Step.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Each footsteps echoed with purpose as the boy made his way down the grand hall. Step by step, the sharp rhythm of his movements reverberated off the walls, steady and commanding. Every stride radiated an aura of unshakable confidence, his posture refined, each motion deliberate and exact.
His appearance was pristine, clad in a sleek black robe paired with tailored black trousers, both embellished with detailed silver patterns, subtle yet intricate, complete with precisely placed pins and accessories that hinted at status and taste.
Emblazoned on the right side of his chest, the Ravenastra insignia gleamed proudly, catching the light just enough to demand attention. His black top framed his jet-black hair, tied back neatly into a ponytail that flowed elegantly down his back. A pair of silver eyes, mesmerising and enigmatic, held a quiet beauty that added a sense of grace to his already commanding presence.
Standing tall at 190 cm, his well-toned frame radiated quiet strength. His body wasn't overly bulky, but each muscle seemed honed to perfection, every fibre holding restrained power ready to burst forth at a moment's notice.
His face, striking and sharp, bore the features of one blessed by both bloodline and genes, a chiselled jawline and piercing silver eyes that seemed to see through everything. His skin was so flawless it would stir jealousy even among the most radiant of women.
At his waist rested a long sword, unremarkable in appearance to the untrained eye. Yet behind its humble exterior, the blade harboured a celestial presence and the concealed and intense power contained within, adding an air of mystery to the boy's overall presence.
This youth was none other than Astrael, transformed remarkably over the past ten years into someone near unrecognizable.
Meanwhile, Atticus descended the staircase, his measured steps resonating through the Ravenstein mansion, the soft thud of each footstep preceding his entry as he passed through the doorway.
"Ara ara… women might lose consciousness just looking at you.", A feminine voice cut through the air, immediately drawing Atticus's attention.
Atticus's gaze turned and landed on a strikingly black haired beauty who was gazing at him with a seductive and enchanting posture.
The woman with a beauty that can cause war between nations. Her hair was black as starless night, cascading down her back in thick waves that shimmered under the filtered light. Her eyes, striking amethyst as if the world is present in that.
She was dressed in midnight silk that clung to her every curve, as if the fabric itself worshipped her body. A slit ran high along one thigh, revealing legs that looked like they were carved to ruin empires. Her lips curled into a smile.
"Don't joke, Elyndra," Astrael replied, but a smug smile still lingered on his lip.
"Oh? But you're blushing."
Astrael snorted.
"Your imagination"
"Hehe~" Elyndra giggled softly.
Over the past years, Astrael and Elyndra had grown closer together. Not just a weapon and wielder, but as a teacher and student, companions bound by more than steel. What had once been a reluctant pact, formed out of circumstance and necessity, had gradually shifted into something far more intricate.Astrael had learned to adapt—to the cadence of her voice, the wisdom laced in her guidance, and the quiet otherwordly charm she carried, something that felt both ancient and ethereal. He had adjusted, yes, but not without struggle. For all his strength, she could still disarm him with a glance, a word, or a sudden silence that lingered too long.
She had become more than a spirit within a blade, she had become a part of his world as a family.
Elyndra Drifted closer, the illusion of her form swaying with supernatural grace, though no one else could see her, not unless she wished it
She tilted her head, eyes half-lidded with lazy amusement.
"Why are you walking like that? As if you are a ruler." She said in her usual pleasant voice.
Astrael exhaled softly through his nose, a ghost of a smirk forming again.
"It's posture. Avalon drilled it into me until I couldn't slouch without any rest."
"Mm, well. He did something right."
She went inside the sword, talking telepathically.
"Do you ever regret it?" he asked suddenly.
She blinked.
"What?"
"Staying here. With me. In this world."
That silenced her teasing.
For a moment, she kept her silenced
"You think I had a choice?" she said finally, voice softer.
"You said I intrigued you. That you chose to stay."
"I did. I do." She folded her arms. "But choosing doesn't mean I forget what I lost."
Astrael glanced toward her, silver eyes sharp yet contemplative.
"You've never told me."
"And you've never asked more than once."
They walked a few more paces.
"Would you answer now?"
Elyndra manifested beside him again and looked at him, eyes like twin amethyst galaxies caught in twilight.
Then, with that familiar smile curling back to her lips—
"No."
Astrael snorted.
"Thought so."
Over the past ten years, he had asked countless times about the other world—what it was like, what existed beyond, and all manner of questions driven by quiet curiosity. Yet, every time, she would avoid giving him a clear answer. It was as if something bound her, a restriction she could not defy. Her responses were always the same, either a firm "No," or a gentle, unwavering, "You are not ready." And he never pressed further. He respected that. After all, everyone carries their own secrets. He had his as well.
Even though they were soul-bonded and she could sense his thoughts to a certain extent, there remained an inexplicable barrier—she couldn't access the memories tied to his past life. That part of him remained untouched, hidden even from her. And he had never spoken to her about it. Not once.
He turned a corner into the inner balcony overlooking the garden courtyard, where Elara sat beneath the shade of a flowering tree, a small tray of tea beside her. Luna was beside her, laughing brightly at something only the two of them understood.
The sight made Astrael stopped.
His expression softened, just slightly.
"You're lucky," Elyndra said.
"Hm?"
"That you still have people worth protecting."
He didn't respond. He didn't need to. He just watched them quietly for a few seconds more.
Then, without a word, Astrael descended the stairs, each step as silent and controlled as ever, toward his mother and sister.
Elyndra vanished with a wisp of starlight.
But he knew she was still there.
Always.
***
A/N: I know this chapter might've felt a bit slow, but it was a crucial setup for what's about to unfold. Everything that follows will play a major role in shaping Astrael's journey. The plot is starting to thicken, and the real story is just around the corner.
What do you guys think, should I update two chapter of 1000 words or a single chapter of 1500+ words?