Chapter 6

The woman led the way, her hand gripping Eldric’s wrist as she pulled him through the dense forest. Eldric stumbled after her, his legs heavy with exhaustion. Fiora followed closely behind, her wary eyes never leaving the woman.

The forest around them was alive with sound—birds chirped happily in the trees, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered in the breeze. The tranquility felt jarring after the chaos and destruction they had left behind. Life in the woods continued, blissfully unaware of the horrors that had unfolded.

Eldric glanced around, recognizing the terrain as they neared the old training hut. Relief flickered briefly in his chest; the hut might provide a chance to rest, even regroup. But she bypassed the familiar turnoff, pressing deeper into the forest.

As they ventured further, the sunlight filtering through the canopy grew dimmer. The towering trees thickened, their branches intertwining to form a dense roof that blocked most of the light. Shadows deepened around them, and the once lively forest grew eerily quiet.

“Will you let go of me already?” Eldric snapped, yanking his arm back. “Let’s stop for a second!”

The woman halted abruptly, her grip releasing him with a sharp tug. She turned to face him, her expression a mix of irritation and impatience.

“What is your problem?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Fiora stepped forward, her hand instinctively finding the hilt of her sword. Her gaze was sharp, her tone edged with suspicion. “Who are you?” she demanded, her fingers tightening on the weapon.

The woman arched an eyebrow, amusement flashing in her eyes. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Fiora retorted, her voice firm. “Are you going to answer me, or do I have to make you?” She began to draw her blade, the sound of steel scraping against its sheath slicing through the tension.

She raised her hands slightly, palms out, though her smirk didn’t waver. “My name is June,” she said, her tone calm but laced with a challenge.

The two locked eyes, neither willing to back down.

“Okay, June,” Fiora snapped, her grip still firm on her sword. “Where are you taking us?”

“We’re heading to a city,” June replied, her voice steady. “It’s about a day’s walk from here. You’ll find shelter and, with any luck, information about why your village was attacked.” She sighed, her shoulders dropping slightly. “There will be food there too, if that sweetens the deal. But if you’d rather stay here, that’s your choice. Keep up, or I’ll leave you behind.”

Fiora narrowed her eyes, but after a long moment, she released her grip on the hilt. “Just know I’m still watching you,” she warned.

June gave a dismissive shrug, clearly unconcerned. “Uh-huh. Well, if you’re done, let’s go.”

The three resumed their trek, though at a much slower and more reasonable pace. The forest began to change as they walked. The dense canopy above thinned, allowing patches of sunlight to stream through. The air felt lighter, and the oppressive shadows receded.

The ground beneath their feet softened, the tangle of roots giving way to fresh grass. Scattered wildflowers dotted the path, their bright colors a stark contrast to the grim journey.

Eldric walked in silence, his mind swirling with questions. Who was June? Could they trust her? And why had the cloaked figures from the village affected Fiora so deeply?

Fiora, however, kept her attention squarely on June, her gaze sharp and unyielding. Whatever lay ahead, she wasn’t going to let her guard down.

After hours of walking, Eldric finally spotted a clearing ahead. The dense forest began to thin, sunlight streaming through the gaps in the trees. His steps quickened with a surge of relief, his breath hitching as he neared the edge.

They stepped cautiously to the tree line, the sudden flood of light blinding them momentarily. Eldric squinted, raising a hand to shield his eyes. The heavy embrace of the forest released him as he took another step forward, his boots crunching on fresh grass.

Before him stretched a scene that stole his breath.

A lush, green meadow unraveled like a vast emerald carpet, rolling on for miles beneath a flawless blue sky. The air smelled fresh, free from the dampness of the forest. On the far horizon, a mountain towered, a behemoth of rock and snow. Its jagged white peak clawed at the heavens, boulders protruding like ancient daggers from its slopes.

At the base of the meadow, a simple dirt path snaked its way through the grass, winding over hills and leading into the heart of the expanse.

“We still have a couple more hours of walking to do,” June said, breaking the silence. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned.

Eldric groaned inwardly but remained silent.

“I have some questions,” Fiora announced, her voice cutting through the stillness as she jogged up to June’s side.

June sighed. “Can’t we just walk in peace and quiet? So much easier traveling alone, let me tell you.”

Fiora ignored the remark. “Why were you in our village?” she demanded. “We don’t ever get visited by outsiders. Isn’t it awfully convenient that you just happened to be there when those savages attacked?”

June’s gaze stayed fixed ahead, her expression unreadable. “I happened to be in the area when I heard screaming,” she replied, her tone even but uneasy. “I ran over to see what was going on.”

“So, you were just taking a casual walk, hours from your home,” Fiora said, disbelief coloring her voice, “and just happened to stumble across our village in time to save us?”

“I guess miracles are real,” June said dryly, her voice carrying a sharp edge of annoyance.

Fiora wasn’t deterred. “You must have been there as everyone else got slaughtered, yet you chose to save us. Why? What’s in it for you?”

June’s steps slowed, her jaw tightening.

Fiora, emboldened, moved to walk backward in front of June, her piercing eyes fixed on her. “What’s your game? Why did you really save us?”

Without warning, June stopped.

In one swift motion, she raised her spear and leveled its tip at Fiora’s throat. The sunlight glinted off the polished metal, and the sharp point hovered just above Fiora’s skin.

“I don’t owe you any answers,” June said coldly, her voice low and steady. “Just be grateful that I saved you.”

Fiora didn’t flinch. Her eyes met June’s with unwavering defiance, her back straight and her shoulders squared. A small trickle of blood slid down her neck, bright against her pale skin, but she refused to move.

The air grew thick with tension, silence stretching between them like a taut wire.

“Something tells me you won’t kill me,” Fiora said, her voice calm but challenging. “For one reason or another, I doubt you will.”

For a moment, neither of them moved. June’s sharp blue eyes bore into Fiora’s, but Fiora refused to back down. The air between them crackled with tension, as though the forest itself were holding its breath.

Finally, June sighed, her shoulders loosening as she lowered her spear. “No,” she said flatly. “You simply aren’t worth it.”

With that, she turned sharply and pushed past Fiora, her expression unreadable as she continued down the path.

Fiora remained standing for a moment, her gaze following June, her hand unconsciously brushing the faint trickle of blood on her neck. She exhaled deeply, then turned to Eldric, who was trailing behind with his head bowed.

Eldric seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the ground as he trudged forward. His steps were slow, almost mechanical. None of this makes sense, he thought, his mind racing. Why did this happen? Why us?

Fiora’s hand on his broke through his haze.

“Come on,” she said, her tone softer than before. “Let’s go. June says we’re almost there.” She forced a smile, though her eyes still betrayed her exhaustion. “Hopefully, we can find some food. I’m starving! How about you?”

Eldric looked at her and nodded slightly. “Sounds good to me,” he replied quietly, though his voice carried none of his usual spirit.

Less than an hour later, the path led them to the crest of a hill. As they climbed the final stretch, the trees began to thin, and sunlight bathed the landscape ahead.

When they reached the top, Eldric froze, his breath catching in his throat.

Before them stretched a sight so grand, so surreal, that it felt like something out of the stories he used to read.

“A castle,” Eldric whispered in disbelief, his voice barely audible. “I’ve read about them before, but this is nothing like I imagined.”

As his gaze traveled, he realized it wasn’t just one castle—there were six.

Each castle sat at the center of its own walled city, the five smaller cities forming the points of a star around the sixth, largest city at the center. The outer castles were connected by an intricate network of stone bridges, which encircled the perimeter like a grand web. Individual bridges branched from each outer castle, converging on the central city.

The uniformity of the architecture was striking. All six castles were built from the same bleached white marble, their walls smooth and imposing. Tall ivory towers rose high above each castle, and blue-tiled roofs shimmered like waves under the sun.

Eldric’s awe grew with every step as they descended the hill. The path wound closer and closer to the nearest castle, its sheer size becoming more imposing with each passing moment.

Fiora walked beside him, equally captivated. “How on earth could someone build something like this?” she muttered, shaking her head in amazement.

The bridge leading to the nearest castle stretched out before them, its stone arches rising high above the ground below. As they approached, the faint figure of a man became visible at the far end.

He wore a dark gray cloak that billowed slightly in the breeze. His steps were measured, deliberate, as he walked toward them. By the time they met in the middle of the bridge, he stood no more than ten feet away, his face obscured by the shadows of his hood.

Eldric’s eyes darted from the man to the towering walls of the castle behind him.

“They’re as big as the trees around Valifield,” he muttered, his voice filled with awe.

“No kidding,” Fiora agreed, craning her neck to take in the full height of the walls. “That gate must weigh a ton!”

Ahead, the massive iron grate leading into the castle’s courtyard loomed like a giant’s maw. Its intricate design of interlocking bars and reinforced hinges spoke of both strength and craftsmanship.

June stopped in her tracks, glancing briefly at the cloaked man before turning back to the children. “Stay close and don’t say anything,” she ordered, her voice low and firm.

The three of them continued forward, the shadow of the gate swallowing them as they approached.

June approached the guard, her movements confident yet composed. The man’s face was completely obscured by the deep shadows of his hood, adding an air of mystery to his presence.

“June, welcome back,” he said, his voice stern but familiar.

“I’ve brought these two with me,” June replied, her tone shifting to an unexpectedly sweet and polite lilt. “Will you allow them to enter as my guests?”

Eldric and Fiora exchanged uneasy glances, their attention momentarily caught by the cacophony of sounds coming from beyond the gate. The low hum of countless voices mingled with other noises—faint laughter, the clinking of metal, and even the occasional cluck of chickens.

The guard tilted his head slightly, studying the two for a moment before nodding. “Of course, you may bring them along,” he said. His voice softened as he continued, “It looks like you’ve had a long day. They’re selling fresh fruit in the town square. The apples are especially good today. You might want to stop by and pick up some.”

He bowed slowly and stepped aside, clearing the path.

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to do that,” June replied graciously. She strode past him without hesitation, and the man nodded as she walked by.

With a simple wave of his hand, the guard triggered a loud metallic clang that made both Eldric and Fiora jump.

They stared in awe as the enormous steel gate groaned and shuddered, slowly lifting into the air. The sound of metal grinding against metal filled the air, echoing off the nearby walls.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Eldric craned his neck upward as they passed beneath the towering gate, its sheer size looming over them like a massive beast. He instinctively ducked his head, irrationally fearing the gate might come crashing down.

Once through the gate, they emerged into the heart of the castle’s town square.

Eldric’s eyes grew wide as he took in the scene before him. The square was alive with activity, a bustling hub of movement and sound. Thousands of people navigated the cobblestone streets, their voices blending into a continuous murmur.

Countless stalls lined the square, each offering a variety of wares—vibrant fabrics, intricate jewelry, shimmering trinkets, and fragrant spices. Beyond the square, rows of marble houses with blue-tiled roofs stretched toward the city’s central castle, their uniform design adding to the city’s grandeur.

“Look at how many people there are!” Fiora exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Eldric nodded, feeling a pang of unease. The sheer number of people bustling about was staggering, far surpassing the population of Valifield. It was overwhelming. “How are there so many people?” he whispered.

June didn’t respond immediately but gestured for them to follow her as she wove through the crowd.

Eldric quickened his pace to walk beside her. His gaze caught on a wooden sign hanging from a nearby stall that read, General Food and Supplies.

June approached the stall and leaned casually against the counter. “What kinds of meats do you have today?” she asked, pulling a small bag of coins from her satchel.

The elderly shopkeeper smiled warmly, her wrinkled face lighting up with kindness. “We’ve got some fresh rabbit and some fresh chicken,” she said, her voice soft but lively.

Eldric stiffened, his stomach turning at the mention of rabbit. For the love of God, please don’t get the rabbit, he thought, unpleasant memories bubbling to the surface.

The shopkeeper’s kind gaze shifted to June. “Which would you prefer, my dear?”

“I’ll take some chicken,” June replied, much to Eldric’s relief. “And some of those carrots, too, please.”

“That’ll be two gold pieces, dearie,” the old woman said cheerfully.

Eldric watched, fascinated, as June reached into her bag of coins and handed two shiny gold pieces to the woman. In exchange, the shopkeeper passed over the meat and vegetables.

As they walked away, Eldric couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you give her those gold pieces?”

June glanced at him, her expression slightly amused. “In the real world,” she began, gesturing to her satchel, “people work to earn money. They then use that money to buy things—like food, clothes, or supplies.” She gave him a knowing look. “It’s not like your village, where everything is shared or given freely.”

Eldric nodded slowly, processing the explanation as they continued through the bustling square.

Fiora’s gaze darted between the people around her, her curiosity piqued. “Do you know how many people live here?” she asked, unable to hide her amazement.

“Well over forty thousand,” June replied matter-of-factly. “And that’s just this city. There are other cities beyond this one.”

Fiora shook her head in disbelief, her eyes sweeping across the seemingly endless crowd. “Forty thousand,” she repeated under her breath, her mind struggling to grasp the scale of it all.

Eldric remained quiet, his eyes drawn once more to the towering walls of the castle. Everything about this place felt so different, so foreign, yet so strangely alluring.

“What is the name of this city?” Fiora asked, her eyes wide as she took in the bustling streets and vibrant stalls.

“We are currently in Aldcliff,” June replied. She gestured vaguely toward the skyline of ivory towers. “The other cities are DeerCliff, Mormont, DellBurn, Silverholt, and Violetsmere. Each city specializes in something different and houses a different class of people.”

June abruptly stopped, her attention caught by a nearby fruit stand where a young blond girl twirled and danced in the sunlight.

“For example,” June continued, nodding toward the stand, “this city specializes in growing fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal herbs. Aldcliff is considered lower class.”

“Lower class?” Fiora asked, her brows furrowing. “What do you mean by that?”

June turned to her, arms crossed. “It basically refers to wealth. The more money you have, the higher your class. It determines your privileges, your lifestyle… and even where you’re allowed to live.”

“That’s so different from our village,” Eldric said quietly, his gaze shifting to the dancing girl, who moved with unrestrained joy.

“Indeed, it is,” June agreed, her tone neutral as she led them toward the fruit stand.

The blond girl spun gracefully, her golden hair catching the sunlight and shimmering like liquid gold. She came to an abrupt halt when she noticed June, her face lighting up with delight.

“You made it back, June!” she exclaimed, rushing forward. Her movements were so exuberant that she nearly stumbled in her haste.

A broad smile broke across June’s face as the girl threw her arms around her. “Of course I did,” June said with a chuckle, returning the hug. “Did you really think I’d leave you for good?”

The girl pulled back, her smile still radiant. She turned her attention to Eldric and Fiora, her bright green eyes sparkling with excitement. She appeared to be about their age, her youthful energy infectious.

“Hi! My name is Jutta! It’s so nice to meet you,” she said, extending her hand eagerly. Her smile somehow grew even wider as she spoke.

Eldric hesitated for a moment, then took her hand. As their eyes met, Jutta gave him a playful wink.

Eldric’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and for the first time since leaving Valifield, a small smile crept onto his face. “Hi… I’m Eldric,” he stammered.

Jutta giggled, her enthusiasm uncontained as she threw her arms around him in a warm hug. “Boy, you’re a cute little man, aren’t you?” she teased.

Before Eldric could respond, Fiora stepped forward and tapped Jutta on the shoulder, breaking the embrace. “Hi. I’m Fiora,” she said, her tone polite but firm. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Jutta pulled back from Eldric, her smile still in place as she turned to Fiora. “It’s nice to meet you too,” she replied sweetly.

With a playful swing of her hips, Jutta clasped her hands behind her back and looked at June. “Are these friends of yours?”

“I guess you could call them that,” June said with a smirk. “They’re going to be staying with me for a while, so please do me a favor and be their friend.”

Jutta’s emerald eyes sparkled mischievously as she shifted her attention back to Eldric. “Sure thing!” she proclaimed. “We’ll be the best of friends!”

“Jutta!” a voice called from the distance, causing her to glance back over her shoulder.

“Oh, I’d better go. See you later, Eldric!” she shouted, waving as she darted off, her golden hair bouncing with every step.

Eldric watched her go, his face noticeably brighter than before. “I like her,” he said, his voice full of unexpected enthusiasm.

Fiora shot him a sidelong glance, her expression less than amused. “I’m sure you do,” she muttered, her tone tinged with annoyance.

As June began walking again, Fiora quickened her pace to catch up, throwing one last glare in Jutta’s direction. Under her breath, she muttered, “Stupid girl.”

June caught the hint of annoyance in Fiora’s expression and shook her head. “Come on, let’s go, Eldric!” she called over her shoulder as she started walking. Fiora trailed behind her, her jaw still set in irritation.

Eldric hesitated for a moment, glancing back toward the square before reluctantly following.

A few blocks away, June led them to the steps of a modest two-story shack nestled between larger, more polished buildings. A single window sat next to the front door, and the roof above was clad in the same familiar blue tiles that adorned the rest of Aldcliff.

“This is it,” June announced as she opened the door and stepped inside.

The interior was simple, with a fire pit in the center of the main room. A pot hung above it, swaying slightly as June crossed the space. The walls were plain, and the furniture sparse—a few chairs, a small table, and little else.

June gestured toward the back corner. “There’s a space over there,” she said, pointing. “You’ll stay there, Eldric. Fiora, there are two rooms upstairs. Take the smaller one to the right.”

She moved to the fire pit, striking flint against steel to ignite the kindling. Flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow across the room as she began preparing dinner. “There’s an outhouse in the back,” she continued, her tone matter-of-fact. “You’ll find the shower there, too. Not luxurious, but it works.”

Eldric stretched and sighed. “Okay, I think I’m going to wash up.”

June waved a hand in acknowledgment, her focus on adding vegetables and herbs to the pot.

Eldric stepped out back, leaving Fiora alone with June. Fiora stood awkwardly for a moment before silently moving to help. As the fire crackled, the aroma of chicken, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables began to fill the air.

Fiora’s stomach growled, and she realized just how hungry—and tired—she was. Her body felt heavy, the exhaustion from two sleepless days finally catching up with her. She sank into a chair, her eyelids growing heavier as the warmth and the scents lulled her into a daze.

A gentle clink startled her awake. She looked up to find June setting a wooden cup on the table beside her.

“Here. Have some water,” June said, taking a seat next to her. “You’ve been through a lot. You need to stay hydrated.”

Fiora blinked in surprise, then took the cup hesitantly. “Thanks,” she murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied June.

June caught her look and smirked. “Relax. I didn’t poison it,” she teased.

Fiora couldn’t help but crack a small smile as she took a sip. “So,” she began, placing the cup down, “what can you tell me about this place?”

June leaned back in her chair, her expression softening as she took a deep breath. “Well, as you’ve already seen, these mountains are home to six castle cities. We call them the Great Cities,” she said. “Believe it or not, they were established only seventy-five years ago.”

Fiora raised an eyebrow. “Seventy-five years? That doesn’t seem like much time to build all of this.”

“It’s not, but they had help,” June replied cryptically.

Fiora leaned forward, intrigued. “Help? From who?”

“Not who—what,” June corrected. “Magic.”

Fiora’s eyes widened as June continued.

“Each city is overseen by a wizard,” June explained. “These wizards govern through a council. They’re equals, though the oldest wizard, who oversees Violetsmere, serves as the council’s executor. He ensures their decisions are carried out.”

Fiora sat up straighter, her hand jerking slightly as she nearly spilled her water. “Wizards?” she exclaimed. “Wizards are real? I thought they were just stories—legends.”

June smiled faintly, clearly amused by her reaction. “Oh, they’re very real. Though there are fewer than fifteen in the world that I know of.”

“Fewer than fifteen?” Fiora repeated, her voice filled with awe. “What else can you tell me about them?”

June rose from her chair, stirring the pot as she spoke. “Wizards live for an incredibly long time. The youngest of the council wizards is over two hundred years old, and she’s considered the youngest wizard in existence.”

Fiora’s jaw dropped further, her mind racing with questions.

“Their power isn’t limitless,” June added, turning back to Fiora. “But it’s more than enough to build cities like these and keep them running.” She ladled some of the stew into bowls and set them on the table. “Dinner’s ready,” she said, her tone signaling the end of the conversation—for now.

“It smells good,” Fiora said, hesitating for a moment before adding reluctantly, “Thank you. I know we wouldn’t have made it without you.”

June paused, her spoon hovering over the pot. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she turned to look at Fiora. “Don’t thank me just yet,” she replied. “This world is far from peaceful. You seem to have a rational outlook, which will serve you well. Eldric, on the other hand…” She trailed off, smirking. “Well, he seems a bit thickheaded. Must take after his father.”

Fiora frowned slightly, but her curiosity outweighed her annoyance. “What do you mean by ‘the world is far from peaceful’? What’s going on? Does it have something to do with what happened in Valifield?”

June stirred the pot slowly, her gaze distant. “I can’t say for certain,” she admitted. “But if anyone might have answers, it’s Jutta’s mother. She owns the tavern in town and always seems to have her ear to the ground. We’ll ask her tomorrow.”

June ladled soup into a bowl and handed it to Fiora. “Eat up, then get some sleep.” Her eyes scanned the room. “Where’s that boy?”

As if on cue, Eldric walked into the room, his hair still damp and his clothes clinging to him from his shower.

June raised an eyebrow at his appearance but said nothing. She filled another bowl and handed it to him. “Here. Eat up, then go to bed,” she instructed before serving herself.

Taking her seat, June glanced at Eldric. “I’ve been filling Fiora in about this place. Do you have any questions for me?”

Eldric shook his head as he sat down. “Nope. That shower was pretty awesome—cold, but awesome. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The three of them ate in silence, the crackle of the firepit the only sound filling the room. The soup was simple but hearty, the warmth of the meal easing some of the tension that had built over the past two days.

Once satisfied, Fiora stood and handed her empty bowl to June. “Thanks,” she murmured before heading upstairs.

Her legs felt like lead as she climbed the narrow staircase. She entered her room, the small space feeling strangely comforting despite its plainness. Crossing to the bed, she collapsed onto the mattress, her body sinking into the worn sheets.

Shouldn’t I be more sad that my parents were killed? she wondered, her brow furrowing. Why don’t I care as much as Eldric? The thought nagged at her, but exhaustion soon won. Her eyes grew heavy, and within moments, she drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Downstairs, Eldric stayed behind to help June clean up. He stood at the sink, scrubbing the bowls while June scraped leftovers into a small bin and tossed scraps out the window for scavenging animals.

“Who were those people in the cloaks back in Valifield?” Eldric asked, stifling a yawn as he worked. “Were they the ones responsible for the attack?”

June paused, her gaze fixed on the dark forest beyond the window. “I don’t know who they are,” she admitted, her voice quiet but firm. “But I had a bad feeling the moment I saw them. You could call it intuition.”

Eldric frowned, his hands slowing as he rinsed the last bowl. “They didn’t seem like the others, the ones who attacked. They felt… different. Like they didn’t belong there.”

June nodded slowly, wiping her hands on a cloth. “Exactly. They weren’t there to raid or destroy. They were there for something else. What that is, I don’t know, but I’m certain we haven’t seen the last of them.”

Eldric’s grip tightened on the edge of the sink. “Do you think they’ll come after us again?”

June looked at him, her expression unreadable. “Maybe. But if they do, we’ll be ready.”

The weight of her words hung in the air as Eldric yawned again, his exhaustion finally catching up to him. “I guess I’ll find out tomorrow if I’m ready,” he muttered, stepping away from the sink.

Eldric set the bowl aside to dry and sank into a chair near the dying fire. At first, he sat in silence, staring into the flickering flames, but the weight in his chest became too much to bear. A single tear escaped, followed by another, until the floodgates broke.

“I’m sorry,” he choked out, his voice trembling. He wiped at his face, but the tears kept coming. “I’m not strong like Fiora. I don’t know how she just keeps going.”

He tried to steady his breathing, to push the feelings away, but they surged forward like a tidal wave, unstoppable and unrelenting.

June, who had been quietly tidying up, paused. She turned toward him, her expression softening as she crossed the room. Slowly, she sat down beside him.

“You’re looking for sympathy,” she said gently, “in a world that doesn’t have any to give.” Her voice was calm but firm, each word measured. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll need to buck up. You need to be strong.”

Eldric sniffled, nodding slightly, though the tears still streaked his face.

Then, much to his surprise, June leaned over and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. “But for tonight,” she murmured, her voice softening, “you can cry all you want. Let it out. I’m going to help you. We’ll get through this together.”

Her words struck something deep within him, and he let himself fall into the comfort of her embrace.

“Do you think your father would have wanted you to collapse like this?” she asked quietly.

Eldric shook his head, his face buried in her shoulder. “No,” he whispered.

June held him as he cried, her hand gently patting his back. The fire crackled softly beside them, the room otherwise silent except for his quiet sobs.

After several minutes, Eldric pulled back, wiping his face with the sleeve of his shirt. “Thank you,” he said hoarsely. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Eldric,” June replied, watching as he rose and shuffled toward his corner of the room.

As he settled onto his bedding, the weight in his chest began to lighten, and exhaustion overtook him. Within moments, he was asleep.

June remained seated, her eyes fixed on the fire as the flames dwindled. The warmth faded, and the room grew darker. She didn’t move until the last ember dimmed into nothingness.

The night outside was still and cool, the city cloaked in quiet. June stepped into the shadows, the faint scent of damp earth and stone filling her lungs. She walked purposefully to the bathhouse, her steps heavy with a burden only she carried.

Once inside, she shut the door and leaned against it, her body trembling. The silence became unbearable, and her emotions spilled over. Tears streamed down her face as she slid to her knees, her shoulders shaking with the force of her sobs.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered brokenly, her voice cracking. “I’m so sorry, Alaric.”

Her words echoed faintly in the small space, carrying with them the weight of her guilt. She stayed like that for several minutes, her pain raw and unguarded.

Eventually, her sobs subsided. She wiped her eyes, taking deep, steadying breaths.

“All right,” she said aloud, her voice stronger now. “You can do this.”

She stood, brushing herself off, and composed herself before stepping back out into the night.

The house was quiet when June returned. She climbed the stairs carefully, her footsteps barely making a sound. As she reached the second floor, she hesitated outside Fiora’s door.

Pushing it open just enough to slip inside, she stepped to the bedside. Fiora lay sprawled across the mattress, her breathing slow and even, her exhaustion evident.

June knelt beside her, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from the girl’s face.

“I’ll protect them, Alaric,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her. “I swear. I won’t let you down.”

For a moment, she lingered, her gaze soft as she watched Fiora sleep. Then, with a quiet sigh, she stood and left the room, closing the door gently behind her.