FLASHBACK (War)
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The air was thick with smoke and blood. Screams echoed across the war-torn field, where men fell like broken dolls and magic scorched the earth.
Kaelen's breath came in ragged gasps as he staggered through the chaos, his robes torn, his face covered in blood. The faint remnants of spells still glowed at his fingertips. He was bleeding from his side, but he didn't stop.
Through the swirling smoke, he caught sight of her.
A girl, no older than fourteen—surrounded by enemy soldiers at the edge of the ridge, her hair whipping in the wind as she fought to stay on her feet. She kicked, twisted, and lashed out with every ounce of strength she had, her hands glowing with wild, untamed wind magic. But she was outnumbered it was none other than the youngest heir of the Laventhren family.
They were trying to subdue her while the others were too distracted to notice.
Kaelen's body moved before he could think. Pain stabbed through him—his injuries screaming in protest—but he didn't care. Fire surged along the blade of his sword as he charged forward.
A roar tore from his throat as magic sparked violently from his fingertips, flames racing down the steel as he threw himself into the fight.
When the smoke cleared, three soldiers lay motionless on the ground.
Kaelen stood before the girl, panting, blood dripping from his lips, barely upright.
She stared at him, still poised to strike, her chest heaving—eyes wide not with fear, but with shock.
He managed a faint smile. "You're safe now, young miss…"
Then the world went black.
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The scent of blood and ash still lingered in the air, even as night settled over the camp. Most soldiers were either asleep or tending to their wounds. Kaelen sat alone near a dim lantern, bandages wrapped tightly around his torso. Every breath was a dull throb. Every movement sent a sharp pulse through his limbs—a constant reminder of the price he'd paid that day because now he was no longer fit to fight against the enemies.
The tent flap rustled softly.
He looked up.
There, stood someone whose silver armor shone slightly under the full moonlight.
"Lady Amira," Kaelen said, rising slightly out of instinct, though his body protested.
"You were the one, weren't you?" she asked quietly, stepping into the tent. "The one who saved me that day."
Kaelen offered a faint smile. "It doesn't matter who saved you what really matters is that, you're safe now."
"But you are so badly injured so much that now you wont be able to use magic as strongly as before." Her voice lowered. "Why didn't you say anything when the others took credit?"
He shook his head gently, "It was never about recognition, young miss. I did what I had to… because it was the right thing to do."
Amira's jaw tightened. "Still. You should've been honored for it."
Kaelen chuckled under his breath. "I've already been given my reward."
She blinked, confused.
"I'm going home," he said, voice low and full of warmth. "I Got a letter last week, my wife gave birth to twins—two boys. I wasn't there to help her through it, and that eats at me. But life gave me an opportunity and I can help her now to take care of the kids I am grateful that, I didn't loose my life. Right now I can not only go back and be a father but i can be a good husband too.. and live a simple, happy life."
He looked at her with quiet admiration. "Even at just fourteen, you were out there—fighting bravely. I was honored to serve beside you. If I ever had a daughter... I'd hope she'd grow up to be just as strong and courageous as you."
For a moment, silence settled between them.
Then Amira gave a small nod. "Thank you."
Kaelen smiled again, easing back onto his cot. "Rest well, Lady Amira. You've got a legacy to uphold."
She turned and stepped back out of the tent.
Kaelen exhaled slowly, a contented smile on his face.
He may not have gotten the medals. But he had his life. And a family waiting for him
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Flashback – The Final Moments of Kaelen
Amira arrived at the heart of the destruction—too late.
Kaelen lay amidst the scorched earth, his body bloodied and broken. Each breath was a shallow gasp, pain etched deep into his face. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he reached out with trembling fingers toward a motionless figure nearby—Aeris, his beloved.
"Sir Kaelen..." Amira's voice trembled.
His meet hers. "Could you help this defeated man? Just… he..help me g..et to my w..ife." Kaelen asked with broken words.
Without hesitation, Amira dropped on her knees beside him. Her hands shook as she helped ease his broken form closer to Aeris. Kaelen's fingers finally brushed his wife's hand.
"Aeris…" he whispered, voice cracking. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you.... If I'm ever given another life... I'll spend every second of it with you...forever and ever."
More tears fell as he stared at Aeris's motionless face. "Why… why do I have to see you like this? I....I wish I could've taken the pain instead..."
Amira wiped her cheeks, struggling to stay composed. "I should've come sooner… I should've been here to protect you both."
Kaelen turned to her, the last flickers of life in his eyes. "Then… do me a favour young miss. My daughters… Pearline and Elysia. Please… save them."
Amira's breath caught in her throat, but she nodded firmly, with tears in her eyes she said,"I will I promise."
A gentle smile touched Kaelen's lips. And then, with one final breath he was gone.