The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 8

Aydin drifted in the haze of unconsciousness, a strange, cold darkness enveloping him. The faint sound of whispers reached his ears, growing louder and clearer until they became words.

“Aydin…” the voice hissed, pulling him deeper into the void.

A hooded figure emerged from the shadows, its face obscured except for two piercing eyes that glowed like molten silver. The figure’s presence was suffocating, yet Aydin couldn’t look away.

“Who are you?” Aydin demanded, his voice echoing in the dark.

The figure stepped closer, its voice reverberating with an unnatural power as it spoke:

“Under the BlackMoon’s mournful glow,

Twins are born, their fates to sow.

One of shadow, fierce and wild,

One of light, the purest child.

Though bound by blood, their hearts divide,

One will thrive while the other must hide.

A war within, both love and hate,

Their bond a key to the world’s fate.

The light shall rise with a calming hand,

To heal the broken, unite the land.

The dark shall fall with a vengeful flame,

Consuming all in its wicked name.

But only one shall claim the dawn,

The other’s breath forever gone.

Should the shadow the light devour,

Night eternal shall seize the hour.

Yet if the light can darkness quell,

Hope shall ring where shadows fell.

Their paths entwined until the end,

A single victor the gods shall send.

Beware the hearts that love divides,

For in their choice, the future hides.”

As the final words were spoken, the figure’s hood fell back, revealing a woman’s face. Her eyes burned like embers, and flames erupted across her body, consuming her in a fiery inferno. She screamed, her voice filled with anguish and fury, and the fire surged toward Aydin, engulfing him in its heat.

Aydin bolted upright, gasping for air, his heart pounding in his chest. Sweat dripped down his face as he looked around frantically.

Stella was at his side in an instant, gently pressing a cool cloth to his forehead. “Shh, it’s okay. You’re okay. You’re at the medical house,” she said softly, her eyes filled with relief and concern.

Aydin groaned, clutching his head. “What… what happened?”

“You scared me,” Stella said, her voice trembling slightly. “That’s what happened. I thought I lost you.”

Aydin managed a weak smile despite the pounding in his skull. “I told you, Stella. I’m never leaving you again. You’re stuck with me.”

Stella’s lips curved into a small smile, though her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. Her eyes wandered to his bare chest, noticing the defined outlines of his muscles. She bit her lip, fighting the urge to trace the patterns with her fingers. Heat crept up her neck, and she quickly averted her gaze.

The door burst open with a loud crash, startling both of them. Barrett stormed in, his massive frame barely fitting through the doorway. “Hey, is he awake yet?” he boomed, grinning when he saw Aydin sitting up. “There you are, scrawny! We thought you were gonna sleep forever!”

The rest of the group followed behind him. Ari leaned on her staff, giving Aydin an exaggerated sigh of relief. “You’re alive. Good. Now I don’t have to explain to the others why we let our sorcerer get knocked out by some glowing portal.”

Derick stepped forward, flipping a coin in his hand and flashing a broad smile. “You’ll be happy to know we’ve got enough coin to stay at the best tavern in the city tonight. Hot meals, warm beds, and proper ale await us.”

Aydin laughed weakly, the tension in his body easing as he looked at his friends. “I’m guessing I’ve got you all to thank for dragging me out of there.”

“Damn right,” Barrett said, crossing his arms. “Though next time, maybe don’t mess with ancient magic portals without a backup plan.”

Stella shot Barrett a glare. “He just woke up. Don’t start.”

Aydin’s gaze shifted back to Stella, his smile softening. “Thanks for sticking with me, Stella.”

Her expression softened in return, though she quickly looked away to hide the blush creeping back to her cheeks.

“Alright,” Raphael said, stepping forward with his usual calm demeanor. “Let’s let Aydin rest a bit more before we head out. We’ll need him at full strength if we’re going to figure out what that portal was and why it reacted the way it did.”

The group murmured in agreement, giving Aydin a moment of peace as they began to prepare for their next steps.

The group made their way through the bustling streets to the tavern Derick had promised, the Silver Flame Inn, the best in the city of Taryndale. The building stood tall and proud, with polished wooden beams, glowing lanterns, and the faint sound of music drifting through the open windows.

As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere of laughter, clinking mugs, and the smell of roasted meat and spiced ale. For the first time in a while, the group felt a sense of normalcy.

“Now this,” Barrett said, grinning ear to ear, “is how you celebrate surviving a giant beast and a portal to the abyss.”

They found a large table near the corner of the room, and soon platters of food and mugs of ale were brought to them. The group ate, laughed, and drank in celebration, the tension of the past few days melting away.

As Aydin leaned back in his chair, a young woman approached their table. She was dressed in fine servant attire, her polished demeanor suggesting she worked for someone important. Her auburn hair was neatly braided, and her emerald eyes scanned the group with a mix of curiosity and purpose.

“Excuse me,” she said, her voice soft but confident. “Are you… The Crimson Dawn?”

Derick immediately leaned forward, flashing his most charming smile. “Why, yes, we are,” he said smoothly, his tone dripping with charisma. “And who might you be, my lady?”

The girl cleared her throat, clearly unimpressed by his antics, but maintained her professionalism. “I am Melina, a servant of Lord Alden of Taryndale. He has heard of your recent deeds and requests an audience with you tomorrow morning.”

Barrett, already a few drinks in, leaned forward with a wide grin. “Wait, wait, wait. Does this ‘Lord Alden’ guy have one of those big, fancy chairs? What’s it called… a ‘throne’? Because I’d love to see one of those. Maybe even sit on it!”

Melina blinked, clearly caught off guard by the remark. “I… I’m not sure what that has to do with anything.”

Aydin quickly stepped in, giving Barrett a firm pat on the back as he offered Melina an apologetic smile. “What my friend here means to say is that we’re honored by the invitation and will gladly meet with Lord Alden in the morning. Please extend our gratitude to him for considering us worthy of his time.”

Melina’s lips curved into a polite smile, her earlier confusion dissipating. “Of course. I will inform him of your acceptance. Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your evening.” With a graceful nod, she turned and walked away.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Derick raised his mug in triumph. “See? Things are finally looking up! We’re making a name for ourselves!”

“Yeah, if by ‘name,’ you mean Barrett’s drunk ramblings,” Stella muttered, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

Barrett shrugged, unbothered. “Hey, at least I’m entertaining.”

The group laughed, clinking their mugs together before settling back into their celebration. Despite the growing fame and recognition, they reminded themselves to behave—well, mostly.

Tomorrow’s meeting loomed in their minds, but for now, they enjoyed the warmth of food, drink, and camaraderie, a fleeting moment of peace in their chaotic journey.

The warm glow of the tavern’s lanterns faded as the group made their way upstairs, each step heavier from exhaustion and drink. The hall was lined with simple wooden doors, the scent of lavender and freshly cleaned linens faint in the air.

Stella turned to head toward her room when Gedeon grabbed her arm lightly, his voice firm but low. “We should share a room.”

Stella frowned, crossing her arms. “Gedeon, we’re not children anymore. We don’t have to share a room.”

Gedeon’s jaw tightened, his violet eyes clouded with something between frustration and guilt. In a softer tone, he said, “I promised I’d never let you out of my sight again.”

Her expression softened, but she stood her ground. “That was years ago, Gedeon. I’m stronger now, and for once, we’re in a safe place.”

He exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re so stubborn.” After a pause, he relented. “Fine. I’ll be in the room right next to you.”

Stella gave him a warm smile, her voice teasing but kind. “Just because you were born a few seconds ahead of me doesn’t mean you’re the boss of me.”

Gedeon chuckled softly, the tension easing for a moment. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

As he walked toward his room, Stella lingered in the hallway for a moment before heading to hers. Aydin, leaning against his doorframe, caught her attention.

“Stella,” he said, his tone gentle. “If you need anything, knock three times on the wall. I’ll be there.”

Stella’s lips curved into a small smile. “Thanks, Aydin. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he replied, watching her retreat into her room before stepping into his own.

The night stretched on, but Gedeon lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The muffled sounds of laughter and music from downstairs had long since faded, leaving only the creaks of the old building and the occasional gust of wind rattling the windows.

Memories clawed at his mind, refusing to let him rest. He could still see Stella’s tear-streaked face the day she ran off, her words cutting like a blade after their argument. If he hadn’t been so harsh, so insistent, she wouldn’t have stormed out. She wouldn’t have been taken.

The bandits… the things they did to her… it was his fault. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. No matter how much time passed, the guilt never lessened.

And then there was Aydin. Gedeon’s closest friend, gone for two years to finish his training at the academy. He’d blamed himself too, even though it wasn’t fair. “I shouldn’t have left,” Aydin had said when he returned, his voice heavy with regret. “I didn’t have a choice, but I still should’ve been here.”

They were only fifteen then, but the weight of that time had aged them far beyond their years.

Gedeon sighed, forcing himself to shift his thoughts. He’d promised himself that he would never let Stella go through something like that again. She might think she was strong enough to stand on her own—and she was—but that didn’t mean he’d stop watching over her.

Even if it meant staying awake all night, he’d keep that promise.