“Ezekiel?” It was Shine that brought Ezekiel back to his senses. Their voice cut through the silent streets. Many of the guards looked confused, not knowing where the voice came from. But since there weren’t any threats, they just let it be and moved on.
While Ezekiel had only paused in shock for a few moments, it was still noticeable. Harry grew a smirk on his face as he saw Ezekiel’s reaction. But he didn’t understand the true cause of it.
“You know, back when you were children, the guards would often make bets regarding the two of you. One of them was how old you two would be when you started courting each other.” Ezekiel had gathered himself and the group had begun walking once again. But when Ezekiel heard Harry’s words, he nearly choked on his own spit.
“I guess I can understand that. Given how close we used to be. But I don’t think I’ve even seen her that way. It’s also been eight years. We’ve spent more of our lives apart than together at this point. Even as just friends.” Ezekiel began to relax as the group made their way down the street. “Ultimately, I was more shocked at the fact that Shari was willing to settle down so soon. I figured that there would be some sort of elaborate challenge that I would’ve heard about beforehand.”
The guards all cuckold at the thought. It seemed that there were more than a few like minds regarding the matter. But it was Harry who shook his head and replied. He didn’t actually believe Ezekiel’s words about his feelings on the situation.
“It’s actually an arranged marriage. Though I understand that the two are fairly good together. None of that nonsense where there’s a conflict of interests. But that isn’t the case in this situation.” Ezekiel raised an eyebrow as Harry continued. “The young master of the Morse family is also the third child, who is marrying into the Alkena family, so it isn’t like Shari is losing out on anything either.”
Ezekiel was once again surprised, but this time much more happily than before. His previous shock had come from the fact that he had assumed Shari was being given away to another family. Thus, she would be losing out on her position as heiress, and eventually matriarch, of the Alkena family.
As there had been no word of the Alkenas having another child, this would essentially mean that the family name would end with Allon. Shari becoming the next head of her daily was something that she had wanted quite dearly. At least, she had seemed to when Ezekiel had last seen her.
For his part, Harry was worried that Ezekiel was going to do something stupid. As he gave Ezekiel a look over, to gauge his reaction, he didn’t see anything that stood out.
“I wonder if I’ll get to meet the guy. It'd be nice to clear up any misunderstandings between us.” Ezekiel couldn’t help but wonder if it was stories about him that Shari had shared that were the reason that he was treated so poorly by the guards last night.
If they were simply defending their young master’s interests, then it was somewhat less insulting. Misunderstandings were like that, after all. But it still didn’t excuse the fact that it was clear that their loyalty was divided. That was something that Ezekiel knew could not be allowed when it came to nobles and their families.
“Perhaps.” Harry turned away, hoping nothing bad would happen when the two eventually met. The Morse family had been curious about Ezekiel as well. Which wasn’t too uncommon. There were a number of people that were curious about the most powerful Void Mage in the world. He just hoped that things didn’t take a turn for the worse when said meeting occurred.
The rest of the walk was a mixture of idle chatter and silence. Everyone wondered about what would happen once Ezekiel finally reunited with everyone once again.
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Given that it was early morning, it seemed like the Alkena manor was livelier than Ezekiel had been expecting. He had thought that there might be a small gathering in front of the estate, where he would greet his parents and sisters with hugs. While at the same time handshakes and other gestures of respect would be exchanged between him and the Alkenas.
Instead, Ezekiel found himself wrapped up in a hug by his parents, while Allon and Sherra stood to the side and watched. The guards also stood to the side, but far more awkwardly than the rest.
He couldn't help but feel somewhat confused. There had been a message sent before his arrival, so it shouldn’t have been the case where his parents didn’t know he was coming. If anything, they should’ve expected his arrival the day before.
“My baby. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry...” Ezekiel’s mother cried into his chest while his father held them both in silence. But he could feel the man shaking as if holding back tears of his own. His sisters were, thankfully, not there at the moment. Likely eating breakfast, or otherwise getting ready for their classes.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” Ezekiel finally moved to hold his mother, giving his father a confused look over his shoulder. Warren just grimaced and looked away.
“Your magic! The letter from the Church told us everything!” Evelyn’s voice cracked as she said this. To the side, Ezekiel saw Harry and the other guards looking confused, while the Alkenas just looked away.
It hit him like a truck. The Church hadn’t told him that they had informed his parents of his current condition. They had just said that they had sent a letter to his parents, updating them regarding his health and having woken up from his coma. If they knew he couldn’t use his magic, then it was no wonder they were upset. It was well known just how much Ezekiel loved his magic.
The fact that many Hunters and Mages had killed themselves, rather than live without their magic, had likely caused them some concern as well.
“... Thank you, mom. But... while it’s not okay, I’m getting through it. Besides, I still broke through just before I was crippled. I’m, technically, as powerful as you are right now.” Ezekiel tried to pry his mother loose as he gave her an awkward smile. “I’m... going to figure something out. I promise you. Things will be fine.”
This seemed to settle his mother somewhat. But it was clear that she was still upset.
“But... the pain you must be going through... I’ve seen the effects of what happened to you on others. They needed to be drugged at all times or else they couldn’t even function.” This statement brought shocked gazes to Ezekiel’s direction.
“Void Mages are different. Thanks to a certain... understanding that I have regarding my element, the effects of my condition are not the same as with others.” Warren had backed away, holding his wife as Ezekiel continued. “Instead of pain, I just feel numb. No sense of touch whatsoever. They told me it was somewhat of a defensive reaction that my body adapted to.”
Ezekiel hoped that his emphasis on his ‘understanding’ of his element got through to his parents. It was something that only Legendaries tended to have knowledge of. There was no point spreading it around to the lower Tiers. Not when it wasn’t considered something important.
Although Ezekiel’s theories regarding the understanding of one’s element being a requirement for breaking through to the Legendary Tier might change that.
“Besides, with how tight you’ve been holding on to me, I think you’d have noticed if I was feeling any sort of pain.” Ezekiel had hoped that his joke would help his mother relax, but it was obviously the wrong thing to say. She flinched and pulled her hand away in an instant.
The family continued to stand there. Awkwardly wondering what they should do next. Evelyn was worried about Ezekiel, to the point where she was treating him like glass. While Warren was doing his best to comfort her.
Not sure if he was doing the right thing, but knowing he had to do something, Ezekiel decided to break the tension. He stepped forward and pulled his mother into another hug.
This time, it was Evelyn who stiffened up in shock. Ezekiel stood several inches taller than his mother. Holding her head to his chest. Reaching forward with one arm, he pulled his father in as well.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m here, mom. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. Not anytime soon. Not in a few days. Not in a few weeks. Not in a few months.” Ezekiel’s words finally calmed Evelyn down. But tears were still falling from her eyes. Warren also had tears forming in his eyes. But he had much better control of himself.
The family ended up just staying like that for several minutes. Simply basking in each other’s presence. Each one finally relaxed and calm, as they were safely together once again.
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When Ezekiel and his parents finally finished with their moment, things fell more in line with what Ezekiel expected. He gave his greetings and thanks to Allon and Sherra. The fact that they were taking care of his parents was something he would always appreciate.
Even if they were Legendary Hunters, Warren had only just recovered from his injuries, and his body was still weaker than usual. While his mother was still missing an arm, even if it had been partially regrown at this point.
“I’m sorry to hear about your auction house. I know how much it meant to you and your family.” Ezekiel was listening to Allon recount his family’s situation as they walked through the halls of the manor.
The move to Tollren was only temporary, but it was still something that was taking a toll on their family. The primary income stream for the Alkena family was their family’s auction house. Something that was ultimately abandoned during the war with the Cruor.
It was meant to be something that they would return to. But since it was destroyed alongside much of the city, it was unlikely that the Alkena’s would be returning permanently within the year. Though they would likely move back and forth a few times to make sure the reconstruction went alright.
“Thank you for your condolences. While it hurts to know that my family’s auction house was destroyed, I am glad to know that things will, hopefully, turn out for the better moving forward.” Allon tried to sound lighthearted. But, as Sherra placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, Ezekiel knew that it was hitting the man harder than he showed.
“Regardless, this event has allowed our family to strengthen its ties to our allies. Though I’ll admit the fact that so many of our guards had split loyalties was disturbing.” Allon shrugged and gave Ezekiel a look. One that he interpreted as somewhat accusatory. “But it’s better to find these things out sooner, rather than later.”
Ezekiel winced and a hand came up as he rubbed his head in frustration. This wasn’t the first time this had happened. He knew that the Alkenas had changed guards due to their treatment of him before. Though at least this time it was an issue that wasn’t directly tied to him. Just brought forth because of him.
“Well, are you ready young man?” Allon, Sherra, and Ezekiel’s parents stood to the side of a set of doors. The four had told Ezekiel that they had kept his arrival a secret from his sisters and Shari. They wanted it to be a surprise when he showed up and greeted him.
“As ready as I can be. Though I’ll admit I’m fairly nervous. They all grew up without me, after all.” To say that Ezekiel was nervous was understatement. A part of him wanted to run away in fear. But a comforting set of hands on his shoulders from his parents encouraged him.
As did the poking sensation coming from Shine. The Void Spirit used their telekinesis to express themself silently. Not certain if they should be speaking aloud right now. As well as being nervous themself regarding actually speaking to Ezekiel’s family.
Stepping forward, Ezekiel opened the doors wide, throwing them to the side just softly enough to not slam them against the walls.
Inside the small dining and lounge room, Shari and his sisters were sitting on one of the couches. They appeared to be looking over some books that Ezekiel figured were homework or study materials.
“The confused looks he received were somewhat hurtful, but he knew full well that he was utterly unrecognizable from before. The same could not be said about the three girls on the couch.
Shari was certainly taller, and her face slimmer and less childish. But she greatly resembled her mother, if not for the brown hair instead of red. But Ezekiel could still see the same stubbornness that made her so good at her family’s business glimmering in her eyes. A determination that made her push forward when things got tough. Something he couldn’t help but admire.
At her feet was a large boar with a bow tied to its tusks. Bonnie had grown quite a bit, and though he couldn’t feel it, he was certain that she and Shari had both reached the upper Steps of Tier two.
Ellen and Wendy, on the other hand, still had matching hair colors, but their eyes had changed color to gold and black, respectively. Something that had certainly happened well after Ezekiel had left in exile. But to see his sisters so much stronger and more mature, looking more and more like their mother, Ezekiel felt a mix of happiness and regret.
“Hello, who are you?” In the hallway, the parents all winced at Shari’s question.
“... I deserve that. But still, it’s me. Ezekiel.” The girl’s eyes widened in disbelief, but before they could say anything, Sherra poked her head into the doorway. Locking eyes with Shari, she nodded her head, confirming Ezekiel’s words.
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The next thing he knew, a brown-haired missile slammed into him. Nearly knocking him off his feet in shock. But he managed to hold his ground. Even as two smaller impacts slammed into him right after.
“You’re back! You’re really back!” It seemed like Shari and his sisters were just as worried about Ezekiel as his parents had been.
“Ah... yeah... I’m back, and I’ll be here to stay.” Ezekiel wrapped his hands around the three girls who were holding onto him. He had been worried, since they’d only communicated via letters for the last eight years. But he was glad to see his worries were unfounded.
“Good! You’re not allowed to leave. Not again!” Wendy and Ellen had somewhat mixed feelings about their brother. “You need to stick around, and make sure you keep mom and dad happy!”
Ellen and Wendy’s words were a bit harsher on Ezekiel than he had hoped. But he knew full well that it was understandable.
Living without him for most of their lives meant they didn’t have as many clear memories of him as their parents did. But they were still happy to see him and knew that his presence would make their parents happier as well.
For Ezekiel, all he knew was that he was happy to be back with his family. Even with the slightly stilted reaction from his siblings.
But he figured that he’d have time to bond with them. He had nothing holding him back from doing so. Not at this point at least.
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It was several hours later that everyone finally calmed down. Ezekiel had been telling stories about what he had been up to. As had his family, regarding their own lives until now. It was a far more enjoyable time than the few exchanges of letters that they had had to settle with, up until this point.
Ezekiel’s strength was something that was of particular interest for everyone there. To the point where most of them didn't actually believe what he said. His parents did, since they received confirmation from the Church. But for Shari and his sisters, it was almost impossible for them to comprehend that he was a Legendary Hunters who wasn’t even twenty.
For them, Legendary Hunters were usually in their thirties at least. Even then, that was only because they had their Spirits to aid them. Even Shari, who had a Spirit, was still only Tier two after eight years. Though it had to be said that, if she dedicated her life to training, she would probably be in Tier three by now. Drew had been, so it was likely that she was simply focused more on her family’s business.
“How about we go to the training hall, and I can show you all that I’m telling the truth.” Ezekiel’s suggestion was met with voices of protest. Mostly from his parents, who didn’t want him fighting anymore. But given the life he had lived up till this point, asking for such a thing was basically impossible.
“Then let’s do something else instead. Sherra, can you please create a ball of fire in your hands?” Confused by the strange request, Sherra did as she was asked, but nearly flinched back in shock when Ezekiel pushed his hand into the fire.
The screams of shock and fear dwindled out when they realized that nothing happened. Sherra was even more surprised, as she could actually feel the mana within her spell dissipate without her input.
From this, she could confirm, without a doubt, that Ezekiel’s body did actually nullify all magic it came into contact with. At least, all magic that wasn’t self-contained. It was obvious that most enchantments still functioned in his presence. So long as they didn’t have an effect on the atmosphere.
“It was actually confirmed by the Church. Any mana that my body directly comes into contact with simply dissipates. Much like how Void mana dissipates into the atmosphere when it’s naturally created by external forces.” Everyone was surprised, as this was still technically a magical effect. Although Ezekiel’s parents were upset, thinking that he would go back to fighting when he could.
They needn’t have worried, however, as Ezekiel had a number of things he needed to do before that happened. Fixing his Spirit Paths being the top among them. This granted them some relief. But since he was still going to be experimenting, they were still somewhat upset.
It was only the fact that they knew they couldn’t really tell him no that stopped them from holding him back. They were fully aware of the fact that their son had his own life to live. One that they were barely a part of.
Moving past that less than pleasant topic, however, Ezekiel did ask about some others. Specifically, he asked about Drew’s mother, and if the Alkena’s knew anything about her whereabouts.
To his surprise, she was actually located within the city. Apparently, she had family in Tollren that helped her get back on her feet. She was working with them to pick up her old carving business. Something that Ezekiel was glad to hear about, but also upset for.
He knew he wasn’t going to be able to put it off for long, but that didn’t mean that he was looking forward to speaking with her right now. But she felt she had the right to know what had really happened. Since it was likely that the Church, and probably the Guilds as well, had only told her the bare minimum.
That was for later, however, and Ezekiel spent the rest of the day focusing on his family and friends. It was something he greatly cherished. The calm and relaxing atmosphere. As well as the emotions coming from everyone else. All seemingly happy that he was home.
There was still an awkward disconnect, however, as they had all, ultimately, made their lives away from each other. But they were moving past that. Slowly, but surely, they were moving forward.
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It was later in the evening, after the twins had gone to bed, that Ezekiel found himself leaning on the railing of a balcony as he looked up at the stars. While he loved the peace and the quiet, it was almost too much. He had spent so much of his time doing something or other, that the lack of action was eating away at him. His body might’ve been numbed by what had happened, but he was still filled with tension.
“Are you... okay?” Shine’s voice cut through Ezekiel’s melancholy. The Void Spirit was floating towards him. Resting against Ezekiel’s chest before dropping, only for Ezekiel to catch them.
“I’m... not fine. Not yet. But I think I will be. I just need to find something to do. Once I get busy again, I’m sure I’ll feel a bit more comfortable.” Ezekiel held the Void Spirit closely. He tentatively reached out with his soul to try and feel their presence.
A sharp jolt of pain lanced through his head. The effects of his mana’s ‘Nothingness’ temporarily faded as he reached through broken Spirit Paths. Shine vibrated in his grip. Upset at what he had just done to himself.
“Stop!... Don’t hurt... yourself.” Ezekiel just shuffled awkwardly, knowing that, in order to fix himself, he would have to hurt himself sooner or later. Something that Shine begrudgingly accepted, against their will.
“Very well. But you need to promise me that you’ll still work towards breaking through. Even if it means taking what mana you can from whatever reserves of mine that you can access.” This was one of the things that had upset Ezekiel the most.
Due to their ordeal, Shine’s soul, after recovering, had become strong enough to reach Tier four. However, because they didn’t have their own ‘Understanding’ of the Void just yet, that meant that it wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. The fact that they couldn’t piggyback off Ezekiel due to his broken Pathways meant that it would take longer to gather the necessary mana as well.
“... Fine...” The only reason Shine agreed to such demands was because they knew they needed to be stronger to continue working with Ezekiel. A part of them actually hoped that they’d be stronger than him by the time he found out how to heal himself. Ezekiel honestly hoped for the same. He knew it was impossible to tell how long it would take to fix himself.
A gentle knock from the door pulled Ezekiel from his thoughts. Turning back to the glass door of the balcony, Ezekiel saw Shari standing there. It seemed like had been getting ready for bed herself, as she had changed her clothes to something more comfortable. Not quite sleeping clothes, but certainly not her regular daily wear. Bonnie stood at her side, nearly coming up to her hip.
It was a sight that he couldn’t help but take in. Shari had matured to be quite the beauty. Someone that Ezekiel found himself quite attracted to. Physically, at least. His thoughts went back to when they had parted. When he had told her that the things that they wanted in life were too different for them to be together. Something that he still believed in even now.
As his thoughts turned to romance and relationships, one particular face came to the forefront of his mind. Something that actually shocked him for a second.
A second knock from the door pulled his attention back to Shari.
Ezekiel gestured for her to come out and join him. He was still dressed in the armor he had managed to put together back in Harkem. The contrast between the two became even more clear as they stood side-by-side on the balcony.
The pair were quiet. Clearly, Shari had something she wanted to say. But it was just as obvious that she wasn’t sure how to say it. So, Ezekiel decided to say something first.
“Has your husband-to-be gotten to see you like this?” Ezekiel’s teasing seemed to work in helping Shari relax. Her face turned red, and her cheeks puffed up for a moment before she schooled her features.
“I see you’ve turned into quite the scoundrel. The old Ezekiel would never have spoken so crudely.” Shari huffed and crossed her arms under her chest. Ezekiel noticed the motion but didn’t let his eyes linger. Instead, he tilted his head to look at the stars once again.
“Are you happy? With your betrothed, I mean.” Shari looked confused for a second, before her eyes widened in surprise. “I’m not trying to pry, or anything, I know it’s not like I have a say, or anything. It’s just... you’re still my oldest friend. I want you to be happy. That’s all.”
For a moment, Shari felt a bit indignant. Ezekiel had been gone for nearly a decade of her life, and here he was, asking about her betrothed. After their parting, when he had basically rejected all of her feelings towards him, she almost felt like punching him in the face.
Ezekiel would’ve been fine with this, as he knew his question was fairly rude. They may not have been strangers, but they certainly weren’t the closest of friends anymore.
But Shari must’ve seen something in Ezekiel’s eyes and posture, because when he looked back at her she had clearly calmed down. It seemed to him like this was the topic she had been avoiding.
“Yes. I’m quite happy with my betrothed. Especially so, since I found out how he screamed at his sister for splitting the loyalty of our guards. He’s actually quite interested in meeting you.” Shari followed Ezekiel’s gaze towards the sky. “What’s so interesting about the stars? Even when we were kids, you always seemed to love looking up at them.”
Ezekiel rubbed his head. He hadn’t done any serious stargazing in years. Not since he’d seen them during his breakthrough. He hadn’t even really noticed that he’d fallen back into that habit.
“When I was a kid, I remember dreaming about the stars. Even more so when I touched those Ancient Void Relics.” The implication of what that meant wasn’t lost on Shari, who had learned a few things since Ezekiel’s exile. “I used to think that one day I’d get to touch them. That the answer to Void Magic was in the stars... It turns out I was right. But I’m not certain it matters anymore.”
The fact that Ezekiel was crippled was left unspoken.
“I guess I’m just hoping that I’ll find the answer I seek in the stars once again. Or, at least, that the stars I once saw will be visible to me once more.” Ezekiel turned away from the sky, looking at Shari’s face this time. It seemed like she had been absorbed by his words. As she was looking at the sky just as intently as he was a moment ago.
A thought crossed Ezekiel’s mind as she turned to face him. He realized that tomorrow was the day that Riley was likely to arrive at Tollren. It would probably be best if he told Shari about that particular incident. It was something he’d glossed over when they were telling tales earlier.
“Shari... there’s something you need to know. It’s about Riley... and while I’m at it, I might as well tell you about Drew, as well.” At the mention of Riley, Shari’s face scrunched up in distaste. But she remained silent as Ezekiel told his story.
Hearing that Riley had been brainwashed, just like her brother, melted her heart a bit. But it was what Ezekiel told her about Drew that really brought tears to her eyes.
“You’re going to tell her, aren’t you?” Shari was referring to Macy, Drew’s mother. Given how he had asked about it before, he wasn’t surprised that she connected the dots.
“Yes... In part, because I think she deserves it. But also, because I need to know about her husband.” Ezekiel’s voice deepened as he nearly growled at the thought of the Broodlord that had essentially crippled him. “It’s unlikely that, with the way the world is going right now, that I won’t be meeting him again. He had a grudge against me now.”
Shari looked away from Ezekiel at this point. He could tell that she disagreed with his intentions. But he wasn’t certain why. It made sense to him, after all. Drew’s father was an enemy of humanity. One that was coming for him. Wasn’t he right in wanting to let Macy know about this, and get information that would help him later on?
“What about the Cult? Aren’t they an issue as well?” Shari changed the topic. It hadn’t been discussed before, but it was clear that the only reason the Cult had not interfered with the Harkem conflict more than they already did was because of politics. Imperial politics at that.
“Given that I’m crippled, it’s possible that they’ll lighten up a bit. But even if they don’t, I still have several means to survive if needed.” Ezekiel had confidence in his Legendary body. As well as the effects of his body when it came to foreign mana.
He might’ve been at a bigger disadvantage against Cruor, but against other Mages he was actually much stronger. Something that the Cult didn’t know about.
“Regardless, I was hoping that you and your family could let Riley stay here for a little bit. Just until she can become a Church affiliated Hunter. I don’t think she’s interested in becoming a Guild Hunter.” Shari just sighed in exasperation. But she nodded her head, nonetheless.
“Very well. This young mistress will allow an old friend to rest and recover in her home.” Ezekiel chuckled at the mockery of noble speech that Shari used. He relaxed a bit, knowing that Shari wasn’t against their old friend. “You, on the other hand, will have to start working. I won’t have any freeloaders living in my house, after all.”
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow as Shari headed back into the manor. Bonnie followed behind her.
“What kind of work?” Ezekiel knew he wasn’t in a position to say no, but he still wanted to know.
“You’ll see.” The doors closed behind Shari as she grinned at his confused look.
Ezekiel just sighed, before once again turning back to look at the stars. Beside him, Shine vibrated slightly in their sheath. Their presence continued to give him comfort as he ruminated over the direction his life had turned to.
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It was mid-morning the day after Ezekiel had met up with his family. He stood alone in the market sector of the city, looking at a shop that had yet to open. As for the rest of his family, they were all preoccupied with their own errands and appointments.
Ezekiel’s mother was at the hospital getting treated for the regrowth of her arm, and his father was going to go with her. At the same time, Ellen and Wendy had classes at the Church that they needed to attend.
The two were considered to be prodigies that were likely to pass the Academy exams that were going to be taking place later this year. So, they needed to get in whatever lessons they could to ensure that they got accepted. Something Ezekiel wished them luck for.
Allon and Sherra had their own responsibilities regarding their family’s business. Which Shari was taking part in. Apparently, it also had to do with him, but his presence wasn’t necessary.
There were also several hours before he had to meet up at the tavern that Riley said she would try to meet him at. Supposedly, it was a place that a lot of Scholars tended to go to. At least, that’s what she heard from one of the Scholars in Gates.
Looking forward, Ezekiel saw a familiar woman walking toward the store in front of him. Macy Driftmark had certainly seen better days. It had only been eight years, but the woman seemed like she had aged two or three decades. Clearly what had happened to her family was something that had worn on her.
Staring at her as she opened up the shop, Ezekiel couldn’t help but have second thoughts about what he was doing. He desperately wanted to talk to her, and tell her about Drew, and ensure that she knew the truth that the Empire had undoubtedly kept from her.
“Ezekiel?” Shine rattled slightly in their sheath, having noticed him pause and not make any moves to go forward. “Didn’t you... want to find... answers, regarding... the Broodlord?”
Looking at the poor woman in front of him. He realized that all his planning and preparation had been wrong. In his mind, he was justifying himself as being someone who was helping her. Giving her the truth that no one else likely had. In exchange, she would give him information on her estranged husband. Something that would help him survive in the future.
But he realized that he was being selfish. Looking at the woman who had suffered so much already, he realized that his words would only hurt her even more. Even if she already knew. As he would simply be ripping open old wounds.
“Let’s go... We’ll deal with whatever comes, when it comes.” While confused, Shine didn’t say anything as Ezekiel turned away.
For Ezekiel, seeing the aftereffects of everything that had happened, not just to himself, but to the civilians and those that weren’t directly involved, he was starting to wonder just what else his decisions had done to the people he cared about.
Heading to the tavern Riley had mentioned, he decided he needed a drink. He was in no condition to have such conflicted thoughts running through his mind,