For the first time in days, Kai felt the warmth of the sun on his face.
The Veilguard compound stood at the edge of the city, hidden behind enchantments that made it invisible to ordinary eyes. But once he crossed the outer barrier, the real world came flooding back—cars, chatter, the distant sound of children playing in the street.
He took a slow breath. This world was still unaware of what lived in the shadows.
The masked mentor, who Kai now knew only as Ironshade, walked beside him in silence.
"You've earned a break," Ironshade said. "Your fire has potential, but your mind needs rest. Go home. One night only."
Kai nodded. "Thank you."
Ironshade placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "They say flames that burn too fast die young. Don't forget the ones you're fighting for."
Those words followed him all the way home.
Kai stood outside the small apartment building nestled between two glass towers. His family's place hadn't changed. The familiar cracks on the steps, the tiny wind chime by the door that his sister made from bottle caps—it was all still there.
He knocked once, out of habit.
Then the door burst open.
"Kai!"
His little sister, Mei, launched herself at him, arms wrapped tight around his waist. She was only eight, with short hair and two chipped front teeth she refused to get fixed. Her joy was infectious.
"Kai, you're back! You're actually back!"
He smiled down at her, heart aching in the best way. "Yeah. Missed you too, shorty."
His mother appeared next, her apron dusted with flour. She gasped softly and pulled him into a hug. "You didn't call. We thought… Are you okay? You look thinner."
"I'm fine, Ma," Kai said gently. "Just had some school stuff. I'm sorry."
She pulled back, studying his face. Her eyes, always sharp, softened. "Your eyes… They've changed."
Kai's throat tightened. "How so?"
"They're no longer tired."
Before he could reply, a deeper voice echoed from the hallway.
"Let him breathe, Lin."
His father, tall, stoic, and quiet as ever, stepped into view. His dark eyes met Kai's for a moment—long enough for a wordless understanding to pass between them. Then he simply nodded.
"Welcome back, son."
No hug. No smile.
But for Kai, that nod was enough.
That evening, the small apartment smelled of steamed buns and grilled fish. The table was too crowded with food, just the way his mother liked it when everyone was home.
Mei chattered nonstop. "Kai! You missed the school festival! And I got a star in science! And I drew you as a superhero—do you want to see?"
He laughed, already reaching for the drawing. "Of course I do."
It was rough and colorful, scribbled in bright crayon. Stick-figure Kai wore a cape and stood on top of a defeated monster labeled "BAD GUY."
Beneath the drawing were her words:"Kai protects the stars."
He paused.
The phrase hit something deep in his chest.
"Did… you come up with that?"
Mei shrugged, proud. "I dreamt it!"
His mother smiled faintly as she poured tea. "She's been talking in her sleep a lot lately. Strange things, too. Like monsters in the walls."
Kai looked up sharply, but she waved it off. "Kids' imagination."
Still… he felt a chill run down his spine.
Later that night, Kai sat on the rooftop. The city stretched out beneath him in glittering silence, a blanket of lights masking the secrets below.
He opened his palm. The fire crystal Ironshade gave him glowed faintly under his skin. He hadn't told them anything. Not about the monsters, the training, or the pain.
Because how could he?
How could he make them live in fear?
The rooftop door creaked.
His father stood there, holding two mugs of hot tea.
He sat down beside Kai without a word and handed one over.
Minutes passed in silence before his father finally spoke.
"When I was your age, I had dreams. Dreams that kept me up at night. Not of monsters… but of fire. Fire that burned the sky."
Kai turned to him slowly. "You never told me that."
"I buried it," his father said. "Because I thought it meant nothing. But now I wonder… maybe I buried something I wasn't meant to."
Kai said nothing. But his hand clenched the cup tighter.
"You've changed," his father said. "The way you move. The way you look at the sky."
"I have to," Kai whispered.
"Then be sure of why you walk this path," his father replied, rising to leave. "Strength is only good if you know what it protects."
That night, Kai dreamed again.
But this time, it wasn't a nightmare.
He stood in a burning field, fire rising around him — but it didn't hurt. Instead, the flame seemed alive, dancing in rhythm with his breath. In the distance, he saw a shadow standing tall.
A version of himself.
Older. Stronger.
But alone.
Then the fire twisted, forming into a monstrous figure — smoky, clawed, red-eyed — the same kind of beast he faced days ago.
But now, it had his face.
He jolted awake, sweat soaking his shirt, his flame surging in his chest, out of control.
He looked at his hand. For the briefest second, a red mark shimmered there—almost like a symbol.
Then it vanished.
The next morning, Kai stood in the doorway, backpack slung over his shoulder.
His mother hugged him tightly. "You don't have to carry everything alone."
"I know."
Mei jumped into his arms. "Come back soon, hero!"
Kai smiled, holding her close.
Then his father spoke. "If the fire ever burns too wild… remember, there's always a way back."
Kai looked at them all — the laughter, the warmth, the light.
And he made a silent promise.
No matter how far the path goes… he'd protect this.
Even if it cost him everything.