Judith's POV

I carefully fastened the fresh diaper around Luc's tiny waist, but couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of my mind. It wasn't just Marcus's eccentricities or his extravagant purchases that troubled me, although they certainly added to my concerns. No, it was something deeper, something that gnawed at my maternal instincts like a persistent itch.

Despite his angelic appearance and infectious laughter, there were moments when Luc seemed different, particularly...his eyes.

Within the expansive Asina Empire, the Mantric Kingdom stood as a beacon of magical prowess. In this mystical land, golden eyes were the coveted symbols of innate magic perception, revered among these 'Mantrics' (people of the Mantric kingdom). They are believed to bestow upon their bearers a unique gift – the ability to perceive something called Mana, ethereal packets of energy that danced through the air. But what worried me more was, that while golden eyes were celebrated as a mark of magical potential, there lingered a subtle suggestion that this power could be more of a curse than a blessing.

I had heard the stories, whispered in hushed tones among the merchants from the town who visit us now and then. Tales of children born with the Golden Eyes, destined for greatness or doom depending on how they wielded their power. Some believed that those blessed with the gift of golden eyes were chosen by the gods themselves, destined to lead their people to glory. But others spoke of a darker fate, of the dangers that awaited those who dared to harness the power of the Golden Eyes.

As I cradled Luc in my arms, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for him. Would he be able to control his powers, to use them for the greater good? Or would he be consumed by the darkness that lurked within, lost to the whims of fate?

I brushed a stray lock of hair away from Luc's forehead, marvelling at the softness of his brown curls. He was so innocent, so pure, and yet I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something darker lurking just beneath the surface. It was as if Luc's golden eyes held a secret, a hidden truth that he was not yet ready to reveal. I shook my head, banishing the dark thoughts from my mind. It was just a rumour, I told myself. There was no reason to fear something based on such a useless piece of gossip.

Just then my eyes landed on the big wall clock hanging in the corner of our bedroom.

"Oh my! it is past 10'o clock?" I had promised to visit the village market to pick up some fresh vegetables for dinner, but I can't afford to dawdle. As I scanned across the rooms in the house, my husband Marcus couldn't be found anywhere. He had left again...although I know where.

For now, I have more immediate concerns to attend to. I kissed Luc's forehead gently before strapping him to my back in a baby carrier. With these thoughts weighing heavily on my mind I decided to venture into the village.

Stepping out into the bustling streets of the village, known as Denham (English origin meaning "village in a valley"), I was greeted by a cacophony of sights and sounds. Merchants hawked their wares from wooden stalls, their voices blending in a symphony of commerce. The air was filled with the scent of spices and cooking food, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil. As I visited the crowded streets, I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of the village. People of all shapes and sizes bustled about, going about their daily lives with a sense of purpose and determination. Children played in the narrow alleyways, their laughter ringing out like music in the air.

The cobblestone paths were lined with quaint cottages adorned with colourful flower boxes, giving the village a charming and homely atmosphere. "Look, Luc, do you see those vibrant flowers over there? They're as beautiful as you are, my little one." Luc let out a gurgling laugh in response, his chubby hands reaching out to grab at the air.

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

Then we passed through the stalls selling fresh produce – baskets overflowing with ripe fruits and vegetables. "These are carrots, Luc," I whispered, pointing to a pile of vibrant orange vegetables. "They're good for your eyes, just like your golden ones."

Further along, we encountered a stall selling handmade crafts – intricate wooden carvings, delicate lacework, and brightly patterned textiles. "Look at these, Luc," I murmured, gesturing towards a display of wooden toys. "One day, I'll make you something just like this."

As we wandered through the marketplace, we noticed the village's unique currency – small, intricately carved wooden tokens that served as a form of exchange. Each token bore the symbol of a valley, a nod to the village's namesake and primary export. "See these, Luc?" I said, pointing to a stack of tokens on a merchant's table. "These are called Denham coins. They're what people use to buy things here in the village Denham" Luc let out another giggle, his eyes sparkling with curiosity as he reached out to touch one of the tokens.

But amidst the hustle and bustle of the village, there was one sight that never failed to catch my eye – Marcus's forge. The blacksmith's shop stood at the edge of the village, its sturdy walls and billowing chimney a testament to Marcus's skill and dedication. I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride whenever I passed by, knowing that my husband was one of the finest craftsmen in the land. Inside the forge, Marcus worked tirelessly at his anvil, his muscles flexing with each strike of the hammer. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow as he poured his heart and soul into his craft, shaping molten metal into works of art. Swords of all shapes and sizes lined the walls, their blades gleaming in the dim light of the forge.

But it wasn't just the beauty of Marcus's craftsmanship that drew my eye. It was the way he worked, with a sense of purpose and determination that bordered on obsession. I often marvelled at Marcus's single-minded devotion to his work, knowing that he poured every ounce of his being into each and every blade he forged. As I approached the forge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for my husband. Despite the long hours and back-breaking labour, Marcus never complained. He simply rolled up his sleeves and got to work, his hands moving with precision and skill that bordered on the supernatural.

As I watched Marcus toil away at his anvil, a nagging worry tugged at the back of my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something eerie about him while he forged, something that hinted at a transformation taking place within Marcus. It was as if his relentless dedication to his craft had consumed him, moulding him into a different person altogether. With each swing of his hammer, I could sense a strange obsession taking hold of him, driving him to delve deeper into the mysteries of his work.

I knew Marcus was keeping something from me, something that he had been hiding ever since we left our homeland for this new kingdom 3 years ago. It was as if there were secrets buried within him, secrets that he chose to keep locked away, even from me, his own wife

My gullible husband looked so different at times like this, which made my heart sink into the pit of my stomach. But today, with a heavy heart, I resolved to speak to Marcus about my concerns.

But as I approached the forge, my resolve wavered; just like it always has been. Marcus looked so focused, so absorbed in his work that I couldn't bear to interrupt him. I lingered in the doorway for a moment, watching as he worked his magic with the hammer and anvil. And then, as if sensing our presence, Marcus looked up from his work and met my gaze. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, a hint of recognition that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if Marcus knew exactly what I was thinking as if he could see straight into my soul.

For a moment, I stood there in silence, my eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding. And then, with a nod of his head, Marcus returned to his work, his hands moving with renewed purpose and determination.

I watched him for a moment longer, a sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach. I know that I couldn't shake off my worries so easily, that the shadows that lurked in the corners of my mind would continue to haunt me until I confronted them head-on.

But for now, I again pushed aside my fears and focused on the task at hand. I couldn't risk facing Marcus's disappointed pout if I returned home emptyhanded – because, let's be honest, even the most mysterious secrets couldn't withstand the irresistible allure of a well-cooked meal! Off I scurried, hoping to avoid any more unexpected adventures in the process. Who knew what other wacky encounters awaited me in the marketplace? But hey, if things got too bizarre, I could always blame it on the weird veggies, right?

To be continued...