Mage Weavers ✓

Chapter 45: Conquered Freedom

/45/
Conquered Freedom

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THE EVENING wind gently blew the strands of my hair out of my face as I peacefully gazed upon the land of Ethearia.

It wasn't much. The smell of smoke and ash were still mixed upon the wetness of the air, and a few Ethearians still evacuated to the centers of their kingdoms to avoid the raging fires. But despite the gloomy overcast of the sky and the few thin droplets of rain that kissed the earth, I took a deep breath of the fresh air and smiled.

For the first time in the last 48 hours, I finally ceased to place a smile upon my face.

It was great, and I was finally at peace.

"You okay?" A voice quietly asked and I turned around to see Hugo with his hands deep in his pockets.

Katulad ko ay lumapit rin siya sa railings ng balcony at saka ipinatong ang kaniyang dalawang braso doon. I nodded as an answer before the two of us looked back towards the inside of the great hall where the others where resting.

Inside, Avery and Haisley were with our mentors, who had arrived with King Horrand and Queen Minerva a few minutes ago. Kasama rin nila ang mag-ama na sina Claude at Conrad Lampshire. They were currently fussing over and tending Gabryle who still seemed a little shaken up from his near death experience, as well as treating the rather great wounds of Eionne.

Madison on the other hand was sitting on one of the chairs with Damien. Hawak-hawak ng binata ang kamay ng dalaga habang nakapatong ang ulo ni Madison sa balikat niya. Noting their sweet, quiet moment of solitude made me smile, until I noticed the thick layer of warm towels wrapped around Madison's back as she dipped her feet in warm water as well.

She seemed to have been traumatized from being trapped in ice and was sticking very close to Damien who was enjoying the closeness of their proximity.

"Tignan mo si Damien," Ngisi ni Hugo. "Naka-score ang gago."

Agad naman akong natawa sa statement niya before turning my gaze to Haisley who was now helping Victoria treat her cuts and gashes made by the sharp icicles.

"Kamusta si Haisley?" Tahimik kong tanong. "She's been taking care of everyone, but Luna knows she's not fully well herself."

Napabuntong-hininga naman si Hugo sa sinabi ko. "Pinapagalitan ko nga eh. Pero ayaw makinig, sobrang kulit!" Reklamo ng binata.

He then became quiet and I noticed the familiar look of admiration and love in his eyes.

"But that's what I love about her." He remarked wistfully. "She's so giving and selfless... Skylar, she deserves all the love and happiness in this world."

I grinned. "Dapat sinasabi mo 'yan sa sarili mo!" Irap ko sabay suntok sa braso niya, making him squeal like a girl.

I then stopped horsing around to ask him a question. "You'll treat her right, right?" I eyed him suspiciously.

Napatigil naman si Hugo na unti-unting namula and pisngi. He then coughed and cleared his throat before placing his hands back into his pockets. "Of course," He mumbled shyly.

"You better!" I nodded.

With that, the both of us then fell silent once more and my gaze now settled upon the king and queen of Therron with their son. Kitang-kita ang pag-aalala nila para kay Gabryle habang niyayakap ito. My heart clenched at the sight of Queen Minerva in tears, and immediately thought of my parents.

Silently, I then shifted my stare onto the slightly disturbing puddle near the throne. It was the distinguished mixture of blood and ice that covered Winthrop's dead body.