💖FROM HATE TO HEART 💖

ECHOES AND ENCOUNTER

💗CH-8💗

Magnus sat alone, staring into the flickering flames of the hearth. He felt a confusing pull within him—a strange, unwelcome softness that had taken root after meeting Alec.

Magnus had once imagined their encounter as something fierce, a clash of revenge and justice with a glimpse of closeness, but the reality had been startlingly different. Now, instead of feeling the satisfaction of his revenge plans inching closer, he felt only a nagging doubt.

Noticing the distance in Magnus’s gaze, Luke approached, his face etched with concern. He had seen this change growing in Magnus ever since that day in the forest. Quietly, he sat beside him, studying Magnus with a steady gaze.

“Magnus,” Luke said gently, “you’ve been… different since you met Alec.”

Magnus tensed but didn’t reply. Luke continued, choosing his words carefully. “You know, I understand that meeting someone face-to-face can make us seem different from what i've imagined. But I can’t help but feel I'm  drifting from the path I’ve fought so hard to follow.”

Magnus sighed, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. “I haven’t forgotten, father . Alec destroyed our home. He took everything from me.” But his words lacked the sharpness they once held, and he knew Luke could hear it.

Luke placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. “Then don’t lose sight of that, Magnus. Your family, your people, they suffered because of him. Remember why you took this path in the first place. The pain you felt, the losses we endured… we can’t bring them back, but that pain has always been your strength.”

Magnus swallowed, his heart heavy. “I know, I just… I thought that when I finally met him, it would all make sense. That I would see him for the monster he is.” He paused, his voice thick with frustration. “But when I was with him, it didn’t feel like I was sitting with a monster. He… he seemed different.”

Luke’s expression softened, but his voice remained firm. “Magnus, sometimes people can appear different. But Alec is still the one who destroyed your home. He’s the reason you lost everything. Don’t let the brief kindness he showed you cloud the truth.”

Magnus looked down, feeling the weight of his father’s words. Memories of his childhood filled his mind—his family, their home, the peaceful days that were shattered because of Alec’s actions. For a brief moment, he felt the old anger resurface, grounding him.

“You’re right,” Magnus whispered, his voice barely audible. “I’ve let myself forget. Alec may not seem like the monster I imagined, but he’s still responsible for what happened to us.”

Luke nodded, squeezing Magnus’s shoulder reassuringly. “Hold onto that. You’re stronger than this confusion, Magnus. Remember, you’re fighting for more than just yourself—you’re fighting for your family, for everyone who was hurt by him. Don’t let your path be swayed by doubt.”

Magnus felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over him, though it was tinged with a lingering sadness. He knew now what he had to do, even if his heart struggled with it. He had come too far to let one encounter divert him from his mission.

“Thank you, father,” he said quietly. “I needed to hear that.”

Luke gave him a small, encouraging smile. “I’ll always be here to remind you, Magnus. You’re not alone in this.”

As Luke stood and left, Magnus sat in silence, letting his mind clear. Alec might have shown him a different side, but it didn’t change what he had done. Magnus clenched his fists, feeling the fire of determination reignite within him. He would stay true to his path—no matter what.