Is it true that mankind is the superior race? Are they destined to be the ruling class of this world, or perhaps to live in harmony with the other species that roam it? At least it may be true that man has some control over his will, and that every step they take is of their own volition, it is truer still that demonkind is the dominant force.

Their power, their will, their essence—these overshadow the aspirations of humanity. Man wields the sword not to assert control but to stave off the inevitable darkness, to find a fleeting moment of peace in a world ruled by shadows.

Flames crackled and danced in the darkness. A man sat hunched over on a chair, his eyes wide and feverish as he stared into the fire. His body was bare except for a few bandages wrapped around his torso and shoulders, covering deep wounds. His hands trembled as he clenched and unclenched them.

"I've crushed skulls beneath my boot, watched the life drain from their eyes as I bathed in their blood," he muttered, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "I've torn men limb from limb, savoring their screams."

"Wretched worms. Worthless insects," he spat. "I am the bringer of death, the master of destruction."

"I'll rip their hearts out, tear them apart," he growled, his voice raw with fury. "They'll plead for mercy, but none will be given."

He began laughing as he began reveling in the memories of his crusades. But then he remembered. He could see it clearly—the way Miura's axe had come down on his shoulder repeatedly, the pain searing through his body as flesh and bone gave way.

Rage consumed him. He grabbed a knife and hurled it across the room, slicing his hand in the process. "Damn you!" he screamed. "I gave everything for strength, and yet you beat me like I was nothing!"

His eyes trailed to the corner of the room. He stared at a figure in the darkness before standing up. His face contorted in rage as he stormed towards it.

"You promised me strength. I gave you pieces of my soul, and yet he defeated me with ease. What the fuck?"

He screamed at the figure, his voice shaking with anger. "What good is this power if it can't even protect me?!"

The figure remained calm, a smile playing on it's lips. "Your hunger for power is boundless, and your fury drives you. But you desire more. I can grant you greater strength, but it will cost you the last remnants of your soul."

The man stared at his armor, pondering the offer. "The Dung Eater," he whispered. "That will be the last name he ever hears."

Miura stumbled along the trail, his hand clamped tightly against his side, blood oozing between his fingers. As he squinted, his vision began to blur. His condition was deteriorating.

Ether followed closely behind, her fingers fidgeting with anxiety. She glanced toward a sign indicating a nearby town. "Hold on a minute," he said.

Miura grumbled, "What now?" but didn't slow his pace.

"I'm serious! Hold on! Please! Just for a second," she urged, concern evident in her voice.

With a weary sigh, Miura relented, stopping and sitting down heavily. He glared down at his wound, the blood staining his armor, while his gauntleted hand hovered over the injury, tracing the jagged tear in the armor where blood pooled beneath.

Ether glanced at the directions on the sign. "Larshal. That's not far," she said aloud.

She turned her attention to Miura.

"You're probably gonna die if you keep going," she said bluntly. "We should stop there and stay at an inn for a night or two. Then you can treat your wounds and rest."

Miura looked at her, exhaustion evident in his eyes, but he remained silent.

"Hello? Anybody in there?" Ether prodded, her voice tinged with impatience.

"Yeah," Miura responded with a tired wave of his hand.

"Are we going?" Ether asked, her tone tinged with impatience.

Miura nodded, struggling to get up. Ether extended her hand, offering help, but he declined with a dismissive wave, his gaze fixed on her as he muttered, "Shut up."

Confused, Ether raised her eyebrows, "What? I didn't say anything."

"Shut up," Miura repeated, his tone low.

Sighing in exasperation, Ether glanced up in the sky, muttering under her breath, "Okay then. Delusional."

As they continued walking, they entered the town, attracting curious glances from the locals. Miura's haggard appearance drew stares, prompting Ether to nervously wave them off with a sheepish smile.

"Nothing to see here, folks!" she exclaimed, attempting to diffuse the tension.

As they walked along, Miura's hand brushed against a middle-aged man, causing him to stumble and fall. The man's face twisted into a scowl of anger as he regained his footing.

"Watch where you're going, you oaf!" the man spat, his voice dripping with irritation as he glared at Miura.

Miura stood up, his hand concealed deep within his cloak a steely glare fixed on Ether as she helped him regain his footing. "You see that?" he muttered, his voice low and tense.

Confused, Ether glanced at him, her brow furrowing in uncertainty. "See what?"

Ignoring her question, Miura grimaced and resumed walking.

The inn's door jingled as Miura and Ether entered, drawing the attention of a few patrons lounging around. Miura's appearance drew more than a few heads, but he paid them no mind as he made his way to the counter.

"Single room," he grunted.

The innkeeper, a stout man with a receding hairline, nodded briskly. "That'll be ten silver pieces."

Ether stepped forward, a smile on her face. "Well, we were hoping you might consider-"

Miura cut her off with a heavy thud as he slammed a bag of coins onto the counter. He rifled through it with one hand, his fingers leaving smears of blood on the surface as he counted out the payment. The innkeeper glanced at the coins, unfazed by the sight of blood.

Miura tossed a handful of coins onto the counter. "There. Take it."

The innkeeper, his expression neutral, scooped up the coins and nodded towards the stairs. "Room's at the top of the stairs, first door on your right. Enjoy your stay."

Miura turned away without a word, already heading to the stairs. Ether followed, casting a curious glance back at the innkeeper before hurrying after him.

As they went up the stairs, Ether caught up to Miura, her voice hushed as she spoke. "You stole those from the man you knocked over, didn't you?"

Miura glanced at her with weary eyes. "Does it matter?"

Ether frowned. "Well yeah. It matters if you're stealing from people."

Miura scoffed. "In this world, you take what you can get. There's no divine justice, no higher power. You only have what you can claim for yourself. I don't care if I stole from that man, as long as I got what I want. He ain't innocent either. None of these people are."

Ether was silent as she looked into his eyes. Bitter hatred. She held her head. So much emotion! It was all too much for her to process at once.

As they entered the room, Miura collapsed onto the bed, sitting up with visible effort. Ether glanced at him, concern etched on her face, as she remarked, "You've worked yourself half to death."

Miura, his voice barely a whisper, replied, "Just leave me alone."

Ignoring his retort, Ether glanced around the room, searching for something that might help. "You can't just lie there and die," she said, frustration creeping into her voice.

With a sigh, Miura began to remove his armor, the clinking of metal echoing in the small room. He removed his shirt, wincing as the air brushed up against the raw flesh of his wound. "What do you want me to do?" he muttered.

Growing increasingly exasperated, Ether snapped her fingers in front of the fleshy mass coiled nearby. "Can't you spit out some miracle medicine for your master?" she demanded, but the mass simply coiled tighter in response.

Left with no other option, Ether tore a piece of cloth from Miura's shirt and handed it to him. "Here, apply pressure to your wound," she instructed, her frustration palpable.

Ether turned, grabbing the bag of coins and fishing out a decent amount before putting it down. Ether sighed, before turning and leaving the room.

As Ether navigated through the crowded streets, her inner monologue continued to buzz with frustration and annoyance. "Why am I even doing this? I don't have to be stuck with him," she muttered to herself, her steps quickening. "But if he really is with the Umbral Order, maybe he can get me off this damn continent," she added, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice.

She pushed through the throngs of people, her irritation mounting. Suddenly, her attention was snagged by the sight of a familiar middle-aged man talking to a group of soldiers as he gestured wildly. "Oh, for fuck's sake," Ether muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling to the surface as she caught snippets of the man's dialogue.

"I'm telling you, I saw him! That bastard stole my goods right out from under my nose," he exclaimed, his face flushed with anger as he pointed emphatically in the direction of an alleyway.

One of the soldiers raised an eyebrow, "You sure, sir? We can't just go accusing people without evidence."

The man's face twisted in anger. "Of course I'm sure! I saw him with my own two eyes, rifling through my belongings like he owned them!"

Ether's eyes narrowed. "Surrreee..."

The soldiers exchanged glances before looking at the man. "Did you get a good look at him? Could you identify him if you saw him again?"

The man nodded. "Yes, yes, I'm certain," he replied. "He was wearing a dark cloak, couldn't see his face, but I'd know him anywhere. Tall fellow."

The soldiers exchanged glances. "Alright, we'll look into it."

As the soldiers began to walk away, the man's memory sparked. "Oh, oh! He had a white-haired girl with him! I remember now. She was with him, skulking around like a rat."

"Fuck," Ether muttered under her breath as she slipped into the crowd. She darted between bodies, trying not to be seen.

Ether finally found herself in front of a medical shop and darted in, the bell above the door chiming softly. The clerk, deep in a conversation with a woman, glanced up. "Be with you in a moment," he called.

Ether muttered profanities under her breath as she watched the soldiers through the window. "Damn it, can't catch a break."

The clerk continued his conversation, "So, as I was saying, those herbs are great for—"

"Excuse me," Ether interrupted, stepping up to the counter. "I need antiseptic solution, bandages, and painkillers. Urgently."

The clerk looked her over and nodded. "Sure thing, miss," he said, reaching for the supplies. "Rough day, huh?"

"You have no idea," she muttered, glancing nervously at the window again.

The clerk handed the woman a small bag. She gave him a few coins, thanked him, and left. He turned his attention fully to Ether, placing the requested supplies on the counter. "A child like you with such amazing hair," he remarked. "Reminds me of the opalescents."

Ether tensed. "Right, right! Yep! That's what my mom always said! It's a birth defect."

The clerk expressed a sad expression.

"It's a shame what this world has come to," he said, shaking his head. "People running scared, barely making it through the day. Just not right."

"Yeah, well, the world's a mess," Ether replied, her voice edged with impatience. "How much for the supplies?"

The clerk sighed, tallying up the cost. "That'll be ten silver coins, miss."

Ether fished the coins from her pocket, counting them out quickly. "Here, keep the change," she said, shoving the money into his hand.

"Take care, miss," the clerk called as she hurried out of the shop, the supplies clutched tightly in her hands. "Stay safe out there."

"Yeah, thanks," she muttered, glancing around nervously as she slipped back into the street.

A while later, Ether pushed the door open and stepped back into the room, her heart pounding. "Miura?" she called out, her voice echoing in the small space. The sight of a pool of blood around his form made her heart stop. Is he dead?

She walked up to him, her eyes wide with fear. "Miura?" she muttered, her voice beginning to tremble. "Miura?"

His eyes opened, but something was very different. Those eyes—evil in its purest form. She was looking at someone else. Miura sat up, running his hands against his eyes.

"Miura?" she called out again.

He glanced at her with a glare. "What?" he rasped, his voice weaker and more ragged than before. He had gotten worse.

Ether reached out to touch him, her hands trembling as she was about to start treating his wounds. Miura tensed and gripped her hand tightly. "Do whatever you want," he growled. "But if you touch me again..."

"I'll kill you."

She withdrew her hand slowly, her eyes wide with shock and fear. Miura grabbed the supplies and began treating his wound himself, muttering unintelligible things under his breath. Ether watched him silently for a while.

He unwrapped the bandages and pressed them against the gash on his side, wincing as the antiseptic solution made contact. Blood soaked the fresh bandages as he wrapped them tightly around his torso. His breathing was labored.

Hours passed, and nightfall descended upon the town. Ether sat by the window, staring out into the darkness. She glanced over at Miura, who was sharpening one of his knives. It was pitch black outside.

Nightfall descended, the room bathed in darkness. Ether stood by the window, staring out into the pitch-black night. She glanced back at Miura, who sat in the dim light, sharpening one of his knives. The scraping sound of metal against stone filled the silence.

"Do you ever miss it?" Ether began, her voice breaking the quiet. "The moonlight, I mean. Before all this... before the demons. I miss the way it used to light up the night. Now, it's just... dark. Always dark."

Miura continued his task, not even glancing up.

"I used to love the moon," she continued, trying to make small talk. "It made everything feel... safer, you know? The beauty of the world in full display."

Miura's silence was met with a sigh from Ether. She crossed her arms, looking frustrated. "You never appreciate anything I do for you, do you? I've saved your ass three times now. Three! And what do I get? Nothing but your grunts and glares."

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Still, Miura remained silent, his focus solely on the blade in his hands.

"I'm not asking for much," Ether pressed on, her frustration building. "Just a simple 'thank you' would suffice. Or maybe a nod of acknowledgment. Anything."

Miura's silence grated on her nerves, but she refused to let it deter her. "You think you're so tough, so self-reliant," she continued, her voice tinged with exasperation. "But guess what? You're not. You said that, back then in the forest. But guess what, I've saved your sorry ass again!"

Miura still did not respond.

Ether stomped her foot on the ground. "Ugh! Fine!" With that, Ether turned away and grabbed the nearby lantern off the bedside table and stormed out of the room.

Miura stared ahead, bathed in pitch black. He muttered to himself, "I'm not alone. That's the problem."

Ether walked through the dimly lit streets, the lantern casting flickering shadows around her. "I don't really care if they see me," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible over the soft hiss of the lantern. "What's the point?"

As she turned a corner, her gaze fell upon a young boy sitting against a wall in an alleyway. One of his eyes glimmered faintly with a pale blue hue. Looking at him, she could tell he was blind in one eye.

"You shouldn't be out here, miss, past dark," the boy's voice cut through the quiet night. "You could trip over a rock or something."

Ether shrugged, her movements illuminated by the lantern's glow. "I'll manage," she replied, her tone more resigned.

The boy nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I trip a lot, even with a lantern," he admitted. "My momma always says not to go out past dark."

Curiosity piqued, Ether approached the boy and settled down beside him. "What's your name?" she asked softly, the warmth of the lantern casting a gentle glow upon them.

"Jasper," the boy replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ether smiled to herself, walking into the alleyway. She settled down beside Jasper, the soft glow of the lantern casting gentle shadows across their faces. "So, Jasper," she began, her voice soft and curious, "what brings you out here tonight?"

Jasper shifted slightly, his one visible eye gazing out into the darkness. "I just wanted some fresh air," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "My house isn't far, and... well, sometimes I like to come out here and listen to the sounds of the night."

Ether nodded. "That sounds nice," she mused, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I suppose it's peaceful, in its own way."

Jasper chuckled softly, the sound carrying through the quiet night air. "Yeah, peaceful," he agreed, his voice tinged with a touch of longing. "It's... it's different from the hustle and bustle of the day, you know?"

Ether nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. "I do," she replied, her tone thoughtful. "Sometimes, it feels like the night brings a kind of... calmness. Like everything slows down, just for a moment."

Jasper turned his head slightly, his blind eye facing Ether. "You sound like you've seen your fair share of nights," he observed, a note of curiosity in his voice.

Ether shrugged, a faint smile ghosting across her features. "Maybe I have," she replied. "But I've learned that every night has its own story to tell, if you're willing to listen."

Jasper nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah," he agreed quietly, his gaze drifting back out into the darkness. "Every night has its own story."

After a moment of silence, Jasper's eyes grew distant, as if he were lost in a memory. "You know," he began softly, "my parents and I used to come out here to watch the sunset. It was our little tradition. We'd sit together, and everything felt... right."

Ether felt a pang of empathy. "That sounds really special," she said gently. "Do you still do it?"

Jasper shook his head, his expression growing sad. "Not anymore. Things have changed. They're always worried and tired."

Ether's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Jasper," she said softly.

"I know what it's like to lose that sense of normalcy. My parents... they died a long time ago."

Jasper looked at her with sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said quietly. "It's tough, isn't it? Losing them, I mean."

Ether nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yeah," she admitted. "It is. But we keep going, right? We have to."

Jasper managed a small smile. "Yeah, we do," he agreed. "We keep going."

Jasper looked at Ether, a curious look on his face. "So, who's taking care of you, Ether? You out here all by yourself?"

Ether hesitated, glancing down at the lantern in her hands. "Well, nobody's really taking care of me," she began, her voice trailing off. "I mean, I've been following... this guy."

Jasper raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "This guy?"

Ether sighed, looking into Jasper's eyes. "Yeah, some guy. He's tough, always grunting. Ungrateful. Never really talks about himself, but he's...strong."

Jasper nodded, sensing there was more to the story. "Sounds like he's been through a lot."

Ether huffed a small laugh. "You could say that. He's constantly pushing himself, never seems to rest. And he's so stubborn! He thinks he can do everything on his own, like he doesn't need anyone's help."

Jasper listened quietly, his expression thoughtful. "That sounds tough, for both of you."

Ether nodded, feeling a mixture of frustration and concern. "It is. I'm wondering if he even cares about what happens to him. He just keeps going, like he's got something to prove. And I... I don't even know why I'm sticking around. I mean, I do but...ugh!"

Jasper tilted his head, encouraging her to continue. "Why do you stay with him, then?"

Ether looked at Jasper, shaking her head.

Jasper nodded, understanding the complexity of her feelings. He perked up suddenly, a hopeful look on his face. "M-maybe you should come meet my parents. They'd like you."

Ether blinked, surprised by the offer. She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Jasper. Lead the way."

A pair of eyes stared at them from the darkness as they walked off.

Finally, they arrived at Jasper's house, a modest but cozy-looking dwelling with warm light spilling out from the windows. Jasper opened the door, and they stepped inside.

"Jasper!" his mother exclaimed, rushing over with a worried look. "Where have you been? I told you not to go out after dark!"

Jasper's mother turned her gaze to Ether, her expression hardening. "And who is this?" she demanded.

Jasper tried to explain, his words tumbling over each other. "Mom, this is Ether. She... she's been through a lot, and she needs a place to stay, just for dinner. Please, Mom, she has nobody else."

Ether looked down, her eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry, Jasper," she whispered. "I'll go." she said.

"Wait, Ether, don't go," Jasper pleaded, grabbing her arm gently. "Please stay."

Jasper's mother was about to refuse again, but then she looked into Jasper's eyes. She sighed, shaking her head. "Alright, fine. She can stay for dinner," she relented. "But after that, we need to talk, Jasper."

Jasper smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you."

Jasper's mother gestured towards the dining area. "Come on in, Ether," she said, her tone a bit warmer. "We'll set another place at the table."

As they walked into the dining room, Jasper's father entered from the adjacent room. He was a tall, sturdy man with a kind but weary face. He looked at Ether curiously.

"Who's this, Jasper?" he asked, turning to his wife.

"This is Ether," Jasper's mother replied, sighing. "She's had a rough time. Jasper invited her to stay for dinner."

Jasper's father frowned slightly, concern evident on his face. "I don't know if this is a good idea. We don't know her, and we can't waste—"

Jasper's mother gave him a look, her eyes pleading. "She's just a child, and she's alone. We can offer her one meal."

Jasper's father sighed, relenting under his wife's gaze. "Well, any friend of Jasper's is welcome here. Nice to meet you, Ether," he said, extending a hand.

"Nice to meet you too, sir," Ether replied, shaking his hand.

As they settled around the dining table, Jasper's mother served up steaming bowls of stew. Ether looked into her bowl. She gave a humble smile.

"I'm Mary," Jasper's mother said, her voice softening as she glanced at Ether. "And this is my husband, Thomas."

Thomas nodded in greeting, "Nice to meet you, Ether," he said.

Ether nodded politely, offering a small smile in return. "Nice to meet you both," she replied, her tone slightly hesitant.

"So, Ether," Mary began, trying to break the ice, "where are you from?"

Ether shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure how much to reveal. "I've been traveling for a while," she said evasively, "just trying to find my way."

Thomas raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "Traveling alone in these times is risky business," he remarked, his tone gentle but probing.

Ether hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt for withholding the truth. "I'm not completely alone," she admitted, glancing briefly at Jasper. "I have a companion."

Mary and Thomas exchanged concerned glances. "Well, you're welcome here, Ether," Mary said warmly, reaching across the table to pat her hand. "We may not have much, but we're happy to share what we have."

Ether offered a grateful smile, feeling a flicker of warmth in her chest.

The family finished their meal, the conversation easing into a comfortable silence as they savored the last bites of stew. Mary and Thomas exchanged a glance, smiling softly at eachother. Jasper stood up excitedly, gesturing towards a hallway.

"Come on, Ether," Jasper said, his voice filled with excitement. "I want to show you something in my room."

Ether nodded, following him down the narrow hallway to a small, cozy room adorned with various trinkets and memorabilia. Jasper walked over to a small wooden chest and carefully opened it, revealing a delicate necklace. He held it up, and the soft light reflected off of the silver.

The chain was made of fine, interwoven silver strands, shimmering softly in the dim light. Hanging from the chain was a pendant, an intricately carved piece of opal, its surface swirling with iridescent hues of blue, green, and violet. The opal was encased in an ornate silver setting, adorned with tiny, precise engravings that seemed to tell a story in whatever language it was written in.

"My aunt gave this to me before she passed," Jasper explained. "She said it was a special charm."

"This is beautiful," Ether said, her eyes widening in recognition as she ran her fingers gently over the intricate patterns. "The craftsmanship is amazing. This must be an Embrace of Luria."

"An Embrace of Luria?" Jasper repeated, intrigued.

"Yes," Ether replied, "The Opals loved creating this kinds of necklaces. They hold protective and healing properties. The blacksmiths who created these put a piece of themselves into these when making them. Each one is unique but universally recognized by the crest."

She pointed to a small, barely noticeable symbol etched into the silver setting of the pendant. It was a crest depicting a crescent moon cradling a cluster of stars, a mark she knew well. "This crest," she explained, "is a symbol of the Opalescent race. It signifies that the piece was crafted by their master artisans."

Jasper's eyes widened with wonder. "My aunt told me stories about how the Opals would infuse their pieces with a bit of their essence, making them almost magical. She said to keep it close since it wards off bad luck."

Ether nodded, her fingers tracing the familiar crest.

Jasper looked at her, his expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Your hair... it kind of reminds me of the descriptions of the Opals. They had hair that looked like moonlight, didn't they?"

Ether shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, that's what my parents always told me," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "But it's just a birth defect."

Jasper looked at her intently. "My aunt also said opals have one other feature beside their hair."

He stepped closer to Ether, his gaze intense. "May I?" he asked softly.

Ether nodded hesitantly, feeling her pulse quicken. Jasper reached out and gently moved her hair to the side, revealing the small, hidden gem behind her ear. It had a distinctive glow, a faint, otherworldly light that seemed to pulse with her heartbeat.

Ether stood frozen in fear, letting it happen.

Jasper's eyes widened as he took in the sight. "It's true," he whispered. "You're an opal..!"

Ether's heart pounded in her chest. She struggled to find her voice. "It's just a birth defect," she stammered weakly.

Jasper shook his head, disbelief evident in his eyes. "Ether, I don't believe that for a second. That's not just a birth defect."

Ether opened her mouth to explain, but Jasper shook his head again, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's fine, really. Your secret is safe with me."

Ether sighed, relieved and grateful. "Thank you, Jasper."

The glow from the lantern cast warm, flickering shadows on the walls. Jasper walked to his bed and sat down, Ether following.

"So," Jasper began, a grin forming on his face as he decided to change the subject, "there was this one time I thought it would be a great idea to try and catch a frog for my mom. She loves frogs, right? So, I sneak up to this pond and, just as I go to grab it, I slip and fall in. Got soaked from head to toe. My mom was furious!"

Ether laughed, shaking her head. "That sounds like something I would do. I once tried to impress a guy by climbing a tree. Got stuck halfway up and had to be rescued. Never lived it down."

Jasper chuckled, slipping on the necklace as he leaned back.

Ether's gaze fell on the necklace Jasper was wearing. She extended both her hands. Jasper took off the necklace and placed it in Ether's hands.

"I wonder who this was modeled after," she mused aloud. "How did your aunt get this anyway?"

Jasper's expression grew somber. "My aunt used to study the Opals a lot. She had a fascination with them. She said they were some of the most amazing beings she'd ever encountered."

Ether nodded, listening intently.

"But..." Jasper continued, his voice dropping, "she was executed for being a heretic by the demons after they came because of that fascination. They didn't tolerate anyone who admired or studied the Opals."

Ether's heart ached for him. "I'm so sorry, Jasper."

He nodded, a small, sad smile on his face. "Thanks. It's been tough, but I still have her memory. This necklace is a part of that."

Ether reached out and touched the necklace gently. "It's a beautiful way to remember her."

Jasper looked at her, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Yeah, it is. And it's nice to share this with someone who understands."

Jasper's eyes softened as he watched Ether, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, maybe you should have it," he said quietly. "My aunt would have wanted it to go back into an Opal's hands."

Ether's gaze met his, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in her eyes. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice soft.

Jasper nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I'm sure. It's only right."

"Thank you, Jasper," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'll treasure it."

Jasper smiled, a warmth in his eyes as he watched her. "I know you will," he replied softly.

Ether smiled softly, struggling slightly as she tried to fasten the clasp of the necklace around her neck.

"Here, let me help you with that," he offered, reaching out to take the necklace from her hands.

Ether hesitated for a moment before nodding gratefully. "Thanks, Jasper."

Jasper would fasten the clasp of the necklace. As he finished, he stepped back to admire his handiwork, a satisfied smile on his face.

"There you go," he said, his voice warm with affection. "Looks perfect on you."

Ether couldn't help but return his smile, a warmth spreading through her chest at his words. "Thanks, Jasper. I appreciate it."

Their eyes met.

Jasper hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Um, you could stay here if you want. I mean, I can make a makeshift bed out of blankets and stuff. It's not much, but..."

Ether's eyes widened in surprise at the offer. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly. I don't want to intrude."

Jasper shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, really, it's fine. I insist. Besides, it's late and it's not safe for you to be out there alone."

Ether bit her lip, torn between gratitude and reluctance. "I don't know, Jasper..."

But Jasper was already moving, gathering blankets and arranging them on the floor. "Come on, Ether. Please? I don't mind, really."

His sincerity touched her, and she found herself nodding in reluctant agreement. "Okay, fine. But just for tonight."

Jasper's face lit up with a smile of relief. "Great! Thanks, Ether. I promise you'll be comfortable."

As Ether settled onto the makeshift bed, Jasper stepped out of the room, his mother's voice murmuring in the background. She strained to catch snippets of their conversation, the concern evident in his mother's tone.

With a sigh, Ether hugged the necklace to her chest, feeling the weight of the day finally catching up to her.

Ether's eyes snapped open at the sound of commotion, her heart racing as she sat up in bed. She could hear the muffled sounds of struggle coming from the kitchen, and without a second thought, she leaped to her feet.

Ether burst into the kitchen, her eyes wide with horror as she witnessed Mary's struggles against the soldier's grip. "Let her go! What are you doing?" she shouted, not exactly thinking for herself.

Mary screamed loudly, as the soldier's face twisted into a cruel sneer, "Shut your mouth, wench!" he spat as he tightened his hold on her.

Before Ether could react, Thomas lunged at the soldier with a roar. "Let her go!" However, as quickly as that happened, a large man adorned in armor came into Ether's view. He quickly intervened and delivered a brutal blow to Thomas's head with a heavy club, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Leave my family alone, you bastard!" Thomas shouted, holding his bleeding head as he struggled to get up.

Jasper stood nearby, his expression one of terror and helplessness as he watched the scene unfold.

At that moment, the Dung Eater's gaze fell upon Ether, a cruel grin spreading across his face as he recognized her. "There she is!" he exclaimed triumphantly, taking a step forward.

Ether's heart pounded in her chest as she locked eyes with Jasper. But before she could make a move, the Dung Eater lunged forward with startling speed, delivering a powerful blow that sent Ether crashing to the ground. Ether's vision became blurred as she couldn't make sense of what was going on.

Finally, everything went dark.