The scent of freshly baked bread and stew filled the air, a warm welcome to the day. Today was a special day — Hunnt's sixth birthday.
Grandma Mel hummed quietly in the kitchen, her hands moving with care as she placed a small but lovingly decorated cake on the table. Beside her, Grandpa Dom sat polishing an old hunting knife, its blade dulled with age but cared for like a precious memory.
"Happy birthday, Hunnt," Mel said warmly as the boy shuffled sleepily into the room, his hair sticking up in all directions.
Dom grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Happy birthday, kid," he added, his rough hand reaching over to ruffle Hunnt's hair. "Can't believe you're already six. Hah, you're growing faster than a sprout in spring."
Hunnt blinked at the cake, his eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa," he said, bowing slightly in gratitude before grinning wide.
They sat together at the table, sharing breakfast before Mel brought over the cake. There were no extravagant gifts, no grand decorations — just the three of them, the quiet home filled with warmth and love.
Hunnt took a deep breath before blowing out the single candle.
"Make a wish, dear," Mel said softly, smiling at him.
Hunnt squeezed his eyes shut, clutching his little fists tightly under the table. I'll grow strong. Strong enough to protect everyone here, he thought, and with a quiet puff, the candle went out.
---
Later that afternoon, after the cake had been eaten and their bellies were full, Hunnt sat by the door, swinging his legs idly. Something weighed on his mind, something that had been nagging him for weeks.
"Grandpa," he said suddenly, his voice small but clear, "where did the hunters go? It's been so long since they came back."
Dom chuckled softly, shaking his head as if the question amused him. "Oh, them? They went back to the guild," he explained, leaning back in his chair. "It'll be a long time before a new hunter comes here — unless the village requests one. Why? You miss them, huh? Hahaha."
Before Hunnt could answer, Mel turned sharply toward her husband, her sharp gaze narrowing on him. Dom felt her eyes like a weight and his laughter trailed off into an awkward cough.
Hunnt tilted his head innocently. "Oh, that's good then!" he said, his voice growing brighter. "Then I'll be the new hunter of the village! I'll save everyone and kill all the monsters that disturb the village!" His grin stretched from ear to ear, eyes sparkling with unshakable determination.
Dom's expression shifted, the humor fading into seriousness. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked Hunnt straight in the eye.
"Hunnt… that's good to hear, but don't let your confidence turn into recklessness," Dom said, his deep voice steady but heavy with worry. "Strength alone isn't enough out there. The world is dangerous, kid. Know your limits… and remember, a smart hunter lives longer than a strong one."
Mel placed her hand gently on Hunnt's shoulder, her smile both proud and worried. "Your grandpa's right, dear. We're proud of you — so proud — but don't forget to take care of yourself. Be brave, but be wise too."
Hunnt nodded, his smile softening but never fading. He raised his little hand, forming an "OK" sign with his fingers. "Okay, Grandpa and Grandma," he said, his voice firm with quiet confidence.
Dom let out a deep chuckle, shaking his head with a sigh. "Hah… you're just like your father, kid. Stubborn and determined to the core."
Mel's expression softened at those words, her gaze distant for a brief moment as memories of her son flickered in her eyes. But she blinked them away quickly, focusing instead on the boy in front of her — the boy who was growing stronger by the day.
The house filled with soft laughter and quiet conversation, the simple warmth of family wrapping around Hunnt like a comforting embrace. Outside, the evening sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the village in hues of orange and pink.
And though the world beyond the village was vast and dangerous, Hunnt felt nothing but excitement. Today wasn't just his sixth birthday — it was another step forward on the path he had chosen, the path that would one day lead him beyond the safety of Ravenshire and into the unknown.