The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel Chapter 224

Alavin entered the manor alone, refusing any company, and wandered through the decrepit buildings and courtyards. He could almost hear the joyous laughter from years past and see the faces of loved ones. The ruins of the courtyard still bore traces of those days, but the people were gone.

Alavin had braced himself for this moment, yet his heart still felt constricted. He found himself in the courtyard where his parents once lived, now just rubble and overgrowth.

"Father, Mother, your son has returned."

Alavin sat on a stone, quietly observing the familiar ruins. He had returned, and the Mallister family would never leave again. No one would take this city from him again.

“This city and its people would all silently await your return. Be it in the flesh or in spirit.”

“Alavin, may I come over?” Dainis approached, her gentle beauty and dignified grace making her seem like a noble lady from a secluded bower.

Alavin rubbed his face hard, grounding himself back to reality.

“Don’t be sad. The past is behind us. What matters is that you protect the Mallister family today, and the future Stormcast.”

“Some things can be left behind, but others can’t. I will find out the truth about who caused this tragedy over the past eight years.” Dainis moved gracefully towards Alavin and draped a cloak over his shoulders, her touch tender. “Do you remember much about what happened eight years ago? Father has been investigating, but he hasn’t found any useful leads. If you remember anything, tell him, it might help.”

Alavin shook his head. “It was the loss of a magical treasure that brought disaster upon my family.”

With delicate fingers, Dainis gently caressed Alavin’s cheek. Her voice was full of compassion. “Do you know what magical treasure it was?”

Alavin raised his hand to push hers away, but subconsciously he looked up, locking eyes with Dainis. In that instant, ripples stirred in the clear depths of Dainis’ eyes, and a spark of sharpness twinkled through and pierced into Alavin's gaze.

Alavin felt a momentary daze. His raised hand slowly fell as he gazed at her, perplexed.

"Do you know what the magical treasure is?" Dainis asked again, her eyes rippling as she stared straight into Alavin's.

"I do not."

"What do you know?"