, it won't just kill you—it will hollow you out. Turn you into something that looks like you, moves like you... but isn't you anymore."
Kael swallowed hard, the seriousness of her warning settling into his chest.
"I understand," he said at last. "I'll stay sharp."
Nyx gave a slight nod, then leaned back again, her voice returning to its usual teasing warmth.
"Good. Because I'd hate to see my favorite little swordsman turned into a mindless puppet."