the books of hidden worlds

chapter eight: Kian

Years back, 2015

"Child, may I come in?" The voice was deep, echoing with a sense of warmth.
"The door's open," I replied, and in came my mother, her eyes glowing with a smile.
"Happy birthday to you," she said softly before pulling me into a tight embrace-one of those hugs that felt like the world could collapse, but her arms would still be a safe place. I held her close, knowing that in this moment, everything felt right.

"Kian," Rowan's voice pulled me out of the dream, shaking me awake. I blinked, disoriented. "What happened?" he asked, concern written on his face.
"I'm fine," I replied, though my voice cracked. "I... I just dreamed about Mom. It was my birthday, back in 2015. She hugged me so tight, as if she knew it would be the last time." My voice faltered as the tears flowed freely.

Without a word, Rowan wrapped his arms around me, comforting me in the dark of the night. "Everything's going to be okay, Kian. Trust me."
Just then, Alden entered the room, his face scrunched in confusion. "What's going on? Why are you two still awake at this hour?" he muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Let's just go back to sleep," Rowan suggested, his tone gentle but firm.
"What am I even doing here?" Alden asked, sounding slightly dazed as if he had just woken up and couldn't comprehend the situation.

The next morning

We opened the door, and standing right there was a man. His face was shadowed, but before I could ask, Rowan whispered, "Peter."
"Who are you?" I asked, eyeing him cautiously.
"Hi," he greeted us with a smile, which felt oddly misplaced. Without warning, Rowan stepped forward and dragged Peter away from the rest of us.

Alden and I exchanged confused glances. "What's going on? Who is he?" Alden asked, the edge of curiosity and suspicion in his voice.
"Peter," I muttered, still processing.
"Peter? You mean the one he was talking about yesterday?" Alden's eyes widened slightly.
"Yeah, that's him."

Outside, Rowan had Peter cornered. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.
"I just wanted to check on you. I thought something might've happened... I thought you might be dead," Peter replied, his voice wavering.
"How did you even find this place?" Rowan asked, his brow furrowed.
"Um, well... I just did, okay?" Peter stammered, avoiding the question.
"Just did?" Rowan raised an eyebrow. "Peter, what's really going on?"
"Okay, fine! I'll tell you," Peter sighed in defeat. "But first-" He grabbed my hand suddenly, catching me off guard.
"What are you doing?" I asked, startled.

Back inside, Alden noticed and raised an eyebrow. "What's going on over there?"
"It looks like some kind of lovers' quarrel," Elias commented, bewilderment on his face.
"Lovers' quarrel?" Alden repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Are you done yet?" Cassian called out, his voice laced with impatience.
"Hold on!" Rowan shot back, clearly irritated by the interruption.

"You need to come with us," Rowan snapped at Peter, the frustration evident in his voice.
"Alright, alright. Stop being mad at me," Peter pleaded. "You're the only friend I have here."
"Seriously?" Rowan's voice softened just slightly, but he was still wary.
"Please, Rowan, I mean it!" Peter begged, suddenly dropping to his knees in front of Rowan.
"Peter, what are you doing? Get up," Rowan said, clearly uncomfortable.
"I won't stand up until you agree," Peter insisted, not moving an inch.
"Come on already!" Cassian shouted from the distance, laughing at the spectacle.

"Looks like we better get going," Dorian muttered under his breath.
"Hey, cut it out!" Orion called from the other side. "Get over here, both of you."

"Fine, Peter, let's go," Rowan finally relented, pulling Peter to his feet.
Peter smiled and embraced Rowan tightly.
"Okay, that's enough hugging," Rowan muttered, slightly embarrassed.
"Sorry," Peter grinned sheepishly.
"Let's just get moving," Rowan said, brushing off the awkwardness.