The Dawn of Malice

Evocation

“Morning? I must’ve dozed off here,” Caerus mumbled, blinking his eyes open.

He found himself nestled amidst the comforting roots of the old oak, the sun’s golden rays casting a radiant glow. Caerus shielded his eyes with his sleeves, feeling the gentle warmth on his skin. He glanced towards the city, a strange sensation tingling at the edge of his awareness. It didn’t quite look like the city from yesterday, something was different, subtly changed. The city walls stood tall, made of aged wood, and the clock tower was still a work in progress. Many of the houses retained their thatched roofs, unlike the tiled ones of the present. It was a puzzle that curiosity beckoned him to solve.

Rustling caught his attention, accompanied by soft sobs. Caerus pivoted towards the source, and there, beneath the very oak he had rested against, sat a young boy. The boy’s clothes were tattered, revealing a scraped shoulder, and his knuckles tinged with blood. Caerus’s jaw dropped in astonishment. It was himself, as he had been ten years ago, a mere eight-year-old. He watched in silence as his younger self trembled with each sob, emotions washing over him.

“Why’s everyone so mean?” The younger Caerus cried out, anguish echoing in his voice. “I’m not some monster... I’m Caerus. Just like everyone else...” He buried his face in his hands, streaked with dirt and tears.

A voice, gentle as a breeze, broke through the turmoil. “Are you okay?”

The young Caerus jolted in surprise, turning towards the source. A little girl with emerald eyes peeked out from behind the tree. Caerus held his breath, listening to their exchange. She was a vision of innocence, her golden hair framing her face, and her smile missing a tooth. He was captivated, finding her almost angelic. Yet, a flicker of fear held him back, dread that she might flee if she saw him.

“Hey, I’m talking to you! Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you,” she reassured him.

Caerus glanced her way, taking in her warm smile. Despite his trepidation, he found himself intrigued by her presence.

“Please, just leave me be... People will hate you if you’re near me. I’m a monster,” he confessed, his voice barely more than a whisper.

“No, you’re not!” Her voice rang with conviction.

Caerus remained doubtful – his gaze fixed on the ground.

“Prove it, then!”

He peeked through his fingers, catching a glimpse of her pout. A flush crept up his ears, and he held his silence, hoping she might give up. But determination fueled her spirit.

“I’ll show you that you’re just like anyone else,” she declared with a grin. Swift as a breeze, she moved to his side, deftly removing his boot before losing her balance and landing on the ground. Caerus curled into a ball, pulling his leg away instinctively, feeling the cool grass beneath his foot. The girl looked at him, her concern evident.

“Don’t worry! I said I won’t hurt you, remember?” she reminded him. “Look, our feet are the same!”

Her words held a quiet reassurance, a tender promise that maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as dire as he’d believed. “I know that,” Caerus said softly.

As Caerus’s words reached her ears, the girl’s grin stretched even wider. Her golden hair danced in lively waves as she hopped up with enthusiasm, her dress swaying along with her. Bounding on her toes, she playfully smoothed the front of her attire.

“See! That means you’re not a monster,” she exclaimed, her emerald eyes alight with unadorned joy. Her innocence radiated like a warm glow, reaching out to Caerus’s wary heart.

Unfazed by his confession, Caerus’s voice quivered as he summoned his courage. “It’s not my feet you should fear... It’s my eyes.”

A hush fell between them, and a pang of sadness gripped Caerus. He knew he’d frightened her, and a familiar ache settled in. She was just like everyone in the city, they’d either hate him or ignore his very presence.

Her voice, gentle as a whispering breeze, shattered the silence. “I don’t care,” she declared, slicing through his doubts. “Your eyes are red. They kind of... shimmer, even when you hide them...”

Caerus blinked, taken aback by her acceptance. No one had ever spoken to him with such genuine kindness. At that moment, a fragile reassurance blossomed within him. The girl posed no threat. Encouraged by her words, Caerus cautiously lowered his hands, revealing his face to her. She stood facing the city, her golden hair swaying in the breeze, her pink dress adorned with delicate frills. Gloved hands clasped behind her – she exuded an air of enchantment.

A surge of realization coursed through Caerus. His life, once mired in despair and loss, found a glimmer of purpose. The girl before him could be the beacon he needed. With his mother’s recent passing, the world seemed bleak and unforgiving. But here, in the presence of this ethereal being, he sensed a chance to mend his fractured spirit.

“I can make my eyes glow too, you know.” The girl said as she pressed her hands together in a gesture akin to a prayer. Her eyes held a faint, otherworldly glimmer, an emerald light that seemed to stir the very air around them. A gentle breeze responded to her presence, creating a subtle whirl of wind that encircled her petite form. Caerus could only watch in awe, struck by the magical spectacle unfolding before his eyes.

Summoning his newfound courage, Caerus broke the silence. “Um... What’s your name?”

The girl straightened, her hair twirling in the breeze as she pivoted toward him. Her emerald eyes met his crimson gaze, and her lips curved into a sweet smile. She approached him with a graceful step, each movement captivating Caerus’s attention. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only her in his vision. Her hand extended towards him, a gesture of friendship that held the promise of a brighter future.

“I’m Elaine,” she introduced herself, her voice imbued with a melody.

Caerus awoke from his dream, but he kept his eyes closed. He could hear the evening’s cold wind rustle through the leaves. The throbbing of his forehead was gone, now he could only feel a numb sensation from that spot. He felt the blood on his face had hardened. It must have been late now since he could hear bats screeching.

“Elaine…” Caerus whispered.

“Yes?”

Caerus stood quickly his eyes opening as wide as they could. He smashed his back onto the oak tree’s trunk in his surprise and let out a small yelp. His eyes strained to adjust to the darkness. Standing before him was the woman from the plaza. Her emerald eyes stared at him with glee. She was smiling. Caerus was terrified, his breathing was labored as he pressed himself on the oak’s trunk. He felt the bark dig into his back.

“You shouldn’t scare people like that!” Caerus announced loudly on impulse.

“Well! You should not have been sleeping in a place like this. Anyone could’ve frightened you.” Elaine retorted as she happily skipped a few feet back.

Moonlight filtered through the oak tree’s leaves, gently touching Elaine with its glow. Her form adorned with a new dress, a lovely shade of violet with delicate frills of black lace. Caerus found himself captivated by her beauty, even under the soft moon’s embrace.

“Miss, it’s getting late,” Caerus spoke, his voice tinged with concern. He shifted nervously, contemplating the best way to urge her to go home. “Staying out so late might not be safe.”

His words hung in the air, a gentle plea for her safety.

“Caerus, it’s fine as long as I’m with you.” She replied.

“I don’t know of this ‘Caerus’ you speak of.” He looked at her trying his best to look indifferent. He watched as Elaine’s lips formed a tight frown.

“Don’t do this Caerus. Please.” She quickly understood what Caerus had meant. Elaine looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. Her hands were clasped tightly atop her chest. Caerus felt his chest tighten.

“I’m not this ‘Caerus’ person. I don’t even know who you are…”

“You just called out to me. You said my name. There’s only one person in Liliosa with red eyes like yours and it’s Caerus!” She said as she bit her lower lip. Elaine’s tears were now running down her flushed cheeks. “Caerus, please! Don’t do this.” She clasped at her chest even harder. “I know you must hate me now. I didn’t follow through with our agreement, but I didn’t have a choice!”

Caerus clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. “What agreement? I have no recollection of such! Please leave me alone.”

In his frustration, Caerus raised his hands toward his head. He combed his fingers through his hair. His gaze dropped to the ground and an awkward moment of silence followed. “I must have muttered a name in my sleep. But I assure you, I have never met you in my entire life. These eyes are just a coincidence, red eyes run in my family. I’d come from Dracia, just another traveling performer.” Caerus looked away, hoping she’d leave.

“But I know you just said my name! How could you have spoken such a name in your sleep? The name Elaine is not popular in Liliosa. There is no other explanation, is there? Stop lying to me Caerus!” Elaine stepped forward as she spoke, her left hand swiping at the wind in frustration.

“I’m not from Liliosa,” he explained, frustration edging his tone. “I’ve met many Elaines in my travels. I don’t know who you’re referring to. Are you even thinking clearly? Please, just go away. I’ve never encountered a woman like you before. It’s not appropriate for a man and a woman to be out this late. Please, go.”

“Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Caerus! I know it’s you!” She was shivering – her eyes were filled with despair. Her voice was strained and tired. Elaine stepped forward, grabbing Caerus by the collar of his shirt. She pulled him toward her and gazed up into his eyes. Her soft hands were straining to keep their grip.

“You’re Caerus! Stop lying to me, please! It hurts me too much. I’m sorry if I left without saying goodbye. Please… forgive me.” Elaine was shaking.

Tears ran down Elaine’s cheeks. Caerus could feel her hands loosen around the collar of his shirt. Her whole body was shaking, it seemed as if she were about to crumple like a sheet of parchment. She placed her small hands toward her chest and clasped them tightly. Caerus could do nothing but look at her. He wanted this to be all just a bad dream, but he knew it to be otherwise.

“I’m sorry for what I said. But I truly do not know of this person you speak of, and I’ve never met you in my life. I think it would be best if you went home, Ms. Elaine. Uncle Marseille wouldn’t want you out this late.” Caerus regained his bearing and clasped her shoulders. He gently pushed her away. As Caerus spoke Elaine’s head suddenly looked up and her eyes suddenly lit with joy. Elaine stared up at him, her eyes wide with hope. Caerus then just realized his mistake.

As if reading his thoughts Elaine spoke as she gazed into Caerus’s eyes. “How’d you know my father’s name if you’d never met me before?”

Caerus let go of her shoulders and stepped back hitting his back again on the oak’s trunk. Elaine stepped forward and reached for Caerus’s cheeks she looked into his crimson eyes.

“On top of that, you just said ‘Uncle.’ No one in the city calls him that except Caerus.”

Caerus’s arms were to his sides his palms touching the rough bark. His mind was in chaos trying to find a means to escape her. His mouth opened and closed like a fish, seemingly trying to form words. Sweat now lined his bloodied forehead and his heart throbbed painfully in his chest.

“Umm… Ah... You see…”

“Caerus, please… No more excuses.” Elaine stood on her toes as she softly pulled Caerus’s head down toward her. Before Caerus could utter another word, Elaine’s lips connected with his. It was as if static coursed through Caerus’s body. Her lips were incredibly soft. He could not help but feel elation as their lips touched. Caerus’s arms lightly rose to Elaine’s side, unsure if it was right. He wanted to pull her toward him, but he felt conflicted about whether to do so or not.

Caerus stood there unsure of what to do. Soon Elaine gently pulled their lips apart, the air fogged with their warm breaths. As their lips parted, Caerus could see Elaine’s eyes shimmer with happy tears. Only then did Caerus feel regret for not holding her close.

“Elaine… Why’d you do that…?”

“That was my first kiss… Caerus.” Elaine spoke bashfully. “I wasn’t supposed to be as daring as I am, but you just wouldn’t shut up.”

Caerus felt his ears warm up. But he resigned to silently look at Elaine, taking in her beauty. He smiled widely and felt his eyes begin to water. There is no more use fighting against her. He knew she would always win. He had wanted for so long to have Elaine back in his life and now was finally his chance. Caerus slowly reached out for Elaine’s cheek. He felt her warmth.

“Elaine… You don’t know how much your kiss means to me.”

Elaine looked at him, happiness etched on her face. The light of the moon had shown her beauty. Her blue eyes looked at Caerus with pure bliss. Then she gently brushed Caerus’s hand away and pulled a handkerchief from her pocket which she used to dab at her tears. “Would you like to sit down with me Caerus? I think it would be more comfortable.” Elaine said with a smile on her face.

Elaine gently let her handkerchief float down on the ground and she positioned herself to sit. He let out his hand and she gratefully took it as he helped her sit down. Then Caerus laid down on the grass, feeling the cold blades press on the back of his shirt. Caerus looked at Elaine as she looked at the moon on the horizon.

Then she looked down at Caerus with her face looking saddened. Caerus felt a gentle prick of worry.

“Why did you run when we met at the plaza?” Her voice sounded monotonous.

“Who wouldn’t run when an angel comes to get them?” Caerus said in a joking manner. Then he looked back at Elaine, her face still stern.

“Quit fooling around, Caerus,” Elaine said.

“Things have changed in this city Elaine. I cannot walk the streets here without a disguise anymore. Ever since the Laresian empire declared war… I cannot be seen, or the city will swallow me whole.” Caerus’s voice was empty.

Elaine remained silent, her eyes staring at the city lights. “This city had never loved you, Caerus. But you wouldn’t leave it after all these years?”

“Elaine… This city is all I have. I have nowhere else to go. And if I had left, then I wouldn’t have been able to see you again.”

“But this city… If they find out that you – a half-blood Laresian – still lived here… Then you’d surely–”

“Die? I know that. That’s why I kept my distance from Uncle Marseille all these years.”

“Does my father still know that you’re in this city Caerus?”

“He does. Uncle Marseille has been the only person in this city who truly knows I’m still around. I love him like a father. But I could not risk staying near him. The only people who know that I still live in this city are Uncle Marseille and the city drunk – but he only found out about me by accident.”

“You couldn’t be safe here Caerus. Why not come with me? Escape this god-forsaken place and find a new home. Together.” Elaine held Caerus’s hand and squeezed it gently.

“You know how I feel about leaving, Elaine. This might not be a city that loves me, but it is still my home.”

“But Caerus, I –”

“The gates are closing!” A low and rumbling voice boomed from the gate just as Elaine began to speak. She straightened up and looked at Caerus with concern, but the clanging of the huge bronze bells from the gates broke her gaze.

“Caerus, I’m sorry. Father must be waiting for me at home… I can’t cause trouble for him on my first day here. I must go. Would you like to come with me?”

“I think it would be for the best if I don’t.” Caerus smiled. “Your father had missed you all these years. Wouldn’t it seem treacherous for you to bring a man to his house now?” Caerus chuckled.

“Don’t flatter yourself Caerus,” Elaine replied her cheeks flushed pink, but she kept glaring at him. “It was just a kiss.”

“I didn’t imply anything else now, did I?”

Elaine growled softly. “Caerus don’t keep me any longer. I need to go. I’ll see you again tomorrow.” Elaine stood up quickly and began walking down the hill. Caerus stood up as well watching her leave.

“Where would we meet?”

“At the plaza, I have a gift for you.” She turned toward Caerus her smile gleaming with joy.

“Could you tell me what that gift might be?”

“It’s a secret!” Elaine said as she twirled and nearly tripped. Caerus laughed out loud, and Elaine looked back at him and stuck out her tongue. She turned her back again and raised her skirt, running at full speed toward the gate. It was only when she was out of sight that he made his way down the hill himself.