IMMORTAL: Death as a Blessing

3. No more fear

Knock, knock, knock…

In the dimly lit room, rays of early morning sunlight crept through the small cracks in the curtains. The persistent sound of someone knocking on the door echoed through the room.

“Kael! Arin!” a voice shouted from the other side.

Kael stirred, groaning as he rolled over in bed.

“Who’s pounding on the door this early?” he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

Grudgingly, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stumbled to the door. Opening it, he was greeted by a familiar face.

“Scholar Fen?” Kael blinked in surprise. “What’s wrong?”

Fen grinned, clearly not bothered by the early hour. “Sorry to disturb you, but I’ve come with an invitation! I’m throwing a party for the whole squad tonight. Who knows if it’ll be our last chance to celebrate together.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “A party?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fun,” Fen continued, his eyes gleaming. “Lots of drinks, good company. You won’t want to miss it.”

Kael yawned, leaning against the doorframe. “Alright, we’ll be there.”

As soon as Fen left, Kael closed the door and dragged himself back to bed, throwing himself onto the mattress, eager to get a little more sleep before the day truly began.

Meanwhile, outside in the field, Talia walked quietly, the grass brushing against her boots as she tried to calm her mind. The sun hadn’t fully risen yet, casting a soft glow over the fields.

“Hey, Talia! What are you doing out here so early?” a voice called out.

Talia stopped and looked up. From the distance, she saw Elara walking toward her. “Is that you, Elara?” she asked, surprised, but quickly corrected herself. “Sorry—Commander Elara.”

Elara smiled and waved off the formality. “You can call me whatever you like.” She let out a soft laugh as they approached each other.

Talia offered a sheepish smile. “It’s just a habit. Didn’t mean any disrespect.”

“None taken,” Elara said lightly. “But really, what are you doing here at this hour?”

Talia glanced around, taking in the vast greenery surrounding them. “I needed some air. Wanted to clear my head after the journey. This place is so peaceful, and I’ve always loved being around nature. Green calms me down.”

Elara chuckled. “Makes sense. This is actually my family’s land. Guess you’ve found yourself in our fields.” Her laughter was soft, friendly, and contagious.

Talia blinked, realizing where she was. “I didn’t know. Sorry if I’m intruding.”

“Nonsense, you’re welcome here anytime,” Elara said with a playful smile. “Besides, I’d rather see you here than locked up somewhere brooding.”

As the two continued to walk and talk, the relaxed mood was interrupted by the distant sound of someone calling out their names. Talia squinted and saw Jarin and Fen running toward them, their voices growing louder as they approached.

“Look who’s coming—Jarin and Fen,” Talia said, nodding toward the two.

Elara sighed. “What now?”

The two men jogged up, slightly out of breath. “There you are!” Jarin called, grinning as he caught up with them. “We’ve been looking for you both.”

Fen chimed in, clearly excited. “We’re here to invite you to a party tonight! At my place.”

Talia crossed her arms, smirking. “Another one of your famous parties, Fen?”