The Phoenix King #1 Bed of Ashes

Chapter 12 A Bold Move

Űnin finished writing his letter to his mother and handed it to Priestess Aria for delivery back to Jöithelm. The parchment felt heavy in his hands, laden with the weight of his hopes and reassurances for his mother. As he handed it over, he met Aria's calm, wise gaze.

"Thank you, Priestess," Űnin said, his voice sincere. "I appreciate everything you've done for us."

Aria smiled gently, taking the letter from him. "You're welcome, Űnin. Remember, it will take some time for your letter to reach home. Have patience, and trust that your words will bring comfort."

Űnin nodded, feeling a pang of homesickness but also a renewed sense of purpose. "I will. Thank you again."

Aria placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "May the light guide your path and keep you safe. Farewell, Űnin."

"Farewell, Aria," he replied, his voice steady despite the emotion welling up inside him. With a final nod, he turned and quickly made his way back to his friends, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Űnin found Rom and her father, Robert, just outside, the air heavy with tension.

"Romona, we are not having this discussion," Robert exclaimed, his voice booming with authority. "No way in all nine hells am I letting you go across the sea with these people!"

Rom's eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling. "Well, I only suggested it because you said you didn't want to go."

Űnin approached cautiously, sensing the volatile atmosphere. He could see the disappointment and sadness in Rom's eyes and the frustration and concern in Robert's. Their raised voices and animated gestures underscored the intensity of their emotions.

"Is everything okay?" Űnin asked, trying to diffuse the situation.

"No, it is not okay!" Robert snapped, turning to face Űnin. "You kids are runaways, and what's worse is your royalty, and you're filling my daughter's head with wild adventures and danger. I will not allow it!"

"I understand your concern, Robert," Űnin said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "But I assure you that we have no intention of putting your daughter in harm's way. We're just trying to save our kingdom." He could feel the raw anger emanating from Robert, but beneath it, there was a layer of fear. "If you don't want to help us, we will find another way," he added softly. "And I promise that your family will not be harmed as a result of assisting us."

Robert's glare softened slightly, and he extended his hand to his daughter. She hesitated before taking it, her small hand disappearing into his large one. "Look, Űnin," Robert said, his voice low and steady, with a hint of hesitation. "I can appreciate your desire to save your home." He looked down at the ground, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "But I will not put my family in danger," his voice shook, and he squeezed his daughter's hand tighter. "I wish you luck on your journey." With that, Robert turned and led his daughter away. Rom's eyes remained fixed on Űnin and his companions as they walked away, filled with a mix of longing and regret.

Űnin, Vaelon, and Rhea stood in silence, watching Robert and Rom walk away, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on their shoulders. The sound of their footsteps gradually faded, leaving the three friends alone with their thoughts. The worry on Robert's face and the longing in Rom's eyes lingered in their minds.

Rhea broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper, "What do we do now?" Her eyes were filled with uncertainty, reflecting her inner turmoil.

Űnin took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He could feel the sadness weighing him down, but he knew they couldn't afford to let it overwhelm them. "We head to Verbahmut," he said, his voice tinged with both sorrow and resolve. "We can't turn back now. We've come too far."