Double Edged

Four Years Later

In the remote western region of Alderwyn Vale, far from prying eyes and nestled between hills blanketed in deep green, a modest yet elegant stone house stood. The building exuded a quiet strength, its sturdy stone walls softened by climbing ivy and surrounded by a small, well-tended garden. Blooming flowers lined the path to the front gate, while tall trees framed the property, offering both beauty and seclusion.

On the balcony, Lucy Hale sat with a warm cup of tea in hand. Her long black hair, unbound, cascaded over her shoulders, catching the golden rays of the evening sun. She was strikingly beautiful, her features sharp and fierce, betraying the countless battles she had endured. Though slender, her figure was strong and toned, a testament to years of rigorous training and war. She gazed out over the garden where her twin children, Lucian and Megan, played among the wildflowers, their laughter bright against the backdrop of nature.

Lucian, smaller than his sister despite their shared age, swung a stick with intense focus. His black hair fell messily across his forehead, his slim frame moving with precision that came from countless hours of practice. Megan, already taller than him by a noticeable margin, darted around him with ease, her black hair tied back in a neat ponytail. Her movements were light and graceful, her confident demeanor amplified by her playful smirk.

Beside Lucy stood Selene, her loyal subordinate, who managed the cooking and household chores. Short and stocky, Selene had a calm, motherly appearance, her soft features framed by streaks of gray in her dark hair. She watched the children with a gentle smile, her hands folded in front of her.

"Has Eldric returned yet?" Lucy asked, her tone carrying a subtle weight.

"There's something I need to discuss with him."

Selene turned to her, a reassuring look in her eyes. "Eldric should be home any minute now, Lady Lucy. It takes nearly a week to travel from Verenthia, and it's been just over that."

As if summoned by their words, Eldric appeared at the garden's gate. His thin frame moved with a quiet confidence, his brown hair neatly combed, and his well-maintained beard adding to his calming presence. The children noticed him first, and he greeted them with a warm smile, his voice steady. "Young Master, Young Lady," he called, and the children waved eagerly. Making his way up to the balcony, Eldric inclined his head to Lucy, bowing slightly.

Lucy nodded to Selene.

"Please go inside, Selene. I'll be with you shortly."

Selene offered a small bow before retreating inside. Lucy turned to Eldric, her expression softening. "Eldric, how were my mother and father? Are they well?"

Eldric paused, choosing his words carefully. "Lady Veloria was quite concerned for your health," he replied, but he hesitated before continuing, his face clouded. "As for Duke Theron… he remains furious, my lady, and he has…" Eldric's voice trailed off, and he struggled to find the right words before finally saying, "He ordered me not to bring any news of you or the children. He even said…" Eldric's gaze dropped. "He said those 'demonspawn' are not his grandchildren."

A tear slipped down Lucy's cheek, and she bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's been four years since Sovarath died. I gave up on my love, on him, because of the horror he unleashed. I loved him with every part of me, but I still chose to let go, knowing what he had done." She paused, a shadow of sorrow crossing her face. "He passed away without ever knowing he had children. These children—they need protection, and my health is failing. I don't know how much longer I can keep them safe on my own. They need their grandparents."

Eldric's head bowed, disappointment clear on his face. "Lady Hale," he began softly, "since the day you saved me from the slums, I have pledged my life to you. Even if they will not protect your children, I will. I would dedicate my whole life to their safety… even if it costs me my own."

"Eldric… You don't have to—" Lucy started, her hand reaching out to stop him.

Before she could say anything more, Lucian and Megan, their cheeks flushed from playing, ran up to Eldric, wrapping their arms around his legs. "Did you bring us anything, Eldric?" Megan asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

Eldric looked down at them fondly, a smile warming his face. "I did. I gave them to Selene. You can go find her for your treats."

With delighted laughter, the children scampered off, and Lucy watched them go, a complex mix of sorrow and love etched on her face.

The Next Morning

The sun had barely risen when the sound of wooden blades clashing filled the training grounds. The clear skies were accompanied by a crisp breeze—a perfect day for practice. Lucy, her black hair tied back into a loose braid, stood in the middle of the grounds, overseeing her children's training. Eldric, ever vigilant, provided guidance alongside her, his calming presence balancing Lucy's sharper tone.

Lucian's practice sword struck with precise, calculated blows, his slim frame moving with a surprising level of control for his age. However, when he attempted to channel the wind to enhance his strikes, the energy sputtered unpredictably, throwing him slightly off balance.

"Focus, Lucian," Lucy called out from the sidelines. "The wind isn't something you can force. It must flow with your intent."

Nearby, Megan smirked, her control over wind effortless. Small gusts danced around her as she used the air to lighten her movements and dodge Lucian's strikes during their sparring match.

Lucian pressed forward, his precision overwhelming her defense, forcing her to retreat step by step. But just as it seemed he had her cornered, Megan smirked and invoked a burst of wind, speeding her movements. In a flash, she slipped behind him and knocked him down with a swift tap of her practice sword.

"That's not fair!" Lucian shouted, his frustration spilling over. "You always cheat!"

Megan twirled her sword smugly, the wind swirling around her in a playful breeze. "It's not cheating—it's called using my strengths. Wind control is just as important as swords, you know. Maybe if you didn't suck at it, you'd win for once."

Lucian's face flushed red with anger. "Shut up, Megan! You think you're so great because you can make the wind dance? Watch this—I'll show you who's better at control!"

Before anyone could stop him, Lucian stepped back, gripping his practice sword tightly as he focused on invoking the first wind art of the Hale household—a passive wind barrier. He poured his mana into the technique, and a dome of swirling air began to form around him, shimmering with raw energy.

But his control was wild and unsteady. The barrier trembled as sharp gusts spiraled out of control, slicing small scratches into his arms and legs. Megan's smugness turned to concern, but before she could intervene, Lucy moved swiftly.

Without hesitation, she threw her sword, and the hilt struck Lucian's shoulder with enough force to break his concentration. The barrier collapsed, and he stumbled to the ground, his skin marked with shallow cuts from the erratic winds.

"Ow!" Lucian cried, tears welling up in his eyes as he clutched his shoulder. "You didn't have to hit me! You don't even teach me the way you teach Megan!" He glared at his mother before turning to storm off.

"Lucian," Lucy said calmly, stopping him in his tracks. "Your mana control will improve with time. I learned this art far later than you. It's normal to progress at this pace."

Lucian turned, his frustration still simmering.

"So you're saying this little twig is a genius? I refuse to accept that! I win every bout when it's just swords!"

Megan, who had been watching with a mischievous glint in her eye, stepped forward. "Hey, Lucian," she called mockingly. "Watch and learn."

Raising her hand, she invoked the same wind art. A flawless, shimmering barrier formed around her, stable and pristine. "See?" she said with a grin. "It's not that hard when you've got actual talent."

Lucian's fists clenched, his anger boiling over. "That's it!" he shouted.

"I'm going to knock you down a peg today!"

Before the argument could continue, a piercing, guttural roar tore through the air, shaking the trees and silencing the forest. Lucian froze, his anger forgotten, and Megan's smirk faded as she turned toward the sound.

Lucy's eyes narrowed, her sharp instincts coming alive. Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword as she scanned the treeline. Shadows moved unnaturally between the trees, forming shapes that were both monstrous and indistinct.

"Lucian, Megan," Lucy said, her voice firm yet trembling with urgency. She pulled them close, shielding them as the figures stepped out from the darkness. The creatures, twisted and grotesque, seemed born of the shadows themselves.

The air grew heavy, suffocating in its weight, and the once-clear sky darkened. Lucy's heart pounded as she whispered to herself.

"It's beginning. This peace… it's over."