The Heir of the Lost Wings

Threads of Power

Rayl stood, brushing the dirt off his hands as he surveyed the group. "That's enough for today. We've trained hard, and tomorrow's going to be another long day. We should rest while we can."

Saars nodded eagerly, relief washing over her. Every muscle in her body ached, and she felt like her legs might give out if she took another step. "I agree," she said, managing a small smile.

Rhaes, however, scowled, his arms crossed as his blue eyes burned with skepticism. "Rest? She can't even keep up with the basics. We're wasting time we don't have."

Rayl's gaze hardened, his voice calm but resolute. "She's pushed herself enough for today. If we overwork her, she'll be useless tomorrow. Rest is part of training, whether you like it or not."

Rhaes let out an annoyed sigh but finally relented. "Fine. But don't expect me to go easy on her tomorrow." With that, he turned and stalked away into the shop, his figure vanishing into the shadows.

Saars exhaled, her tension easing slightly. "Thanks," she said softly to Rayl.

Before he could respond, the door to the shop creaked open, and Kas walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw Rayl. A warm smile spread across her face as she hurried over to him. "Rayl!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

Rayl's usual composed demeanor softened as he returned the embrace. "Kas," he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Saars watched them, a mix of curiosity and awkwardness brewing within her. "Are you two...?"

Kas turned to Saars, her cheeks faintly pink. "Engaged," she said, her tone cheerful but tinged with resolve. "We plan to marry once you're on the throne."

Saars' brows shot up in surprise. "Really?"

Rayl nodded, his expression turning serious. "It's not just a personal choice. It's symbolic. We want to show the realm that love and loyalty can endure, even in these dark times."

Kas's smile faded as she added, "But... it's not without risk."

Rayl sighed, his eyes shadowed with the weight of his thoughts. "Alberthus told me once that love is a weakness. He said it blinds you, makes you vulnerable. He even suggested that, if I marry Kas, I should... kill her after she gives me an heir. Like he did with my mother."

Saars gasped, horrified. "That's awful! I'm so sorry, Rayl."

Rayl's expression remained steady, but there was a flicker of pain in his eyes. "Don't be. I don't even remember her. She died when I was just a child."

Saars hesitated before asking, "What about my parents? Do you know anything about them?"

Rayl exchanged a glance with Kas, then turned back to Saars. "Your parents died in a fire that destroyed the east wing of the castle. I suspect Alberthus caused it—he controls fire, after all—but I have no proof. Their bodies were found... but not yours. Alberthus has been searching for you ever since."

Kas chimed in, "He forced the kingdom's inventors to create an artifact to locate you. Most failed, exhausting their magic in the process. Many died trying."

Rayl nodded. "Then, a few weeks ago, a boy named Grayl—barely twelve years old—succeeded. He created the locator, the artifact Kas stole from the castle storeroom. The effort nearly killed him. I don't even know if he's still alive."

Saars frowned, her mind racing. "But... why did I disappear? How? If my parents were... gone, why wasn't I found with them?"

Rayl's face darkened, his expression unreadable. He hesitated for a moment, as if carefully weighing his words. "Nobody knows," he admitted finally, his tone carrying a trace of frustration. "The east wing was completely destroyed, reduced to rubble. It was chaos, and when the fires were extinguished, you were just... gone."

Kas folded her arms, her brows knitting together. "There were rumors, of course. Some claimed a servant might have smuggled you out before the fire consumed the wing. Others whispered that magic itself intervened to protect you. But no one knows the truth—not even Alberthus."

Saars felt a chill run down her spine. "So... I could have been taken? By someone?"

"It's possible," Rayl said, his voice calm but grave. "But whoever it was, they were careful. No trace, no trail, nothing for Alberthus to follow. That's why he's been so obsessed all these years. Losing you wasn't just a personal failure—it weakened his grip on the realm."

Kas reached out and touched Saars' shoulder. "Whatever happened, you survived, Saars. And that means something. Someone, or something, wanted you to live."

Saars nodded, though the weight of their words settled heavily on her chest, "How does Alberthus not know it was you who stole the locator, Kas? The beasts were after you when I found you."

Kas smiled faintly. "Zeyd used his magic to cast a glamour on me. To the beasts—and Alberthus—I looked like someone else. It's why Zeyd is so weak now."

Saars frowned. "Why didn't you do it yourself?"

"Because everyone's magic is different," Kas explained. "Zeyd's strength is in illusions. He can alter appearances—his own and others. Rayl can open portals; he gave me the stone that allowed me to find you and bring you back. Rhaes can move through shadows without being seen. And I can... talk to plants."

Kas smirked at her own words, her tone light. "It's not the most impressive power, I'll admit, but it keeps me healthy since I rarely use it."

Rayl added, his voice darkening, "Alberthus' power is fire. That's why I believe he caused the blaze that killed your parents. He's ruthless and sees people only as tools—or obstacles."

Saars sat in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of their words. Finally, she asked, "Do you think I have a power?"

Kas smiled. "I'm sure you do. Back in the woods, when you found me, that light you conjured... it closed some of my wounds. I think you can heal people."

Saars' breath caught in her throat. She hadn't even realized what she'd done in the forest. The idea of having magic—of being able to help—was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Tomorrow, we'll find out for sure," Rayl said, his tone steady and reassuring.