The Dawn of Malice
Chapter 37

Skyfall

In the dim, flickering light of torches, Lucian and Erasmus led the desperate citizens of Verdania through the labyrinthine sewers. The air was damp and filled with the metallic scent of moisture and earth. Echoes of distant explosions reverberated through the tunnels, a haunting reminder of the chaos and destruction unfolding above ground, the Laresian army entered the city.

The citizens, a mix of young and old, men and women, pushed forward with a mixture of fear and determination. Whispers of worry and anger rippled through the crowd, each step fueling their urgency. Lucian could feel the tension in the air, the weight of their city’s impending fate pressing heavily upon them.

Ahead, a large portion of the sewer passage had collapsed, blocking their path. Murmurs of frustration and panic spread like wildfire. People looked to Lucian and Erasmus for guidance, their eyes filled with a desperate plea for hope.

“We can’t stop now,” Erasmus called out, his voice projecting strength. “There’s an access tunnel just beyond this rubble. We’ll replace a way through.”

Lucian and Erasmus worked their way through the crowd, clearing a path with urgency. The tunnel was tight and confined, barely enough space for a person to crawl through. The citizens exchanged worried glances, hesitating at the prospect of squeezing through the narrow passage.

Lucian knelt beside a young boy, his eyes wide with fear. “Hey there,” he said softly, offering a reassuring smile. “We’re going to get through this, okay? Just follow me and Erasmus. We’ll make sure you all reach safety.”

The boy nodded – his small hand clutching Lucian’s for comfort. One by one, the citizens began to crawl through the access tunnel, their determination overriding their fear. Lucian and Erasmus took turns guiding and encouraging them, their voices a constant source of reassurance.

As they progressed through the tunnel, Lucian’s heart ached for the people he was leading. He couldn’t help but think of all they had endured, the sacrifices they had made, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But he resolved to do everything in his power to ensure their safety.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they emerged from the access tunnel into another section of the sewer network. The citizens let out sighs of relief, their faces illuminated by a renewed sense of hope. Lucian exchanged a weary but determined glance with Erasmus.

“We press on,” Lucian declared, his voice firm. “We’re almost there. Just a little bit farther.”

The citizens nodded – their weariness tempered by their fortitude. With newfound resolve, they continued to follow Lucian and Erasmus through the winding tunnels, each step bringing them closer to their destination. The echoes of Laresian soldiers’ boots grew fainter, drowned out by the steady rhythm of their progress.

Emerging from the dark confines of the sewer, Lucian’s heart raced as he led the citizens of Verdania out into the open air. The sky above was a canvas of gray and gloom, matching the somber atmosphere that hung heavy over their heads. Their escape had taken them beyond the city’s borders, and they now stood at the edge of the dense forests that surrounded Verdania.

The sounds of chaos echoed behind them, a cacophony of destruction and desperation that told a harrowing tale. Lucian’s ears caught the distant cries of Laresian soldiers, their harsh voices ringing out as they ransacked homes in search of the citizens who had managed to flee. Fear and urgency fueled their steps, urging them to move faster, to put as much distance between themselves and the city as possible.

Lucian’s voice cut through the air like a rallying cry as he turned to face the citizens. “Keep moving! Follow us!” he yelled – his words laced with urgency. He sprinted forward, leading the way into the depths of the forest, his heart pounding in his chest.

Beside him, Erasmus matched his pace, his staff held firmly in his hand. The weight of their responsibility bore down on both, and they exchanged a determined glance. They were the guiding light for these people, their beacon of hope in a world gone awry.

As they ran, Lucian’s gaze flicked back toward the city, his heart clenching at the sight that met his eyes. Laresian soldiers now stood atop the ramparts, their rifles aimed downward. A volley of shots rang out, and Lucian watched in horror as citizens fell to the ground, their lives extinguished in an instant.

“Run! Don’t stop!” Lucian’s voice cracked with desperation, a raw and agonized plea. He could hear the whizzing of bullets as they tore through the air, the impact of the shots sending shockwaves of terror through the fleeing crowd.

Erasmus’s voice joined his, their cries melding into a chorus of frantic urgency. “Keep going! We can’t let them catch us!” The forest loomed ahead, a sanctuary of shadows and cover that offered a slim chance of escape.

Lucian’s legs burned as he pushed himself forward, every step an act of defiance against the forces that sought to crush their hope. He could feel the weight of the people’s lives resting on his shoulders, their trust in him a heavy burden that he refused to let crumble.

As the sound of gunfire continued to echo behind them, Lucian’s determination blazed brighter. The forest enveloped them, its dense foliage offering a shield from the world they were leaving behind. He ran with a singular purpose, his mind focused solely on guiding the citizens to safety, on leading them toward a new dawn.

“Keep running!” Lucian’s voice was a mantra, a call to action that reverberated through the forest. He glanced back one final time, the image of fallen citizens seared into his memory. They would not be forgotten.

As they approached the airship, the deep forests whispered with a haunting melody as Lucian ushered people aboard the airship, his heart pounding with a mix of urgency and dread. Beside him, Erasmus worked feverishly to start the engines, a sense of grim determination etched into his features. The airship’s mechanisms creaked and groaned to life, a metallic symphony that seemed to echo the urgency of the moment.

In the distance, a chilling sound cut through the air - the thunderous rumble of hooves and the shouts of the Laresian army. Lucian’s grip tightened on the railing as he turned to look, his heart sinking at the sight that unfolded. The surviving citizens who had managed to escape the sewers were now facing the brutal onslaught of the Laresian cavalry. Their spears and pikes were merciless, cutting down those who had survived the earlier volley of bullets.

Anguish clawed at Lucian’s chest as he watched, his fists clenching with a mixture of rage and helplessness. The Laresians were ruthless, their violence leaving a wake of death and despair. He cursed their actions, their choices that had plunged their world into chaos.

As the airship’s engines roared to life, drowning out the sounds of battle, Lucian’s attention was drawn to a heart-wrenching scene unfolding on the edge of the clearing. A father and his young daughter were running toward the airship, desperation etched into their faces. Lucian’s voice cut through the chaos – a desperate shout laced with urgency. “Run faster!” he yelled at the man still racing toward them, his heart pounding in his chest. The airship was beginning to lift, the ramp beneath Lucian’s feet slowly angling upwards.

With every ounce of strength, Lucian leaned over the edge of the ramp, his hand outstretched to the man, his fingers straining to reach him. “Come on!” he urged, his voice a fierce plea.

The man’s breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed his legs to their limits, his eyes locked on Lucian’s outstretched hand. He was close, so close, and for a fleeting moment, hope flickered in Lucian’s chest. They could make it – they could save one more life from the clutches of the Laresian threat.

But then, in a horrifying twist of fate, the man’s expression shifted. His gaze flickered from Lucian to his daughter, a determined resolve replacing the fear. “Take her!” he shouted over the roar of the engines, his voice unwavering despite the chaos. “Take my daughter!”

Lucian’s heart plummeted as realization dawned upon him, his fingers frozen in mid-air as he watched the man scoop up his daughter and thrust her toward Lucian. Time seemed to slow as he saw the girl’s wide eyes, a mix of confusion and fear, and then felt her small arms wrapped around his neck. He held her tightly, his muscles tensing as he prepared to pull the man up next.

But before he could react, a deafening crack split the air, and a mist of crimson erupted from the man’s chest. Lucian’s world blurred, horror and disbelief crashing over him like a tidal wave. The man’s body crumpled to the ground – his life extinguished in an instant.

“No,” Lucian whispered, his voice barely audible over the bullets that ricocheted against the airship’s hull. He stared, his mind struggling to comprehend the tragedy that had just unfolded. The Laresian army had taken another life, another innocent soul lost to their relentless violence.

The girl clung to Lucian, her sobs mingling with his shock and grief. He held her close, his heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and fury. Anger surged within him, a burning determination to bring an end to the bloodshed and suffering that had gripped their world. He whispered words of comfort, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. He couldn’t undo the tragedy that had befallen them, but he could offer solace in their darkest hour.

As the airship began to lift off the ground, the forest below fell away, replaced by the vast expanse of the sky. Lucian’s eyes remained fixed on the land they were leaving behind, a silent vow forming in his heart. He would do whatever it took to bring an end to the Laresian threat, to restore hope and peace to their world. With each passing moment, his resolve only grew stronger, fueled by the memories of those they had lost and the determination to create a better future.

The next few hours were a blur as the airship descended with a shuddering groan, its once proud and majestic form now bearing the scars of the journey it had undertaken. Lucian gripped the railing as the vessel touched down on the outskirts of the City of Serendell, the ground meeting their feet with a jolt. The hull was marred by bullet holes, evidence of the fierce battles they had faced in their harrowing journey.

As the airship settled, a sudden rush of cold air swept through the cabin, and Lucian’s gaze was drawn to a major rupture in the balloon above. The escape by air was swift, a disheartening reminder of the toll their escape had taken on the vessel. The gas hissed and whistled as it fled, the balloon sagging with the weight of their predicament.

But their arrival did not go unnoticed. Before they could even step out of the battered airship, they were surrounded by a contingent of city guards on horseback. Long rifles were pointed in their direction, the guards adopting a defensive stance as they regarded the newcomers with caution.

Lucian’s heart pounded in his chest, the tension in the air palpable. He exchanged a glance with Erasmus, a silent communication passing between them as they pulled down the lever that opened the airship’s doors.

The world shifted as the airship’s entrance yawned open, spilling forth a flood of weary refugees. Their faces bore the weight of exhaustion, etched with soot, and streaked with tears. Lucian’s urgency was palpable as he turned to Erasmus, his voice a whisper that held the weight of their success and the responsibility that followed.

“We did it. The distraction worked. Now, we need to make sure these refugees are safe,” Lucian urged, his eyes flicking between Erasmus and the torrent of people disembarking.

Erasmus nodded – his gaze equally serious. “Agreed. Let’s get them off the airship and explain the situation to the guards.”

Their purpose was clear, but their immediate path was momentarily obstructed by the guards stationed near the airship’s entrance barring any refugees from further disembarking. These sentinels, once potential adversaries, now wore expressions that mingled relief and empathy as they observed the scene unfolding before them.

“Hold on, who are all these people? What’s happening out there?” The captain of the city guards questioned, lowering his weapon, and addressing Lucian and Erasmus with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Lucian’s chest heaved as he caught his breath, his voice steady despite the urgency in his words. “Verdania has been taken by the Laresian army. We had to escape with these refugees while we still had a chance to escape.”

One of the guards, who dismounted his horse, reached out to help a refugee down from the airship. “They’ve been through a lot. We’ll do what we can to help.”

Erasmus’s gratitude was evident as he responded, “Thank you. We just need a safe place for them to stay.”

Lucian’s gaze shifted back to the guards – his tone urgent as he relayed his next instruction. “Keep watch and stay on high alert. We can’t tell if we were followed. We’ve been betrayed before – it would be for the best to stay on the side of caution.”

The other guard who’d been helping refugees to disembark nodded in agreement. “You can count on us. We’ll make sure no one gets hurt.”

Erasmus’s attention returned to the refugees, his focus on their well-being unshaken. “Let’s get them settled and tended to. They need rest and care.”

The captain of the guard, his tone gentle and comforting, assured Lucian and Erasmus, “Don’t worry. We’ll help them replace some comfort.”

Amidst the disarray, a fragile sense of unity began to emerge. The refugees continued to disembark, replaceing support from both their fellow survivors and the once-skeptical guards. The tension that had once lingered between Lucian, Erasmus, and the guards began to dissolve in the face of shared purpose. The weapons the guards had wielded now transformed into aiding hands, and amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a sense of compassion and solidarity prevailed.

“We need to speak with your city’s mayor,” Erasmus said to the captain as he carried a small boy off the ship.

“You’re free to take your leave,” the captain nodded, “We’ll handle the relocation of your people.”

“Professor Killian, please take over my duties as I am required elsewhere.” Lucian watched as a strangely burly scholar approached Erasmus nodding his head.

“I’ll see to it that everyone is settled upon your return.” The burly scholar replied.

Lucian and Erasmus stepped away from the growing crowd of refugees, their movements slow and deliberate. They exchanged a brief nod with the guards, a silent understanding passing between them. Though their initial encounter had been fraught with tension, they were now united by a common purpose – to provide refuge and solace to those in need.

Guided by two of the city guards, Lucian and Erasmus were led through the bustling streets of Serendell. The city’s advanced technology was evident in every corner, from the towering spires to the intricate mechanisms that powered the metropolis.

The city guards lead them into an impressively large building adorned with columns made of solid marble. Lucian and Erasmus found themselves led into the mayor’s office. The room exuded a sense of authority, with oak furnishings that seemed to embody the weight of responsibility. The mayor herself was a figure of action, her warm greeting belied by the feverish energy that emanated from her desk.

“I have already been informed by a guard of your situation. The situation for the kingdoms and free cities is dire, my friends,” the mayor exclaimed, her voice tinged with both fear and concern. She looked up from her papers, meeting their eyes with a sense of urgency. “We must act swiftly to aid those in need.”

The mayor’s hands moved with purpose, her fingers dancing across sheets of paper as she barked orders that held the promise of aid. “Contact every available resource, every philanthropist willing to contribute,” she instructed her aides, her tone a mixture of command and plea.

Lucian exchanged a glance with Erasmus, both of them understanding the gravity of the situation. “We’re here to assist in any way we can,” Lucian offered, his voice resolute.

“Then you must come with me at once!” the slenderly built mayor pushed back her chair and approached the two men, beckoning them to follow.

As the noon sun began its ascent, casting its gentle glow through the windows, Lucian and Erasmus found themselves ushered into a waiting car. The vehicle’s engine rumbled to life, and they embarked on a journey that held its sense of purpose.

Erasmus leaned forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “Do you think this shelter will be able to accommodate everyone?”

Lucian’s gaze remained fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window. “It’s a start,” he replied, his tone tinged with a quiet hope. “We’ll do what we can to ensure your people are taken care of.”

Their destination was an emergency shelter, a beacon of temporary refuge amidst the turmoil that had engulfed the city. The car came to a halt, and Lucian’s gaze swept over the shelter’s interior. Rows of cots stretched out before him, each a haven for the weary souls seeking respite.

Erasmus and Lucian were surprised by the refugees that were already in the emergency shelter. As they walked in, the faces that turned towards them were etched with exhaustion, yet they also held a glimmer of hope.

Amidst the cots and the wearied faces, there was a sense of unity that transcended the chaos of the outside world. The emergency shelter had become a sanctuary, a place where the resilient spirit of Verdania’s inhabitants persisted despite the challenges they faced. And as Lucian and Erasmus joined in conversations with the refugees, their words carried the promise of hope and a shared determination to overcome.

City officials bustled about, organizing aid and assistance for the refugees. Lucian and Erasmus were instructed to stay within the shelter’s confines, their journey’s end marked by the sanctuary they had found. As they settled onto cots, Lucian couldn’t help but reflect on the trials they had overcome. Though their airship bore the scars of battle and their path had been fraught with danger, they had made it to this point – to a place where they could replace rest and begin to rebuild.

With a weary yet determined heart, Lucian looked around at the refugees and the city that had welcomed them. The future may still be uncertain, but they had taken the first steps toward a new beginning, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

By the next morning’s light, Erasmus and Lucian were once again walking through the bustling streets of Serendell, the city’s advanced technology, and vibrant energy a stark contrast to the hardships they had recently faced. The city officials had permitted them to roam freely, a testament to Erasmus’s influence and reputation. Lucian couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and curiosity as he took in the sights and sounds of this technologically advanced metropolis.

“Why are we leaving the emergency shelter, Erasmus?” Lucian asked, “Is there someone you need to meet?”

“Yes,” Erasmus replied, his voice barely a whisper, “I have family in Serendell, although they might be remiss to meet me after all these years.”

As they navigated the labyrinthine network of streets, Lucian’s attention was drawn to a small alleyway that seemed to beckon to them. Erasmus, too, seemed intrigued, and they turned into the narrow passage. The alley was just wide enough for foot traffic, and the tall buildings on either side cast shadows that played across the cobblestones.

At the end of the alley stood a figure, a petite young woman with aquamarine eyes that held a depth of emotion. Her curly hair framed her face, and her presence seemed to radiate a sense of quiet strength. Lucian’s steps slowed as he took in her appearance, his curiosity piqued.

Erasmus, however, had a different reaction. Lucian saw a subtle change come over his friend, a mix of surprise and emotion that made his eyes water. It was a reaction that Lucian hadn’t anticipated, and he glanced between Erasmus and the young woman, trying to understand the connection.

As they drew closer, the reason for Erasmus’s reaction became apparent. Lucian’s gaze shifted downward, and he saw the young woman’s prosthetic leg – a stark reminder of the challenges she had faced and overcome. Lucian could sense that there was a deeper story here, one that had shaped their current circumstances.

The young woman’s aquamarine eyes met Erasmus’s, and there was a brief moment of silent recognition between them. Lucian watched as Erasmus’s expression softened, his gaze holding a depth of emotion that was hard to put into words. It was a reunion that seemed to carry the weight of years gone by, a meeting that held significance beyond what Lucian could fully comprehend.

The young woman was the first to break the silence. “Grandfather…”

“Ximena…” Erasmus said as he took tentative steps forward, his body seemingly moving on its own. The young woman, Ximena, ran into Erasmus’s arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. Lucian watched awestruck at the scene before him, he hadn’t known Erasmus to have ever had a family.

“Come. Come.” Ximena implored as she pulled on her grandfather’s sleeves, his sleeves taut with her efforts. Erasmus nodded for Lucian to follow and together they entered the hidden workshop within the alley.

The warm ambiance of Ximena’s hidden workshop embraced Lucian as he stood in the doorway, an observer of a deeply emotional scene unfolding before him. Erasmus, the wise and enigmatic wizard, stood face to face with Ximena, his gaze filled with a mixture of astonishment, regret, and longing.

Lucian watched in silence as the two figures regarded each other, their eyes locked in a poignant exchange that seemed to span the passage of time itself. The room was suffused with an air of palpable tension as if the weight of unspoken words and unresolved emotions hung heavily in the air.

Amid the intricate machinery within Ximena’s workshop, Erasmus and Lucian found themselves seated – their eyes drawn to the array of tools that lined the shelves. With a soft smile, Erasmus turned to Lucian, his voice gentle. “Allow me to introduce you properly. Lucian, meet my granddaughter, Ximena.”

Lucian’s gaze shifted to the young woman, her hands deftly adjusting the mechanisms of an artificial leg. Her aquamarine eyes flickered up to meet his, a spark of curiosity in their depths. “Nice to meet you, Lucian.”

Erasmus’s gaze held a sense of pride as he continued, “Ximena’s talents bear the legacy of her grandmother, Camila.”

Lucian’s interest piqued. “Camila, your wife?”

Ximena’s hands paused, a shadow passing over her features. “Yes, his wife. She passed away a long time ago.”

Erasmus’s voice held a touch of wistfulness. “Camila was a brilliant engineer, and she chose that path even as I embraced the life of a wizard.”

Lucian’s brow furrowed in thought. “So, your paths took you in different directions?”

Ximena’s gaze dropped momentarily, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. “Yes, their choices led them on separate journeys.”

Erasmus’s eyes met Lucian’s, a sense of understanding in his gaze. “Camila and I were deeply in love once. But when I chose the path of a wizard, and Camila became an engineer, our paths diverged.”

Ximena’s fingers resumed their delicate work, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and acceptance. “Grandfather pursued his magic, and my grandmother followed her dreams of engineering.”

Lucian picked up on the undercurrents of history. “Their choices created a rift?”

Ximena’s gaze held a mixture of sorrow and nostalgia. “They loved each other, but the paths they took strained their relationship.”

Erasmus’s expression was a mix of regret and longing. “Camila struggled to reconcile my choices with her dreams.”

Ximena’s voice carried a touch of empathy. “She felt that you had chosen magic over her, over us.”

Erasmus’s gaze softened. “Our decisions put distance between us, and it hurt her.”

“Not just her grandfather,” Ximena turned to Lucian, her lips curved into a bittersweet smile. “I was raised by my mother, Adriana. She had unresolved feelings towards my grandfather for what she saw as abandonment.”

Erasmus’s voice was filled with regret. “I never intended to hurt my family with my choices.”

“I know that grandfather, and I forgive you.” Ximena’s eyes held a mixture of sadness and understanding. “My mother raised me until she passed away from tuberculosis. After her death, my grandmother Camila raised me on her own.”

Lucian’s gaze shifted between Erasmus and Ximena, the layers of their history becoming more apparent. “And your mother’s passing brought you closer to your grandfather?”

Ximena’s nod was a mix of sadness and affection. “Yes, her death changed my life drastically. I found myself drawn to the idea of reconnecting my grandparents, but it became apparent to me that they just couldn’t reignite their relationship.”

“Thought,” Erasmus interjected, “it did open the possibility of us becoming friends again. And allowed me to meet my granddaughter. Whenever I left Verdania on research or archaeology, I would stop by Serendell to meet with my granddaughter and ex-wife.” Erasmus’s hand rested on Ximena’s shoulder, a symbol of their rekindled connection. “I’m grateful that Ximena chose to welcome me back into her life.”

Ximena’s voice held warmth. “My grandfather was awkward for a long time, unsure whether to hug me or shake my hand.” Ximena laughed as she arranged her tools on the workbench. “Though Lola Camila would blush whenever grandfather complimented her.”

Lucian’s eyes softened as he saw the bond between them. “It seems that despite the choices that divided you, you and your ex-wife still shared love between you.”

Erasmus’s eyes met Lucian’s, a sense of shared understanding passing between them. “Yes, our shared love for our granddaughter brought us back together.”

“That’s not the case now, is it grandfather?” Ximena’s voice was tinged with mischief and held a sense of resolution. “When you love someone, you just really can’t get away.”

As they sat surrounded by the whirring of machinery, a sense of unity settled between Erasmus and Ximena. The weight of the past had given way to the promise of a future where their bond could flourish anew. The workshop, once a place of solitude, now stood as a testament to the reconciliation of two souls who had traveled divergent paths, only to replace their way back to each other.

Lucian’s gaze flickered to Ximena’s prosthetic limb – his voice tentative. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you...”

Ximena’s expression softened as she looked at her prosthetic limb. “Lose my arm?” Her voice held a mix of emotions.

Erasmus’s eyes glistened with tears as he listened, his hand reaching out to gently touch Ximena’s shoulder.

Ximena took a deep breath, her voice steady as she recounted the events that had altered her life. Ximena’s eyes softened, and she offered a gentle smile. “It’s a story I don’t mind telling.” Her voice held a mixture of emotions.

Ximena’s gaze held a faraway look as she began to recount the events that had changed her life. “We had a fun time roaming around Serendell, we kept laughing at Caerus’s face as he oohed and aahed at the buildings. Then… it happened after we left a busy tavern. We were ambushed on the way back.”

Lucian’s brow furrowed in concern. “Ambushed? By whom?”

Ximena’s voice held a hint of sadness. “A Laresian operative, concealed in a trench coat. He wielded a sword that moved like a whip, striking with deadly precision.”

Ximena’s expression held a mix of pain and determination. “Ryker and Caerus were with me. They fought bravely, defending me from the Laresian’s attacks.”

Lucian’s eyes grew wide with realization. “Ryker and Caerus? They were there too?”

Ximena nodded, her voice carrying a touch of pride. “Yes, they stood by my side, risking their lives to ensure my safety. Ryker and Caerus were doing their best, but the whip sword was faster. And… I wasn’t fast enough. It wrapped around my leg and…” Ximena squeezed her hand to get the point across. Erasmus brushed a tear from his eyes while Lucian stared blankly ahead.

Ximena smiled reassuringly as she continued her story. “We managed to repel the attack, but not without a cost.”

“You should have left them,” Lucian said after a moment of silence, “Caerus is a Laresian, Caspian and I ensured that he would be prepared for battle. Your life wasn’t worth the risk.”

Ximena’s gaze met Lucian’s, from her gaze, Lucian could tell she felt insulted. “It was a choice I made without hesitation. Ryker is like family to me. And that includes anyone he vetoes.”

Lucian’s voice was filled with respect. “And you were willing to protect them, just as they did for you.”

As the weight of Ximena’s story settled over them, Lucian couldn’t help but be awed by her strength and resilience. He leaned back in his seat sighing. “Your strength, your story, they’re a testament to the resilience that lies within you. I’m glad that Caerus met you. And I apologize for what that entailed.”

And then, the moment came—a moment of catharsis that seemed to release a flood of pent-up emotions. Erasmus, the once unflinching and composed wizard, crumbled beneath the weight of his regrets and perceived failures. Tears streamed down his weathered face – his shoulders shook with the force of his sobs.

“Had I only been a better grandfather.” Erasmus tearfully exclaimed. “If wizardry wasn’t the only thing I’d focused on, then I could have been there to defend you.”

Lucian’s heart ached as he witnessed the raw vulnerability of a man who had always seemed so unshakable. Ximena’s gaze softened, and with a tenderness that belied her strength, she stepped closer to Erasmus.

“I told you before grandfather, I forgive you.” Ximena brushed away her grandfather’s tears. “Lola Camila forgave you too. Even… even mom did on her deathbed. So, stop blaming yourself.”

As the tears and emotions overflowed, Lucian stood up and walked away from the table giving the two time to reconnect and a moment to be a family.

“I’ll head back to the emergency shelter, Erasmus. It was a pleasure to meet you Ximena.” As Lucian bid his farewell, Ximena gave him a small smile and Erasmus nodded gratefully at Lucian for understanding the situation.

Witnessing something intimate and deeply personal struck a chord in Lucian’s heart as he stepped out of the workshop and stared up at the gloomy winter sky, his thoughts filled with worry for his lost ward.