Whispers of the South Wind

Chapter 55

You sighed softly, gripping your book tightly in your hand as you walked across the wood porch towards the swing. The sun had finally risen over the horizon, washing the world in light and taking away the lingering chill of the spring night. You smiled as you looked across the yard, your eyes gleaming as they finally landed on Keigo.

He must have gotten up early, which wasn't unusual. Luke was definitely a morning child, and as much as you loved your son, mornings were still not your favorite time of day. Keigo always took it upon himself to rise with him, giving you a few more precious hours of sleep.

Keigo was across the yard, comfortably seated on Loki with little Luke confidently perched in front of him on the saddle. Watching them together, you couldn't help but smile. Luke was practically his father's twin, from his messy blonde hair to the warm amber sharpness of his eyes. He was all Keigo.

Secretly, you had hoped that somehow Luke would inherit his father's former quirk, as unlikely as that was since Keigo had his quirk factor stolen. But he hadn't been born with wings, suggesting that it probably wouldn't ever happen. Despite this, you found contentment in the reality that he'd more than likely have your quirk, knowing Keigo did as well.

The sight of them together warmed your heart immensely. Keigo was gently guiding Luke's hands on the reins, teaching him the basics of horseback riding. Luke, now a bubbly handful of a three-year-old, was laughing, his small hands gripping the leather straps as Loki trotted around the fenced paddock.

"You are doing great, Luke! Just like that, hold on tight and tell Loki where to go," Keigo encouraged, his voice filled with pride.

Luke turned back to look at Keigo before giggling and responded with an excited, "That way, Loki!" pointing towards the far end of the paddock before Keigo helped him move the reins. Loki easily responded, his steps slow and deliberate as he made his way across the paddock. You smiled as you watched, shaking your head with a small chuckle.

You never thought anyone but Keigo would ever get to ride Loki, but there was just something about Luke that had brought the stubborn stallion straight to his knees. Loki seemed to just worship him, always allowing Luke to pet and grab at him with not so much as a whinny. Luke had turned Loki into a gentle giant.

"Damn sucker," you giggled to yourself, watching as they turned in a wide arc and as Keigo's gaze met yours, he quickly offered you a radiant smile. You couldn't help but smile back, feeling an immense sense of peace and contentment wash over you.

It had been three years since that terrifying encounter with Asher, and life had settled into a calm, joyful rhythm that you had once only dreamed of, though it hadn't been the easiest path to get there.

Your memories from that day were honestly fairly hazy now, though your therapist told you that was fairly normal. Your brain was trying to forget the trauma, but there were certain pieces you would never be able to forget, forever etched into your memory.

It wasn't everyday you killed a person.

Before you fully comprehended your actions, you had pulled the trigger, the gunshot echoing sharply and causing Luke to scream from his carrier. Time seemed to freeze as you watched anxiously, your heart pounding in your chest. Your eyes widened in panic, the terrifying thought flashing through your mind that you might have accidentally hit Keigo. If that had happened, you couldn't begin to imagine what you would do.

Holding your breath, you watched as Asher stumbled forward slightly, his flames flickering and dying out before he collapsed in front of Keigo.

You'd actually managed to do it.

Keigo stared down at him, wide-eyed, then his gaze snapped to yours, locking eyes as the weight of your actions hit you both like a freight train.

The gun fell from your hands, clattering to the ground as if it had scorched you. Your breathing became ragged, your ears ringing with the echo of the gunshot and distant screams—who the hell was screaming?