Ash And Dust

Kaelen was sitting in the large dining hall of the orphanage. Long wooden tables, stacked dishes, and a bustling noise... But to him, everything felt like a muffled and distant echo. He dipped his spoon into the bowl of soup in front of him, but he had no appetite. He remembered the blood spilled on the battlefield years ago, but now even the soup in front of him felt foreign.

"Kaelen?" a cheerful voice said.

His head involuntarily turned toward the voice. Lyra, as usual, was sitting beside him with a smile. She was holding a piece of bread and looking at him curiously. "How are you feeling today? Are you feeling a little better?"

Kaelen paused for a moment. Then he shrugged. "I'm fine."

Lyra looked at him more carefully. "You don't look fine."

Kaelen turned his gaze back to his soup. There was unease inside him. The memories of his old self felt like an echo of an empty sound. His power was gone, and his former life now seemed like a dream. Maybe it was a dream; he couldn't be sure. But one thing Kaelen was certain of: if his old life was a dream, it must have been a nightmare.

Lyra continued talking, seemingly trying to break the silence. "The weather is nice today. How about we go outside for a walk in the afternoon? The fair is starting in Asfenwald. The Reus family is sponsoring a few students, and most of the kids will participate in the race. We used to watch it together. Maybe it'll help you feel better."

"When is the festival?"

"It starts tomorrow at noon. Director Edric gave me and a few older kids permission. We could join the tournament. But I'm still unsure... my magic could have been enough to get into the academy, but if I get a scholarship, it'll be less of a financial burden on the orphanage."

Kaelen slightly shook his head.

"Really? Are you going with me?"

"I don't know, Lyra. I might need some time alone," Kaelen said in a firm tone. He still had a lot on his mind, and spending time with a child wouldn't help ease his thoughts.

Lyra's smile faded, but she quickly regained her composure. "I know everything's a bit strange for you right now. But sometimes, being alone makes you retreat even further. I'm here for you, Kaelen. Don't forget that."

Kaelen squinted. He knew Lyra meant well, but her constant concern was bothering him. She reminded him of someone from his past. Someone he wanted to forget.

An anger, undefined yet growing, started to form within him. "I told you to leave me alone, Lyra."

As the words left his mouth, he realized how harsh they sounded—more brutal than he had intended.

Lyra's eyes widened for a moment, then she lowered her head slightly. Within seconds, a tear slipped from her eye. She quickly raised her hand to cover her face, then stood up and hurriedly left the dining hall.

The room fell into silence. The other orphans and staff stared at Kaelen in shock. But Kaelen didn't meet anyone's gaze. A mix of guilt and anger churned inside him. He took a deep breath and dropped his spoon onto the plate. He couldn't stay here any longer.

"Damn it!"

Kaelen stepped into the orphanage's backyard. The afternoon sun filtered through the branches of the large oak tree. Could the cool shade soothe the turmoil inside him, even for just a moment? He sat beneath the tree, leaning his back against its solid trunk, tilting his head back.

He placed his hands in front of him, trying to summon his old strength, even if only for a brief moment. In the past, he could feel the warmth at his fingertips, the flickering movement of the flames… But now, there was nothing. No spark, no warmth…

"Did you leave me?" he whispered.

But there was no answer.

Angrily, he slammed his fist into the ground. What was I without my power? Nothing. I used to be a Mirakel. A warrior. Now I am a weak, powerless, forgotten child…

At that moment, he heard footsteps. Looking up, he noticed two children walking toward him. He recognized them. Daren and Mikel.

Daren approached with his usual confident smile. "You were pretty harsh with Lyra. I don't think I need to tell you that you made her cry, do I?"

Mikel shook his head and added, "Seriously, what do you think you're doing? Lyra's like a sister to everyone here. She doesn't deserve to be upset because of your stupid attitude."

Kaelen narrowed his eyes and looked at Daren. "Why does this concern you?"

Daren's smile faded. Something flashed in his eyes—anger? Jealousy? Maybe both. Kaelen had sensed that Daren had feelings for Lyra, which was why he was so upset.

"You need to make it right," Daren said, his voice tense. "Go and apologize to her."

Kaelen shook his head with a mocking smile. "I'm not asking you what I should do."

Daren clenched his fist. "Is that so?"

And suddenly, he swung his fist at Kaelen. Kaelen instinctively pulled back, the punch just grazing his face. But it was a warning. Daren was really ready to attack him.

Kaelen tried to recall his old warrior reflexes, but his new body… It was slow, weak, and clumsy.

As Daren pulled back and prepared to attack again, Kaelen knew he had to fight against the rising feeling of helplessness inside him.