Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 10 : REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST

Morning arrived, and their journey to Cleveland resumed. As they rode in the carriage, Atlas and Keevin enjoyed a breakfast prepared by Kristen. Atlas peeked outside, mesmerized by the beautiful scenery. In the distance, a serene lake shimmered like a mirror.

"Woah, what's that place?" Atlas asked, his voice full of wonder.

"That's Lake Nadezhda," Keevin replied with a smile.

Atlas's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager for their carriage to pass by the lake. Enchanted by its clear, mirror-like waters, he couldn't wait to explore its beauty. After a few hours, the carriage stopped for a midday break right by the lake. Atlas hurried to the water, gently touching its surface, his eyes suddenly transforming to a sparkling blue as tears streamed down his face.

Keevin, alarmed by the sight of Atlas crying, sprinted towards him. "Atlas, are you okay?" he called out, panic in his voice. "Hey! Atlas!" Keevin yelled, gently patting his back. Atlas finally regained his senses and hugged Keevin tightly.

Keevin, surprised by Atlas's actions, asked, "Hey, what's wrong?"

Atlas looked into his eyes and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to see your past."

Keevin looked shocked and asked, "What did you see?"

"This is your hometown, isn't it?" Atlas replied.

"Yes, that's true," Keevin agreed.

"I saw how painful it was to witness so many of your people killed by demons. I saw you as a child. This happened a thousand years ago, didn't it?" Atlas said softly.

"Yes, that's true. It was a thousand years ago when I was still a child. A group of demons attacked our town and started killing everyone they saw. My father brought me to this lake to hide," Keevin explained.

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"Father! Where are you?" Young Keevin cried, searching for his father by the lake. Suddenly, his father grabbed his hand, pulling him along the lakeside. "Quick, son, it's dangerous here."

Unfortunately, the demons found them. "Please, don't hurt us. Spare my son. He is still young," Keevin's father pleaded. But their cries went unheard. A demon stabbed Keevin's father with a long spear. Blood spilled from his father's mouth as he told his son to run. Keevin stood in shock, trembling with fear, unable to move. Rage surged within him, his eyes turning a sparkling yellowish-white.

The water around him began to lift, forming a tidal wave that drowned the demon. "That's how I got the power of water," Keevin told Atlas.

With a sad expression, Atlas kissed Keevin's cheek and said, "You're so strong, you know that, Keevin?"

"Do I?" Keevin replied, smiling through his sadness.

"Yes, you do. I don't know if I could act like you after witnessing such trauma. You've lived for more than a thousand years and still want to continue living. That's true strength. It's not easy, especially in this cruel world. But I consider myself lucky to have met someone who has changed my life," Atlas said, his voice filled with admiration.

Atlas leaned in and kissed Keevin. "I'm so lucky the universe sent you to me, my love," he whispered.

"I consider myself lucky too, when you chose me to be your beloved. The moment you saved my life, I promised myself that I would always protect you," Keevin replied.

They spent the afternoon in each other's arms, sharing tender moments until it was time to continue their journey. Their next stop was the Town of Warriors, Mjolniar, before arriving in Cleveland.