Bloodbound Secrets

The night was unnervingly silent. The only sound that broke the stillness was the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Inside their small wooden home, the dim light of a single lantern flickered, casting elongated shadows that danced across the walls.

Roy sat at the table, his eyes locked on his father. John was packing—a task Roy had never seen him do before. His movements were calculated, precise, as if he had done this many times before. The worn leather bag he carried was filled with essentials, but Roy could tell there was more to this departure than just supplies.

"You're leaving," Roy finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't a question.

John glanced at his son but said nothing at first. Instead, he secured the last buckle on his bag and exhaled. "Yes."

Roy's hands clenched into fists. "Because of that letter."

John nodded. "It's something I must take care of."

"Where are you going?"

A long pause. "Far from here."

Roy felt a sudden weight in his chest. His father had always been there—strong, unwavering, a constant presence. The thought of him leaving, especially in such secrecy, sent unease crawling through his veins. "Then take me with you."

John shook his head. "No."

"Why not?"

"Because it's dangerous."

Roy stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. "I don't care about danger! You always told me to be strong, to face the world. How am I supposed to do that if you keep me in the dark?"

John sighed and stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Roy's shoulder. "This is not something you're ready for, Roy." His tone was softer now, yet still final. "One day, you'll understand."

Roy met his father's gaze, searching for something—an answer, reassurance, anything. But all he found was a quiet determination, one that told him nothing he said would change his father's mind.

Behind them, Sakura stood near the doorway, silent as ever. Her arms were crossed, her expression unreadable, but her eyes were heavy with something Roy couldn't place. Worry? Regret? Or was it something else?

John turned to her, his face softening. "Take care of him."

Sakura gave the slightest nod. "Come back."

John didn't reply. Instead, he pulled his cloak over his shoulders, hoisted his bag onto his back, and with one last look at his family, he opened the door. The cold night air rushed in, carrying with it a sense of finality. Without another word, he stepped outside, disappearing into the darkness.

Roy stood frozen, his mind racing. His father had always been the unshakable force in his life, the one who never faltered. Yet tonight, he had seen something different in him—something like hesitation, or maybe even fear.

He turned to his mother. "Where did he really go?"

Sakura didn't answer immediately. Instead, she moved toward the lantern, adjusting its wick. "To settle a debt," she finally said, her voice distant.

Roy narrowed his eyes. "What kind of debt?"

Sakura exhaled, then turned to face him fully. "The kind that doesn't end easily."

A cold chill ran down Roy's spine. He didn't know what his father was walking into, but he had a sinking feeling that when—or if—John returned, things would never be the same again.

To be continued…