Chapter 4

I look at her as I bring my hand to reach hers. She didn't hold it and crossed her arms. 

"Emric, I am not a baby you need to protect. We promised to each other to not be the burden, right?"

A promise to not be a burden to each other? Did we have a promise like that? I... don't remember. 

"In our third meeting, you said it to me. To not be a burden for you. Remember?"

Ah... that day. 

'Emric, the elders asked me something about you and Cressida. Do you know your responsibility?'

My father asked me that question. It was as if I am some old warrior, or a king who needs to take care of his people... this blessing of the moon... this prophecy ...

'You are born different.  Take hold of that responsibility you had'

It was the day I lose my belief in the goddess of the moon. So many burdens to carry... So many tasks to accomplish... Don't they know? I am but a simple child who just wants to live like any other normal kid. I want nothing but a simple life that every normal kid has. 

'Yes... Father'

I kept silent. Maybe, I really said it. Thinking that it would be the best for the both of us. I cannot exactly remember the words I speak of that moment. The only thing I am sure of is that... That day was truly...  

Unpleasant

'Emric Damen!'

My father shouted out of his anger. He heard that I speak ill towards Lhana. That girl... 

As much as I want to defend myself, I knew that it is I who was wrong. I knew that I have no right to defend myself. I did say those words out of anger. Speaking ill to your fates one is... Not tolerated in this pack. 

My eyes turn dull. Hah... Is it really good to be me?

Some children feel jealous about the life I am living. Even my friends, no, even the other children I talk to feel that towards me. They hated the fact that I am part of the oracle. That I look like a hero or a prince in the prophecy. That is something truly wonder if it is indeed a blessing or a curse that will make my life fall into miseries.

I was welcomed with a great punch that makes me fly to the other corner of the wall. Father is truly wonderful. No wonder why many people admire him. His strength is domineering. A real alpha indeed.

'Emir! Calm down!'

My mother shouted as her voice is trembling in fear. She is a calm and collected woman but when it comes to my father... mother can do nothing but feel worried. Father loves his family as much as my mother wants our family to be happy. But then... She feels helpless especially when it comes to my father. His authority is making us hard to breathe. 

"Emric, you seem lost in your thoughts. Are you even listening to me?"

I heard Lhana call my name. With a bored look in my eyes, I tried to hide the bitter feeling I find in myself. 

"Yeah"

"You really are weird"

I look at the surrounding. It was... Ordinary. Still, I can't erase the way I am feeling right now. Something feels off. 

"Lhana..."

"Yes, I sense it too. Thank goodness you are finally back"

"..."

Ahh, so that is what she is talking about. 

"Let's keep moving"

"Alright"

We walk carefully. Analyzing the surrounding that is somehow new for us. I cannot help but feel like things are going smoothly. It looks so easy that it feels suspicious. 

"Ouch"

I heard Lhana growl in pain. She receives a small scratch from a sharp thing that almost pierces her skin. Thankfully she has good reflexes that she avoids it but not completely.

"Are you alright?"

I asked 

"Yes"

A glowing light that is a hue of royal blue escapes her palm. 

It is my first time seeing her use that power she obtained from her first awakening. 

That is the power to heal.

Part of the blessing given by the goddess of the moon.

"Be careful next time"

"Yes, I know. Even so, I can just heal myself if I get hurt right?"

Fool. Even if she can heal it is not that she doesn't feel pain. Even so... It is not that I am in the place to tell her what are the things she needed to do. 

"Look over there"

I mumbled as I look at the place where a large cliff is waiting for us. There is a bridge that is worn out. If you look closely at it, the wood and planks used to build that bridge are nowhere from being sturdy. I assume it would collapse the moment some force was placed upon it. Even a small piece of stone that drops on that bridge would surely make that thing collapse. 

How old is it? I do wonder.

As I look at the surrounding of the place, the vicinity looks as if it was all-natural. As if there is nothing wrong with the whole are. Still, it looks so natural that it feels so weird. 

"Don't let your guard down"

I mumbled as I continued to leave marks in the area we pass through.  I make sure that there is a thing or two that will guide us back to where we came from. 

"You are drawing?"

She asked me. I nodded in response and let myself continue drawing a map to remind me of the places and sides we went through. 

"Do you know what place will we go?"

I can't answer her question. Even I do not know what lies beyond this place. 

"Whatever happens... I promise to not be a burden"

Shut it. I hate...

"Do remember that the promise also includes you. So do not be a burden to me too. Okay?"

"Yeah, sure"