Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend

Raegar was standing in front of the Bloodrose store and noticed dozens of people going in. Selene turned to him, smiling. ''Let's get inside, I'm sure Father is busy thanks to all the customers.''

Just as the duo moved, an old woman appeared, staring at the Demoness with a knowing expression. ''Look who it is, it's good to see you returning home, Sel. Your parents and siblings have missed you.''

''Maxine,'' the white-haired girl replied. ''Yes, I'm here to talk to them and brought a friend.''

The stranger shot Raegar a glance, only to let out a dramatic squeal as her head whipped back to Selene as she'd just seen the juiciest gossip unfold. "Friends, you say? Oh, honey, spill the tea!''

Before Raegar could even blink, she sashayed off, leaving him scratching his head in utter bewilderment. Selene, ever the sultry Demoness, leaned in close. ''That's just my childhood friend's nosy grandma, sweet as pie, but loves meddling in Randal's drama like it's her day job.''

Raegar's brow shot up, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Should I be worried about this matchmaking granny, Sel? Am I about to get roped into some scandal?"

Selene's eyes sparkled as she grabbed his collar, pulling him into a kiss. Her boobs pressed against him, and the whole street faded away like they were the only two in the world. When she finally pulled back, her lips curved into a flirty grin.

''That proof enough for you, handsome?'' she teased, batting her lashes. ''You're the only one turning my head, Rae, no childhood friend could ever compete with you.''

Just then, she grabbed his hand, leading him into the shop, where it was packed as they approached the counter. That's when he spotted the red-skinned Samael haggling with some adventurers.

Moments later, the Demon man spotted them and a big smile appeared on his weathered face. ''Selene! My darling daughter, I'm glad you returned. Your mother is out back alongside the little ones.''

Samael's yellow eyes widened as they settled on Raegar, his gaze sharp and appraising. A deep, resonant laugh burst from his chest, echoing through the air as he spoke, his voice rich with amusement and a hint of surprise.

''So, this is the one you've spoken of, my daughter,'' he said, chuckling. ''Who would've thought it'd be the Ghost himself?''

Raegar let out a hearty chuckle as the older man studied the armor the young warrior wore. ''That gear's seen better days. Leave it to me, lad, and I'll have it gleaming like new.''

He tapped the chest, and it folded in on itself as he handed it over to the Demon man, revealing. ''This armor has saved me more than a dozen times, thanks for it.''

''I remember that day,'' Samael said. ''Now get in the back, my wife wants to meet the boy who swept our second eldest off her feet.''

Following that, Selene led Raegar into the backroom of her family's shop. She turned to him, smiling ear to ear. ''Mind waiting here, Rae? I need to talk to Mama.''

He nodded, and she slipped away, leaving him alone. Moments later, a young boy and girl peeked in, their features strikingly similar to Selene's. With a friendly smile, he greeted them. "Hey there, you must be Selene's siblings, right?"

''Yes!'' the boy cheerfully answered. ''I'm Brant and this is my sister Selica!''

''I'm Raegar Blackwood, one of her friends,'' he introduced himself.

When the little girl who had white hair and big yellow eyes exclaimed. ''It's the boy Selene likes!''

Brant giggled, causing Raegar's cheeks to go red, but he shook his head and replied. ''Yes, I like her too. She's a wonderful young woman.''

As the siblings heard his words, they beamed as Selica rushed over and grabbed his sleeve. ''Come see our garden! Mama and Selene love gardening when she isn't in school!'' she exclaimed.

They tugged Raegar through a narrow door at the back of the shop, their excitement infectious. The sprawling store, its towering shelves and bustling aisles, gave way to a small, serene garden tucked behind the building.

It was a hidden oasis, perfectly proportioned to the shop, a tranquil contrast to the lively world inside. The garden was a patchwork of neatly tended flowerbeds, blooming with vivid marigolds and delicate lavender.

A stone path wound through the greenery, leading to a wooden bench beneath a trellis draped with climbing roses. The air carried the sweet scent of herbs and freshly turned earth, and a fountain bubbled softly in the corner.

''Look!'' Selica chirped, pointing to a cluster of sunflowers standing tall against the fence. ''Selene planted those last summer!''

Brant dashed ahead, gesturing to a patch of mint and basil. ''Mama says this is her favorite spot to think,'' he said proudly. ''She and Selene are always out here, digging and planting when the shop's quiet.''

Raegar took it all in, the peaceful charm of the garden grounding him after the whirlwind of the store. ''It's beautiful,'' he said, smiling at the siblings. ''You can tell they put a lot of love into this place.''

Selica beamed, grabbing his hand again. ''Come see the strawberries! We can pick some if you want!''

The little version of his Demoness tugged him toward a low patch of strawberry plants nestled against the garden's edge, their fruits peeking out from beneath broad green leaves. ''These are the best ones!'' she declared, dropping to her knees and plucking a plump berry.

Brant joined her, popping a strawberry into his mouth, grinning. ''Try one!'' he urged, tossing him a berry.

Raegar caught it and ate it; the flavor burst on his tongue. He chuckled as Selica handed him another, her small fingers stained. As they picked, filling a small woven basket, Selica's eyes sparkled mischievously. Enjoying the story? Find more at MV-LEMPYR.

''Come on, we've got a secret spot!'' she whispered, glancing at Brant, who nodded eagerly.

They led him past the fountain, weaving through a curtain of hanging ivy to a tucked-away nook. It was a tiny clearing, shielded by tall ferns and a gnarled apple tree, a soft patch of clover serving as a natural seat.

The siblings plopped down, motioning to join them. Selica fixed him with a serious stare, her yellow eyes gleaming. ''So, Raegar Blackwood,'' she began, leaning forward. ''Do you like big sister Selene? You know, like… really, really like her?''

Brant giggled, nudging his sister. ''Yeah, she talks about you all the time. Says you're super strong and nice. So, what's the deal?''

Raegar's cheeks warmed, and he rubbed the back of his neck, caught off guard by their directness. ''Well,'' he said, a smile creeping onto his face. ''Selene's incredible. She's brave, smart, and… yeah, I like her a lot. More than just a friend, if that's what you're asking.''

Selica squealed, clapping her hands, while Brant smirked, satisfied. ''Good answer,'' he said, tossing another strawberry into his mouth. ''But you better be nice to her, or we'll tell Mama! And she's scary when angry.''

He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. ''Deal. I promise to treat her right.''

''Raegar,'' Selica said, her voice tentative but earnest. ''You're so… different from us. I mean, you're a human, all pale and white-haired. Selene's, well, red and demon-y like me. How does that even work? Like, if you two had… um, had babies or something, what would they look like?''

Brant's eyes widened, and he stifled a giggle, nudging his sister. ''Yeah, would they be all mixed up or what?''

Raegar blinked, caught off guard, but a chuckle escaped as he leaned back on the clover, his red eyes glinting with amusement. ''Well, that's a big question for such a small garden hideout,'' he teased, making Selica grin. ''But honestly? If Selene and I had three babies, they'd probably all come out different. Maybe one would have my pale skin and her horns, another might be red-skinned with my white hair, and the third could have a mix we can't even imagine yet, maybe pointy ears and red eyes, or something new.''

He paused, his smile softening. ''But you know what? I wouldn't care one bit how they looked. They'd be ours, and that's what matters. Selene's amazing, and any kid of hers would be too, no matter their skin or horns.''

Selica's face lit up, her small horns practically glowing as she clapped her hands. ''That's so cool! They'd be super special, like a rainbow of you both!''

Brant nodded enthusiastically, his grin wide. ''You're alright, Raegar! Big sister picked a good one!''

He tossed a strawberry at Raegar, who caught it with a laugh. Just then, Selene stepped into the sunlight. Beside her walked an older woman, her features a near mirror of the three siblings.

Sharper, weathered, but with the same striking yellow eyes and elegant horns. A tall young man followed, his broad smile marking him as part of the family. The trio's arrival sent a ripple of excitement through the hidden nook.

'They all look alike,' he mused.