Chapter 42: Duty
The mountain gave birth to a mouse. Daylan realized how easily everything had fallen into place and wished he had spent that time worrying about their calamity instead.
Every word Daylan spoke to Zira seemed to land gently. He had expected at least some kind of outburst from a twelve-year-old whose family was leaving her in the care of strangers—but no. In fact, she seemed genuinely happy to become part of the Bastian family.
Despite her composed demeanor and surprisingly mature reaction for her age, Zira still asked to spend some time with Daylan before her departure, insisting that he keep his promise.
Watching Zira made Daylan smile throughout their conversation. He felt honored to have a sibling like her. But something tugged at his thoughts—Zira hadn't mentioned their mother even once. No desire to see her before leaving, no concern about missing her.
It was clear that Zira knew something about Daylan's reasons for his actions. Even if she didn't understand everything, she had a general sense of what was going on—one way or another.
But Daylan felt he was in no position to ask. Still, he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it if Zira was doing everything with Giselle. Though he doubted it, the possibility was one he couldn't ignore.
The night passed quickly, and before they knew it, morning had arrived. By the time they woke, Ael had already assigned a few guards to escort Zira. But Daylan wasn't going to let that happen—not yet. It took a toll on him, but he managed to convince the guards to wait a little longer.
''Two hours,'' they said, their tone heavy with duty.
Without a moment's hesitation, Zira and Daylan began marching through the northern district alone, leaving the guards and everyone else behind.
It was nothing short of a siblinghood adventure. They laughed, played, and simply enjoyed each other's company. What was meant to be a two-hour exploration turned into one of the best memories they had ever shared. Their bond deepened—far beyond any emotion Daylan had ever known, in this life and the one before it.
Unlike most children who often asked for more time, fun, or tried to bend things to their will, Zira did none of that. To Daylan, she was a living miracle.