Ethan's POV
The Dark North City stood in stark contrast to its foreboding na, radiating a beauty that was both enchanting and serene. White and blue buildings shimred under the sunlight, their intricate dieval architecture far removed from anything I'd ever seen in this life. From our lofty vantage point, the city's streets bustled with life, tiny figures darting about like ants in a vast hive of activity. Stretching endlessly into the horizon, the city seed to be kissed by mist at its farthest edges, while the towering walls ahead rose majestically, blending seamlessly with the clouds. The entire city resembled a colossal, sprawling jewel resting in the embrace of the mountains.
Though I wasn't overwheld having witnessed grander cities and marvels in my past life still I couldn't deny the ingenuity and magic that had brought this city to life. It was a living testant to the power of the arcane and the wonders it could achieve in the hands of skilled mages.
Suddenly, the sky crackled with energy, a streak of lightning cutting through the heavens as the storm eagle beneath us let out a piercing cry. A thunderous boom reverberated through the air, and with a mighty flap of its wings, the eagle accelerated, propelling us forward with astonishing speed. The city below blurred into fleeting glimpses as we soared past its eastern outskirts, heading toward the secluded domain of the Stormborne family. Their ho lay deep within the shadowy ravines of the Aurora Frost Mountains, a realm shrouded in mystery and danger.
The Stormborne family shared a legacy as ancient and illustrious as ours. Known as the masters of wind magic, they had deliberately chosen this wild and tempestuous region for its unparalleled affinity with their craft. Tornadoes frequently tore through the area, and fierce, icy winds howled incessantly, a treacherous landscape for most but a perfect haven for those seeking to hone their mastery of the elents. For high-grade mages, this rugged terrain offered an unparalleled opportunity to connect deeply with the essence of wind magic, taming its wild nature to elevate their power.
As we neared the ravine, my eyes were drawn to the fortress nestled against the snowy expanse. Its dark green walls stood starkly against the icy white backdrop, like an erald embedded in frost. The guards stationed atop the fortress walls imdiately tensed at the sight of the descending storm eagle, their weapons at the ready. But recognition quickly dawned upon them, and their stances softened. One of them muttered hurriedly to a subordinate, who darted off into the fortress's depths.
Our eagle landed gracefully atop the fortress walls, its powerful wings folding with a final gust of wind. The guards straightened their backs, their expressions shifting to awe and respect. A figure in an erald-trimd uniform stepped forward, his voice booming across the icy courtyard.
"Welco, Duke Arctis Mistborn of the Mistborn family!"
The weight of my grandfather's influence was evident even here, in this foreign stronghold. His presence exuded an unshakable authority that demanded reverence.
Grandfather chuckled warmly, waving his hand to calm the guards. Their eyes flickered toward , the unfamiliar face among them. I caught snippets of their whispered speculations.
"Who's the kid with the Duke?"
"Shhh! Don't gossip in front of him. Do you want to lose your head?"
Their murmurs were cut short by the arrival of another figure. A loud, boisterous laugh echoed through the frosty air as a red-bearded old man appeared, his movents surprisingly swift for soone of his age. His broad fra and lively deanour were unmistakable. This was Duke Aelric Stormborne, the head of the Stormborne family.
"Arctis, you old rascal!" he bellowed, clasping my grandfather's hand in a firm shake. "I thought you'd never co!"
"Heh, Aelric, you underestimate ," my grandfather replied, a teasing smile on his lips. He gestured toward and placed a hand on my shoulder. "And look who I've brought with ."
Duke Aelric's eyes fell on , his gaze softening with recognition. "Ah, the young one. I t him at your castle months ago, didn't I?"
"It's a pleasure to et you again, Duke," I said, bowing slightly. My tone was calm yet firm, reflecting a maturity beyond my apparent age. My serious deanour seed to amuse him, and before I could react, he reached out and pinched my cheek playfully.
"Ha! Still so stiff! You'll grow out of it, boy," he said with a hearty laugh. My composed expression faltered, and a faint smile tugged at my lips despite my internal annoyance. It seed no matter how hard I tried, I was always treated like a little kid. With a quiet sigh, I pushed my irritation aside as we made our way into the fortress.
Inside, we were guided to a grand hallway lined with tall windows that allowed the wintry sunlight to pour in. Once seated, Duke Aelric clapped his hands, summoning a butler.
"Go fetch Aurelia and Austin," he instructed. "They'll be thrilled to see him again ah poor kids hardly have any playmates their age."
The butler bowed and swiftly exited. Monts later, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. I turned my head to see two children entering the room. Aurelia, the older of the two, greeted with a warm smile, her twinkling green eyes shining with curiosity. She was undeniably beautiful, and I could already tell she would grow into a stunning young woman. Austin, her younger brother, stood beside her, his expression shy but inquisitive.
Both siblings had vibrant red hair, like flas dancing in the wind. Their striking appearance piqued my curiosity. Was it rely a familial trait, or did their bloodline carry so special connection to fire or wind magic?
Their grandfather's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Aurelia, Austin, this is Ethan, the grandson of my old friend. You t him few months ago didn't you , so go play with him and show him our fortress. Also, he's younger than both of you, so treat him kindly, like a little brother."
The two Dukes resud their conversation, my attention remained fixed on Aurelia and Austin. Though I tried to pay attention, most of my focus remained on the siblings, particularly Aurelia. Ideas and plans began to form in my mind as I observed her, but then, sothing in their conversation caught my attention and left completely dumbstruck.
Suddenly, a fragnt of their conversation reached my ears, leaving completely dumbstruck.
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