Chapter 43: Ashes in the Wake
Although Antiarena City was known as a "city," in truth, it resembled a sprawling village with no city walls. The commoner's district, where Zirak's house stood, was especially close to the coastline—just a ten-minute walk to the beach.
That night, as they strolled under the moonlight, seven-year-old Noel recounted her entire story to Zirak along the way: how she had survived the sea, met Hudaifah, and how she arrived in Antiarena City—where her fate crossed with Zaara's. Zirak walked silently beside her, his heart heavy. Hudaifah's death was difficult to process, and the weight of unanswered questions lingered in his mind like shadows in the surf.
The beach was not picturesque. It lacked the fine white sand of storybooks. Instead, it was littered with rough gravel and scattered shells. Yet under the silver glow of the moon, the coastline took on a rugged beauty. The stars shone like diamonds across the velvet sky, reflecting off the restless waves. The crashing surf and distant seabirds brought the seascape to life with their natural symphony.
"There are a lot of stars tonight, Uncle Zirak," Noel murmured, eyes wide as she looked between the ocean and the skys above.
Zirak placed a gentle hand on her head. "There are," he replied softly. "And remember this, Noel—if you're ever in trouble or need help, you can come to me. Always. You're not alone anymore ... And never was."
Not far down the shoreline, a dark-haired boy with nervous eyes was practicing with a knife. He bore a striking resemblance to Waker—only younger and far more timid. Zaara had mentioned him once: the only one in her class to awaken a Weapon-Type Aspect.
Curious, Zirak approached him. "Assalamu Alaikum," he said kindly. "Nice to meet you."
Startled, the boy turned. His grip on the knife tightened. He stammered out a greeting. "Wa ... Wa Alaikum Assalam."
Zirak smiled faintly and crossed his arms. "You're training, but your form is shaky. Let me show you how to truly wield that knife."
He began correcting the boy's stance and movements. Step by step, he refined the boy's technique with patient care. Noel watched from a distance, yawning occasionally but smiling at the sight of the lesson.
Early Morning
Zirak, Noel, and Zaara sat down together for breakfast. The mood was cheerful, light-hearted.
"You two seem extra eager today," Zirak chuckled. "It's the same breakfast you have every day, you know."
Before either girl could answer, a firm knock echoed from the front door.
Zirak stood up and walked to answer it.
Standing on the doorstep was a young woman—around eighteen years old—wearing a flowing red-and-black patterned dress. A wide red straw hat veiled her eyes, while a sleek black mask covered her mouth. Something about her presence felt ... unusual and familiar.
"Yes?" Zirak asked calmly. "Can I help you?"
The girl tilted her head slightly, and her eyes met his—piercing blood-red, beautiful but chilling.
Zirak's breath caught in his throat. "Princess ... Toia?"
Moments later, the girl sat at the table with Zaara and Noel, her crimson-and-white hair cascading down to her waist. She had removed her hat, setting it beside her as she gently teased the girls, playing the role of a warm elder sister.
Zirak stayed quiet for a moment, then finally spoke. "Why are you here, Princess Toia?"
She raised a hand politely. "Just Toia is fine. I'd prefer not to be treated like royalty here."
She smiled, but her voice turned serious. "I'm looking for Ravi. I believe you have some lead on where he went."
Zaara perked up, tilting her head. "You're looking for big brother? He came a few weeks ago, but then he just ... left without saying anything."
Toia sighed. "I expected that. He's always running ahead without warning." She turned her eyes to Zirak. "I understand you have your doubts about him. And I don't blame you. He's ... conflicted, but not cruel."
Zaara, still curious, leaned in and asked, "Big sister! Are you really a princess? Who are you?"
Toia poked Zaara's nose playfully. "Yes, I'm a princess of the Blood Empire of Vyrm. But that's a secret, okay? Don't tell anyone—especially not the wrong people. Or we'll all be in big trouble." She grinned. "Also, I'm your brother's future sister-in-law."
Zirak's brow twitched.
Without a word, he snapped his fingers, erecting a silent sound barrier around himself and Toia, shielding their private conversation.
"You do realize what you're doing?" he asked, his tone sharp. "Ravi is considered the assassin of the Emperor of the Turks. His own father. If you support him—"
Toia interrupted with a calm smile. "My mother, the Queen of Vyrm, already knows. And she supports my decision. We know what's at stake, and I know who Ravi is beneath all the blood and blame."
Zirak fell silent, processing the magnitude of that. The Queen herself was involved. And her daughter had personally come to find Ravi.
At last, he sighed. "He joined the Guild of Action. That's where he was headed last I heard."
Toia stood, bowed lightly, and picked up her hat and mask.
"Thank you, Sir Zirak," she said gently. "For trusting me, even just a little."
She turned to the girls. "It was lovely meeting you both. Stay safe, little stars."
Violet flames bloomed beneath her boots, and in an instant, she vanished into thin air—leaving behind only the soft scent of fire and roses.
Zaara and Noel stared in awe.
Zirak stood still, thoughts racing. He didn't know whether it was the right thing to tell her. His heart still ached with doubt. Trusting Ravi again would not be easy for him.
But perhaps ... the world was moving again. And some ashes, even in the wake of fire, could spark a new beginning.