Morning arrived. Soft rays of sunlight fell gently on Ethios's face. Alexa's side of the bed remained in shadow.
Ethios's eyelids twitched with slight discomfort before slowly opening.
He rose from his sleep, tired, rubbing his eyes.
The first thing he saw that day was the image of his mother, still asleep. He studied her serene face for a while. She looked exhausted.
The attack on the capital had taken a tremendous toll on Alexa, leaving her with severe injuries. Several sleepless nights followed, spent in fear that Ethios might be killed by Iris's supporters. Today marked Alexa's first moment of respite in a long time.
Ethios was still a child, perhaps. Yet he was far wiser than most his age. His awareness was beyond his years.
Another child might never grasp what was happening. But Ethios understood perfectly.
He understood the magnitude of the sacrifices his mother had made, all so he could live in as much peace as possible.
How she had stood against the world during that trial, risking herself and her reputation, just to save him.
There was one question that had lingered in his mind all this time: why had Alexa done all of this?
Was it simply because he was her son? Or did she see in him someone truly worthy of such sacrifice?
If she had believed he deserved all those sacrifices to bring peace one day, what would happen if Ethios failed? How would Alexa feel in that moment?
And more importantly, how would he feel?
What qualities had Alexa seen in him?
If he failed to bring peace, he would feel guilty remembering everything his mother had done—and all the lives shed, and those that would be shed, for his sake.
Ethios didn't realize he was crying as he thought so deeply.
He got out of bed beside his mother, put on his coat hanging on the wall, pulled the hood over his face, and stepped out onto the balcony.
Standing there, he looked at the people streaming through the city streets. Not long ago, he had watched them with mere curiosity. Today, his expression had transformed into one of responsibility.
"I will save you all. If not today, then tomorrow. I am for it."
Ethios didn't speak as an impulsive child would. He understood the weight of his words and was determined to achieve them.
A voice came from behind him.
"Ethios. What are you doing out here?"
He stepped back a few paces and closed the balcony door.
"I'm sorry. I was just taking a look."
He turned to his mother, expecting her usual stern expression whenever he tried to engage with the outside world.
But she smiled gently at him.
"Good morning…"
Ethios's eyes widened slightly.
Though his mother seemed physically tired, her mental state was better than he had ever seen.
He spoke, his voice a little louder than a whisper.
"Good morning…"
---
After breakfast and repacking their belongings, they set out to continue their journey into the unknown.
They walked through the capital's streets, heading toward the northern gate.
Ethios recalled everything he had seen in this city. In reality, he had only stepped out for a single day. Yet he had wished that day would never end.
He observed his surroundings carefully, making sure no one could recognize him. He tried to capture as many mental images of the city as possible before leaving.
He wondered what his next visit to this city would be like.
Lost in thought, Ethios suddenly found himself in front of the northern gate of the Atherio Clan capital.
A massive gate, surely large enough to accommodate armies in times of emergency.
The gate arched high into the air, tens of meters tall. It was made of black steel inlaid with pure silver, depicting images of their army commander Athena in battle.
"Wait…"
What exactly had Athena been fighting back then?
The creature standing before her had been truly grotesque, combining the traits of a demon and a malevolent spirit. Its muscular body was massive; judging by the depiction, it must have been around three meters tall. Numerous horns crowned its head, forming a shape resembling a demonic crown.
Ethios swallowed hard. Whatever creature Athena had fought, it must have been incredibly powerful.
Alexa noticed the astonishment on his face. She wanted to explain what the creature was, but she didn't want to burden him with an experience he wasn't meant to face. Or perhaps she hoped he would never have to.
They stopped in front of the gate, still closed.
Dozens of soldiers guarded it.
One of them stepped forward, speaking firmly.
"Where are you headed, my lady?"
Alexa replied,
"To the isolated island."
Whispers spread among the soldiers.
"The isolated island?"
"Is she mad?"
"My God… that child must be hers."
The commander hesitated for a moment, deciding to verify the identity of this woman and the child with her.
He stepped forward with measured steps and stood directly in front of Alexa.
Ethios noticed the stern expression on his face. Trouble was certain today.
The commander raised his hand toward Alexa's face, attempting to remove the hood to verify her identity.
Alexa stepped back before his fingers could grasp the fabric.
"I'm sorry, sir. I feel extremely uncomfortable when someone inspects my face."
She reached into her robe pocket and pulled out a small booklet.
"Here. My passport has already been stamped by Governor Kane's office."
The man examined Alexa's passport, then sighed reluctantly.
"I apologize, madam. I had my doubts at first."
He looked back at his soldiers and shouted,
"Open the gate!"
It was then Ethios realized that the large number of guards was not only to secure the gate. With its weight, it required fifty men to open or close it.
The gatekeeper stepped aside, clearing the path for Alexa and Ethios.
They moved forward, exiting the capital entirely. They stopped at the vast plains and meadows surrounding the city.
Ethios looked at his mother.
"How did you get through the inspection?"
Alexa smiled as she closed the gate behind them.
"It's a professional secret, my son."
Alexa had always stayed a step ahead. After the attack on the capital, sensing the budding opposition from Iris, she had prepared a second passport for herself and Ethios, having it stamped while still the ruler of the Siren Clan.
She had done this in case they had to leave the city after Iris's opposition succeeded. All guards, police, and Union armies were under Iris's command. If they were caught, Iris would have free rein over her and Ethios.
But not today. Alexa had anticipated Iris.
Now, she and Ethios had to traverse the vast plains toward the sea. It would be a long journey, but a worthwhile one.