As they walked into the village, the sound of their footsteps felt too loud for a place so quiet. The dirt path narrowed between rows of old houses, their wooden walls worn smooth by time and weather. Some doors were shut tight, others half-open, as if the village itself was undecided about welcoming strangers. People stopped what they were doing to look at them, some with cautious eyes, some with faint, uncertain smiles. It was the kind of attention that pressed against the skin, neither hostile nor kind, but heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Edward noticed it immediately. He always did. He leaned closer to Alan and whispered, forcing a crooked smile onto his face, "Hey… look at them. Don't you feel something? Weird people."
Alan didn't answer right away. He felt it too—the strange tension in the air, the way every gaze seemed to weigh something invisible about them. Still, he kept walking. His boots felt heavier with every step, as though the village itself resisted their presence.
They finally stopped in front of a blue-painted house at the end of the path. Kaelira studied it for a moment, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.
"This might be the healer's house," she said quietly.
Alan let out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. Relief flickered through him, brief and fragile, like a candle flame in the wind.
Edward, his voice low and gentle. "Mother, don't worry. We're here. Everything will be okay."
Meera smiled at him. It wasn't a strong smile- more like something borrowed from memory, but it was enough to make Edward's chest tighten. He held onto that smile as if it were a promise.
Kaelira stepped forward and knocked on the door. "Anyone here? It's an emergency. We need treatment. Hello!"
She knocked again. And again.
"Please, it's an emergency "
Silence.
No footsteps. No voice. Not even the creak of old wood responded to her hand.
Kaelira exhaled softly, tension slipping into her shoulders. "No one here… Let's go. We don't have that much time."
Edward's expression fell. The hope he had been carrying cracked visibly, like glass under sudden pressure.
Kaelira placed a gentle hand on Meera's shoulder. "I'm sorry. Don't worry. Let's go to another village."
They turned away.
That was when Alan felt it.
Something tightened in his chest-sharp, sudden, undeniable. It wasn't pain exactly, but it hurt all the same. His feet refused to move. His breath caught halfway out, and for a moment the world narrowed to the sound of his own heartbeat.
He looked at Meera.
Her face was pale, her body fragile in Edward's arms. She was trying so hard to look calm, to be strong for her son, but Alan could see it, the exhaustion carved deep into her expression, the quiet acceptance of suffering that no one should ever learn to wear.
Kaelira noticed him standing still. "Alan? Are you not coming with us? Are you going to stand there?"
Alan didn't answer.
He looked at Edward. Edward looked back at him, confusion and fear mixing in his eyes.
Something inside Alan broke free.
He stepped toward the door.
Kaelira turned, surprised. Edward's eyes widened as Alan raised his hand and knocked again. This time, the sound felt different, heavier, more desperate, as if the wood itself could feel the weight behind it.
"If anyone is there," Alan said. His voice was low, strained. "Please listen. Please help us… We can't go like this. Our situation is worse."
His throat tightened.
"My… my…"
His voice cracked.
He looked back at Meera. "My mother is sick. She's been suffering… and I can't do anything for her."
His hands trembled as he lowered his head.
"I need your help. I will do anything in return for this. Please… anyone there… help us."
The words spilt out of him before he could stop them. He didn't even fully understand why he was saying them. He had never spoken like this before-never begged, never felt openly. Yet now, standing before that silent door, everything felt meaningless.
His voice fell to a whisper. "Pl… please."
Silence followed.
Meera's eyes widened. Her heart clenched painfully as tears slipped free and traced slow paths down her cheeks. Hearing him say those words-hearing him call her his mother so openly, felt heavier than any pain in her body.
Then, suddenly, the door opened.
A figure stood there, tall and thin, his presence sharp and unreadable. His voice was calm, almost cold.
"Come in."
Edward's face bloomed with sudden happiness, relief crashing into him so hard that his knees nearly gave way.
Kaelira stared at Alan, something unreadable passing through her eyes. "This boy…" she murmured under her breath.
Edward hurried inside, carefully carrying Meera as if she might shatter in his arms. Alan followed slowly, his heart still pounding, his mind spinning with what he had just done.
Kaelira stepped beside him. Her voice was quiet, softer than before. "I didn't expect this from you." She gave him a small smile, brief but genuine.
Inside, the house was old, but not neglected. The air smelled faintly of dried herbs and wood smoke. Simple furniture filled the space, worn but clean, and soft lantern light cast warm shadows along the walls. There was a strange beauty to it- one born not of luxury, but of care.
The old man stepped forward. His hair was silver, his face lined deeply with age and experience. His eyes were sharp, calculating, yet not cruel.
"Let her lie on the bed," he said.
Edward moved quickly, laying Meera down with careful hands. She reached up weakly, touching his arm.
"Don't overthink," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's… It's not new to me. Be strong."
She smiled.
Edward smiled back, but fear churned violently in his chest. He nodded, even as his hands trembled.
The old man examined Meera silently. Then he spoke again.
"Will I treat her?" he said slowly. "But I am not doing this for free. Right?"
Edward stiffened. "But… we don't have money right now. I promise'-"
"I don't ask for money," the old man interrupted. His gaze shifted to Alan. "I let you in because this one said he would do anything in return."
Kaelira's eyes sharpened instantly.
"I have a request," the old man continued. "If you accept it, I will treat her."
Alan felt Kaelira's gaze on him, heavy and warning. But before she could speak, Alan stepped forward.
"We will accept your request," he said. "What is it?"
The old man smiled.
"So we have a deal," he said calmly. "I will explain later. First, I will treat your mother."
Alan's chest tightened.
_"Mother…"_
The word echoed inside him, louder than before. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you."
The old man nodded and turned back to Meera, beginning his work.
"You can stay here," he added. "There are some free rooms upstairs."
Edward nodded. "Mm. Thanks for your kindness."
Time passed slowly.
When the evening sun finally disappeared beyond the horizon, night settled over the village like a heavy blanket. The house grew quiet, broken only by the soft crackle of lanterns and the old man's measured movements.
Alan sat alone near the stairs, his thoughts restless. He replayed the moment at the door again and again. He had never understood the meaning of family before. Never truly.
Now, for the first time, he felt it.
Not as blood.
But as a choice.
And somewhere in the quiet of that night, Alan changed-not all at once, not dramatically, but deeply. Something fragile yet unbreakable took root in his heart, and he knew, without words, that from this moment on, he would never walk away again.
The night watched in silence as a boy became something more.
He stared at the star-speckled sky. His thoughts swirled in confusion and unease. Why had he stopped at the door? Why had he begged? Why? He remembered Meera's fragile smile, the warmth in her eyes that seemed to ignite something inside him.
"I… I hope I'm doing the right thing," he whispered to himself, uncertainty tightening around his chest.
A voice broke the silence behind him. "Alan, can I have a moment?"
He turned to see Kaelira approaching. He nodded quietly.
Kaelira's eyes were sharp, the coldness in her tone almost tangible. "Well then… why did you accept his request?" she asked. "We don't even know what he wants. And if it's… terrible, what then?"
Alan's voice was low, calm but resolute. "I have no choice. If we don't accept his… moth-ah… Meera's situation… gets worse." The words were heavy, almost too heavy to carry.
Kaelira's expression softened slightly. "Mm. I suppose we have no choice. I hope everything will go well, though I can't help but worry…" She turned away, disappearing into the shadows of the night.
Alan's eyes followed her, but then he noticed movement at the edge of the forest. A few figures slipped between the trees, their motion purposeful but secretive. A shiver ran down his spine. "What are they doing… something is wrong," he whispered to himself. His thoughts were already tangled with worry and unease.
******
The sun rose, painting the village in warm, golden light. Life resumed with quiet rhythm; people went about their daily tasks, unaware of the tension in Alan's heart. Edward woke first, finding Alan sleeping beside him. He nudged him, his voice bright and teasing. "Hey, Alan, wake up! Come on, man, get up!"
"Mmm," Alan murmured, still lost in thought.
Alan stirred slowly, blinking against the sunlight. "Mmm…" he muttered.
Edward's tone carried both urgency and mischief. "Ready? We have a lot of work today!"
Alan opened his mouth but found no words. Only a quiet hum escaped him.
A few moments later, the old healer came to check on Meera again. His expression was gentle but heavy with the truth he carried. Edward's voice, soft with concern, asked, "What's her condition?"
The healer sighed, placing a hand on Edward's shoulder. "She… she's affected by an incurable disease. I feared you already knew. I cannot cure her fully, but I can ease her suffering for now. That is all I can offer."
Alan's gaze fell on Edward, sadness in his eyes. Edward turned to him with forced strength. "It's okay, buddy. I already knew. At least her pain can be eased… and she may walk again. After this, we can continue our journey to Altheris, right? I'm not worried, Alan."
Edward smiled, but the shadow behind it betrayed his fear. Alan could see it. He offered a quiet, empty smile in return.
Edward bent closer to Meera, brushing her hair from her face. "Mother… I'm always with you. You're safe. Sleep well." He rose, glancing at Alan. "Let's explore the village a bit."
Alan nodded. As they stepped into the bustling streets, Edward's curiosity and mischief came alive. Shops brimmed with goods, children laughed, and the air carried a warm, lively energy.
Edward whispered to Alan, "Where is this cold woman, Where did she go? Is she leaving us behind?"
Alan's voice was low, cracked with unease. "Edward, turn back."
Edward turned, frowning. "What?"
Kaelira appeared behind them, her gaze sharp and cold. "Who are you talking about? About me?"
Edward waved nervously, his voice trembling. "No, no! I wasn't talking about you! I… I meant Alan's grandmother!"
Alan blinked, confusion crossing his face. Edward corrected himself quickly, voice collapsing slightly. "Shit… I mean… my grandma. Yeah, we're talking about her."
Kaelira's suspicion softened slightly. "Ah… Grandma, right?" she laughed a little. "Hahah.. grandma...right..haha..okok..now follow me."
Alan and Edward exchanged a silent understanding. Kaelira's eyes softened slightly, and with a subtle gesture, she motioned for them to follow.
Edward nodded, understanding he needed to follow her. Alan glanced at him, then followed silently.
She led them to a small cloth shop. "Take one set of clothes," she instructed.
Edward tilted his head, suspicious. "Why?"
Kaelira's tone was firm, almost maternal in its practicality. "Look at yourselves. Your clothes… filthy. You look like beggars. Do you want to be treated as such?"
Edward let out a small groan. "Who knows… if this continues, it wouldn't surprise me." Kaelira stared at him. Edward nervously said, "Ok ok... don't look at me like, I'm just joking."
Alan hesitated. "Ahh... we don't have money."
Kaelira smiled gently. "Don't worry. I'll pay."
Alan scanned the rows of clothing, unsure. Edward picked quickly, a brown outfit with a jacket, his enthusiasm bubbling. "Whoa, this is perfect! I'll take this."
Alan's mind wrestled with indecision, he didn't know what choose. Alan lingered, unsure, frowning as he studied the rows of clothing.
Kaelira's voice cut through softly. "Alan… sometimes it doesn't matter what others would choose, or what looks right to anyone else. The choice is yours, because it will be yours to wear. Listen to yourself. Ask your heart which feels right, not because it is perfect, but because it is yours. Even if you make the wrong choice, it will teach you something about yourself. That… is the only choice that truly matters. So follow your heart, ask what you want really?"
Alan closed his eyes, letting her words sink in. His mind went blank for a moment, black and empty, yet strangely clear. At the corner of the shop, a black outfit with a hood caught his attention. The simplicity and quiet strength of it spoke to him in a way words could not.
"I… I choose this," he said softly. Kaelira's lips curved in a small, approving smile. "Well… not a bad choice. I like black too."
Edward smiled. "This will look good on you!"
Kaelira turned to leave. "You two go ahead. I have a few things to buy."
Edward nodded. "Thanks for everything!"
Alan smiled at her-a quiet smile, a slowly blooming smile.
Kaelira nodded at them and left, purchasing her own items. She handed the shop owner a dagger made of gold and silver. "Take this as payment. Consider it your lucky day."
Alan and Edward continued walking, but a shadow of unease lingered. Alan glanced around, whispering to Edward, "Hey… did you notice something odd? Something's off…"
Edward didn't respond at first, his gaze fixed on a girl in a red dress. Alan lightly hit him. "Hey! What are you doing? I'm talking to you!"
Edward jumped, grinning sheepishly. "Relax! I heard you, I heard you... You were talking about… bread, right?"
Alan blinked. "Bread? What bread? I'm talking to you, not… whatever you're imagining."
Edward chuckled, hands raised in mock surrender. "Alright, alright… fine. I was just… noticing that girl. Maybe she likes me. Don't look so serious, will you?"
Alan crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "No, Edward. I mean the villagers. Something's… weird. I saw them sneaking into the forest last night. They're hiding something."
Edward's grin faltered slightly, but he shrugged. "Well… I guess problems do have a way of finding us. But hey, if they're hiding cake, I volunteer as tribute."
Alan groaned. "Edward…"
Edward winked. "What? A knight can fight and snack. Multitasking is my speciality."
The girl in the red dress continued to watch them, her gaze lingering with a strange, unreadable intensity. Alan felt it, a shiver down his spine. "Something in this village was wrong…"