“Great decision, young one. You don’t know how much our try will appreciate your tributions,” Hugo said, his eyes gleaming with pride.

  Abell crossed his arms.

  “I have one question,” Abell said.

  “Hmm, what is it?” Hugo said, patiently waiting.

  Abell’s expression darkened. “What is the Shining Order?” he asked coldly.

  Hugo’s jaw dropped in amazement.

  He blinked, and then his smile faded.

  “Let me uand: You took my offer without knowing what the Shining Order was? Sedly, how do you not know?

  Abell shifted a bit, scratg the back of his head. “Well, I just don't know.”

  For a moment, nothing.

  Hugo busted out into a ughing fit, causing Abell to feel a bit self-scious.

  “Hey, what’s so funny,” Abell ented.

  Hugo wiped a tear away, “You are something, you know that.” He said smiling

  “Are you gonna tell me or not.” Abell huffed.

  We’ll get to that ter.” Hugo waved dismissively, then tapped his . “For now, enjoy the festivities. "Oh, and” He smirked. “I heard that Astrid girl was looking for you.”

  “Wait really?”

  Abell looked around the tavern but saw nothing.

  “Just kidding.”

  “…Crazy old man.” Abell turned away, ears burning. “I’m heading out.”

  “Goodnight, Mr. Hero,” Hugo called, ughing as Abell stomped off.

  Then, as if remembering something, he shrugged. “By the way, I’m only thirty.”

  The festivities were winding down. The lively town square quieted down as some families began to leave, while others opted to stay and watch the full moon rise. In Eudora, the sun and moon are seen as essential pilrs of life. Some worship, admire, and take time to admire their beauty.

  “Now, where did that boy go?” Keeko asked herself.

  Her night had beeful, with multiple gifts, some men asking for her hand in marriage, and stant praise. She sed the rge crowd gathered at the square and finally spotted Abell sittihe main tavern.

  “This is where you ran off to?” She asked him.

  Abell jumped at the sound of her voibsp;

  “Mom! Uh, yeah, I just got here,” he said as he stood up. I was talking to Hugo.”

  Keeko narrowed her gaze.

  “Hmph, Hugo? Tell me what he told you,” she demanded.

  Abell gulped, knowing his mother was already irritated. He did not see this going well.

  “You know what? Let’s go home, " she suggested. All these fruits aables are hurting my arms. Take this.”

  Abell sighed, reag out his arm and grabbing the food.

  As the two gathered their things, the town elder rushed to their side.

  “No, you ’t leave yet!” the vilge elder protested. “You and your soonight’s heroes! Let us offer you a few mifts before you go.”

  Abell shrugged, gng at his mother. “Might as well wait, right?”

  Keeko sighed. “Yeah, yeah.”

  The townsfolk showered them with baskets of fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread—tokens of gratitude.

  Then—

  A loud, all-too-familiar voice cut through the square.

  Keeko’s expression darkened. She khat voibsp;

  A traveling mert known for his antid escapades with women, Ream strutted toward them, arms wide.

  “Keeko, my darling, let me offer you something no one . What a real man provide is worth more than any of these gifts.

  Keeko pihe bridge of her nose.

  “Ream, leave me alone. I’m not ied. And tell me—where was this ‘real man’ when my son fought?”

  Abell smirked. “This guy is insane.” He thought to himself

  “Tsk, tsk.” Ream clicked his tongue.

  “I was out seg a lucrative deal. A real man knows how to make money. Let me take you to the capital—I’ll show you somethier than this pce.”

  “Excuse you, Ream, disrespect will not be tolerated.” The town elder scoffed.

  Keeko folded her arms. “Been there. Not impressed. Let’s go, Abell.”

  “Oof, crash and burn.” Ream grinned. “But my love won’t die that easily. I love the chase.”

  Abell let out a rare chuckle. “The day I call you dad is the day I know Mom has gotten weak.

  Keeko shot him a gre.

  “…Sorry,” Abell muttered, still grinning.

  As night fully desded on Irdius, the lively festivities ehe cool night air howled, f many to retreat home. The full moon shone over the town, creating a silvery glow. Crickets chirped in the distance, adding to the nightly sery.

  Abell sat in his hammock, looking at the night sky. Hugo’s offer occupied his mind.

  “Am I going to leave this pce?” He muttered as he tio rock the hammock faster.

  His thoughts drifted—Misha, Astrid, the vilge elder, the noisy marketpce, the ughter in the dining hall. Could he really leave it all behind?

  “’t sleep, kiddo?”

  Abell stiffened but didn’t look up. “I’m fine.”

  Keeko stepped into the dim light, her gaze sharp.

  “You only sleep in that hammock when you’re stressed. Don’t try to fool me.”

  Abell sighed, knowing there was no point in hiding it. “Hugo told me who he is... He’s me a ce at the Luminary Academy.”

  “Tch, I knew he was here for something. Just when I thought I’d escaped that life, they came back wanting to take another one of my children.”

  “We tell him no tomorrow,” she added firmly.

  Abell hesitated before speaking. “Actually, I… already told him yes.”

  Keeko stared. “…You what?”

  “I told him yes, I finally get stronger and prove myself.” He said, smiling.

  Her arms crossed.

  “Without even talking to me?” Her voice sharpened. “Do you even know what you’re signing up for?

  Abell ched his fists. “Not really,” he admitted. “But I believe in my abilities.”

  Keeko scoffed. “You think it’s that simple? That you just up and leave.”

  Abell’s jaw tightened. Her doubt stung more tha on.

  “Is there a problem with me leaving?” He shot babsp;

  Keeko's stare was ice. Gazing straight into Abell’s eyes.

  “You could barely take down those malignants today. You are not ready.”

  Abell’s breath slowed. His hands rexed—but only because his nails dug into his palms.

  “What’s her issue? Doesn’t she wao take this opportunity?” He thought.

  “Then, how e you trusted Geo go? She atte a younger age than I would,” he asked.

  Keeko’s eyes blinked quickly.

  “She was more capable than you. More mature, more focused, and more talented,” she replied coldly.

  Abell’s eyebrow twitched untrolbly. His frustration rises with eaent.

  Keeko’s voice was cold, but her hands were trembling. “When you prove you’re ready… then maybe I’ll sider it.”

  The wind howled through the air. her of them moved.

  Theurned and walked inside. But before he closed the door, he said something.

  “I’ll show you and everyone else just how great I am.”

  “That’s a promise.”

  Keeko stood still, her hands curled into fists. Her chest tightened. Regret. Anger. Fear.

  She looked up at the sky, her voice barely a whisper.

  “What would he have said if he were still here?”