The afternoon passed quietly.

  Naxel and Elyon stayed with their mother, helping her with small things—repairing a loose wooden plank near the door, carrying water from the well, cleaning the old shelves that still smelled of home.

  Simple moments.

  Moments that felt stolen from another life.

  Their mother watched them with a soft smile, though her eyes lingered a little longer on Naxel than Elyon. She could feel it—something restless in him, something heavy that refused to settle.

  After some time, Elyon finally spoke.

  “Mom… we can’t stay.”

  She didn’t look surprised.

  “We sneaked out of the Academy,” he continued calmly. “If we don’t return soon, it will cause trouble.”

  She nodded slowly.

  “I knew you wouldn’t stay long.”

  Her voice was gentle, understanding.

  “You were never meant to remain here forever.”

  She stepped closer and rested a hand on each of their shoulders.

  “You are there to train. To grow strong. To learn control.”

  Her gaze hardened slightly—not with fear, but resolve.

  “Go back. Finish what you started.”

  Naxel lowered his eyes.

  She sighed softly and brushed his hair back like she used to when he was a child.

  “I raised you both. I know who you are.”

  A small smile.

  “You’ll be fine.”

  But Naxel’s chest still felt tight.

  As their mother stepped inside to gather a few things, Naxel remained behind.

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  He stood in front of the house.

  The door.

  The walls.

  The ground beneath his feet.

  The image from his vision flickered in his mind.

  The open door.

  The blood.

  The winged shadow.

  He clenched his fist.

  Quietly, carefully, he raised his hand.

  Magic flowed—not violently, not explosively—but precise.

  Invisible threads of power spread around the house, sinking into the earth, the walls, the air itself.

  A barrier.

  Not one of force—

  but judgment.

  Anyone who approached with hatred, malice, or intent to harm would be stopped.

  Anyone with a clean heart would pass without ever knowing it existed.

  Naxel exhaled.

  Behind him, Elyon watched.

  He didn’t interfere.

  Didn’t question.

  Didn’t stop him.

  Because he understood.

  Naxel lowered his hand.

  Their mother returned moments later.

  “Ready?” she asked.

  Naxel smiled.

  “Yeah.”

  He didn’t tell her what he had done.

  Because she wouldn’t believe someone wanted to hurt her.

  Because she would scold him for worrying too much.

  Because some burdens were meant to be carried alone.

  They returned just in time to feel the tension waiting for them.

  Amber stood at the center of the training hall, arms crossed, eyes blazing.

  “Oh, look who finally decided to show up,” she snapped.

  “This is exactly why I don’t trust men on my team.”

  Lyra blinked.

  Seraphine frowned.

  Amber continued, clearly furious.

  “We had class. And more importantly—”

  She turned sharply.

  “Today is our first assigned duty.”

  Naxel raised an eyebrow.

  “Duty?”

  “Not a mission,” Amber corrected sharply.

  “A task.”

  She explained quickly:

  A nearby village had reported strange activity.

  Rumors of a demon-like creature stealing food—fruit, vegetables, livestock.

  The Academy didn’t want panic.

  Team Seven was to observe only.

  Confirm the threat.

  Report back.

  No fighting.

  No heroics.

  “And because you two decided to disappear,” Amber added coldly,

  “You have five minutes to get ready.”

  She turned on her heel.

  “We leave immediately.”

  Naxel stretched lazily.

  “Five minutes? That’s harsh.”

  Elyon cut in instantly.

  “We’ll be ready.”

  Naxel glanced at him, grinning.

  “What? No dramatic entrance? No complaints?”

  Elyon shot him a warning look.

  “This isn’t a game.”

  Naxel chuckled.

  “Relax. I just had food from mom’s hands. I’m in a good mood.”

  Amber overheard.

  Her glare could burn stone.

  “Move. Now.”

  Naxel sighed exaggeratedly.

  “Alright, alright.”

  But as he turned away, the smile on his face faded—just slightly.

  Because even as he walked forward…

  Part of him remained behind.

  Watching the house.

  Watching the door.

  Listening for echoes that refused to fade.

  Author Note

  This chapter was about bonds — between brothers, between a mother and her sons, and the choices made silently to protect those we love.

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