Light in abyss

CHAPTER 13 : BLUE MOON

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over Fulmyth’s gates. The air buzzed with the energy of anticipation, and as Chris Collins, Marcus Collins, and Damon Ortiz stepped through the archway, they were met with a mix of relief and joy. They had returned from war, but the journey had left its mark—Chris and Damon were both bandaged, their wounds still fresh.

The streets of Fulmyth were unusually quiet, echoing their footsteps against the cobblestone path. Chris carried himself with a slight limp, but his eyes were bright as he took in the familiar surroundings. Marcus, walking beside him, felt a surge of emotions swell within him—a bittersweet mix of gratitude and sorrow. Damon, slightly ahead, scanned the area, still in warrior mode, his senses heightened from months spent on the battlefield.

As they approached the apartment building, Katherine appeared at the entrance, her face lighting up with joy. She rushed toward them, her heart pounding in her chest. “You’re back! Thank the gods!”

Without hesitation, she embraced both Chris and Damon tightly, her arms wrapping around their injured forms as if trying to shield them from the horrors they had witnessed. “I was so afraid I’d lose you,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Chris smiled softly, the warmth of her embrace washing over him. “We made it back, Kat. I promised I would.”

Damon chuckled softly despite the pain. “And I kept my promise to look after him,” he said, shooting Chris a teasing glance.

Elaina emerged from the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour and her hair tied back. The aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted through the air, wrapping around them like a warm embrace. “Come in! I have prepared a feast to welcome you home,” she announced, her smile bright.

“Smells amazing, Elaina,” Marcus replied, leading the way inside. The warmth of the kitchen enveloped them, providing a comforting contrast to the chill of recent memories.

As they entered the living room, they settled down around the table, laden with food. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories of their battles, each tale interspersed with teasing remarks and fond memories. But there was an undercurrent of tension, especially between Marcus and Amara.

When the meal began to wind down, Marcus glanced at Amara, who had been quietly eating at the edge of the table. “We need to talk,” he said, his tone serious.

“About what?” Amara replied, her eyes narrowing.

“About everything that happened while I was gone. You need to stop hiding from your problems,” Marcus said, frustration creeping into his voice.

Amara’s expression hardened. “And what do you know about my problems? You were off fighting a war, while I was left to fend for myself!”

Chris exchanged glances with Damon, sensing the tension rising. “Guys, maybe this isn’t the time—”

“No!” Marcus interrupted, his voice rising. “It’s the perfect time. I need you to understand that I care, and I don’t want to see you spiral again.”

Amara’s eyes flashed with anger, and before Marcus could react, she stood, knocking her chair back. “You think you can just waltz back in and lecture me? You don’t know anything!”

In a heartbeat, they were outside in the Dojo, the air crackling with tension. Marcus’s fists clenched as he faced her. “I’m trying to help you, Amara!”

“I don’t need your help!” she shouted, channeling her energy. The air shimmered around her, and with a swift movement, she unleashed a wave of energy that swept toward Marcus.