ETHEREAL

Chapter 𝟜

...

Six years had passed since Aevon last saw Baela. Six long years of exchanging letters through ravens, their only connection across the distance that separated them. Each letter had been a lifeline, a way to share their thoughts, dreams, and hopes. But as much as Aevon cherished the letters, they could never replace the warmth of Baela's presence, the way her laughter could light up a room, or the strength in her gaze that always made him feel like he could conquer the world.

As he stood at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the Dothraki Sea, Aevon's thoughts were consumed by the anticipation of seeing her again. The wind tugged at his hair, and he breathed in the familiar scent of the grasslands, but his mind was far away, in Driftmark, where Baela waited.

"Aevon," a soft voice called behind him. He turned to see his mother, Haehra, approaching with his younger sister, Alyssa, in her arms. Alyssa, now five years old, had the same striking blue eyes as their father and brother, a vivid reminder of the bond they all shared.

"Mother," Aevon greeted, his voice tinged with the excitement and anxiety that had been building within him.

Haehra smiled, sensing the turmoil in her son's heart. "You've been thinking about Baela again, haven't you?" she asked gently, passing Alyssa to him.

Aevon nodded, holding his sister close as she nestled against his chest. "It's been so long. I can't help but wonder if she's changed, if things between us will be the same."

Haehra placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Six years may have passed, but the bond you share with Baela is strong. Your letters have kept that bond alive, and when you see each other again, you'll find that connection is still there."

Aevon sighed, looking down at Alyssa, who stared up at him with wide, trusting eyes. "I hope you're right. She's become such an important part of my life, even from afar. I just... I don't want to disappoint her."

"You won't," Haehra assured him. "You've grown into a strong, compassionate young man. Baela will see that, just as your father and I do. She cares for you, Aevon. That hasn't changed."

Aevon smiled at his mother's words, feeling a little of the weight lift from his shoulders. "Thank you, Mother," he said softly. "I needed to hear that."

Haehra returned his smile, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You'll see her soon, Aevon. And when you do, you'll know exactly where you stand with each other."

As if on cue, a raven's caw echoed in the distance, drawing their attention to the sky. A black bird circled above before swooping down to land on a nearby post, a rolled parchment attached to its leg.

Aevon's heart quickened as he recognized the raven. It was one of the birds from Driftmark, the one Baela often used to send her letters. He quickly passed Alyssa back to his mother and hurried to retrieve the message.

His hands trembled slightly as he unrolled the parchment, his eyes scanning Baela's familiar handwriting. The message was brief, but the words struck him with a sense of urgency:

Aevon,
There is a petition for the Lordship of Driftmark. My family is in turmoil. I need you by my side.
—Baela

Aevon read the message twice, the implications of her words sinking in. The Lordship of Driftmark was a serious matter, one that could determine the future of House Velaryon. And Baela needed him—wanted him there, with her, during such a critical time.