Harmonia Calendar 715, Thal 22 - Ashspire Estate, Elandor
Early Morning - Training Yard
Mist hung low over the yard, my feet sank into the cold sand, the sword heavy in the morning chill.
Master's breath smoked white as he spoke.
"Guard."
I raised the sword, both hands tight on the grip.
"Cut. Recover. Guard."
I stepped forward, swung, turned my hip, and let the sword cut through the air.
Shing.
I brought it back into guard, feet settled firmly, shoulders tight, breath steady.
"Again."
I lifted the sword, feet light, hips driving the swing.
Shing.
The cut ran smoothly, cleaner than before.
The swordmaster's voice came sharp.
"Stop."
I froze and blinked, confused.
My voice came out unsure.
"Did I—"
He cut me off as he stepped closer, eyes narrowing.
"Stand still."
I waited for him to speak.
For his correction.
Then it came—
Not words but heat.
It rippled through my chest like a spark, spreading from my center toward my arms and legs, down to my fingertips and toes.
My knees nearly folded, but I caught myself.
"What…what happened?"
His eyes widened, and his usual composure vanished.
A low mutter escaped him.
"At twelve..."
'Twelve? Why does that matter?'
He moved at once, boots sinking in the sand as he stepped toward the runner's bell.
His voice came firm.
"Hold still."
He pulled the bell.
Cling.
The chime echoed across the yard.
A moment passed before a servant came running.
The swordmaster barked at him.
"Go. Tell the lady. Tell anyone, the boy had awakened."
The word struck something inside me.
'Awakening?...Awakening!"
I focused on my body again, on the heat.
It wasn't pain, not exactly, more like pressure.
Step.
The swordmaster stepped closer.
His hand caught my wrist, the touch brought my focus back.
"Breathe slowly. Careful."
My fingers shook at his grip, but they still held the hilt steady.
The heat climbed my spine and flooded my chest.
White filled my vision for a heartbeat.
Then—
It settled, as though a hand had pressed against my core and held it steady.
He loosened his grip, pried the sword from my hand, and stepped back.
"Breathe, boy."
I did.
Haah.
In and out.
Haah.
The heat settled, but it left exhaustion behind.
My shoulders sagged, legs heavy, strength drained.
I tried to steady myself, but my balance wavered, my feet swayed.
Step.
My focus shifted at the sound of footsteps drawing closer.
Step.
Mother rushed into the yard, skirt caught in her hands.
"Adonis!"
She threw her arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace, emerald eyes wide with fear as they scanned every inch of me.
Her voice came fast, out of breath.
"Are you hurt?"
I returned her hug, arms circling around her, and shook my head.
"No, I'm alright, Mom…really."
She smiled, relief flashing across her face.
Her hands stayed firm on me as she turned toward the swordmaster, voice sharp.
"What happened?"
He bowed at once.
"Awakening, my lady."
At first her eyes flickered, she looked from the swordmaster to me, before disbelief slowly widened her eyes.
The connection struck a beat later, and her lips parted, voice rising with each word.
"Awakening...Awakening at twelve!"
I smiled, my voice came a little hoarse.
"Did I do well?"
"Hahah."
Her laugh came loud, breaking on relief and amusement.
She pulled me tighter, a scent of lavender washing over me.
"You did."
I sank into her arms, letting the warmth of her embrace steady me. I forgot the ache in my chest and the burn in my limbs.
Step.
Footsteps echoed again.
A shout followed.
"Adonis!"
I glanced over my shoulder, just as Theodora came running.
She leapt onto my back, arms thrown tight around my neck, tears mixing with laughter.
The force pushed me forward, and I fell on my knees.
Mother's hands loosened, and she took a step back to give us space.
"Adonis, you did it!"
I turned and wrapped my arms around Theodora's waist, pulling her closer.
Her hair brushed against my face, and our skin pressed together. Her scent filled my nose, light and flowery.
I pulled her even closer with a wide smile.
My voice came loud.
"I did it, Dori!"
She hugged my neck even tighter, short legs hooking behind my waist. Her cheek brushed mine, and her lips touched my ear, softly, as she whispered.
"My hero."
The words rang inside me.
Only then did I realize how close she was—her lips, her scent.
'Too close.'
My cheeks flushed, and I panicked.
But my saviour came with a loud clap that cut through the moment.
Clap
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The sound made her arms and legs loosen around me, the tight grip easing as I glanced over my shoulder.
Lucien stood a bit away, a grin resting across his face.
Pride was etched into his voice.
"Well done, brother!"
He whistled, raising his arms like it was a festival.
In the corner of my vision, a figure moved.
I glanced up, toward the balcony.
Above, Favian leaned against the railing.
His red eyes were on me, staring coldly.
His face gave nothing.
No cheer.
No smile.
Just silence.
My focus slipped as a tiny ache began to spread in my head.
I pressed a hand to my skull and winced.
The swordmaster's voice broke through.
"It's over. Enough for today. Go drink, eat, and rest."
"I can still—"
I tried to speak, but the pain grew stronger, and I clutched my head.
Mother's voice rose in panic, her hands gripping my shoulder.
"Adonis!"
Theodora clung tighter.
"Don't scare me like that!"
Lucien stepped closer, his voice worried.
"What's wrong with him?"
The swordmaster's tone was calm.
"Aftereffects. Nothing more. He'll recover with enough rest."
I forced another smile.
"I'm fine. It's okay."
Mother's eyes narrowed, her voice firm, authoritative, allowing no notions of refusal.
"You will rest. No training."
I knew that tone and gave in.
"Yes, Mother."
Her eyes softened, a small smile flickering with satisfaction at my answer.
Theodora's arms stayed around me, unwilling to let go, while Lucien turned on his heel to call the servants.
I lifted my gaze back to the balcony.
But Favian was already gone.