I will burn

VI. The dream

It wasn't until we got to the lake we began seeing silhouettes of Dorian's family members. They spotted us right away and looked happy when we returned.

It was a bit surprising seeing them all outside, since December was approaching, it was very cold outside.

,, Welcome back! I'm so glad ye boys are alright!" Martha greeted us in front of the house.

,, We left some spare lunch for ye two, so come on in" Cassius came from behind her and half-hugged her.

,, Indeed we did!" She admitted.

We went inside and ate like never before. For the first time in two weeks, we ate something other than meat and forest berries. After lunch, we unpacked, changed our clothes, and went outside to chop some wood.

It seemed then like the cold air got even breezier.

The Viactrices family wasn't too different than the ones in Pheathon.

If I'm not counting their overgrown, magical house, their personalities fit most of the empire.

They were joyful and had nothing to complain about.

If I'm not counting their acceptance of witchcraft, they too had similar beliefs and routines.

They hoped for a destiny to face them, but in most cases it never did. They lived their day the same way, the same chores and work they did like most families.

Maybe I should've felt more connected to their family since I loved the ones in Pheathon.

At least, I did for the majority of my life.

I flashed back to a time in the empire. It was Christmas 1690 and everyone was either in their house, celebrating as a family, or in the church, singing carols. I was one of them that day, wanting to escape the yearly loneliness in the castle.

Everyone was shocked that I came, but over time they sort of accepted it.

I felt welcomed by their presence and hadn't thought of all the trouble awaiting me home for sneaking out.

It was just me and my people, who I thought also loved me at that time.

,, Prince Corbin, how do you spend your Christmas?" A young boy asked me outside of church.

,, Well, I stay home and enjoy the holiday with my family" I lied.

,, But then why aren't you home now?" He asked, while his mother was trying to excuse his nosy behavior and leave, but I assured her it was fine.

,, Well, I wanted to go for a change this year" I explained and the two left.

At that time, I never thought they'd treat me the way they did later in over 5 years later.

I guess it was too much to ask for a bit of love. Which they'll be begging of me when I come back.

I snapped back to reality.

It was almost as cold as during Christmas at that time.

,, Shalt we start bringing the wood inside? It's getting really cold" Dorian said, pale as ice.

,, Good idea" I said, freezing as well.

The minute we got inside we felt the warm inside air pressing onto us.

We closed the door and noticed Cassius, Martha, and a few kids by the fireplace, putting in a bunch of logs while telling each other stories.

,, Ye are done already?" Martha asked shocked.