Page 7 of Scars and Burns

Giving another small laugh, “Before she died, she told me I would be the light in another’s life. After seeing what I’ve become. A boy of nine. Forced to become a man. Killing and torturing others for sport. I’m sure her views would have changed.”

She looks at me in admiration, “You will be the light in another’s life.”

“How?” I ask, staring up at her.

“That you will have to find out for yourself.”

By that I couldn’t possibly know what she meant. She stands. Grabbing my hands and pulling me up to her. “Do not fret, little light. So much has yet to be seen but much has been foretold.”

I watch her leave. Teleporting back to my room in the Shadowlands. Laying there. Recalling how no one but my Mother has ever shown me such grace and kindness. That’s when it dawns on me. She was from the Celestial Realm and grew up in the same village as my Mother. Does that mean my Mother was from there?Am I of mixed blood?

6

Aeron

I’m pacing in my room that evening after returning from the forest. I can’t get that interaction out of my mind. She was friends with my Mother. Good friends. She had to be. She knew the nickname my Mother used to have for me. No one knows that. Not even my Father.

I try not to think about my Mother. She died suddenly. She was the only good thing in my life. Rescuing me from my Father’s ruthless training everyday. She’d tend to my cuts and bruises while we would share a sweet treat.

Those memories were lost after she died. After my magic exposed itself and my training became more intense than ever. Beating me down mentally and physically. I couldn’t risk dwelling on the past and happier times. I had to fight to survive. I can’t remember the last time I thought and spoke about her that much. Come to think of it, I don’t know that much about her.

I need to know.

I head to my Father’s study. It’s late but I know he’s still there. I knock on the door and enter. “Father, may I speak with you?”

He’s staring into the fire at his hearth. His face illuminated in themost ominous way. Arms behind his back with his hands together. Clearly deep in thought.

“So,” he starts, “You have returned. Tell me,son. How are you feeling?”

Odd. He’s never once asked me this question. He’s never once even asked me if I’m okay. There’s no point in asking those kinds of questions. I will and should never feel good about myself because I am not successful yet in my training, killing, or proficient in my magic. I have so much more growth and development left to do. Until I am forced to be reckoned with I should never feel good about myself.

I am not enough.

Based on my silence. He senses my confusion. Or maybe he doesn’t? Maybe it was a rhetorical question.

Regardless, he continues, “Do you feel good at the fact that you allowed two females to live? On top of that, one of those women tended to the wound you received as punishment.”

My heart begins to race. He knows. How does he know?

“What shall the consequences be for this?” he asks.

I stand tall with my head held high. Knowing that if he hears fear in my voice the consequences will be far worse. The only place fear belongs in his Kingdom is that of our subjects, in fear of their ruler.

“Father, I did not seek her out. I did not ask for help. I heard her approach and stood my ground ready to fight with my blade held up.”

“Yet, she lives and here you stand.”

His stance on this is clear. When faced with an opponent one on one. Someone must die. And if you are not the rightful winner. They beat you and allow you to walk away, you were granted mercy, you don’t deserve to live.

Before I can think of anything, my Father speaks, “Do not worry,Aeron. You will correct this mistake. I see I have been too soft on you. You have brought shame upon me and I do not accept it from my sonand heir.”

My brows come together. “Wh - What do you mean?”

“I mean, Aeron, you are no longer my son and heir until you amend your mistake. Nor will you be addressed as such. You no longer have the privilege of addressing me as Father either. All informalities set aside, until I say otherwise. Eventually, you will kill the two females you let go. A time I deem fit and complimentary to my plans. Now that the little whore has married King Elio of the Middle Kingdom, killing them promptly would be too difficult. But she must die before an official marriage alliance is made between the two realms. Odds are King Elio and the want to be, Queen Freya, will have a daughter. We will allow her to flourish and when the time is right. You will kill her parents and bastard sister. Then you will marry the heir to the Middle Kingdom. Uniting our realms. Harnessing her power to your own.”

Before I can ask any further questions. He says, “You are dismissed, Aeron.”

With my mouth still gaping open. I snap it shut. Turning and with one final glance back at my Father before I shut the door. Sorrow fills my soul.

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