Sacred Bonds and Broken Oaths

Chapter 3

I woke to the sound of the front door slamming and the ensuing shouting match. My mother's anger towards Davion was clear, but her voice was also laced with concern and tearful cries. I quietly stepped out of my room, trying to make as little noise as possible. As I peeked around the corner, I saw Mother wrapping her arms around Davion's slender frame. Though he was already several inches taller than her, he leaned heavily against her, the fear that had been so evident in his eyes, melted away against the soothing embrace of our mother's arms.

Her embrace was tender but firm, as if she were trying to anchor him to the safety of home he had brought them so much worry.

"Oh, my son," she said, her tone a blend of relief and reprimand. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been? We've been pacing and waiting, dreading what might have happened." She pulled him closer, her hands smoothing the back of his shirt as if to wipe away the fear that had clouded the evening.

Davion, still trembling slightly, buried his face into her shoulder. His breath came in uneven sighs, the adrenaline of his escapade giving way to the comfort of her presence. "I'm so sorry, Mother," he mumbled, his voice muffled. "I didn't mean to cause so much trouble."

She stroked his hair softly, her heart aching at the sight of his distress. "I know you didn't mean to," she said, her voice soothing as she continued to hold him close. "But you need to think about the consequences of your actions. We were terrified, Davion. It's not just about you being reckless; it's about the worry you bring to those who care about you."

He nodded against her, the weight of his actions settling upon him. "I understand," he whispered. "I really didn't think it through."

Mother pulled back slightly, her hands resting on his shoulders as she looked into his eyes with a mixture of affection and earnestness. "Promise me you'll be more careful. We care about you so much."

Davion met her gaze, his own eyes filled with remorse. "I promise, Mother. I'll be more careful."

With the heaviness of their conversation lightening up, I decided it was a good time for me to make my entrance. I rushed into the room and hugged my brother, a sigh of relief left my lips and I kissed is forehead. "You almost gave me a heart attack." I squeezed a little harder and finally released my embrace. He grinned sheepishly back at me and I gave him a soft smile in return.

The gentle glow of the hearth filled the room with a comforting warmth, the lightness of conversation had softened the raw edges of fear and worry, but the air remained heavy with unresolved emotions. The quiet murmur of our voices was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening, followed by the unmistakable footsteps of Emris and Father.

Emris walked in first, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. He glanced at Davion and Mother with a sympathetic nod before turning to his father, who followed closely behind, his face stern and his jaw set.

Father's gaze fell upon Davion and Mother, his anger barely restrained. He could see the relief in his Mother's eyes, but the sight of Davion, still shaken and tearful, only fueled his internal struggle. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but he made a conscious effort to keep his voice steady as he approached.

"Davion," Father began, his voice strained but controlled. "You're sixteen years old now, I trust you understand how serious this situation was."

Davion looked up, his face pale and drawn. "Yes, Father. I'm sorry."

Father took a deep breath, trying to temper the fury that churned within him. "The magistrate has been lenient this time," he said, his tone edged with a restrained frustration. "He's decided to let you off with a warning, but you need to understand how close you came to facing severe consequences. If you're caught again, the punishment could be a lashing or even the loss of a hand."