CHAPTER 4: REFLECTIONS BY CANDLELIGHT

The scent of roasted meat and fresh herbs filled the dining room as Myura sat at the table with her parents, a warm smile on her face. Her mother, Alice, set down a steaming platter of vegetables, her auburn hair glowing in the candlelight.

“You seem cheerful tonight, Myura,” Alice said with a grin as she took her seat. “Did you have a good day?”

Myura nodded enthusiastically, her crimson eyes shining. “It was amazing, Mom! I spent the whole day with Kazuki.”

Takeshi, her father, leaned back in his chair, his rugged face softening with a smile. “Your new friend? That’s good to hear. What did you two do?”

Myura launched into a detailed recount of her day, her words tumbling out as she described their time at the market, the games they played, and the big tree they climbed. She laughed as she shared how Kazuki had scared her at the market and how she had tried to race him up the tree.

Alice listened intently, her expression warm. “It sounds like you two had a lot of fun. I’m glad you’ve made such a good friend.”

Takeshi chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “And here I thought no one could keep up with you, Myura.”

Myura giggled. “He tries, but I’m still faster!”

The family shared a hearty meal, their laughter filling the room. For a brief moment, the troubles of the world seemed distant, replaced by the simple joy of being together.

A QUIET EVENING

After dinner, Myura hugged her parents goodnight and climbed the stairs to her room. The house grew quieter as the evening settled in, the faint creak of floorboards and the whisper of the wind the only sounds.

Her room was dimly lit by a few small candles placed on her desk and bedside table. Their soft flames flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Myura sat on her bed, her legs crossed as she stared at one of the candles. The golden light reflected in her crimson eyes, her expression thoughtful.

“Hey, Zenko,” she called softly.

The silver-furred fox materialized beside her, floating gracefully through the air. “What’s on your mind, my Myura?” he asked, his voice gentle and curious.

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Myura glanced at him, then back at the candle. “You saw what magic Kazuki used, right?”

Zenko nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Light magic. It’s rare and powerful.”

She held her hand in her lap, gazing at it as if searching for answers. “When he was healing me earlier, I could feel his magic entering my body. It was… warm, but it scared me. My dark magic faded. It was like it was completely blocked off… like I almost lost it..”

Zenko floated closer, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “Interesting. That’s the nature of light magic—it’s a natural counter to darkness. But Kazuki doesn’t seem to wield it with the intent to harm.”

Myura clenched her hand into a fist. “It’s not that he wanted to hurt me. It’s just… he doesn’t even realize how strong he is. When he healed me, it felt like he wasn’t even using his full power. It’s like he’s only tapping into five percent of what he’s capable of.”

Zenko tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “You’re perceptive, Myura. Kazuki may indeed be gifted.”

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLESSINGS

Zenko floated down to sit beside her on the bed. “It’s likely that Kazuki is a child with a blessing of exceptional power. A blessing is a rare gift, granted at birth by the forces of this world. He probably doesn’t even realize it, but his potential is immense.”

Myura’s brows furrowed as she looked at Zenko. “But what about me? Didn't I get a blessing when I came to this word too?”

Zenko’s golden eyes met hers, his voice steady. “Yes you did. Your blessing lies within you, Myura, though it’s not the same as Kazuki’s. His blessing is overt—light and holy magic. Yours, however, is tied to the darkness. It’s more subtle, more intricate, and it requires you to unlock it yourself. You remember?”

Myura tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “How do I unlock it?”

Zenko sighed, his gaze softening. “That, my dear Myura, I do not know. Even I, who knows much of this world, cannot say. Blessings tied to darkness are rare and misunderstood. It may require time, growth, or… something more profound.”

Myura nodded slowly, her mind turning over Zenko’s words. “I’ll figure it out,” she said with quiet determination. “If Kazuki can use his power to help people, so can I.”

A GENTLE COMFORT

The two sat in silence for a while, the flickering candles the only source of light in the room. Myura eventually lay back, her body sinking into the soft mattress. Her crimson eyes grew heavy as exhaustion from the day caught up with her.

Zenko floated over and gently pulled the blanket up to her chin, his small paws tucking it in snugly. He curled up beside her, his silver fur glowing faintly in the candlelight.

“You’ve had a long day,” Zenko said softly. “Rest now, my Myura. Tomorrow is another chance to grow.”

Myura’s lips curved into a faint smile as her eyes drifted closed. “Goodnight, Zenko…”

As the candles burned low and the room grew still, Myura’s breathing evened out, her mind slipping into the peaceful embrace of sleep. Zenko watched over her, his golden eyes filled with quiet affection and unshakable loyalty.