Peeta felt it for only a second- no. It was far shorter, but something had happened that caused a chill to run up his spine.

He had been talking to the fearful people of Marf about their bandit problem when it happened, so he rushed back to the carriage where he found a confused Kalos and a cautious Eevana.

“Did you guys feel that?” Peeta asked as he hurriedly equipped his dark armour.

“Yes. What do you think it was?” Kalos asked.

“I’m not sure, but I think it was Raymond.” Peeta said as he looked to the sky.

Kalos did the same and they both saw something shooting towards Marf.

Peeta was about to summon his Eexel before he realised that it was Raymond.

Raymond came to a stop a few inches from the ground and landed gracefully.

Kalos ran to his father’s side.

“Dad, something weird happened just now. Was that you? Oh and you can fly?” Kalos exclaimed.

“Calm down. I just wanted some room to stretch. That and I took care of Marf’s bandit problem.” Raymond said as he made his way toward the carriage.

Kalos sighed before dropping the issue, but Peeta felt that something was off.

“Hey Ray… what did you kill?” Peeta asked before Raymond came to a stop.

“A Gregnor.” Raymond said casually, his back facing Peeta.

“Are we going to talk about it?” Peeta asked.

“Or will I lose another arm before you open up?” Peeta asked before Raymond turned around, revealing his eyes which burnt brilliant blue.

“Dad? Is there something going on?” Kalos asked.

“Well… not exactly. I just… I…”

“Your father killed a gregnor. And if you were wondering what they are, they are creatures that make up the very ground we stand on. Creatures that predate the formation of the land, sea and skies.” Peeta said loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Listen, it’s not like I did it randomly. I needed to.” Raymond said as Alis and his group approached.

“Oh? Then how come it took you a fraction of a second to kill a creature as old as time?” Peeta asked.

“I just thought that since Kalos and I were letting loose, I could unleash a bit of my old power.” Raymond said with an awkward smile.

“The last time you did that a thousand of our men died!” Peeta yelled.

Raymond was about to frown before he looked into Kalosýni’s eyes.

Within them, he saw a terrifying darkness-

“How did it feel?” Kalos asked, making Raymond’s heart sink.

“What do you mean, hehe?” Raymond asked nervously as he stared into the darkness within his son's eyes. It twisted and warped frantically, making Raymond’s knees trembled slightly.

“Was the gregnor powerful? If so, then how strong was it? It must have posed some sort of threat, right?” Kalos asked.

“No… no, it didn’t threaten me. I made a mistake and acted on my lust for combat.” Raymond said, his head low.

“Oh. Oh…” Kalos said as his voice trembled.

“Hey listen, if you ever want something to punch, you can punch me, ok?” Peeta said as he opened his arms.

Raymond’s temples burnt in frustration and shame.

Raymond grabbed Kalos and pulled him into Peeta’s hug as he collapsed.

“I’m sorry. I just-"

“Shut up. I’m here." Peeta said as he held Raymond.

Not wanting to be left out, Crimwal joined in and hugged everyone as well.

Eevana helped Estella out of the carriage and they sat by the sides of their friends.

They all patiently waited for Raymond to calm down before any of them uttered a single word.

Alis and his group returned into the building they emerged from.

Raymond eventually calmed down and he got up, along with everyone else.

“I truly am sorry.” Raymond said.

“We know. Now tell us, what happened?” Crimwal asked as he offered Raymond a flask.

“I wanted to fight again.” Raymond said.

“So much so that you killed one of the beings holding this world together?” Peeta asked as his armour disappeared.

“Yes… sorry.” Raymond said as he summoned Reu.

“Oh my goodness.” Estella gasped as a blood soaked Reu appeared.

“I couldn't help it.” Raymond said as he wiped away the blood from the swords edge.

“No. No excuses. I’m supposed to be the rogue knight, sheesh.” Peeta said as he crossed his arms.

Kalos walked up to his father and placed his hand on his shoulder. He remained silent as his father washed Reu with as little water as possible.

“I’m sorry.” Raymond said.

“It’s ok and I think it’s good that no innocent lives were lost, but I do wish you had said something. I mean, if Peeta hadn’t figured it out, would you have said anything?” Kalos asked making Raymond lower his head further.

“How far would you have gone? What else would you have killed?” Kalos asked, his voice cold.

“Kalos, I-"

“You know what I’ve realized, dad? You and I are pretty strong. But I don’t think that being this strong means we can do whatever we want when we feel like it. You said that I should use my power to protect Estella. But I must ask. What do you plan to do with your power?” Kalos asked.

“I will protect Estella and maybe even you if the situation comes up. I’ve got your back, dad. Just don’t forget to watch mine.” Kalos said as he walked back towards the carriage. There, he snatched away little Keema, who was dressed in all manner of adorable blue clothing.

Raymond looked into his son’s eyes and even though he gently held Keema, Raymond could see that darkness.

“Mmm… this boy.” Raymond muttered as he finished up cleaning Reu.

Alis and his group had gathered all of their things and they were ready for travel, but Raymond’s group hadn’t gotten the chance to rest yet.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Raymond and Alis agreed that they’d take another break just outside of Marf.

They eventually left Marf and Raymond’s group set up camp near the road that led to the northern border.

Their destination was only a few more kilometres away.

Raymond watched as Kalos playfully created matter out of thin air. He created all manner of tools and weapons as embers flickered in the nearby campfire.

Everyone watched in awe as Kalos projected his thoughts onto the ground.

It was as though they were looking into Kalosýni’s mind as he crafted whatever came to mind.

Alis approached Crimwal, who lazily sat near the campfire.

“Uh-" Alis was about to speak but the words wouldn’t leave his mouth.

“I know. It’s all a bit too much isn’t it? Kalos really is something else. Raymond is the eminence and Keema is beyond precious. This, what we have here, is far too beautiful for words.” Crimwal said as he took a sip from his flask.

Winter had practically arrived and so Estella, Eevana, Neelae and Keema were huddled up in the carriage.

Trevenor and Reeca joined Alis as they watched Kalos play.

“Is that really the son of the eminence or is that perhaps a being from Nesrafaar?” Reeca asked.

“Mmm? Oh, what was your name again?” Crimwal asked.

“Reeca.”

“Nice to meet you, even though our greetings were long overdue. Anyway, according to Raymond, Kalos is a human boy-“

“Impossible.” Alis interrupted.

“Hey, whether you choose to believe it is up to you. I believe that Kalos is human, but I also know that he isn’t ordinary.” Crimwal said as Kalos created what looked like an exact copy of Reu.

“My goodness.” Trevenor gasped.

“Indeed. Now I hope you see why I wanted to stay with Raymond. For Kalos. For all of them actually. Well, all except Peeta.” Crimwal said with a smile.

Everyone eventually got into their respective tents. Alis, Trevenor and Crimwal shared a tent, Reeca joined the others in the carriage and Olif bunked with Peeta.

.

..

The next day came quickly.

Alis had briefly thought about snatching Crimwal and making a run for Ianndor, but that thought disappeared as soon as it surfaced in his mind.

Alis snuck out of Crimwal’s tent and saw a levitating Kalos. He chose to ignore it and checked in on Reeca who looked like she was getting along with everyone inside the carriage.

Alis then began packing his things.

Meanwhile Kalos was enamoured by the concept of flight.

“Watch it!” Raymond yelled as Kalos floated towards the carriage.

“Don’t worry. I think can do it.” Kalos said before he landed.

“Good.” Raymond said as he began packing his things.

Peeta walked up to Kalos and gently placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“Can you make me one of those protective necklace things now?” Peeta asked.

Kalos placed his hands on his waist and raised his chin.

“No.” He said flatly as he too began packing his things.

It wasn’t long before everyone was ready to travel. Alis’s group had their own horses, allowing them to follow closely behind Peeta and the carriage.

They rode along for hours as the sun made its way across the sky.

At some point, Eevana had made a few sets of clothing for little Keema and by the time the sun set, Keema had almost two dozen sets of clothing.

Kalos may have been extremely bored during the process, but he didn’t mind.

He looked out into the night.

Although it was winter, he noticed that the presence of trees and plant life in general had severely decreased.

Several more hours passed and morning soon came.

Estella was sleeping soundly as Eevana held Keema.

Kalos stared at the two as they interacted with each other as though their being together was the most natural thing in the world.

Kalos wondered what Nar' Agrun was like. He wondered if all of the beings from the realm of darkness were just as beautiful as Eevana.

Yes, according to the journal Kalos had read, Nar’ Agrun was a dark place filled to the brim with vicious creatures, but Kalos couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the dark realm.

Kalos then felt the carriage slow down.

According to Raymond, the northern border was another day’s travel away.

Kalos and everyone who was not asleep set up camp.

Raymond and Peeta wondered off in search of fresh meat.

Kalos sat patiently in his tent as he held a dagger in his hand. He played with it for a while before a voice called out to him.

“Umm… Kalos. Could you spare a moment?” The voice asked as Kalos hopped out of his tent, nearly bumping into the woman waiting outside.

“Oh- Reeca. What do you need?” Kalos asked.

“Could we speak elsewhere?” Reeca asked.

Kalos nodded as he followed her to a point not too far from the camp.

“So…?” Kalos asked.

“I heard you and your father saved Neelae from the brink of death.” Reeca said.

“Oh, that? Well, she just had a weapon lodged in her chest. My dad removed it and realigned her magical insides.” Kalos explained.

“Oh? So, there’s no way you or he could repair lost tissue?” Reeca asked as the wind blew by.

“Mmm… I’m not sure what you mean.” Kalos said with narrowed eyes.

“Could you regrow an arm? Or a leg? Or… an eye?” Reeca said.

Kalosýni’s expression darkened.

“Oh...” He said before raising his head and facing the stars.

“You know what? Forget about it. It was stupid of me to ask.” Reeca said as she turned to return to the camp,

“Wait!” Kalos yelled softly, stopping Reeca.

“I could try, but I’ll have to ask Eevana for permission first.” Kalos said.

“The saepenar? But are you not the eminences son? Why would you need her consent?” Reeca asked.

“Well… it’s slightly more complicated than that, but just trust me on this.” Kalos said.

Reeca tilted her head in confusion before nodding.

“Ok.” She said before returning to the camp.

Kalos did the same, but ran towards the carriage, where Eevana and the others were casually chatting.

Kalos popped his head into the window before being smacked in the face.

“Be careful. The little one is sleeping.” Crimwal whispered.

“What are you doing in here anyway?” Kalos asked as a slight frown formed on his brow.

Crimwal cursed himself before letting out a fake cough.

“My business is none of your concern-"

“He wanted to play with Keema, but after he found out that she was asleep, he got a bit upset and began sulking.” Eevana reported.

Kalos smiled before snapping out of his joy induced trance.

“Umm… Eevana. Can we talk outside for a moment?” Kalos asked.

Everyone’s faces froze, before Estella smiled creepily.

“Uh-oh.” Crimwal said as Eevana got up.

Neelae looked at everyone in confusion as Eevana hopped out of the carriage.

“What’s happening?” She asked.

“I don't know.” Estella said.

“So why-" Neelae asked, but she looked at everyone’s faces and saw that she wouldn’t be getting any answers.

Kalos led Eevana to his tent where they both sat.

“Umm… You know that lady Reeca? Yes, she’s asking for my help. I think she wants me to heal her eyes or something.” Kalos said before silence befell the tent.

“I know what you’re thinking and yes, I could just tell dad to do it, but what if something happens in the future and I need to help someone when dad's somewhere else?” Kalos asked as Eevana silently stared at him.

Eevana reached out and placed her hand on Kalosýni’s cheek.

“Kalos, you’re not mine to keep or command. You can do whatever you want and I promise I’ll support you.” Eevana said with a smile, but for some reason, her smile hurt Kalos.

“No. You know that’s not what I’m saying.” He said as Eevana lowered her head.

“I know, but I can’t help but feel this way whenever this happens. I want you all to myself, which is wrong because your power, your presence is for all to love and admire.” Eevana said even as her throat tightened.

“Who says there's anything wrong with what you want?” Kalos asked as he opened his arms.

“Eevana, I suggest, no- I encourage you to take what you want so long as no one gets hurt.” He said as his eyes burnt a bright blue.

Eevana looked into Kalosýni’s eyes and it felt as though her entire body was on fire.

“Kalos, what are you doing?” She asked as Kalosýni’s arms remained open.

“I want to give something to you and you only.” Kalos said as his heart shook his very soul.

Eevana trembled as she leaned into Kalos, who the wrapped his large arms around her.

Then she felt a calmness that she thought not possible.

“Thank you.” Eevana said as she moved her head closer to Kalosýni’s.

Their lips touched and almost as soon as they did Kalos ripped his head away from hers.

“No. If we’re going to do this… if we’re going to be together, then I’ll need you to stop hiding. Don’t hold back.” Kalos said and as though on cue, Eevana’s eyes returned to their pitch black forms and her antennae emerged from her head. Kalos then kissed her again.

Kalos then felt her hands crawl up his back as they made their way to his head.

She then grabbed Kalosýni’s hair and pulled him closer into her, before Kalos gently carried her and placed her down beneath him.

Kalos smiled weakly making Eevana smile in turn.

“What? What are you smiling-“ Eevana gasped as a torrent of Kalosýni’s magical powers cascaded into her body.

His magical presence filled the tent and sent out shockwaves into the heavens.

Eevana grabbed Kalosýni’s head again and kissed him even harder as she tried her best to release some of her power.

She forcefully fed him, in equal amounts, the magic he gave her.

Shockwave after shockwave tore through the sky as Kalos felt Eevana deep within himself.

“Kalos, I think I love you!” Eevana yelled at the top of her lungs as Kalos compressed his magical energy so that none of it would slip out.

“I love you too.” Kalos said as reality collapsed around he and Eevana.

.

..

“What in the world is that?” Alis asked as he drew his sword.

He ran over to the carriage was and checked on Crimwal’s condition only to find that he was ok. Actually, he was calm.

Alis popped his head into the window.

“Umm… can you guys feel that?” Alis asked softly as he noticed that Keema was sleeping soundly.

“Not really. If it’s magic based, Kalos made sure we wouldn’t be affected by it. Also, that’s just Kalos and Eevana. Stuff like this usually happens whenever they’re together.” Crimwal said.

“What are they doing?” Alis asked, his face expressed both caution and curiosity.

“Who knows.” Crimwal said he inspected all of Keema's little blue clothes.

Alis sighed before walking back to his brother and Reeca.

The sun was slowly rising and the tremors Kalos was cresting made the beautiful dawn seem oh so dreadful.

“Well? What’s happening?” Trevenor asked.

“It’s Uh- it’s Raymond’s son. Yeah, he and Eevana are… doing something.” Alis said as he sat back down near his equipment.

Just as Alis sat down, Raymond and Peeta appeared in the distance.

“Hey! We found a deer.” Peeta announced.

“Yes, it took us a while, but we did it.” Raymond said as he dropped the animal before walking towards his tent.

Also, the tremors had stopped. Much to Alis’s relief.