Moonlight Flame

The scent of freshly cooked stew filled the small house, warmth radiating from the fire as Stella stirred the pot with a gentle smile. The soft crackling of the flames blended with the lighthearted chatter of her mother, Mazie, who sat nearby, sewing a new tunic for her husband. Jason, Stella's father, was a hardworking miner and a proud resident of Goldengrave, the village where unity and prosperity thrived.

The village had no king, but instead, a mayor—Eros Kim, a man of wisdom and kindness. Under his leadership, Goldengrave flourished. Half of the gold extracted from the mines was traded with other kingdoms, ensuring the village's steady growth, while the rest was distributed among its hardworking people. It was a simple, honest life, and Stella cherished every moment of it.

But that happiness was only a distant memory now.

In the present, Stella stood amidst the ruins of her once-vibrant home, her hands trembling as she relived the past. Ryn stood beside her, his expression unreadable, yet his eyes glowed with quiet fury.

"Where is your family now, Stella?" Ryn asked softly.

Tears welled in Stella's eyes as she turned to him, her voice breaking. "M-my father… he was killed by Jox Ranter."

Ryn clenched his fists, his emotions simmering beneath a deceptively calm smile. He placed a reassuring hand on Stella's head. "It's okay, Stella. Leave the rest to your big brother."

Through silent tears, Stella led Ryn toward her home. Inside, her mother lay in bed, her once-bright eyes dull with pain. The frailty in her frame and the bruises on her arms told a story of suffering.

"Mom… it's me. Your little Stelli," Stella whispered, kneeling at her mother's bedside.

Mazie's eyes fluttered open, glistening with recognition and relief. "Stelli… where have you been?" she murmured weakly. "You're all I have left."

Mother and daughter embraced, their sorrow hanging thick in the air. Ryn watched silently, his heart weighed by their pain, his mind sharpening with rage.

Jox Ranter… you will pay for this.

Mazie's tired gaze fell on Ryn, and she managed a weak smile. "Who is he?"

Stella wiped her tears and smiled. "He's my big brother now."

Mazie turned her gaze to Ryn and whispered, "Thank you… for looking after my daughter."

Ryn smiled softly. "She's my little sister now. It's my duty to protect her."

Mazie nodded with gratitude, tears slipping down her worn cheeks.

Ryn gently patted Stella's head. "Take care of your mother, okay? I'll be back soon."

"Where are you going, Big Brother?" Stella asked, concern etched into her face.

Ryn gave her a reassuring grin. "Just a small walk, Lilly."

Ryn wandered into the heart of Goldengrave, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings. The village that once thrived was now a shadow of its former self—silent and lifeless, suffocated by fear.

A commotion caught his attention. A middle-aged man was being harassed by four thugs, their arrogant sneers twisting into cruel smiles.

Ryn stepped forward, hands in his pockets. "You know… bullying an old man isn't very heroic."

The thugs turned to him, sneering. "And who the hell are you?"

One of them scoffed. "We're Ranter's men. So if you value your life, move along."

Ryn's smile darkened. "If you want to eat your night's dinner, I suggest you leave."

The thugs laughed. "Look at this guy. Thinks he's tough."

Without warning, flames erupted in a perfect circle around them. The fire twisted and danced, trapping them within its blazing embrace.

The laughter died. Panic took its place.

They screamed, clawing at the flames as the heat intensified. Within moments, their bodies were reduced to ashes, their cries silenced forever.

Ryn turned to the terrified man and extended a hand. "Are you alright?"

The man stared at him, wide-eyed, before bowing deeply. "Thank you… thank you!"

As he turned to leave, Ryn grabbed his shoulder. "Wait. Where can I find Jox Ranter?"

The man stiffened. His face paled. Without a word, he shook his head and hurried away.

Ryn frowned. No one wants to talk about him… just how deep does this fear run?

Night fell.

Ryn sat by the lake, lost in thought, his back against the trunk of a tree adorned with beautiful blossoms. The moon shone brightly, reflecting on the water's surface. He exhaled slowly, letting his mind drift.

A faint rustling caught his attention.

A girl stood at the lake's edge, tears streaming down her face. In that moment, she took a step forward.

She was about to throw herself into the water.

With a burst of speed, Ryn lunged forward, grabbing her arm before she could fall.

"Let me go!" she sobbed, struggling against his grip. "I don't want to live anymore!"

Ryn held firm, his voice calm but unwavering. "Dying isn't the answer."

Her breathing hitched, and after a moment, she collapsed against him, her body wracked with sobs.

After minutes of silence, she finally spoke. "Who… who are you?"

"Ryn," he replied simply. "I'm here with a girl named Stella."

Her tear-streaked face lifted slightly. "Stella…? That name sounds familiar. Oh! Jason's daughter?"

"You knew her father?" Ryn asked.

The girl nodded. "Yes. He was a kind man…"

Ryn studied her carefully. "What's your name?"

"Jully," she whispered.

Ryn smiled. "Nice to meet you, Jully."

After a moment of quiet conversation, Ryn finally asked, "Jully… where can I find Jox Ranter?"

The moment the name left his lips, Jully froze. Her face went pale, her body trembling.

Ryn immediately noticed her reaction. She's terrified.

He sighed. "Forget I asked. Just pretend I never said anything."

Jully hesitated before finally whispering, "If I tell you… what will you do?"

Ryn's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "I will kill him like the filth he is."

Jully's breath caught in her throat. She stared at him, wide-eyed—shocked and speechless.

To Be Continued…