Elior had already finished organizing Lia's clothes. Each piece was folded carefully, perhaps too carefully, as if doing so could delay just a little longer the moment they would leave. He closed the backpack gently and remained for a few seconds staring at the empty bed.
He didn't want them to go just yet.
He left the room and found them both playing on the couch, laughing without worrying about anything else. The sight tightened his chest, but he smiled anyway.
"Hey," he said, walking closer, "what do you think about getting some hot chocolate and then taking a walk through the park?"
"Yes!" they both answered at the same time, jumping to their feet.
They ran toward their rooms.
"Remember to bring your jackets! And an umbrella in case it starts raining!" Elior shouted from the hallway.
"Yesss!" they replied from their bedrooms.
Elior headed to the backyard. Kael was there, meditating as usual, sitting with his back straight and his eyes closed. Elior hesitated for a second before speaking.
"Sorry to interrupt," he said. "I'll take the kids out for a bit. What time does the train leave?"
"Don't worry," Kael replied without opening his eyes. "It's good for them to go out. The train leaves at seven in the evening."
"Then we'll see you later," Elior said.
He returned inside, went to his room, and grabbed his jacket. The cold could already be felt in the streets; winter had arrived without asking permission. Even so, for them it was nothing. Winter in Velmira was three times worse.
"Alright," Elior said as he stepped outside, "what do we do first? Hot chocolate or the park?"
"The park first!" they both answered at the same time.
"Then… a race," he smiled. "The last one to arrive owes the other two a favor."
The kids took off immediately. Elior, however, slowed down on purpose, watching them run and laugh without a single worry. When they reached the center of the park, Lia raised her arms.
"I beat you both! I'm the fastest!"
"That doesn't count!" Aramis protested. "Elior, I would've beaten you if I had run seriously."
"Hey!" Elior replied, laughing. "I did run seriously… I'm just a little older now."
"Yeah, sure," Aramis said with annoyance.
"Aramis doesn't know how to lose," Lia teased.
"Wait!" he shouted, running after her.
Elior stayed where he was, watching them with a calm smile. The scene reminded him of Velmira… of when he used to run beside his sister, thinking about nothing but being first.
Time passed without them noticing. When exhaustion finally caught up with them, they sat down to rest under a huge tree. Aramis took out his book and leaned against Elior to read, while Lia absentmindedly played with his hair, also resting against him.
"Are you ready to go back to Velmira?" Elior asked.
"Honestly… no," Lia replied. "I like being here. Close to you and Hina."
"I like having you with me too," Aramis added.
"I know," Elior said softly, "but you have to go back. You need to go to school. You've had enough mini-vacations… and the year is ending. You've got about two weeks left, at most."
Aramis closed his book.
"You have two weeks left too, right?" he asked. "Will you come to Velmira with us after that?"
Elior remained silent for a few seconds.
"I can't answer that right now, Aramis," he finally said. "I was thinking about looking for a job during the break."
"But you can work in Velmira," Aramis insisted. "They're opening new businesses and more people are coming now… even though they're modernizing it too much. Honestly, I don't like it much."
"Yeah, I've heard the same," Elior nodded. "But you can't stop modernization."
He pointed at a park guard walking by with headphones on and a phone in his hand.
"Everything changes, whether you like it or not."
"So…" Lia said, standing up, "will you come for a few days?"
"Maybe a week," Elior replied. "To spend more time together."
"Yesss!" Lia cheered before running off toward the playground.
When she moved away, Aramis lowered his voice.
"Brother…"
Elior looked at him immediately.
"What is it?"
"Why did Dad decide to train you… but barely helps Lia and me train?" he asked. "I want to be strong. I want to fight like you."
Elior raised his eyebrows and sighed.
"They were different times," he said. "And I wasn't a normal kid."
"I know," Aramis replied, "but I don't like that you fight demons alone. I want to go with you. Fight by your side."
"No," Elior interrupted firmly.
Aramis fell silent.
"That will never happen," Elior continued. "I don't fight for fun. I fight to protect. The only thing I want is for you, Lia, Hina, and Kael to live without worrying about those beings. I have no problem teaching you what Kael taught me, but it will never be so you can fight demons. Only self-defense. So please… don't bring this up again."
"But—"
"No," Elior repeated. "That's final."
The silence turned heavy. Elior noticed immediately and closed his eyes for a second. He moved closer to Aramis and gently pulled him in.
"Look… the life I live isn't suitable for anyone. Not even for me. I'm not normal, and you know that. My intention will always be to keep you safe from anything that could hurt you. I want your only worries right now to be passing your classes, and when you're older, worrying about what to eat and what you'll do with your lives, but nothing about fights like the ones I have to deal with."
"And who protects you?" Aramis asked quietly.
Elior smiled, letting out a brief laugh.
"Relax," he murmured. "If I wanted to, I could put them all to sleep and win."
Aramis blinked a couple of times, processing his words.
"Come on," Elior added. "Let's go play with Lia."
They both stood up and ran toward her.
Meanwhile, Hina and Seraphine were walking together toward their homes.
"I mean… I get what you're saying, Sera," Hina was saying, "but it was weird seeing you with messy hair, no socks… and Elior walking out without a shirt. The messy couch didn't help either."
"I know," Seraphine sighed, "but nothing happened. I just washed his shirt because it was completely dirty."
"Alright, alright," Hina replied. "I believe you."
They entered the café near the park to escape the cold. They sat on the second floor, by the window.
"Hello, welcome, what can I get you?"
"Hi, how are you? We'd like two cappuccinos, please."
While writing down their order, the waiter couldn't help glancing toward Seraphine, who was distracted looking at her phone.
"Okay, if that's all, I'll bring it right away."
The café felt extremely cozy, with a beautiful view overlooking the park and the mountains, where dark clouds were gathering.
Hina quickly focused on the park.
"I think that's Elior and the kids," Hina said, squinting.
"Yes, it's them," Seraphine confirmed with her sharp eyesight.
"Should we go to them?"
"I don't mind."
Hina ordered their coffees and one for Elior as well, along with some hot chocolates, with surprising precision.
Seraphine blinked at her.
"What?"
"Nothing… you just know them very well."
"They're like my siblings," Hina smiled. "Unlike Elior, I actually talk to them all day."
After receiving their order and paying, they were about to leave the café when the waiter quickly approached and handed a piece of paper to Seraphine.
"Is this the receipt?" she asked innocently.
"Yes… of course it is," Hina replied, laughing while pushing her outside.
When Seraphine read it minutes later, she couldn't have been more surprised.
"ola, ¿que tal?, no se como acer esto, pero te encontre muy guapa y keria dejarle mi numero por si le itereza que havlaramos:) +59874343775 ¡yamame! :D "
She sighed slowly while crumpling the paper.
"I don't think he actually writes like that… right? Well, if he does, I'm sorry for him. I don't want to sound mean, but I'm a writing fanatic, and if someone writes like that, then sorry, but no," she said. "Besides, I have other things on my mind."
"Sure… shirtless Elior," Hina teased.
"Hina!" Seraphine exclaimed.
Lia ran toward her the moment she saw her.
"Hinaaaa!"
"Hi, princess. What are you doing here?"
"Elior brought us to play for a bit."
"What are you two doing here?" Elior asked.
"And why do you care?" Hina replied while handing the hot chocolates to the kids.
Elior simply sighed.
"Here, Elior…" Seraphine said, looking him in the eyes.
Elior said nothing, just nodded and offered a small smile.
The afternoon continued peacefully. Then it suddenly started raining heavily, so they shared umbrellas. Elior walked with the kids, and Hina with Seraphine.
When they arrived home, Kael already had everything ready for the return to Velmira.
The return to Velmira was imminent, and the train would depart sooner than Elior would have liked.
The kids arrived happy and exhausted at the same time. They had run nonstop, and as soon as they stepped inside, they began telling Kael everything they had done: the park, the hot chocolate, the rain, the laughter. Kael listened with a faint smile, without interrupting.
Elior entered the house, watched them for a few seconds… and spoke.
"I'll be right back."
Without waiting for a response, he quickly went to his room and closed the door behind him.
He knew time was gold.
Tomorrow he had to return to classes.
And as soon as everyone left, he would return to the Shadow Realm.
He put on his training clothes under his usual outfit. Adjusted the bandages, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes for a moment.
I can't waste time.
When he left the room, he was ready.
"Shall we?" he asked.
"Yes," Kael replied. "It's time."
Kael looked at Hina and Seraphine.
"Will you walk us to the station?"
"Yes," Hina answered without hesitation. "We'll go with you."
"Are we taking the car?" Elior asked.
"Yes. The kids wouldn't take another step," Kael said. "They're exhausted."
"Then let's go. I'll carry the bags."
Elior took the luggage to the car. He opened the trunk, arranged everything, and closed it a little harder than necessary.
Bang.
The sound transported him instantly.
White light.
Screams.
His family fading before his eyes.
Elior squeezed his eyes shut and placed his hands on the car. His heart was racing. Cold sweat ran down his back. The itching on his skin, the pressure in his chest… anxiety struck without warning.
He breathed.
Once.
Twice.
When he regained control, he walked back toward the house as if nothing had happened.
"Okay… let's go or we'll be late."
During the ride, the atmosphere was light. Laughter, meaningless comments, the children talking nonstop. Elior drove in silence, focused.
"Remember you go back to school tomorrow," Kael said.
"Yes, I know. As soon as I get home I'll wash my uniform and prepare everything," Elior replied. "Don't worry."
"Elior, we're going together tomorrow," Hina said.
"That depends," he answered. "Will you wake up early?"
"Of course," she shot back. "I always wake up early, idiot."
Elior just laughed.
When they arrived at the station, boarding was already being announced. There was no time for long goodbyes.
"Goodbye, Kael."
Elior hugged him.
"Take care, son," Kael replied. "And remember your therapy appointments."
"Yes. After school, at 6:30 p.m. Don't worry."
Elior turned and picked up Aramis and Lia, lifting them and spinning them in the air before hugging them tightly.
"Behave. Listen to everything you're told and most importantly take care of each other. Understood?"
"Yes, brother," Aramis replied, rolling his eyes.
"And Aramis remember what we talked about."
"I'll see what I do," he answered.
Elior looked at him, knowing he would not listen.
"Send my regards to Mrs. María."
"Alright, son," Kael replied.
Hina did not want to let them go, and they did not want to let her go either.
"As soon as you arrive, let me know," she said. "And I want good grades to finish the year, understood?"
Aramis shrugged.
Before getting on the train, Aramis approached Hina and whispered in her ear.
"My brother is hiding something. I still don't know what. Please keep an eye on him."
"Don't worry," Hina replied, hugging him. "I'll take care of it."
"Goodbye, Seraphine!" Lia shouted from the train.
"Goodbye, Lia! Take care!" Seraphine answered.
Lia still saw Seraphine as competition. She only wanted Hina close to Elior.
"Goodbye, Seraphine," Aramis said.
The train departed.
Elior stretched his arms and watched it disappear without saying a word.
"Well," he finally said. "Should I take you home or are you going somewhere else?"
"To Seraphine's apartment," Hina replied. "Would you take us?"
"Of course. Let's go."
In the car, Hina could not stop thinking about what Aramis had told her.
"What will you do now, Elior?" she asked. "Why don't you come with us?"
"I'm tired," he replied. "I think I'll rest and get things ready for tomorrow."
Seraphine watched the rain in silence.
"Don't you want to come because I'm here and you can't undress now?" Hina suddenly said.
"What?" Elior exclaimed. "Hina, for God's sake!"
"Yes, Hina," Seraphine intervened. "Nothing happened, really."
"Exactly," Elior nodded. "I don't know why you say those things."
"Elior, you're a man. Liars by nature," Hina replied.
He just laughed. He liked that chaos.
"You shouldn't keep going with that," Elior said. "You might make Sera uncomfortable."
"I don't think so," Hina replied. "She didn't look that uncomfortable when the waiter gave her his number."
"Are you serious?" Elior asked, surprised, unable to stop himself from smiling.
"Yes. And she didn't even throw it away."
"So what? Maybe she wants to talk to him," Elior said, feeling a slight weight in his chest that he chose to ignore.
"Since when is the conversation about me?" Seraphine interrupted. "I didn't throw the number away because I forgot and I didn't want to do it in front of him."
"That's reasonable," Elior nodded.
"And I already told you, Hina, I'm not interested," Seraphine continued. "I have other things on my mind."
"Alright, I take everything back," Hina laughed.
When they arrived at the apartment, Elior said goodbye.
"Have fun."
"Hina, if it gets late, call me," he said. "I'll come pick you up."
"Yes, I'll let you know."
"Elior," Seraphine called before he left. "If you get bored, you can join us."
"I'm a bit tired, but I'll think about it. Thanks for the invitation."
Back home, Elior decided to continue training.
Accessing the Realm of Shadows was still difficult for him, so he returned to the basics meditation and visualization.
When he arrived he stopped.
Alice was still visibly upset. Her voice echoed strongly inside Elior's residence as she argued with the elders.
"You'd better come up with a different training plan," she said firmly. "No matter how strong Elior is, he is still a child. I've told you before. You shouldn't train him under this method again."
The eldest elder frowned.
"Mind your tone," he responded sternly. "How dare you call our king by his name and decide what kind of training we should give him? He is not the former king. You should not act so familiar."
Alice clenched her fists.
Elior approached silently, but none of them seemed to notice yet.
"Your relationship was with the previous king, not with him," the elder continued. "Do not even think you can approach him like that. It will not go well for you twice."
"What do you think you are saying?" Alice replied, visibly indignant.
At that moment, the atmosphere changed completely.
A heavy pressure swept through the hall, making everyone hold their breath.
"HEY!"
The voice echoed throughout the entire realm.
Everyone immediately stepped aside.
"Oh my lord, forgive us," the elder said, bowing his head.
"First of all," Elior said, staring at him, "your apologies should be directed to Alice."
The elder tensed.
"Second," Elior continued, "I've already told all of you not to call me king or lord. My name is Elior. And if she is the only one who respects that, you have no right to criticize her. Is that clear?"
The silence was absolute.
"And third," he added, his tone more serious, "I don't want fights. No matter how different we are, we form one unit. We share something in common. If you are going to argue, it will be with respect. No one is better than anyone else. And we will not talk about past relationships. Understood?"
The elders nodded silently.
"This goes for everyone," Elior said. "And Alice..."
He turned toward her.
"The training plan and whether it is too hard for me or not will be solely my responsibility. I make my own decisions. If I accepted the previous training, it was because I wanted to. I will never be forced into anything. So don't worry."
He paused briefly.
"The best thing you can do now is apologize to each other."
Without waiting for a response, Elior turned and left the castle, heading toward where the children were playing as if nothing else mattered.
Inside the residence, Alice understood that Elior was right.
"I went too far," the elder finally said. "Alice, that was not my intention. I let myself get carried away. Now I am ashamed of my words. I should not have mentioned your relationship with the former king either. I truly am sorry."
Alice sighed and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I know, Lint. It's alright," she replied calmly.
Later, Alice found Elior sitting on a small hill, watching the children play.
"Did you apologize?" he asked.
"Yes."
"You don't have to worry so much. I'm fine," Elior said. "The void was intense, but I was only a little stunned."
Alice watched him carefully.
Perhaps the elders were right.
Elior's adaptability was abnormal.
"I want to keep training," he said, standing up. "But first I want to get to know the people of the realm better."
Alice smiled softly.
"Come on, Alice," Elior said, offering his hand. "I don't know the place well, so you'll have to guide me, please."
He helped her up carefully and together they began walking through the streets of the Realm of Shadows.
The atmosphere was strangely peaceful.
People walked without hurry, talked among themselves, some laughed softly. They looked comfortable, at peace, as if they had finally left behind the worries they carried when they were alive. Worries that had chased them for years and now at last seemed to have faded.
Elior observed everything carefully.
He was willing to offer them a place to heal.
Even after death.
He would not force them to go to the heaven of Aetheris.
Nor to the hell of Gehenna.
His domain, his realm, would be a place of healing for anyone who wished to find peace. For those who truly wanted to heal.
Those who came to do evil would remain outside the realm.
As they walked, Elior stopped to tease the small children, playing with them and provoking innocent laughter. Children who were not at fault for being born into a world where hatred is prioritized. Where people love beings who never cared for them. Where injustice always prevails.
The deeper he went into the realm, the heavier his chest became.
There were young people there.
Too young.
Seeing them there was hopeless.
"Alice," Elior said as they walked, "isn't there any way to help everyone who truly wants to be helped?"
Alice listened in silence.
"I'm sure many ended up here because of resentment or because of unfinished things in their lives," he continued. "But maybe there is a way to help them calm that anger. So they can be at peace, whether here or wherever they want."
"I don't know exactly if there is a way to help them," she replied briefly. "But it wouldn't hurt to try."
"Maybe," Elior said, "maybe they could have a second chance at life."
Alice stopped and looked at him in disbelief.
"What do you mean a second chance?"
"In the books I've read," Elior explained, "they always mention reincarnation as part of life. Some reject that idea, but others believe it is true. If it were, I would like to give that opportunity to people who truly deserve it."
"That would go against every life plan," Alice interrupted. "You would get yourself into serious trouble. With those above or with Death."
"Tsk," Elior clicked his tongue, knowing she was right.
"Don't drag me into your strange matters."
The voice appeared suddenly.
Both of them looked up at the same time.
Death was sitting on a tree they were passing, watching them with a relaxed expression.
"What are you doing here?" Alice asked immediately, placing herself in front of Elior to protect him.
"Relax, relax," she replied, raising her hands. "I was bored. I came to see my dear friend Elior Blackwood."
"Since when are we friends?" Elior asked, staring at her.
"Let me think," she said. "Ah yes. Since you paid for my coffee and lemon pie. They were magnificent."
Alice slowly turned her head to look at Elior.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
"Yes unfortunately," he replied. "She approached me while I was drinking my coffee, which froze thanks to her presence."
"What are you doing here?" Elior asked again.
"Oh right," Death snapped her fingers. "Do you remember I told you that in a few days people who don't appreciate you would come looking for you?"
The air grew heavy.
"Well I was wrong," she continued laughing. "It's not in a few days. It's now. But let it be known that I spoke in your favor and explained why I let you live. After that it's your problem."
"What are you talking about?" Alice asked.
Elior did not understand either.
Death jumped down from the tree and in the blink of an eye appeared in front of Elior, grabbing him by the neck.
"I just came to collect you."
Alice did not have time to react.
"Goodbye, Alice," Death said laughing. "I'll bring him back alive and well. And if not blame others."
In an instant, Elior fell into Death's domain, near her residence.
"For the record I truly thought you would have a few more days," she commented as she walked as if nothing had happened.
"What do you want now?" Elior growled. "Why won't you leave me alone?"
"Hey brat calm down," she replied. "You should respect your elders. Kids these days have no manners. First I didn't feel like bringing you to my house. And second idiot this has nothing to do with me. These are people a little below my level."
Elior felt his body tense.
"So if I were you I wouldn't fight them," she added. "That's the only advice I'll give you if you want to live."
Death moved forward.
"I'll go in first. I'll let you know when to enter. And don't you dare touch anything in my house or I'll annihilate you," she said with a cheerful smile.
"Tsk just what I needed," Elior muttered.
Suddenly he felt it.
Four extremely powerful presences.
His body was dragged toward the center of the domain until Death's voice echoed.
"Brat you can come in now!"
Elior felt his heart pounding. He clenched his teeth and walked forward.
When he opened the door, a light blinded him for a moment.
When he opened his eyes again, he was standing in the center of the place, surrounded by four beings.
One of them was Death.
The other three he had never seen before.
He had never read about them.
The aura they emanated was abysmal.
Almost at Death's level.
"So you are Elior Blackwood," said the being standing in the center.
Elior clenched his teeth and, controlling his fear, lifted his gaze defiantly.
"And you who are you supposed to be?"