Suddenly, I was wrenched back into my body, the air filling my lungs in gasping, shallow breaths. My vision wavered, like the room was slipping in and out of focus, and every muscle felt like lead. In my mind, I could hear them—two voices, their words as clear as if they were right beside me, yet only I could hear them.

"See…" Dark Winter's voice was smooth, mocking. "This is why you should've just taken her hand when she offered. You think you can handle her games?"

The familiar figure of Dark Winter flickered to my side, his eyes sharp with something between amusement and disdain. Opposite him, Light Winter appeared, calmer but troubled, and they seemed to take shape only in my mind—a dark shadow on one side, and a faint, silvery glow on the other.

I tried to stand, the exhaustion pulling me down like quicksand.

"Slowly… slowly…" My mother's voice reached me, warm and soothing, her arms supporting me as I struggled to get my footing. Her eyes were full of concern, the furrow in her brow deepening as she looked me over. "Are you alright, Ori?" she asked softly.

Beside her, Elara was unusually quiet, her eyes wide with worry. She bit her lip, stealing quick glances at me as if sensing something had gone wrong but unsure of how to ask.

"Nothing happened… you know how she can be. Just toying with you as always," Light Winter said gently, his tone attempting to reassure. He looked at me with steady, calm eyes, his expression sympathetic, though there was a flicker of concern underneath.

"Toying with him? That's putting it mildly," Dark Winter sneered. "You saw her. She was baiting him like a cat with a mouse."

"Elara?" my mother asked, trying to draw her attention away from me. "Did you feel like this after…?"

Elara shook her head, silent but hesitant. "No, Mother… I… I felt alright."

I could feel Father Eldric's gaze on me as well, his face lined with a deepening frown. He, too, seemed troubled, but he kept his composure, gesturing to the round crystal orb resting in his hands.

"Place your hand on it, dear," he said, his voice soft, though I could sense his worry.

The two voices in my mind had gone quiet, watching as I slowly raised my hand, reaching for the orb. My fingers trembled as they brushed the cool, smooth surface.

As I placed my hand on the orb, it remained cold and lifeless, utterly still beneath my touch. The silence around us deepened, tense and expectant. Elara watched with wide eyes, barely breathing, while Anara's gaze darted between me and Father Eldric, her concern unmistakable.

The weight of their attention pressed down on me, but my mind was somewhere far darker.

"What will you do now?" Dark Winter's voice seeped into my mind, low and unrelenting. "Are you truly just going to let her go unpunished? She's out there, Orion. You know it. You've seen what she's capable of—do you really think it'll end if you ignore her?"

Light Winter appeared beside him, quieter and thoughtful, though his expression was troubled. He glanced at me, his usual warmth tinged with worry, but he said nothing. The words Dark Winter spoke held a power neither of us could easily brush aside.

Father Eldric's voice broke through, pulling me momentarily back to the present. "Orion," he said gently, gesturing to the orb, "try to focus your mana. Just a small amount."

I nodded, though the orb's glassy surface remained cool under my fingers. My gaze stayed fixed on it, my concentration scattered, my thoughts swallowed by the presence of both Winters within me.

"You know you can't do this alone," Dark Winter pressed, extending a shadowed hand toward me. "Take my hand, and let's merge. We have the power if we act together. She won't expect it, and this time, we'll end her."

In my periphery, Father Eldric leaned closer, his brow furrowing as he observed my hesitation. Anara's fingers twisted the fabric of her robe, her face a mixture of unease and disappointment. I couldn't meet her eyes.

"Orion, my son, are you all right?" she asked quietly, concern sharpening her tone.

I hesitated, feeling Dark Winter's dark energy pulsing beside me. His hand lingered, waiting, as his voice grew colder, laced with frustration.

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"Do you realize what's at stake here?" he hissed. "She has Yuui—your past—your memories. She's already entangled in every part of your life, and she'll soon find a way to come for your future. If you don't act now, you're the one signing Yuui's death sentence, and yours."

"Place your hand on the orb," Father Eldric urged again, more gently. "Just take your time, Orion."

My fingers curled slightly, gripping the orb as I glared down, resolute. "Not yet," I murmured, letting Dark Winter's outstretched hand fade from my vision.

Father Eldric glanced over his shoulder to Anara, his tone lowering, "He has… no blessing," he said softly, the tension thick in his voice.

Beside him, Anara's mouth set in a tight line, and her eyes searched my face, trying to understand something she couldn't see or feel.

Dark Winter's frustration rose, his voice becoming a menacing snarl in my mind. "So you'll keep refusing me? Is this cowardice, Orion? Are you truly so weak?"

His words cut deep, but I forced myself to stand firm, a defiant glint in my eyes.

"weak ! weak is when I accept you," I said, my voice cold with a steely edge. "I'll do it on my own."

Dark Winter's dark laugh echoed in my head, fading as I felt my grip on the orb tighten. Father Eldric's hand rested on my shoulder, offering a quiet, unspoken support. But nothing in his gaze could hide the worry flickering within it as he pulled the orb away.

Father Eldric gently guided me to the bench, his hands steady as he murmured an incantation under his breath, each word laced with the warmth of healing magic. The soft glow wrapped around me, soothing the aches and the icy shock that lingered from the goddess's realm.

As my mind cleared, my vision sharpened. Elara was beside me, her small hand resting gently on my back, moving in silent circles as she stayed close without a word. Her usual brightness was dimmed, replaced by a deep concern that softened her face.

Anara knelt before me, her gaze soft but searching, as though trying to read the depths of my silence. She placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, her voice low and reassuring. "It's alright, Ori. Nothing happened. You're just… not ready yet."

Her words landed gently, but they failed to quiet the fury simmering inside me. I wanted to tell her about the darkness that lurked, the voice that whispered, but her steady gaze held only comfort and love. So, I swallowed back the words.

Anara lifted her hand to cup my cheek, her expression unwavering. "Blessing or not, you're still my son," she whispered with conviction, brushing her thumb over my cheek like she had when I was little. "And nothing will change that. Remember, Ori—you're always loved."

I felt Elara's fingers tighten on my back, her silent support grounding me as Anara's words settled over me like a gentle balm.

Father Eldric looked down at me, his expression softening. "Even without a blessing, skills can still be earned. Don't let this discourage you, Orion," he said, giving a kind nod before turning to walk away.

"Father Eldric! Please, wait," Anara called, hurrying after him. She reached into her worn pouch, fingers brushing over the few coins she had. "I must give something… it's only right."

Father Eldric shook his head, lifting his hand gently to stop her. "No, Anara," he said warmly. "Keep it. You and the children need it more than we do."

"But, Father Eldric… I insist," she murmured, her fingers clutching the coins. She looked up, her gaze conflicted between respect and obligation.

"Anara," he interrupted gently, leaning in. "He's already paid… your family is watched over. Don't worry about us—worry about them." He nodded toward Orion and Elara, his gaze steady, almost knowing.

Anara's face shifted—surprise, a flicker of excitement, and an ache of sadness all crossing her features in a single breath. She looked over her shoulder at her children, the lines of worry settling back into her expression. As she returned to us, her face softened with maternal concern, her gaze lingering on me.

"Thank you," she whispered, her hand brushing Orion's hair as she sat back down. Her thoughts seemed to weigh on her, her gentle touch carrying both comfort and a hint of apprehension.

As we reached Uncle Darius's house, the silence between us was heavy, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The ride had been quiet, and not one word was exchanged. As we dismounted and stepped inside, Anara took off her boots and turned to us with a small sigh.

"We're home," she murmured softly, breaking the quiet.

Elara, however, didn't wait. She quickly stepped in front of us, her brows drawn, something brewing in her gaze.

Uncle Darius's voice boomed from the other room, cheerful as always. "Well, well! You're back! So, what happened?" he asked, beaming as he approached. "What blessings did you two receive?" His grin faded as he noticed our faces, his eyes darting between Anara, Elara, and me.

Elara's voice cut through the room, sharp and unwavering, turning heads. "Mom," she said, her voice unusually firm. "Now that we're home, the rules don't apply, right?"

Anara blinked, visibly stunned by the tone, and so was I. Elara never spoke this way. Uncle Darius's brow furrowed, his mouth slightly open in surprise.

"Who is he?" Elara asked, her gaze locked onto Anara with a challenge. "Is he… my father?"

The question hung in the air, tense and alive, cutting through the room like a blade. Anara's face went pale, her hand reaching for something to steady herself, caught entirely off guard. She stared at Elara as if trying to process the question, but her lips parted in shock, no words coming out.

Darius looked equally stunned, his jaw dropping slightly as he searched Anara's face for any confirmation. His hands, which had been casually placed on his hips, slowly fell to his sides as he stood rigid.

"Elara…" Anara finally managed to whisper, her voice shaky. She placed a hand on her chest, her expression pained. "Why would you ask something like that?"

But Elara's eyes flashed with a defiant intensity. "Because everyone has been hiding things from us, Mom. I deserve to know the truth."

A silence, thick and tense, filled the room as Anara struggled to respond, her face awash in conflicting emotions—guilt, sadness, and the hint of something deeper, perhaps a memory she'd been trying to bury.