The Warlock's Azalea (EDITING) ✔

Chapter 11.3 - Era

Chapter 11 – Era

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Age 90.

"We understand that things are getting harder. But, please know that we're always here for you."

That's what they said, holding a small brown cake when Aziel opened the door.

I'm sorry.

Will they forgive him if they find out he used his spatio to sneak into Staile Cons to check when the Jaald is guarded? What would they think of him if they knew he'd steal the Jaald three times a week the past years every time it was left unattended?

But it's to research its enchantments and see what is in the enchanting stone. After all, he's a warlock—unlike Viserion and other Dwei dwellers, his race makes it more likely for him to find out the stone's secret before anyone else.

And he must.

He's getting close now, so there should be no going back.

Aziel glanced up at them one by one. He's not the only one suffering here. He used to play with these people when they were simply around a decade old—but tonight, their dark complexion and eyes full of pretentious glee honored the lonely house.

Maybe that's why Aziel couldn't meet them even once in the previous years because Aziel would break down when they made eye contact.

I'm sorry.

He sighed and smiled, not bothering to hide the same or even greater rotten feeling behind his tricolored eyes.

"Thank you."

He welcomed them into his home, which was initially supposed to be everyones. Aside from their shoes dragging on the wooden floor and the clinks of daggers and wooden bowls in preparation to slice the cake, no one spoke.

After Aziel bid them goodbye after a silent but heartwarming little birthday celebration, he called out.

"Era."

She stopped by the doorframe, "Bia, you can go on ahead. I'll stay a bit longer."

A purple-haired witch glanced behind. With a smile and an arm wave, "Take your time, Era."

Aziel huffed, his eyes glued to the floor, where Era's boots turned around and slowly shut the door.

"It's... nothing much." Aziel started, refusing to glance at her dual-colored eyes of red-orange and ginger. "I just wanted to.. tell someone something I've been working on."

"You're always welcome to intrude in my life no matter how trivial your reasons for doing so are, Azi. Remember that." Aziel pursed his lips, bowing his head even lower.

No. He can't let Era see how much he's been holding back his tears since he saw her today.

Aziel slid his hands behind him and gripped hard on his cloak, the back probably creasing because of it.

"I've been working on a research that's bound to be... life-changing for us once I succeed. It may sound crazy or similar to what Kazix did, but I promise it's... not." Is it really not?

I'm not sure.

He cleared his throat, but the lump resting inside refused to leave. So he had no choice but to continue speaking in a low tone.

"It has something to do with... what I want." He closed his eyes. "I promise I'll tell you once I've become more confident in its success."

"For what you want, eh?"

Aziel put up a sad smile and peeked at her. She's looking up at the ceiling.

"I'm still having second thoughts at times. I'm still wondering if being this selfish is okay."