《Everlasting Dream》


 Chapter 2: Afterlife

    Alex couldn''t figure out how he ended up here or where he was going. He aimlessly wandered through the thick fog, feeling lost and confused. Alex didn''t know how much time had passed. It felt like he''d been in this strange ce forever, but his memories were nk. His movements were sluggish, and his thoughts were muddled¡ª a weird, dreamlike state.


    The mist twisted and merged as he moved; strange, unfamiliar sounds filled the air with each step. It wasn''t until he paused that he realized the sounds wereing from the grass beneath his feet, rustling softly in the silence. The atmosphere was heavy, and every breath tasted metallic and foreign.


    The fog got thicker with each step, sticking to him like a second skin. He couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched. Unseen eyes hidden in the mist seemed to follow his every move. He couldn''t help but wonder how he ended up in this strange, surreal world.


    After what felt like forever, the fog cleared, revealing more of the gloomyndscape. It was just endless, dull grass stretching out in all directions. The sky above was a cloudless gray, and the never-ending fog seemed to swallow the world, hiding the horizon.


    Looking down at his body, he noticed he was wearing the same clothes Alex had on the day he died. His skin was pale, and his veins were barely visible. Checking his pulse confirmed his worst fear: he was no longer alive.


    ''Is this what happens after death?'' Alex thought, looking around at the endless sea of gray. He felt a pang of sadness but also a strange sense of eptance. He had epted his fate a long time ago. At least it doesn''t hurt anymore.


    With a heavy sigh, Alex ran his hand through his hair, disheveling the dark strands. ''There''s no going back,'' he thought. Alex closed his eyes and tried to rx, taking a deep breath. Standing there, he thought about his life and its good and bad parts.


    Alex''s mind shed back to his final moments in the hospital. He remembered how painful it was, how difficult it was to breathe, the feeling of the life slowly fading from his body. And the kiss. He touched his lips, a ghost of a smile gracing his face.


    The next thing he thought about was how boring and lonely his life was, incredibly so. All his life was nothing but music and art. How he never had a friend, a girlfriend, or anyone, for that matter. Except for his grandfather, no one was there. Even his mother... She was his mother, yet he didn''t feel anything towards her. ''Just... art? Nothing but art, huh... It sounds boring, but I guess that''s what it is.''''Though... I did like drawing and music,'' he admitted. ''It was always been my passion, and I put my heart and soul into my art and music. Even if it was just me, alone in a room, drawing orposing. It was something I enjoyed doing.''


    He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ''Well, I guess it could''ve been worse. At least I wasn''t mean to anyone or anything like that. I don''t think anyone hated me. So, that''s good, I guess...''


    ''I wonder what if I had done things differently, though,'' Alex asked himself. ''What if I had made friends or, at least, talked with other kids my age? What if I hadn''t given up on my life?'' he thought, frowning.


    He shook his head and sighed again. "I guess it doesn''t matter now," he mumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It''s toote."


    Opening his eyes, Alex looked around, trying to see if there was anything else in this endless gray world. The gray sky so differed from the vibrant blue sky he used to know. ''I guess it''s time to move on,'' he thought, pushing away any lingering regrets. With that, he began walking into the unknown.


    Confusion was the only thing Alex felt as he walked for what seemed like forever. He had tried to shout, yell, and scream, but his voice remained mute no matter how hard he tried, betraying him and leaving him unheard in this strange, unending world.


    Then, a distant sound reached his ears, so faint that he almost didn''t notice it. He stopped and strained his ears, trying to figure out where it came from. The soft noise gradually grew louder, revealing itself as a delicate piano melody. Just as suddenly as it had started, it stopped.


    Alex stood still, wondering if he had imagined the sound. Driven by curiosity, he moved toward where he thought the musical notes hade from. And a minuteter, he regretted doing so, noticing indistinct shapes in the distance.


    ''What are those...?'' Alex asked himself, squinting and straining his eyes to see better. Having no other choice, he forced himself to walk forward. As he got closer, the mysterious figures became more distinct. They transformed into people, but at the same time, they weren''t. Floating in the air, frozen in unmoving poses and facial expressions. Some looked afraid, while others were smiling.


    He approached one, a girl. She floated just above the ground; her skin was pale, and her eyes were wide open, staring nkly into space. She was suspended in the air, her legs dangling beneath her.


    He stared at her, trying to understand what was going on. Carefully and very slowly, Alex reached out and touched her cheek. Then, hepared his skin with hers and noticed it had the same texture. Both felt cold and lifeless. Alex''s heart sank from the sudden realization. They were all just like him.


    He looked around and saw hundreds of floating corpses, each frozen in their final moments. He didn''t recognize any of the faces, and the thought of being surrounded by the dead made him shudder. ''Am I going to be one of them, eventually?'' Alex asked himself, looking down at his hands and body. He was dead, too, wasn''t he?


    He hurriedly rushed forward, wanting nothing more than to escape this ce and find the sound he had heard earlier. He didn''t want to stay here any longer, surrounded by the dead. Luckily, the distant piano melody asionally returned, helping him navigate this strange ce.


    There was no day or night, no breeze to break the stillness in this ce. He was surrounded by countless bodies suspended in time, their expressions frozen forever. ''Who are they? Why are they frozen like this? And why am I different?'' Alex wondered as he walked, his sense of time slipping away.


    The piano''s notes grew stronger, pulling Alex forward and motivating him to keep going. ''I know it... it''s mystposition!'' he realized, speeding up his pace. He had to find the source of the melody.


    His music in the afterlife? Everything here is just beyond strange. He had always imagined the afterlife as a peaceful and calm ce, not this deste and frightening one.


    The piano melody grew louder as he moved closer, the notes guiding him through the lifeless world. With each new step he took, the piano''s notes seemed to resonate within him, at some point almost deafening. He could feel the notes vibrating through his bones, and his heart began to beat again, in sync with the music''s rhythm.


    Finally, the source of the music came into view, leaving him stunned. ''It''s her...'' Alex realized, stopping among the dead bodies. His red-haired girl was ying the piano.


    The piano was floating in the air, suspended by nothing, defying gravity. A young girl with closed eyes was ying it, her body swaying left and right in rhythm with the music. Her silky white dress was thin and almost see-through, and her long, fiery red hair floated around her as if underwater.


    She looked exactly how she had the day they first met, the day his life had changed forever, back when he was five. The freckles on her pale face were just as numerous as he remembered, and her lips were a beautiful shade of pink.


    Her fingers danced over the keys, and the music filled the air around them. Alex couldn''t tear his gaze away from her, captivated by her skill and elegance. It felt weird to hear someone else y it¡ªthe sorrow, pain, joy, and happiness¡ªeverything he had experienced during his short life. As the melody progressed, their surroundings transformed.


    Suddenly, Alex was floating, too. He felt weightless, his body drifting through the air towards her. He could feel his heart beating stronger the closer he got, his blood pumping through his veins.


    ¡ª "Oh... this is..." he whispered, his eyes filling with tears. He felt... great, with no pain that was his follower over the years. No suffering. Did he feel... alive? The true meaning of it.


    The fog disappeared, and the world now bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. The barrennd had be a lush field of flowers, and the sky was a vibrant mix of oranges, pinks, and purples. He nced down at the ground, and there was no sign of the people from before.


    Alex floated there, watching her, unable to believe his eyes. ''I finally found her...'' he thought, emotions washing over him. After all this time, all the pain, and struggle, he finally met her.


    The piano''s notes began to change, the melody growing softer and slower. She opened her eyes, as blue as the summer sky, and met his gaze. Alex couldn''t take his eyes off her. Her radiant and sweet smile was everything he had ever wished for.


    As the final note echoed, she extended her hands towards the boy, inviting him to take them. Alex''s heart soared, and without a second thought, he reached out and held her hands in his. Her skin felt soft and warm, sending shivers down his spine. It felt like he had waited forever for this moment.


    "I''ve been waiting for you," she finally spoke, her voice like the tinkling of bells, a soft and melodic sound that seemed to fill the air around them. It was a sound he had longed to hear his entire life.


    ¡ª "So have I," Alex managed to reply, his voice cracking with emotion. The girl from childhood who had haunted his dreams for so many years was here. "I never thought I''d see you again," he confessed, a tear rolling down his rosy cheek. The illness that drained his body of any color and warmth was gone, leaving nothing but a healthy boy with tears welling in his brown eyes.


    She smiled, wiping away a tear from his face with her finger. "I''m here now," she said, her voice soothing and full of love.


    ¡ª "Where are we? And who are these people from before?" Alex asked, sobbing and holding onto her hand tightly, not wanting to let go.


    "It''splicated," she said. "Everyone experiences this ce differently. It''s like a canvas that everyone paints with their colors and experiences. It depends on what life you had, on your regrets, and the memories you had," she exined, looking at him. "For some, it''s a paradise where all their dreams and desires are fulfilled. For others, it''s a prison, a ce where they''re forced to relive their worst memories over and over again. Eventually, it leads to the soul being cleansed of memories and regrets and returning to the cycle of life, a new body, a new story."


    ¡ª "Why am I the only one who can move?" Alex asked, wiping his face and trying topose himself.


    "I... intervened to keep your soul from fully resting. So you could be here now and meet me," she confessed, squeezing his hands.


    Alex took a moment to process her words. He didn''t quite understand, but it didn''t matter. He had her in front of him.


    ¡ª "Who... who are you?" Alex asked, staring deep into her beautiful blue eyes, seeing himself on the reflection. This was a question he had wanted to ask for his entire life.


    She smiled, her eyes shining with a mysterious light. "My name is Elysia, and I''m the goddess of music and art," she said with a kind and gentle voice. Hearing those words sent shivers down his spine, and he couldn''t believe what he heard.


    Alex wanted to say anything, but the words wouldn''te. He stood there, his mouth agape, unable to form a coherent thought. He had always known she was special, but a goddess?


    Elysiaughed, a light and melodious sound that filled Alex''s heart with joy. "I''m sorry, I''m probably overwhelming you," she apologized, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    Alex shook his head, struggling to find his voice. "No, no, not at all," he mumbled, his cheeks flushing with color. "I mean, yes, a little bit, but... wow. That''s a lot to take in," he admitted,ughing nervously. An awkward silence fell between them.


    She smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I''m sorry, Alex," Elysia said, her voice trembling slightly. "I''m sorry for all the pain and suffering you went through. It was all my fault," she confessed, lowering her gaze.


    Her words caught him off guard, and his heart ached at her apology. He was about to respond, to tell her it was okay, but she cut him off, continuing before he had the chance to speak.


    "I shouldn''t have appeared in your room back then. You were just a child, and I wasn''t supposed to meddle with the living," Elysia exined, her voice wavering.


    Her words echoed in Alex''s mind, and he felt his world crashing down. "What do you mean you shouldn''t have appeared?" Alex asked, his voice cracking.


    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She looked away to hide them, but it was toote. Alex had already seen it. "It''s...plicated," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I''m not like you, Alex... I''m not human and never was one. I''ve existed since the beginning and will exist until the end. Someone like me could only interact with the living during certain times, so it''s safe for them. I''m not even sure how you might have seen me that day... it was an ident. An ident that made you obsessed with me," she continued, her voice heavy with regret.


    Alex stared at her, his mind racing as he tried to understand what she was saying.


    "I should have never shown myself to you. I''m so sorry, Alex. Every time you saw me, you lost years of your life... I never meant to hurt you, but... Whenever I wanted to ignore you, you somehow managed to amaze me... I was selfish, and I''m so sorry for everything," Elysia confessed, wiping the tears from her face.


    Alex remained silent, his thoughts swirling around him like a hurricane. He didn''t know how to respond. It was all too much. "Are you saying that your appearances caused my illness? That you''re the reason for all the suffering?" he asked, his voice breaking.


    "Yes," Elysia replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn''t meet his gaze, the guilt weighing heavily on her heart.


    A long silence stretched between them, the only sound being the gentle wind and the faint sound of birdsong. Neither of them knew what to say or if there was even anything that could be said.


    Alex had to admit her presence had brought him nothing but misery and suffering, and he had paid a high price for it. He had given up everything just to be able to catch a few glimpses of her and had endured unimaginable pain and torment. He could have done so much more than he did.


    "Then... why?" Alex asked, his voice thick with emotion. "Why did you keep doing it?


    Elysia''s eyes shone with a deep sadness, her shoulders slumped, and her usual radiance dimmed. "I don''t know," she said, shaking her head. "I wish I could tell you. But the truth is, I don''t know. You were different, special... All I wanted was to hear you y for me, that''s all."


    He stared at her, his eyes darting between hers, trying to find any hint of deceit or dishonesty. But there was none.


    ¡ª "This is a lot to take in," Alex paused, struggling to find the right words. "Elysia... I liked ying piano and painting before you appeared... ever since I can remember, I did it," he started, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "I can''t say your appearance didn''t change anything. It did. It changed everything."


    "I spent endless nights writing andposing music so you could hear it. And every painting, I always imagined you standing beside me, watching me," Alex admitted, his voice filled with emotion. "Everything I made was for you, Elysia. You were my one and only audience."


    Elysia''s eyes were filled with tears. She wanted to speak, to say something, but the words wouldn''te.


    Alex''s mind raced as he tried to think about the best way to phrase his thoughts and emotions. "Was my life miserable? Maybe," he finally whispered, looking at her. "But... I could''ve easily given up at any moment, but I didn''t. I chose not to. It was my choice," he said, taking a deep breath.


    She shook her head, the tears spilling down her pale cheeks. "Alex, I... I''m so sorry. I didn''t mean to cause you so much pain," she said, her voice thick with emotion.


    "It''s okay, Elysia," Alex gave her a sad smile, his eyes glistening with tears. "Even after all the suffering and pain, I can''t bring myself to hate or me you. If I could choose again, knowing everything I do now..." he paused, struggling to get the words out. "I''d do it again," he admitted, his voice barely audible. "Even though my life was short, I did what I love, and I did it because of you."


    "You are too kind, Alex. I don''t deserve it," Elysia replied, wiping her tears. "I don''t think I ever saw a soul so... pure and gentle as yours. And innocent. You have no idea how innocent you are, Alex. Maybe this is what kept me attracted to you..."


    Alex opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He didn''t know what to say or how to respond. Only after a few minutes did he utter, "Can I stay here with you?" Alex asked, his voice trembling slightly, a faint smile touching his lips.


    "I''d like that," Elysia replied, smiling weakly, her eyes filled with sadness. "But... that''s something I can''t give you."


    Alex''s smile faded, and he could feel his heart breaking at her words. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice quivering, full of fear.


    She gently caressed his face, a sad smile gracing her lips. "I can''t stay with you, Alex," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with tears.


    ¡ª "But why?" Alex''s heart sank at her words.


    Elysia hesitated, a mixture of pain and guilt written on her face. "This ce will affect you the longer you stay here, Alex. The longer you are here, the more frozen in time you''ll be. Your memories, personality, and everything that makes you, well, you. You will lose it, and eventually, you''ll get your soul cleaned. It is the fate of those who linger here for too long, and I don''t want that to happen to you," she exined, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡ª "What can I do? Is there a way I can stay with you?" he asked, desperation filling his words.


    "No," Elysia replied, her voice full of sadness. "There is a reason why I decided to intervene and prevent your soul from cleansing. I wanted you to live your life, find happiness, move on, and forget me. I''m sorry, Alex, but you deserve more. You deserve a full and happy life, not one cut short by my selfish desires," she said, wiping tears from the boy''s face.


    Alex''s heart felt like it had shattered into a million pieces. "Please, Elysia," he begged, his voice cracking. Please, there has to be something we can do¡ªanything. I can''t..." his voice trailed off as the tears flowed freely, his shoulders trembling.


    She shook her head, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I want to fix what I did to you. You deserve a second chance. A second chance to live your life how you want to, have a loving family, be happy and free, without being haunted by me."


    ¡ª "What do you mean?" Alex asked, sniffling.


    She took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with tears. "You''ll get a chance to live your life again, Alex. You''ll get a new body in a world where my presence is stronger, and I can ensure, or at least try my best, for you to have a better life than before."


    Alex stared at her, his mind racing as he tried to process her words. His thoughts were a mess, and he didn''t know what to say or how to feel. A second chance, a new life, a new world. He took a few minutes of silence, thinking, trying to find the best words. Then, finally, he managed to ask, "Are you sure?"


    "Yes, Alex," Elysia replied, wiping tears from his face. Her smile was genuine, her eyes full of love andpassion. "This is the only way for me to fix what I did. Please, do it for me."


    After another minute of silence, Alex finally found his voice again. "Alright... If this is your wish, I don''t mind," he whispered, his voice hoarse.


    Elysia smiled, a wave of relief washing over her. "Good," she replied, hugging the boy tightly. "You have no idea how d I am," she added, mumbling against his cheek. She slowly pulled away, meeting his gaze. "Before you go, Alex, I want to y something for you, a melody I wrote just for you," she said, turning toward the floating piano.


    "Okay," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn''t trust himself to speak, afraid his voice would betray him.


    She sat before the floating piano, her fingers hovering over the keys. She began to y slowly, her fingers moving effortlessly, producing a soft and mncholy melody. It was a tune unlike anything Alex had ever heard, both beautiful and heartbreaking. It felt like it reached inside him and touched his very soul.


    As Elysia yed, tears welled up in Alex''s eyes. He couldn''t help but be moved by the beauty of her music, by the emotion behind it. The notes were like a luby, calming his mind and easing the sadness in his heart.@@novelbin@@


    Slowly, he moved closer to Elysia and sat down beside her. He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him, and began to y. His fingers danced across the keys of a piano, forming a duet.


    The two of them yed together, their music intertwining, bing one. It was a beautiful and magical momentas if their souls were intertwined through the notes, creating something beyond humanprehension, a harmony so pure and perfect that it couldn''t be described. The music swelled, reaching a crescendo that filled the entire world around them.


    When they finally reached the end of the piece, they let the final notes linger in the air. Alex turned to Elysia, his eyes filled with longing. "Will we ever meet again?" he asked, his voice wavering.


    Elysia leaned in and pressed her lips gently against his. It was a soft, tender kissfull of warmth and sadness. The boy didn''t know how to kiss; his lips shook, but she didn''t seem to care. When they parted, she looked into his eyes and whispered, "No, Alex..." she paused, "This is a goodbye. Forever."


    And then, with a final, beautiful smile only she knew how to make, the world around them began to fade. The colors bled into darkness, and Alex felt himself pulled away from Elysia. He reached out, trying to hold onto her, but she simply whispered, "Live a happy life," before disappearing into the void.


    As darkness enveloped Alex, he began drifting through the cosmos. Distant stars and gxies streaked past him, leaving luminous trails in their wake. Yet, none of this cosmic spectacle could capture his attention. His heartbeat stopped once more, and his tears continued to stream down his face as he fixated on the spot where she had been.


    He whispered his farewell into the void as he drifted farther into the unknown.


    ¡ª "Goodbye, Elysia..."


    With those words, he closed his eyes, surrendering to the infinite expanse of the universe. The stars and gxies continued their celestial dance around him.


    If you ever feel like supporting my work, please find my nickname on Patreon.


    Thank you, I hope you enjoyed the introduction.

 Chapter 3: Don’t cry, snowman

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Nivalis Silverfrost is a breathtakingly beautiful elven woman as if she belonged to another world filled with wonder and enchantment, not this harsh reality filled with nothing but suffering and misery. Like liquid silver, her hair cascaded down to her waist in shimmering strands that seemed to capture the very moonlight itself. Her skin was pale as freshly fallen snow, and it seemed to glow in contrast to the dark times surrounding her.


    A delicate and lovely fragrance always surrounded her, like the scent of a mountain meadow kissed by the morning dew. It was her natural aroma, tinged with hints of forest pine and wildflowers, a reminder of her deep connection to the woods and nature, something that ran through her very veins.


    But perhaps the most striking feature of Nivalis was her eyes. Like her mother''s, they were a unique shade of blue, as deep as the ocean but sparkling with shining specks that danced in the light. They held so much emotion and intensity that it was as though you could peer into her very soul just by looking into them.


    Nivalis belonged to the elves, a magical and mystical race known for their long lives, deep bond with nature, and long ears, but of course. The elves are a proud and noble group¡ªsometimes even a bit too much¡ªand Nivalis is an heir to one of the elven kingdoms that no longer exist.


    With her pure bloodline, Nivalis was destined for greatness, meant to inherit a throne that had stood for thousands of years. Yet, here she was, living in a small human vige, in a poor wooden house that she tried her best to maintain, all hidden in the middle of nowhere.


    As the sun''s rays bathed the world in a gentle, golden embrace, Nivalis found herself at her window, captivated by the beauty outside. The hills, nketed in snow, sparkled like a sea of diamonds. Her icy blue eyes, as bright as sapphires, absorbed the breathtaking scene. Yet, despite the enchanting vista, her heart remained heavy, weighed down by memories of the past.


    Once upon a time, in what felt like a different life, Nivalis had reigned as a princess, the rightful heiress to the ancient Elven Kingdom of Astralwyn. It was a kingdom where theughter of the woond inhabitants and the rustling leaves of the ancient forest were the only sounds that graced the air, a kingdom where the elves lived in harmony with the mystical forces of nature. It was home.


    Now, though, her home was no more. It had been destroyed by humanity''s greed and ambition, reduced to ashes and rubble: her family, her friends, her people¡ªall gone.That peaceful existence had been shattered like fragile ss when the humans swept across their borders. In mere months, the Northern Empire, Stormhaven, had ruthlessly broken through the defenses of Astralwyn, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Fearless warriors of a Stormhaven are well known for their strength and savagery, leaving little chance for the elves against their attack.


    On that fateful day when the walls of their capital crumbled, Nivalis lost everything. Her parents, her people, and her rightful ce were reduced to nothing but ash and dust. Her kingdom, her very identity, was shattered beyond repair.


    She had witnessed the death and destruction firsthand. She had seen the horror, the suffering, the despair. She had heard the screams and cries of those her family had to protect. How elven warriors fell like leaves in an autumn gale, and those who survived found themselves shackled by the chains of captivity.


    Nivalis remembered how the elves'' screams echoed through the halls of their ruined city, but their cries for mercy fell upon deaf ears. Princess Nivalis, with her luminous beauty and grace, became one of the prized captives. Her very existence became a constant reminder of the defeat and humiliation suffered by the elven race. She was now hated and despised not only by her captors but by her people, a living reminder of their failure.


    For a while, the people of Stormhaven paraded her through the streets of their cities, mocking every elf on the continent with her despair, enjoying every tear that fell from her blue eyes. But over time, they grew tired of her. They sent her to a remote, bitterly cold corner of the Empire, an isted province on the outskirts of the Stormhaven territory... gifted like a trophy to some warrior, Haldor Firefury. For all these years, she lived in a ce where the days were long and the nights even longer. And much more terrifying.


    Haldor''s golden eyes, burning like the scorching sun, always made Nivalis''s heart race, but not out of love or desire. The mere thought of his rough, calloused hands touching her soft, delicate skin made her shudder with fear and disgust. The memories of his touch sent a chill down her spine, and she could almost feel the ghost of his grip on her pale flesh.


    Nivalis let out a sigh and pushed away those thoughts. She couldn''t keep dwelling on the past. She needed to focus on what was happening in the present. A gentle wind blew through the window, carrying the crisp scent of winter. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the refreshing aroma, letting it wash away the lingering fears and memories.


    Nivalis gently ced her hands on her round belly, her fingers tracing the gentle curve of her stomach. Inside, her baby kicked, making her smile warmly. Despite the pain and suffering she had endured, Nivalis couldn''t bring herself to regret the pregnancy, no matter that he had no say in it. Children were and always will be a small reminder of the happiness and love she used to have, a little light in the darkness around her, the only thing that still kept her alive. Her little, very personal, guiding star.


    Speaking of which...


    Nivalis turned her attention to Silvia, her 5-year-old daughter, who was slowly approaching her with a timid expression. The little girl was the spitting image of her mother, with her flowing silver hair and delicate features¡ªwell, except for her father''s golden eyes and much smaller elven ears, a constant reminder of her mixed heritage.


    ¡ª "Hello, my little sunshine," Nivalis said softly, struggling to bend down slightly to greet her child, her fingers gently running through the girl''s silver hair.


    Silvia responded with a small smile, her eyes shining gold like her father''s. "Hi," she whispered, her voice barely audible.@@novelbin@@


    "Mommy, can we go outside to y in the snow?" Silvia asked, gently tugging at her mother''s skirt.


    Nivalis returned the smile and yfully pinched her soft cheek, bringing more color to her pale face. "Of course, we can."


    Silvia''s eyes lit up, and she quickly grabbed her mother''s hand, leading her toward the front door. "Let''s go, Mommy! Let''s go!"


    Nivalisughed as her daughter dragged her towards the exit of their tiny house, her enthusiasm infectious. As she helped her daughter bundle up in warm clothes, Nivalis couldn''t help but think about how much the world had changed for her. She had gone from being a princess to a prisoner and now a mother, a trophy to a husband who cared little about her.


    However, no matter how tough things were, she was determined to do whatever it took to protect her daughter and the baby that would soon arrive.


    ¡ª "Well, my little snowke, how about we build a snowman?" Nivalis whispered as they stepped into the snow. The endless expanse of white was a stark contrast to the darkness of her heart. The winter sun shone brightly, its rays glittering off the nket of fresh snow. The frigid air nipped at their skin, but Nivalis didn''t mind. She had grown used to the cold. She had to. Nivalis closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh, cold air, letting it fill her lungs. She could feel her spirits lifting, her soul bing lighter. For a moment, she could forget about the horrors of her past and enjoy the simple pleasures of the present.


    Silvia squealed with delight, her boots crunching through the snow as she started rolling the ball of snow all around. She was a ray of sunshine, a bright spot in the dark. For a moment, Nivalis simply smiled at her daughter, her heart swelling with love and pride, but soon enough, joined as well.


    As the two of them began building a snowman, Silvia''sughter filled the air, a sound that warmed Nivalis''s heart and banished her worries, if only for a moment. For a moment, everything was perfect.


    However, deep inside, Nivalis couldn''t shake off a growing dread. She knew the harsh reality of Stormhaven all too well. She knew what awaited her daughter in a ce like this. She had seen the cruelty and brutality of these people firsthand and how they treated their kind. The thought of her precious daughter, a half-elf, experiencing such suffering tore at her heart.


    As she watched Silvia happily shape the snowman, Nivalis felt a surge of determination well up inside her. She would protect her child, no matter what. Then, suddenly, the realization hit her: she needed a n to escape. To try to escape this ce again, like she did many years ago when she still hoped.


    Nivalis didn''t know how she would manage it, but she knew she had to try¡ªnot for herself but for her daughter. She had no clue where they could go or how they would survive on their own, but staying was not an option.


    "Mommy, look! Look at my snowman!" Silvia eximed, her cheeks rosy from the cold and excitement.


    Nivalis crouched down to examine her daughter''s creation. "It''s gorgeous, sweetie," she said warmly, smiling at her daughter.


    Silvia''s eyes sparkled with pride, simr to her mother''s smile lighting up her features as she exined, "It''s got a carrot for its nose, and I used stones for its eyes and mouth."


    Nivalis couldn''t help but chuckle. Even in such a bleak situation, her daughter found the strength tough. "I''m sure the snowman will be very happy," she replied, ruffling her daughter''s silver hair.


    A sudden gust of wind sent a shiver down Nivalis''s spine, and she instinctively pulled her coat tighter around herself. She looked up, her gaze drawn to the doorway where Haldor stood. A storm of anger smoldered in his golden eyes. He wore his usual attire, a worn and tattered dark cloak flowing over his strong, broad shoulders and patched pants. The leather of his boots creaked as he shifted his weight, and his thick, calloused fingers gripped the doorframe, knuckles turning white with the force of his grip.


    His presence was undeniably formidable, like a towering mountain overshadowing Nivalis. His massive frame made her feel small, his muscles visible beneath the rough fabric of his well-worn tunic. His skin bore the rugged texture of a man who had endured countless hours exposed to the harsh elements. Dirt streaks marked his face, mingling with the coarse stubble that covered his square jawline.


    The scent of earth and sweat clung to him like it always did. His raven-ck hair, tousled and unkempt, framed a stern face. His piercing eyes zed like molten gold, smoldering with an intensity that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who dared to meet his gaze.


    As he strode towards them, Nivalis felt her heart leap into her throat. Each step he took resonated with the pounding of her heart, his heavy boots thudding against the snow, leaving deep imprints in it. The air around seemed to crackle with tension, and the world held its breath as he approached.


    Upon noticing her father''s arrival, Silvia immediately hid behind her mother, tightly grasping her coat. As he approached, Nivalis could see the fury written across his scarred face. Nivalis and Silvia knew that look on his face. She knew what wasing, and she dreaded it.


    "What is the meaning of this?" he growled, gesturing towards the carrot sticking out of the snowman''s face.


    ¡ª "I''m sorry, my love," Nivalis said, trying to calm him, saying anything he wanted to hear. "It was just a silly thing that we made..."


    "Silly?" Haldor spat, his voice dripping with venom. "You dare defile the ways of my ancestors by spoiling the food? Do you know how many die from starvation yearly throughout the Empire?" he grabbed her arm roughly and forcefully, his fingers digging into her skin. "While you y here with food?"


    Nivalis winced as her husband''s grip tightened. She could feel the anger and betrayal in his gaze. She had no idea what they had done wrong, and she would have taken the carrot back anyway, but it didn''t matter now.


    ¡ª "I am sorry," she mumbled, her heart pounding in her chest, her gaze evading his. "It was a mistake."


    "A mistake? A mistake is spilling your drink, not ruining a sacred tradition!" Haldor roared, his face twisted with rage. The girl behind Nivalis tried her best to look small and stay quiet.


    In Haldor''s culture, the waste of food was a great sin. Every drop of water and every scrap of bread was precious and should not be wasted. In their environment''s unforgiving cold, hunger was a constantpanion, a shadow that lurked in every corner of daily life. Every meal was a precious gift, a lifeline in and where nature''s cruelty could be unforgiving. But here they were, standing in the snow, staring at a carrot sticking out of a snowman''s face.


    Before she could react, he mmed his fist into her face, sending her tumbling to the ground. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and her vision blurred. "Please," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "Please, don''t hurt me."


    Haldor''s eyes narrowed as he gazed at his wife, her face bloodied and bruised. He clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening.


    "Don''t hurt her!" Silvia cried in a high-pitched voice, her golden eyes filled with tears.


    Haldor froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Who allowed you to speak, brat?" he yelled, his voice rising to a roar.


    Silvia''s lower lip trembled, but she didn''t back down. She stepped towards her father; her tiny hands balled into fists. "I won''t let you hurt my mommy," she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Haldor''s face darkened, and he turned to his wife. "This is all your fault," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You''ve poisoned this child with your foolishness and disobedience."


    Silence hung in the air as Nivalis struggled to find words. Once Haldor understood that she would remain silent, he spoke again. "I''m going on a hunting trip, and I expect you to have rid of this cursed snowman by the time I return," Haldor said, his golden eyes focused on her blue ones.


    Nivalis could feel his gaze burning into her. "I understand," she replied, struggling to keep her voice steady.


    While the girl helped her mother to get back on her feet, Haldor changed into his warm fur attire and retrieved his longbow from the barn. His fingers ran over the polished wood, a bow he had meticulously crafted from the trunk of an ancient elven oak tree. It had taken him months toplete, and he took great pride in his work. Slipping the quiver over his shoulder, he ventured into the forest, his footsteps crunching away on the icy ground.


    Now standing, Nivalis watched him finally go, a sigh of relief escaping her soft lips, still covered in blood. "Silvia, please go inside and wash your hands. I''ll clean up here."


    The little girl nodded, her eyes cast downwards and disappeared inside. She couldn''t help but notice the sadness in her daughter''s eyes.


    Nivalis swiftly dismantled the snowman, removing the carrot nose and stones from its face. She felt a pang of sadness and regret as she destroyed the creation that had brought her daughter so much happiness, but she knew she had no choice. As Nivalis worked, her mind raced with thoughts of escape. She knew they needed a n¡ªa way out of this life of fear and cruelty. ''We can''t keep living like this,'' she thought, her heart heavy. ''I have to do something.''


    Nivalis stepped through the front door of her house, exhausted. Her face hurt, and her round belly weighed heavily on her every move. The chill of winter clung to her as she closed the front door, but a warm feeling blossomed in her heart once more as she found her daughter, Silvia, seated by the window. Silvia''s eyes were fixed on the snow-covered hills that stretched beyond the window, a distant look in her golden eyes.


    Sitting beside her daughter, Nivalis gently wrapped her loving arms around Silvia, pulling her close. She spoke softly, her voice trembling with emotion, "It''s going to be alright, my dear."


    Feeling her mother''s embrace, Silvia took a moment of silence but eventually whispered back, "Mhm... I love you, Mommy," as she leaned into her chest, feeling the gentle kick of a baby inside her belly.


    Tears welled up in Nivalis''s eyes, and she replied, "I love you too, my little snowke," her voice quivering with tenderness. She held her daughter closer as if shielding her from the harsh reality. "We''ll find a way out of this, I promise." Her words may have seemed as fragile as a delicate butterfly in the wind, but the determination behind them was unmistakable. "Are you hungry, little one?" Nivalis asked gently, brushing a strand of silver hair from Silvia''s face, seeing a shy smile on her youthful face that had already answered. "A warm soup. How does it sound?"


    Even though the girl nodded eagerly, her young eyes still reflected the sadness beyond her years; the fear of the previous event still clung to her, refusing to let go. "Yes, please," Silvia replied, her voice barely more than a whisper.


    Standing up, Nivalis walked to the kitchen and began preparing theforting meal; her hands moved with purpose, and every step was taken with love. She carefully selected each ingredient, her fingers gently touching the rough textures of the vegetables. The knife sliced through the vegetables with a crisp, precise sound, and the aroma of fresh herbs filled the air as she sprinkled them into the pot. The simmering pot above the fire filled the small kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma, once again making her feel renewed determination inside her frail, pregnant body. She would protect her children, no matter what.


    And perhaps, if they were lucky, they would find a way to escape this terrible ce. They deserve more than this.

 Chapter 8: First breastfeeding

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    After the long, draining process of giving birth, both physically and emotionally, Nivalis felt like she''d been through a storm. Every muscle ached, and her body was sore and weak. Yet, despite the physical difort, a radiant smile painted the natural paleness of her face. The thought of her son, Aster, being born healthy and strong filled her with a joy she couldn''t describe.


    She took a moment to clean up and change her clothes, her hands shaking with exhaustion as she hurried while her daughter carefully held her new baby brother, her eyes wide with wonder and awe.


    As the minutes ticked by in silence, Nivalis realized it was time to feed the boy. She didn''t want to wait until he grew restless. She looked at Silvia, her voice filled with love and warmth. "Silvia, darling, let Mommy have him for a little while," she softly requested, knowing Silvia was reluctant to part with her little brother.


    "Alright," Silvia whispered, smiling down at little Asty in her arms before carefully transferring him into Nivalis'' waiting arms with the utmost care. Silvia sighed with contentment as soon as he was safely nestled in his mother''s embrace, feeling d that she was able to help. However, part of her wanted to hold him for as long as possible.


    ¡ª "Don''t worry, sweetheart. You can hold him again after he''s fed," Nivalis reassured her daughter, smiling warmly as she settled in the soft bed, getting ready to nurse the boy for the first time. "Silvia, love, could you grab a pillow for me, please?" she asked, her blue eyes flickering to the side momentarily before returning to the baby.


    "Mhm," Silvia responded quickly. She grabbed a fluffy pillow from the nearby chair and carefully ced it behind Nivalis''s back, ensuring the utmostfort for her weary body. The girl''s golden eyes lit up with a sense of aplishment at assisting her mother, only to be reced with confusion when a question appeared in her young mind. "Mommy, I don''t think he can eat regr food yet," Silvia said, her small voice filled with concern as she looked at her baby brother.


    Nivalis smiled warmly. "No, sweetie. Babies like your brother need to drink milk for a long time before they can eat other food," she exined calmly, aiming to ease her daughter''s worries.


    "Really? I never knew that," Silvia responded, her wide eyes sparkling, eager to absorb every new information, even distantly rted to caring for the baby.¡ª "It''s true," Nivalis confirmed, caressing Aster''s velvety soft head with her free hand. The little one made soft, content sounds as hey nestled against his mother''s chest, his eyes closed, oblivious to the world around him.


    "Mommy, where will we get milk for him?" Silvia asked, getting confused again. "I guess I could try asking the neighbors..."


    A soft chuckle slipped from Nivalis''s lips at Silvia''s innocence and purity. Oh, how much she wished for her to remain this way for as long as possible. "The milkes from me, sweetie," she replied, one corner of her lip tugged up as she nced at the girl.


    Silvia''s brows knitted together in confusion. "But I thought only cows have it..." she voiced, searching for a connection between those two ipatible things.


    Nivalisughed gently, looking at her precious daughter. Silvia gazed up at her with those innocent, big golden eyes, eager for more exnations. "Yes, cows have it, and so do I. And drinking is really important for children to grow big and strong," Nivalis exined, her tone informative and soothing as she kept an eye on the newborn baby in her arms.


    "I-I... I don''t understand. How does it work, Mommy?" Silvia asked quietly.


    ¡ª "It''s simple, really," Nivalis said, cupping her daughter''s soft cheek with her free hand. "When a girl bes a mother, her breasts grow slightly, and milk is produced for the baby to drink. It''s just a part of being a mother," she exined, keeping it simple for Silvia to understand.


    Silvia''s eyes widened with wonder. "So, the milk is actually in your boobies?" she asked, her gaze fixed on her mother''s shape. The concept of her mother''s body providing milk for her baby brother was like a magical secret she had just discovered. She had many questions about her baby brother and how to care for him.


    "Yep, that''s right," Nivalis affirmed, smiling serenely. She knew a visual demonstration would help Silvia understand better. "Would you like me to show you how it works?" she asked gently.


    Silvia nodded eagerly, her long silver hair waving with the motions of her head. "Yes, Mommy!"


    ¡ª "Here," Nivalis simply said before delicately lifting her tunic. As the fabric moved, it revealed her breasts, a pair of plump, soft, and round breasts that were full to the brims with nourishing milk. A slight squeeze of her breast was enough for milk to pour out like a river, demonstrating how it all worked for Silvia.


    Silvia''s pink lips parted in awe. "Mommy, there''s milking out!" she chirped as it trickled down her mother''s body.


    ¡ª "Yes, my love. This is how it works," Nivalis replied, wiping the wild milk that threatened to slip into her navel, only for her hand to cause more to flow. Instead, she held her palm under her nipple so that it could pool in there. "See, sweetheart? This what you brother will drink."


    Silvia leaned closer, her gaze fixated on the milk. "May I touch it?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.


    ¡ª "Of course, sweetie," Nivalis replied, moving her hand closer to the girl.


    Carefully and very slowly, getting her little finger closer to the puddle of milk that had formed in her mother''s palm. The moment her fingertip grazed the milky surface, she squealed with happiness. "Mommy, it''s so warm!" the girl giggled.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but chuckle softly as she gazed upon her beautiful daughter. "I know, right? It''s truly a remarkable thing... being a mother," she replied gently before her maternal instincts urged her to feed her baby boy. Nivalis gently brought him to her now naked breast.


    At first, Aster seemed hesitant, uncertain of what to do, but as he tasted the warm milk that flowed from Nivalis''s breast, an eagerness enveloped him, and his tongue started flicking against her nipple. His suckling became more rhythmic, his golden eyes half-closed in contentment.


    The sensation was familiar, reminding her of when she fed her little girl the same way. Nivalis smiled, feeling a wave of contentment wash over her as her baby nursed. She nced at Silvia, who watched the intimate moment with awe.


    "He''s eating!" Silvia eximed, her eyes shimmering with excitement as she watched the pink, sensitive nipple disappear inside his little mouth.


    ¡ª "He is," Nivalis affirmed, watching his golden eyes fluttered closed as he suckled contentedly, his tiny hands trying to grasp her skin. Nivalis stroked his soft cheek, her heart overflowing with love. Silvia couldn''t help but lean closer to watch how he eats.


    Nivalis''s eyes softened as she gazed at her son, his little body nestled in her arms. She couldn''t believe how small and fragile he was. Barely noticeable, she could still feel his heartbeat and warm skin against hers.


    Leaning back, Nivalis allowed herself to savor the moment, cherishing her connection with her son. The entire world''s weight seemed to fade off her delicate shoulder as she focused solely on the nurturing bond between mother and child. She couldn''t remember thest time she had felt so rxed.


    Silvia''s gaze was filled with curiosity, fascination, and awe as she watched her mother and newborn brother together. It was an image she would never forget. "Mommy," Silvia softly whispered a minuteter, getting her mother''s attention.


    Nivalis opened her eyes, meeting her daughter''s gaze with love and warmth. "Yes, my love? What is it?"


    "How does it feel? Does it hurt?" Silvia asked shyly, her tone innocent and curious.


    ¡ª "No, darling. It doesn''t hurt. It feels... natural and right," she replied, choosing her words carefully to ay Silvia''s worries that she might have.


    "You don''t mind feeding Asty like this?" Silvia asked, seeing how her brother''s lips tugged at the delicate nipple. Soft smacking sounds filled the tiny room.


    ¡ª "Of course not. I wouldn''t have it any other way," Nivalis responded, her tone warm and reassuring. Her smile broadened as she observed Silvia''s expression, witnessing the range of emotions ying on her daughter''s young face.


    "Is this how I ate when I was a baby?" Silvia asked, touching her lower lip, curious about what it must have felt like to be cradled and cared for by her mother.


    ¡ª "Yes, sweetie. It''s the same way you fed, too," Nivalis nodded.


    "I wish I could remember that," Silvia whispered, pouting her soft cheeks slightly.


    Nivalis let out a softugh. "Although I must admit, you were quite a bit fussier than your brother," she teased, a yful glint in her eyes.


    "Hey, I was not!" Silvia protested, her face flushing with pink.


    ¡ª "Oh, you were," Nivalis countered teasingly. "You kept me on my toes, my little snowke."


    Silvia shifted from one foot to the other, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "I... I wasn''t that bad, was I?"


    Nivalis chuckled softly, reaching out to stroke her daughter''s silky hair. "No, my love. You were perfect in every way. It simply reflected your strong spirit... don''t worry."


    A moment of silence hung in the room. Silvia continued to shift from one foot to the other, her cheeks burning red with embarrassment. "Can I... Can I try some, too?" the suddenly mustered the courage to ask, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting between her mother''s blue ones.


    Nivalis''s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze shifting to her daughter''s blushing face. "I don''t know... I don''t think you will like the taste," she replied hesitantly, uncertain about letting her drink breast milk.


    "Please, Mommy, I want to try..." Silvia whispered, her voice soft and pleading.


    Unable to resist her daughter''s puppy-eyed face, Nivalis finally agreed. "Alright. You can have a small taste. Just spit it out if you don''t like it, alright?"


    Silvia nodded, jumping up and down with excitement. "Thank you!" she eximed. She jumped on the bed beside her mother, eager to join her brother.


    Nivalis guided her daughter towards her, helping her settlefortably. She gently removed her son from her breast with a soft pop sound, causing him to fuss slightly. "I know, sweetheart, I know," she whispered soothingly to the baby, bringing his lips to her left breast instead. Aster''s tiny lipstched onto her nipple, and he continued to drink hungrily.


    Silvia reached out, her tiny hands touching the plump flesh of her mother''s breast. Not waiting for Nivalis to do it, she squeezed it gently, feeling its velvety texture with her tiny fingers as a small stream of milk escaped the nipple and ran down the underside.


    However, as she squeezed, Nivalis flinched slightly, letting out a soft gasp, which made Silvia frown with concern and guilt. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry.


    Nivalis reassured her daughter with a tender smile."No, my dear. It''s just that it can be a little sensitive for Mommy, especially after your brother... It''s okay, and you didn''t do anything wrong."


    Silvia''s face showed relief, but she still decided to apologize. "I didn''t mean to hurt you... I''m sowwy."


    Nivalis smiled softly in response. "It''s okay, sweetie. You didn''t know. Let me show you how to do it without causing me any difort," she said, moving her hand to her tender nipple and gently demonstrating how to express the milk, causing another trickle to escape it. "See? You just need to be gentle. Now, try again."


    Silvia watched her mother''s careful demonstration, but when she tried to mimic the gentle squeeze, her tiny fingerscked the dexterity to do it just right. Nivalis flinched once again. "Maybe it''s too hard for me, Mommy," the girl sighed in frustration, her gaze falling on the soft bed underneath her.


    Nivalis understood her daughter''s struggle. "It''s okay, my sweet. It can be a bit tricky," she said gently. "There''s another way you can have some, honey. Would you like to try it?"


    Silvia''s curiosity piqued as she asked, "What other way, Mommy?"


    Nivalis pondered for a moment whether or not it was the right call but eventually decided to go with it. After all, she was still young, so it shouldn''t be too weird. "You can try sucking gently, like your brother does. It''s more natural that way."


    Silvia''s eyes widened in an instant, her gaze returning to her mother''s breasts. "Really? Can I?"


    "Of course, my love." Nivalis nodded, adjusting her position and ensuring the girl wasfortable. "Just be careful. Use your tongue and lips, not your teeth."


    Silvia''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in, her soft, underdeveloped lips hovering near her mother''s sensitive nipple. "I know, Mommy. I''ll be gentle."


    With a gentle nod, she encouraged her little girl to take a sip straight from the source. It made Nivalis sigh softly as she felt her daughter''s soft lips connectwith her puffy nipple, her tiny mouth creating a gentle suction. Nivalis stroked Silvia''s hair lovingly, and a serene smile graced her lips as she felt both her children suck on her at the same time. "That''s it, my girl. You''re doing great. Just take it slow."


    Silvia''s slippery tongue swirled around the sensitive nipple, trying to pull out the liquid, and a secondter, she managed to do it. The taste of her mother''s milk invaded her mouth. Silvia''s eyes widened in surprise at the warm, sweet liquid. She savored the taste, a look of delight spreading across her young face. "Mommy, it tastes so good!" she whispered, smacking her moist lips; the sound echoed around the room.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but let out a softugh.


    Silvia''s gaze remained fixed on her mother''s exposed nipple as her body shifted from side to side, making the bed creak slightly. And Nivalis knew exactly what she was thinking about. "You can have more if you like. Just remember to be gentle and try not to pull or suck too hard."


    Silvia eagerly nodded, leaning forward without hesitation to take another sip from her mother''s breasts. As the warm, sweet liquid slid down her throat once again, she felt a sense offort and satisfaction that she had never experienced before. Silvia''s golden eyes sparkled as she looked up at her mother while continuing to nurse, just like her baby brother. She felt a special connection with him, knowing they were both nourished in the same sensual, the most natural way.


    Nivalis patted her daughter''s head gently, and she couldn''t stop smiling as Silvia looked from below at her with those big, round, golden eyes, her mouth attached to her breast. "Do you like it so much, sweetie?" she asked, her voice a gentle whisper.


    Silvia released her nipple with a distinctive "pop" sound. "It is so yummy..." she whispered back, the corners of her lips were slightly white. "Thank you, Mommy."


    Nivalisughed softly, her heart full of love. Maybe it was her maternal instincts speaking, but it felt right to feed her children this way, even though her daughter was a bit too old for that. "You''re wee, my love. I''m d you like it. It makes me happy to see you enjoy it so much... Would you like a bit more?" she asked, gently stroking the girl''s silver, long hair only to see her immediately attach herself to the nipple once again, a tiny smile ying on her young face as gulps began to sound.


    Nivalis''s breasts ached as they continued to provide nourishment for her two children. Her nipples were swollen and sensitive, but she didn''t mind. This moment, unconventional as it was, showed the beauty of motherhood. The pain of childbirth was soon forgotten as she was surrounded by theforting presence of her children. This was the happiest moment of her life, and she would forever treasure it.


    As Aster finally finished his meal, he released her nipple, a small dribble of milk escaping and running down his little chin. Nivalis gently wiped it away with a soft cloth, a loving smile on her face.


    "Mommy, can I have some more?" Silvia asked, her eyes shining with hope. She still craved her mother''s milk, her small tongue licking her lips eagerly.


    ¡ª "Maybeter... We need to rest, and I need to clean up a bit," Nivalis replied as warmly as possible. As much as she wished to continue this moment for a bit longer, they needed to rest. It was, without a doubt, a long night.


    "Okay," Silvia mumbled, reluctantly epting her mother''s response. She pulled her moist lips away, smacking them to taste thest drops of milk.


    Nivalis''s heart warmed as she observed her children''s peaceful faces. Her soul was filled with gratitude for the blessing of motherhood. She couldn''t help but admire how much they looked like her. They both had their mother''s fairplexion and soft features, with hair the color of moonlight. "You can sleep next to me and your brother," she offered, seeing the sadness in Silvia''s eyes.


    "Really?" Silvia asked, her voice brightening with excitement.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Yes, honey," Nivalis said, her voice soft yet cautious. "But Aster is already asleep... so don''t wake him up, alright?"


    "I won''t," Silvia promised, carefully scooting beside her sleeping brother on the soft bed. She curled up beside him, her small hand gently touching his tiny fingers. A loving smile yed on her lips, a scene Nivalis would never grow tired of.


    As Nivalis rose from the bed, a wave of difort washed over her. Her breasts felt heavy and swollen, her nipples still engorged from nursing. Heading to the nearby room, Nivalis undressed with care, being mindful not to expose her tender nipples to the cool air. She gently cleaned her breasts and nipples with warm water, taking precautions to prevent any scratching or irritation.


    As her hand identally brushed against her nipple, a tingling sensation shot through her. A soft gasp of pleasure escaped her lips. Her nipples grew erect, her breath quickening with the mix of sensations. She couldn''t resist giving them a slight squeeze, a gentle moan escaping her.


    Her nipples were now so sensitive that every touch sent shivers of pleasure through her. She stood there, looking at her reflection in the mirror, her nipples pointy and erect. Taking a deep breath, Nivalis regained herposure. She was a mother, and mothers should get such pleasures...


    Before returning to her children, she quickly put on a fresh tunic since the old one was slightly stained with milk. As she approached the bedroom, she could hear Silvia''s hushed voice. "Shhh, Asty, pretend you are asleep, or Mommy will be mad at me," the girl whispered, her voice barely audible.


    As Nivalis entered the room, she couldn''t help but smile at the sight before her. Silvia was lying on the bed, pretending to be asleep with her eyes closed, while her brother, Aster, was looking at Nivalis with his golden eyes wide open, his lips pursed. Nivalis chuckled, her heart warm at the innocence of the scene.


    Nivalis approached the bed with a soft step, careful not to disturb the "slumbering" duo. She lowered herself gently onto the bed, settling behind Silvia. As the sun starts to cast its gentle rays through the window, Nivalis closes her tired, blue eyes, enjoying the symphony of her children''s breathing.

 Chapter 10: This is normal here, right!?

    <em>But then... Something happened, something that can only be described as</em><strong><em> betrayal.</em></strong>


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Yes, he has pulled away from that holy nipple, apletely barbaric act! The wave of panic and confusion washed over his tiny body, his mind a frantic mess of baby instincts and primitive urges that he was unable toprehend or control. As much as he wished to act with his own will, his actions were not his own. His instinct was to let out a cry, to protest against this unfair separation, and to demand the return of that sweet,forting nourishment. If there''s a baby police in this new world, it should already intervene and protect his rights!


    But as it turned out, it wasn''t betrayal at all. His mother had simply shifted him to the other breast. ''Okay, phew,'' he sighed in relief, realizing his mistake, a weight lifting from his tiny shoulders the moment his mouth connected with a nipple of his right breast and the milk flow started again.


    He felt his anxiety melt away with each tiny gulp from her pale breast. His golden eyes fluttered in peace, and his tiny body rxed. It was a true meaning of paradise. He was utterly and hopelessly addicted. He didn''t want to stop. He couldn''t stop. It was a feeling he had never experienced, a craving so strong and primal that it was almost overwhelming. It was a hunger, a thirst, and a need. A deep and all-consuming desire that was impossible to resist. That distant part of him that still remembered who he was, that should feel embarrassed by something like this, that remembered what he looked like or how he lived, was silenced. There was no space for that, at least for now.


    His mother''s nipple was a masterpiece, an actual work of art. Its shape was impable, perfectly contoured to fit his lips as if they were made for each other. The texture was incredibly soft, a gentle caress against his tender, slippery tongue. As he suckled, the rhythmic beat of his mother''s heart pulsated beneath the delicate skin, creating an intimate connection, aforting luby that filled him with peace. And the milk... oh, the milk was like nectar from the heavens.


    The second breast tasted different, a subtle change that his infant''s senses immediately picked up on. His mother''s right breast was a bit fuller, a slight difference that wasn''t easy to notice. But this little guy, now suddenly being an expert on his mommy''s breasts, immediately spotted the difference. A soft moan of pleasure escaped his throat. ''How... is this so... good,'' he thought, his mind filled with pure delight. His tiny hands instinctively reached out, gently touching his mommy''s breasts like a kitten that moves its paws when purring.


    Interestingly, the milk from the left breast tasted sweet, like a spoonful of honey, while the milk from the right breast tasted more savory and creamy. It was like eating the most delicious ice cream in the whole wide world. He didn''t mind this change in vors. It was likeparing a juicy burger to a tender steak. Orparing a sunset on a beach to a mountain view¡ªboth beautiful but different. Both were incredible in their unique way.


    The vor danced on his taste buds, making him feel like the luckiest baby in existence. All the pain he went through back in the hospital, the loneliness, and everything else felt like a distant nightmare that he had just woken up from. After all the suffering, it was nice, for once, to just feel safe and protected. Right now,ying in her soft hands, he damn liked being a baby. ''If only... I could try both... at the same time,'' he mused, his eyes shining at the thought. He has never been a greedy person. He didn''t need both burger and steak at the same time. Just one was fine for him. But when it came to his mother''s breasts, it was apletely different story. He wanted to experience the pleasure of both, to drink from them and savor every drop, no matter how much he had.


    As Aster happily nursed, he couldn''t help but notice something strange happening somewhere to his left. His curious golden gaze shifted to the side, only to meet his sister''s flushed face. She sat on her mother''sp, her tiny lips wrapped around their mother''s nipple, just like his. Her cheeks were flushed with a rosy hue as she greedily sucked on it, mirroring Aster''s actions.


    ''W-What... are you... doing!?'' his mind shouted like a thunder in surprise to the unexpected sight. This was the strangest thing he had ever seen. His dear sister was also enjoying the nourishment from their mother''s breast, just like him. Even though she was much older... Is this normal for elves? Were they supposed to share their mother''s breasts? Both the infant part of his mind and the adult part of his mind were equally confused. As he watched her, he couldn''t help but admire her technique. The way her tongue swirled around the nipple, the rhythm of her sucking... she was enjoying herself, her tiny body trembling ever so slightly with delight.@@novelbin@@


    On the other hand, he knew little about the cultural differences between elves and humans. It could be very normal here. There was something natural and beautiful about seeing mother and daughter in this way, like two halves of a wholeing together. However, when his sister noticed he was staring at her, she smirked at him, her golden eyes twinkling mischievously. Aster immediately knew what this meant.


    Apetitor. <em>A breastfeeding rival.</em>


    There was no doubt about it. This was a challenge, a deration of war. He could sense the burning passion behind her golden eyes and knew there would be no holding back. She had tasted the sweet milk of her mother and understood how valuable it was, and she would stop at nothing to im more of it. But Aster was no pushover either. He would do whatever it took to secure his share of their mommy''s breasts.


    In a blink of an eye, Aster''s expression changed. No longer was he an innocent, ignorant newborn. He was now a fiercepetitor, his eyes gleaming with determination. ''Not on my... watch...'' his infant mind roared, a fire igniting within him.


    He couldn''t just let his dear sister steal milk, not without a fight. Aster''s tiny hands pushed against his mother''s breast as if he were trying to coax more milk from it. With a renewed sense of determination, he doubled his efforts, suckling even more hungrily, his tiny tongue flicking and swirling. ''This town... is too small... for both of us...'' he thought in frustration as more milk slid down his tiny throat.


    His sister''s response was immediate. She matched his intensity, her eyes narrowing at her baby brother. Thepetition had begun, and neither was willing to relent nor ept defeat. Her technique, however, was impressive, and she was an experienced breastfeeder. But Aster wasn''t going to give up, not without a fight.


    The gulps and slurps of their battle echoed around the room as they nursed furiously. Whoever could extract the most milk from their mother''s breast would be crowned the ultimate victor. It was a showdown of epic proportions, a sh of tiny titans.


    Aster''s face turned red from the effort; the amount of milk he consumed was overwhelming for his delicate body. As the minutes passed, the boy became increasingly tired, his tiny body exhausted from the intensepetition. His eyes began to droop, the sleepiness overwhelming his little brain. He had to stop and rest but couldn''t, not yet, not when his territory was at stake.


    With hisst bit of energy, Aster suckled even harder, his lips and mouth working tirelessly to beat his sister to victory. But it was a futile attempt. His sister was relentless, her mouth like a vacuum seal, draining their mother''s breast with supernatural speed and agility. As the minutes ticked by, Aster''s treacherously weak body began to betray him. Despite his desperate attempts, his tiny lips struggled to keep up with the milk flow, as it felt like fighting against the river current. Milk began escaping through the corners of his mouth... making it clear that he was losing.


    And then, it was over. His strength finally gave out, and his tiny body slumped in his mother''s arms, defeated. The boy felt his mother''s nipple slipping from his lips. It was a cruel, sudden ending to the most blissful experience of his short life. All too soon, it was over. His little body was spent, his mind exhausted. He fought bravely, like never before in his life, but lost.


    He watched with envy how the pink lips of the silver-haired girl kept working on his mother''s breast, greedily gulping down every drop of milk. It was a bitter defeat. He had given his all, but it wasn''t enough. He was bested by his dear sister, a warrior far superior to him.


    "She may have won... today''s battle," Aster thought as his golden eyes fluttered in exhaustion, "but the war... isn''t over yet." There would be more opportunities and more battles to fight. He would train, grow stronger, and not yield until he had imed his rightful ce as the sole owner of their mother''s boobies. One day, he will conquer both breasts and have them all to himself.


    Lying there, a contented smile gracing his face, a small trickle of milk escaped from the corner of Aster''s mouth, followed by a tiny burp. He couldn''t help but chuckle softly, a sound of pure joy escaping his tiny lips. It was truly an experience to remember. And it was more than just apetition for milk, no. It tested his determination, resilience, and ability to adapt. His young, milk-addicted mind already thought of new strategies and techniques he could use next time to beat his older sister.


    He will improve, get better, and hone his skills. He would apply the principles of the scientific method, devoting his life to finding the best technique for suckling his mommy''s perfect breasts. Experiment, observe, analyze, and leave no nipple unsuckled in his pursuit of perfection. He was determined to master this art, and when he did, the world wouldn''t be the same anymore...


    A tiny, barely noticeable thought ran through his exhausted mind that maybe, just maybe, these infant instincts might have something to do with these strange thoughts. Devoting life to find a perfect way to suckle on his mother''s breasts? Or a milk battle with his sister? How silly. But it was too tiresome to analyze it any further, and the thought quickly disappeared back into the depths of his subconsciousness.


    ''Thank you... Mom, sis,'' he whispered within the depths of his thoughts the moment before drifting off to sleep. The dreams of his mother''s jiggling breasts filled his young mind.

 Chapter 12: Do not look back

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Nivalis shifted her blue gaze towards the frosty window; a rainstorm of emotions coursed through her thudding chest as she waited patiently for Haldor to leave the house. Only when she heard the front door of their house creak and m shut did she release a deep, rxing breath. The sky was a dull gray, and a chill lingered in the room despite the tightly shut window. A cold wind whistled and moaned softly outside. It was bad weather for what she had nned, but it''s not like she had any choice.


    She nced at her newborn son cradled in her arms, watching how he sucked on her nipple. His tiny nostrils red as he breathed, and his bright golden eyes fluttered open now and then, returning the nce at her.


    The next ten minutes felt like an eternity. But her tense muscles rxed once Nivalis was certain Haldor was gone for good and wouldn''t return anytime soon. She leaned back against the headboard, momentarily closing her eyes and whispering a happy, "He''s gone."


    Nivalis gently withdrew her swollen nipple from her son''s mouth and carefully tucked it back into her blouse. Luckily, her baby boy remained quiet, not crying or fussing like she thought he might. Instead, he gazed up at her with hisrge, gold eyes. Nivalis smiled softly and stroked his chubby, rosy cheek. "You''re such a good little mommy''s boy," she cooed. "Let''s get your sister and get out of here, okay, my precious?"


    Without wasting any time, Nivalis moved swiftly through the house, making her way toward her daughter''s bedroom. She quietly opened the door and peeked inside, her heart racing with anticipation.


    The little girl was curled up in a tight ball, her face buried in the pillow, her long silvery hair around her. A quiet sniffle escaped her nose asionally, her tiny, t chest rising and falling with each breath.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but smile at the sight of her sleeping daughter. Quietly, she walked over to the bed, the floorboards creaking softly under her feet, and knelt beside the mattress. Brushing strands of silver hair away from her face, Nivalis whispered, "My love," while gently shaking her little body to wake her up.


    "M-mommy?" Silvia stuttered in a sleepy voice, her big golden eyes blinking slowly as she looked up at her mother.Even though it was only them in the house, it still felt wrong to talk in her normal voice. So, instead, Nivalis spoke in a low, urgent whisper. "Shhh, hush." She shushed with her hand, pressing her finger against her lips. "Your father won''t be home for at least a day, perhaps two. You and I must try to leave and hide from him."


    "Leave?" Silvia asked, her eyes going wide with rm. She reminded Nivalis of a little deer spooked by a twig snapping in the forest.


    Nivalis smiled reassuringly and stroked her daughter''s cheek. "We''re not safe here, you know it, my love. You saw how he is... Haldor is a bad man, truly is. We should try to escape from here. It will be just three of us from now on," she softly whispered, looking down at the little boy in her arms.


    "Umm... Mommy? Where will we go?" Silvia asked, her lower lip quivering as she looked up at her mother.


    ¡ª "As far from here as possible, my dear. Honestly... I''m not sure where exactly, just somewhere you can grow up and be free, far from here," Nivalis replied, gently caressing her daughter''s cheek. "I will take you somewhere safe, my little bunny."


    Silvia''s eyes welled up with tears, a glimmer of hope flickering like a candle in the dark. "Are we really going to leave?" she whispered, almost afraid to believe it.


    ¡ª "Mhm..." Nivalis nodded, seeing how it made tears stream down her daughter''s cheeks. "It won''t be easy, I''m afraid. Long journey ahead of us, but we''ll make it. I promise, my love."


    Silvia sniffled and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Okay," she said quietly, clutching her nket tightly.


    ¡ª "Good girl," she cooed before her expression turned serious. "Now, sweetheart, we need to be quick. Help me gather your things."


    "Yes, Mommy," the girl replied, getting up from the bed.


    ¡ª "That''s my brave girl," Nivalis whispered, smiling softly as they began to pack, putting everything the little girl owned in there, even her favorite nket. Her eyes constantly darted to the window for any sign of Haldor''s return.


    She then noticed that Silvia struggled to put on her winter clothes, the simple task proving difficult for a child her age. "Let me," Nivalis whispered, kneeling before her, helping her dress up, putting on a fewyers of pants, tunics, and a warm coat.


    "Thank you, Mommy," Silvia murmured, looking down at her outfit and fiddling with the hem of her coat.


    ¡ª "You''re wee, my darling," Nivalis replied, taking the half-filled backpack and moving swiftly through the house, taking every single nket this house only had. It was the middle of the winter, so she knew they would need them. Approaching the master bedroom, Nivalis opened the door and went inside, walking over to the big wooden chest.


    Picking her warmest clothing, Nivalis quickly changed, putting on a pair of thick woolen trousers and a white tunic made from sturdy cotton. A leather coat followed after that, and its fur-lined interior added an extrayer of warmth. It was a bit big for her since it was Haldor''s, but she didn''t care.


    ¡ª "Perfect," she thought, satisfied with her outfit choice. After that, she packed what she could fit inside the backpack, mostly her clothing, just in case. Then she ensured little Aster would remain warm, wrapping his tiny body in manyyers, leaving only those two golden eyes peeking out from the cocoon of nkets. "Sweetie, you''ll carry your little brother, alright?" Nivalis said, carefully passing him into Silvia''s arms.


    "Wh- Mommy, I can''t..." Silvia quietly protested, her voice trembling with fear as she looked at her baby brother.


    ¡ª "Please, honey. Can you do that? For me?" Nivalis asked, looking at her daughter with pleading eyes.


    Silvia hesitated for a moment, looking at her brother''s delicate form. But then, she straightened her tiny shoulders, holding him like the greatest treasure. "Mhm... Yes, Mommy," she nodded softly.


    Nivalis offered some advice; her voice was soft and caring. "Hold him tight, okay? He''s not used to being carried while walking yet."


    "Mhm," Silvia replied, nodding and pressing her little brother close against her chest. Together, they walked toward the kitchen, Nivalis clutching that leather backpack tightly. There wasn''t much room left, so she searched for a bag to put some food and medicine.


    While her mother rummaged through the kitchen, Silvia stood there, cradling her baby brother in her arms, feeling her knees trembling slightly. Her golden eyes followed the bag in Nivalis'' hands as it slowly filled with food and other supplies they might need, but her mind was elsewhere. A single, loud thought kept echoing in her head. They were finally going to escape, something she had dreamed about for so long. So why did she feel this overpowering fear inside her?


    Nivalis turned toward Silvia, and she couldn''t help but notice the fear etched in her daughter''s eyes. She approached her, reaching out and cupping her soft, rosy cheek. "What''s wrong, my love?" she asked in a concerned voice


    Silvia took a deep breath, trying to hold back tears. "Mommy... what if he''ll find us?"


    Wincing at her daughter''s words, Nivalis'' eyes became distant momentarily before she spoke. "He won''t, my darling. He won''t... here," she whispered, grabbing a cup and filling it with water from a nearby jug. She handed the cup to Silvia, taking great care not to spill a single drop. "Drink up, baby."


    Silvia epted the cup with those tiny, trembling hands. Each sip of water seemed to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her. Her eyes looked at Nivalis, trying to find somefort in those blue irises.


    ¡ª "It''s just three of us now. You, me, and your little brother. No one else matters," Nivalis whispered, her voice carrying a calm assurance. "I will do everything I can to protect you, no matter what happens. But our little Asty needs a brave big sister. Can you be that brave for him?"


    Silvia looked up at her mother and down at the baby boy in her arms, taking onest big sniffle. "I will," she said, nodding, her silver hair dancing from her small movement. "I can do that."


    Nivalis smiled, her heart aching with a mix of pride and sorrow. "Good girl," she murmured, gently squeezing Silvia''s delicate shoulder. The kitchen was silent except for the sound of the howling wind outside. It was a stark reminder of the life they''d lived. It was a humble room with a firece and a stone hearth. The wooden beams on the ceiling were low, giving the space a cozy feel despite its poor condition.


    The walls were made of wood, and the floor was covered in a thinyer of dirt. A sturdy table upied the center of the room, surrounded by several wooden chairs. A few pots and pans hung from hooks above the firece. An iron pot, a cauldron, and a skillet rested on the hearth, the embers in the firece having long gone out.


    When a minute of silence ended, they made their way through the kitchen toward the front door, their hearts pounding in their chests like the distant drums of an impending battle.


    An old door creaked as Nivalis opened, letting a cold breeze in. The snow crunched beneath their feet, and the scent of pine trees hung thick in the cold air, nipping at their pale skin. The girls stood for a brief moment by the entrance, their eyes roaming around, ensuring no neighbors were nearby. "To the barn," Nivalis whispered, her voice barely above the rustling wind.


    "What''s in there?" Silvia asked, her teeth chattering from the cold. The girl was always weak to the cold weather.


    ¡ª "I''ve prepared a sled for us and got some supplies," Nivalis exined, leading the way toward the barn. A little fence surrounded it, and arge field was just beyond it, covered in snow. There were no horses in the stable; Haldor sold them not long ago, so now the barn was mostly empty, except for tools and hay.


    "Where da... he went to?" Silvia inquired while carrying her baby brother in her hands, puffs of white smokeing from her mouth with each word.


    ¡ª "Celebrates. He did so when you were born, too. He won''t be back for at least one more day, perhaps two. That''s why we must move quickly, get as far away as possible." Nivalis replied, ncing over her shoulder, afraid he would appear any second. But the only sounds were the wind''s mournful howl and the crisp crunch of snow underfoot.


    Reaching the barn, Nivalis opened the creaky door and led her children inside, her thudding heart beating like a drum. Her sharp eyes scanned the interior, searching for any signs of danger. Yet the barn remained silent and empty.


    "Silvia,e here and have a seat," Nivalis whispered, walking to the back of the barn and pulling out an old wooden sled. She guided her daughter onto it, and the girl nestled in, her tiny arms cradling her baby brother. Despite being old, the sled was tough and reliable, with a robust wooden frame and securely fastened leather straps built to endure the harshest winter weather.


    ¡ª "Now, let''s get everything ready," Nivalis mumbled out loud, hurriedly walking around the barn, revealing her hidden supplies. Some were under the hay, while others were cleverly concealed behind wooden panels and even under the ceiling.


    One by one, she loaded the sled behind the little girl with food, extra clothes, tools, and other must-haves, all evenly distributed. Thest thing she needed was for it to be unbnced, slowing them down or even toppling the whole thing. They need to be quick.


    Her fingers almost danced as she worked, deftly tying the ropes around their supplies, securing them with tight knots. She double-checked each one, feeling how her heartbeat only got faster from fear, but her face showed none of it. "Alright, I think that''s everything we''ll need," she dered, stepping back and examining the loaded sled with a girl still sitting on it.


    Silvia, her cheeks pale from the cold, shivered under theyers of nkets that her mother covered her in. "A-are we ready, Mommy?" she asked, her voice quivering.


    ¡ª "Almost, my sweet," Nivalis whispered, her eyesnding on a bow hidden in a corner, along with a bunch of deadly arrows. ''We''ll need this for sure,'' she thought, bundling the bow and arrows together and securing them tightly to the sled.


    Next, she found a rope and fastened it to the front of the sled before wrapping it around her thin waist, tying a tight, secure knot. Her body was still weary from giving birth, but she paid it no mind. There was no such thing a mother wouldn''t do to save her children from that sick human. "I''m ready..." she nodded, looking at the barn door nervously.


    "Why do we need this rope, Mommy?" Silvia quietly asked, curiously so.


    Nivalis smiled at her daughter, "I''ll pull the sled with you and your brother so you won''t have to walk."@@novelbin@@


    "N-no! It''s too heavy for you!" Silvia protested, trying to get up, but all the nkets made it hard. "I want to help!"


    ¡ª "No, no," Nivalis said softly, gently pushing the girl back down and wrapping the nket tighter around her shivering form. "I know you want to help, sweetheart, and I appreciate it, but Asty needs your help more than I do. I need you to keep an eye on him and make sure he''s warm, alright? He''s less than a day old, so even a little breeze could harm him now."


    "Really?" Silvia mumbled in surprise, looking down under the nkets at the precious bundle of a brother in her arms before looking up at her mother again with a slightly panicked expression.


    Kneeling before her daughter, Nivalis gently brushed away the strands of silver hair from her chubby face, nting the gentlest of kisses on her forehead. "We will be okay, my little princess. Everything will be okay..." she mumbled against her skin, trying to hold back tears.


    Silvia kissed her mother''s cheek back, nodding and wrapping, pressing the baby brother tighter against her chest. "O-okay, Mommy," she whispered, her tiny hand gripping the edge of the sled.


    Nivalis smiled at her little girl, giving her cheek onest peck before standing up and grabbing the rope. With a long, tired sigh, she began pulling the sled. Her muscles tensed as the wooden frame creaked, her breathing in short gasps. The sled slowly moved forward, barely so, all the weight of their supplies making it move like a snail.


    However, when they reached the snow outside the barn, it became noticeably easier as the sled glided smoothly over the snowy surface, leaving two deep lines on its way.


    Nivalis didn''t dare look back, her eyes fixed on the forest ahead, her heart beating faster and faster. There was no turning back now; truly, there was no turning back. Their life will never be the same after today, for good or bad, but it will not.


    "Ahhh... haaahh... haaahh..." She panted as she pulled them across the field, going faster than ever before neighbors could spot them. ''You can do it. Do it for your children,'' she thought, biting her lip until it started bleeding lightly. Her body was shaking with exertion, her breath ragged. Rope dug into her flesh, cold wind stung her cheeks, and the sled weighed like an anchor behind her...


    But it was nothingpared to what awaited her if she stayed here any longer. The air never tasted so sweet as when they reached the forest''s edge.

 Chapter 14: Time for a rest

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Nivalis had been pulling the sled through the snowy wilderness for hours, and with each step, a sharp burst of pain shot through her weary body. Her muscles screamed in agony, and with each breath she exhaled, it formed frosty clouds in the icy air. The snow beneath her boots was deep, which made the journey incredibly challenging. The cold seemed to numb her sense of time, and the winter morning felt like it would never end, but eventually, the afternoon had arrived.


    Every time she looked back at the sled, at her precious children, her heart was filled with love. They were bundled up tightly, nestled in warm woolen nkets. However, it was impossible not to notice her daughter''s dark circles under her eyes and her pale skin. Even the baby, who had been peacefully sleeping throughout, looked weary. Nivalis couldn''t help but think, "I''m so sorry, my sweet little ones," as she looked at them with love and regret in her eyes.


    As Nivalis struggled onward, the thought weighed heavily on her: "We need to rest." Everything in her body was crying out for a break, and her mind was as tired as much. She got closer to the sled and whispered to her daughter, "Silvia, my love, are you feeling hungry?" Her fingers gently caressed Silvia''s silvery hair.


    Silvia, with a faint and tired voice, replied, "A little bit."


    Nivalis reassured her.¡ª "It''s time for a rest, then," her voice filled with soothing kindness. "Let''s stop beneath that tree." She pointed to a majestic ancient oak tree standing proudly in the center of a small clearing.


    Silvia nodded, a sigh of relief escaping her.


    Nivalis, with remarkable efficiency, began to unload their sled, her every movement deliberate. She handled their supplies with care and tenderness, determined to provide for her beloved children in this unforgiving world.


    Then, with gentle hands, Nivalis helped her children out of the sled and guided them toward the ancient oak tree, standing tall at the center of the clearing. The snowy soft and inviting, while the crisp air invigorated their senses.¡ª "Take a seat here," Nivalis whispered, gesturing toward the fallen tree trunk.¡ª"Here, my love, have some bread," Nivalis offered, cing the food in her daughter''s delicate hands. Silvia''s eyes brightened with joy as she epted the nourishment from her mother''s loving hands.


    "Thank you, Mommy," Silvia expressed her gratitude, her voice filled with warmth and relief.


    Nivalis continued,¡ª "Now, let me hold your little brother while you eat, my love." Her voice was tender, as well as her touch. She cradled her son with great care, her fingers gently caressing his soft skin.


    ¡ª "Come on, sweetie. It''s time to feed you as well," she whispered, adjusting her clothing to reveal her breasts. The cold air brushed against her exposed skin, sending a shiver down her spine. She nestled the baby inside her clothing, guiding him to her breast. The baby quicklytched onto her nipple, eagerly suckling.


    Nivalis let out a contented sigh, her body rxing as she nourished her son. She whispered,¡ª "That''s a good boy," with a warm smile as her baby boy fed.


    Sitting on the snow with her legs tucked under her and her baby suckling eagerly, Nivalis watched her children. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity and innocence. A warm, protective feeling swelled in her chest, making her heart fill with love. She couldn''t help but think that, despite the harsh journey, moments like these made it all worthwhile.


    ¡ª "Thank you, Silvia. You did great," Nivalis praised her daughter, her voice full of admiration and pride. She took a moment to brush a strand of Silvia''s silvery hair away from her tired eyes, a gentle, motherly gesture that conveyed her love.


    Silvia''s golden eyes sparkled with happiness as she basked in her mother''s praise. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of delight and exhaustion. "Really?"


    Nivalis nodded, her gaze softening with affection.¡ª "Yes, my dear. You were a tremendous help." She couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride as she looked at her resilient daughter.


    Silvia''s shoulders visibly rxed, and a grateful smile spread across her face. The weight of their journey had felt overwhelming, but her mother''s appreciation was like a soothing balm for her tired soul. "I''m d, Mommy," Silvia replied, her shoulders visibly rxing.


    ¡ª "You both were so brave," Nivalis continued, her voice filled with maternal warmth, "and you did an amazing job in keeping your little brother warm and safe." She gestured towards the tiny bundle nursing at her breast. The baby''s tiny fingers, still clutching at the warmth of Nivalis''s chest, made her words all the more meaningful.


    Silvia''s gaze shifted to her brother, her eyes filled with affection, his mouth still wrapped around her mother''s nipple. "He''s just so adorable."


    Nivalis chuckled, a sound filled with love and amusement.¡ª "Yes, he is. But he''s also a lot of work." Her fingers gently brushed the baby''s soft hair as he fed, their connection deep and reassuring.


    "I bet! He''s a baby," Silvia giggled, herughter like a ray of sunshine cutting through the snowyndscape. It was a fleeting moment of joy in their arduous journey.


    ¡ª "Indeed," Nivalis joined in theughter, a soft, pleasant sound that seemed to chase away the chill of the winter day and the weight of their situation for just a moment.


    Silvia''s curiosity got the best of her as she nced around their snowy surroundings. "How long have we been walking?" Her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to gauge the passage of time.


    Nivalis let out a weary sigh, and as she did, her breath turned into misty clouds that hung in the frosty air.¡ª "It''s been around 5 or 6 hours, my dear," she said, her voice marked by exhaustion. The memory of the long, tiring walk hung heavily in her thoughts.


    Silvia''s face disyed a mixture of realization and exhaustion. "So long..." she mumbled.


    Nivalis nodded, her expression growing darker.¡ª "Yes, my love, but we must keep walking even further." The urgency in her voice was impossible to miss.


    "Is it because Dad will look for us?" Silvia''s voice quivered with a hint of fear, and her worry mirrored in her wide, golden eyes.


    Nivalis nodded, her eyes clouding over with worry.¡ª "Yes, my sweet. We have to make sure we''re far away from him for our safety."


    "I''m sorry, Mommy. I shouldn''t have brought it up," Silvia apologized, her voiceced with guilt. She looked down at the snow, avoiding her mother''s gaze.


    Nivalis gently lifted Silvia''s chin, making her daughter meet her eyes.¡ª "It''s alright, my love. I understand you''re worried," she reassured, her smile gentle andforting.


    Silvia''s eyes sparkled with hope as she looked at her mother. "Can you tell me a story while I eat, Mommy?" she requested, her voice brimming with anticipation. She clutched a piece of bread in her small hands, her fingers as delicate as snowkes.


    Nivalis chuckled softly, her fingers tenderly stroking her baby''s head as he continued to nurse.¡ª "I think I can," she replied, her voice filled with a deep well of love and a burning desire to bring a moment of happiness to her children.


    ¡ª "Do you remember the story of the princess and the dragon?" Nivalis asked, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyes, like precious gems in the wintryndscape, held a twinkle of anticipation.


    Silvia stammered, her cheeks flushed crimson, and her eyes danced with yful guilt. "Yeah, I... um... I mean, no, I don''t remember it." She moved her leg a bit in the snow, unable to meet her mother''s gaze.@@novelbin@@


    Nivalis couldn''t help butugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement.¡ª "My darling, you''re a terrible liar," she teased, the musical quality of herughter filling the air with warmth.


    ¡ª "Once upon a time, in a world far from here," Nivalis began, her voice soft and gentle like a luby, "there was a dragon. This dragon lived in a vast cave, deep within the towering mountains, far away from any trace of civilization." Her words painted a vivid picture, bringing the story to life for Silvia, who listened with wide eyes, captivated by the tale.


    ¡ª "One day, the dragon''s heart ached with a longing he couldn''t quite exin," Nivalis continued, her voice a soothing melody amidst the wintry surroundings. Silvia clutched her bread, the taste of her simple meal mixed with the enchantment of the story. "And so, he embarked on an extraordinary adventure, searching for something more valuable than all the treasures he had ever collected, even more, precious than an entire mountain of gold. He wasn''t sure what it was, but he knew he''d recognize it when he saw it."


    ¡ª "He flew through the sky with his huge wings spread wide. He traveled to the edges of the world, over the mountains and through dense forests, his sharp eyes always searching for the thing that could ease his heart''s ache. He visited vast cities and bustling towns, and still, his search yielded nothing."


    Silvia furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and, with genuine curiosity, asked, "Why do dragons like gold and other valuables? It''s not like they can spend it." She tilted her head, her face a canvas of youthful wonder.


    Nivalis paused, her eyes twinkling with delight at her daughter''s curiosity.¡ª "Well, my love, it''s just part of their nature. They are naturally drawn to beautiful, shiny things, and gold is a symbol of wealth and power," she exined, her voice gentle and patient.


    Silvia nodded, her expression disying that she understood.


    ¡ª "Where was I? Ah, yes," Nivalis picked up where she had left off.


    ¡ª "After many long years of searching," Nivalis continued, her voice a soothing melody that kept Silvia enchanted, "the dragon finally found what he was looking for."


    Silvia''s curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in closer. "What did he find, Mommy?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.


    Nivalis''s smile brightened.¡ª "Not what, my dear, but who! He found an elven girl who lived in a simple, ordinary vige," she said, her tone filled with delight.


    Silvia''s forehead wrinkled with further curiosity. "Why would a dragon care about an elven girl?" She looked up at her mother, eager to learn more.


    Nivalis''s expression softened as she wove the tale.¡ª "Well, this elven girl was very beautiful and truly unique. She had silver hair that shone like the moonlight, and her eyes were the color of pure gold. The dragon fell in love with her the very moment he saw her."


    Silvia''s eyes widened with excitement as she realized the connection. "She had silver hair and golden eyes, just like me, Mommy!" Her voice brimmed with joy and wonder, her features mirroring the elven girl from the story.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but giggle, a tender and affectionate sound. She ced a gentle kiss on the top of her daughter''s head, her fingers gently stroking her hair.¡ª "Yes, my darling. Just like you, beautiful and unique. The handsome dragon couldn''t help but fall in love with her beauty and kindness." She was delighted that her daughter had found herself within the story, even though it was entirely make-believe.


    Silvia''s cheeks flushed with pride, and her golden eyes sparkled with delight. "So, what happened next, Mommy?" she asked, her eagerness for more details palpable.


    Nivalis continued with the story, her voice lulling like a gentle luby.¡ª "The dragon fell in love with the elven girl, but she was frightened and ran away. The dragon followed her, doing his best to persuade her to stay with him. He disyed his powerful teeth, let out a deafening roar, and showed his mighty wings, but she still was afraid of him," Nivalis paused, her voice trailing off.


    ¡ª "Perhaps," Nivalis added with a chuckle, "she couldn''t understand that the dragon had fallen in love with her. She thought he was chasing her to make a meal of her."


    Silvia nodded in agreement, her lips forming a little pout. "I suppose I''d be terrified too if I were that elven girl."


    Nivalis continued, her voice weaving a tapestry of imagery and emotions as she delved deeper into the story of the dragon and the elf. It was a tale she had crafted, a fusion of pieces of old fairy tales and legends she had heard and read throughout the years. Her words transported Silvia to a world of love, courage, and wonder, where a dragon and an elf shared an extraordinary connection, defying all odds.


    ¡ª "As they faced the challenges together, the dragon and the elf discovered a love so powerful that it transformed the dragon into an elf," Nivalis narrated, her voice soft and gentle. Silvia listened with great attention, her imagination painting vivid scenes of the epic journey.


    ¡ª "This is it, my love," Nivalis ended her tale, her voice brimming with warmth. "They lived happily ever after." The words hung in the air like a gentle melody.


    Silvia sighed with delight, the sound a mix of contentment and excitement. "That was such a lovely story, Mommy," she said, her eyes gleaming with admiration and gratitude.


    Nivalis gazed at her daughter, her smile as bright as the rays of the sun that peeked through the trees. She gazed at her mother with the kind of admiration only a child can give. Nivalis returned her daughter''s affectionate look with a smile as radiant as the sun peeking through the branches above.


    ¡ª "Now, my love, why don''t you finish your food?" Nivalis suggested, her tone filled with maternal concern, like a warm hug for her child''s well-being. She nodded towards the piece of bread in Silvia''s small hands, still partially untouched.


    "Okay, Mommy," Silvia obliged, her voice a soft, obedient murmur. She took another bite of her simple meal, her appetite renewed after the enchanting story that had transported her to a world of wonder and dreams.


    Nivalis nced at her daughter, finding her happily munching on her bread, the weariness, and fear from earlierpletely gone. "Thank goodness," she thought, a wave of relief washing over her.


    Nivalis shifted her gaze to her son, a tiny, delicate bundle curled up against her. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was slow and steady. He was asleep, but even in slumber, he continued to nurse from her swollen breast,pletely enveloping her nipple with his saliva.


    Nivalis chuckled softly, her voice a whisper of maternal amusement. She was thankful that her baby had been so calm during their journey. "He must be truly exhausted. Babies this old usually cry days and nights," she thought, her heart filling with love for her little one.


    As her baby slept with her nipple in his mouth, sucking it only from time to time, Nivalis couldn''t help but notice how weak she still felt, drained from the long and arduous journey through the snowy wilderness. She sighed and looked around the endless forest around her. The ancient trees stood tall; the snowy heavy on their branches, covering them in a nket of white. The silence was eerie and oppressive, only broken by the asional rustling of leaves.


    "I needed this break. I am exhausted," she thought as she stroked her baby''s head, her touch gentle and loving.


    "And I need to eat something, too," she mused as she reached for a piece of bread, her movements slow and deliberate.


    Nivalis took a bite of the bread, savoring its earthy, hearty vor. The food seemed to nourish her, bringing her body and spirit back to life.


    After her meal, Nivalis took a moment to rest, allowing her body and mind to recover from the ordeal. She closed her eyes, savoring the tranquility of the moment. The sound of her son''s contented suckling was like a luby, soothing her frayed nerves and fears.


    ...


    After their well-deserved rest, Nivalis stood up carefully, feeling the twinge of her tired muscles and the aches in her joints. The weight of their journey bore down on her, but she knew they couldn''t linger for long. The ever-present fear of being pursued weighed on her like a heavy cloak.


    ¡ª "Let''s go. We need to keep moving, honey," she whispered to her daughter, her voice brimming with determination. Each step they took was a step farther away from the past they so desperately wished to escape.


    Silvia nodded in agreement and rose to her feet, her eyes reflecting the same sense of resolve that burned within her mother.


    Nivalis carefully handed her tiny, fragile baby to her daughter, Silvia. She looked into Silvia''s eyes and said,¡ª "Please take care of him, my love," her eyes filled with unspoken worry.


    "I will, Mommy. Don''t worry," Silvia reassured her, her golden eyes burning with determination. She cradled her baby brother with a tenderness beyond her years, a reflection of the love and responsibility she felt.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but smile, her heart swelling with pride at her daughter''s courage and her willingness to help shoulder the burden of their journey.


    Silvia settled onto the sled, her baby brother now sleeping soundly in her arms. The small family, bound by love and shared hardship, was ready to face the world once more.


    ¡ª "Ready, sweetie?" Nivalis whispered, her voice warm and tender, a mother''s voice filled with love.


    Silvia nodded. Her expression was a mixture of seriousness and unwavering determination.


    Nivalis picked up the sled''s rope once more and began to pull it. Her steps were firm and steady, her body filled with a renewed sense of strength and purpose. Nivalis''s pace quickenedpared to the slow, methodical steps from before.


    "Mommy, you look much better!" Silvia eximed, her face lighting up with an infectious smile that radiated pure joy.


    Nivalis looked back and couldn''t help but smile in return.¡ª "I do feel much better, my love. I''m full of energy!" she replied, her voice brimming with positivity.


    As they continued their journey, the chill of winter seemed to retreat, reced by a growing warmth that filled the air. The sun shone brightly, casting its golden rays upon the snowyndscape. The forest seemed to wee them, its ancient trees standing tall and proud as if weing the brave travelers into its protective embrace.


    The sun''s rays were indeed warm andforting, casting a soothing glow on Nivalis and Silvia as they ventured forth.¡ª "The weather is getting better," she let out a soft sigh of contentment, savoring the gentle caress of the sun on her skin.


    "Mommy, look! A rabbit!" Silvia''s voice rang out with excitement, and she eagerly pointed at a small, white creature as it hopped along the forest floor, seemingly untouched by the cold.


    ¡ª "Where?", Nivalis followed her daughter''s gaze and spotted the rabbit, too. "Oh, yes. Isn''t it cute?" Nivalis smiled, amused by her daughter''s childlike wonder and enthusiasm.


    The sight of the rabbit had made her heart light. Even though Nivalis couldn''t stop right now, it was a good sign. If they are low on supplies, she may try to catch something with her bow.


    "Now I understand truly why our ancestors preferred to live in forests like this." Nivalis thought as she admired the beauty of the surroundings.


    As the tiny family journeyed deeper into the winter forest, Nivalis gazed ahead, her eyes fixed on the path thaty before her. The determination to keep moving, to press forward through the challenges and the unknown, burned brightly within her.


    Please consider leaving a rating on the main page. Seeing your feedback is the only thing that motivates me to keep writing. And it helps reach a wider audience!


    Thanks!

 Chapter 15: Twenty springs

    <strong>[Isolde]</strong>


    Isolde is a woman who has seen just over twenty springs. Her raven-ck hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, and her emerald-green eyes had a way of piercing through one''s soul. Her pale skin had a delicate hint of pink on her cheeks, giving her an evesting youthful appearance.


    Isolde''s days were a symphony ofughter and joy from her five younger siblings. They lived in a modest house next to Haldor''s ce. Each morning, she would wake up to the melodious sound of her siblings''ughter, which filled her heart with a warmth like no other. In these moments, her world felt almost perfect.


    With unwavering determination to help her mother out, she rose before dawn each day. The roosters were yet to announce the new day, and the town slept in blissful ignorance. In her modest kitchen, she prepared their daily meals, the aroma of freshly baked bread and hearty soups filling the air. Every meal was prepared with love, and it showed in the smiles that adorned her siblings'' faces.


    As the sun climbed higher into the sky, Isolde embarked on a series of various odd jobs throughout the town, each offering her meager pay. Her days were filled with the task of sweeping the streets, cleaning the homes of the wealthier town residents,undering the uniforms of the town''s soldiers, and even helping the elderly mend their tattered clothing. These jobs provided the extra coins that kept her family from the jaws of hunger.


    But it all changed when her mother had fallen gravely ill, and she was the only one who could tend to her needs and manage the household. Now, beneath her always cheerful look, Isolde carried a heavy sadness. Her days were filled with the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother, tending to household chores, and ensuring her younger siblings had everything they required.


    A few months ago, Isolde experienced a particrly rough morning. She woke up, her body aching and her mind groggy from a restless night. The constant coughing of her ill mother echoed through the house, keeping her awake until the early hours of the morning.


    The morning sun gently streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the room where Isolde stood by Mother''s bedside. She approached, her voice a whisper, as she spoke to her frail, ailing mother.¡ª "Morning, Mom," she greeted, her words filled with warmth and tenderness. Isolde''s heart ached to see her in such a fragile state.


    Her mother looked up, and Isolde could see the traces of a once vibrant and strong woman, now reduced to a mere echo of her former self.¡ª "How are you feeling today?" Isolde asked, her voiceden with concern and weariness, her eyes locked onto her face. The reply was barely a whisper, a mere echo of her former strength and vitality. "Better than yesterday," she croaked, her words almost lost in the room''s silence.¡ª "That''s good to hear," Isolde murmured, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. She couldn''t help the tears that welled up in her eyes. It was hard to see her mother like this, frail and suffering.


    Her frail condition tugged at Isolde''s heartstrings.¡ª "You must be hungry. Let me get you something to eat," Isolde murmured, her hands moving to fetch a bowl and a spoon. She couldn''t bear to see her suffering.


    "I''m not hungry," the woman replied, her voice husky, her gaze distant and unfocused. Isolde''s heart sank at the refusal. She couldn''t let her be without nourishment; it would only make her weaker.


    ¡ª "Mom, you have to eat something," Isolde insisted, her voice pleading and thick with desperation. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of love and fear for her fading strength.


    "There''s not much food left, my dear," her mother replied, her eyes drifting towards the window. Isolde couldn''t help but notice the barren kitchen shelves. Their provisions had dwindled to nearly nothing, and they had been reduced to eating scraps and leftovers.


    ¡ª "We''ll find a way," Isolde replied, her voice wavering with uncertainty. She couldn''t allow herself to lose hope for her mother''s sake and the sake of her siblings.


    "My daughter," she breathed, her gaze still fixed on the window. "I don''t have much time left, don''t waste what''s left on me," she whispered, her words like a fragile breeze that barely stirred the room.


    Isolde couldn''t hold back her tears any longer.¡ª "Don''t say that," she pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears, her heart aching with grief. "I can''t lose you, Mom," she sobbed, her shoulders trembling, her fingers tightly clutching the empty bowl.


    Mother offered a weak, sorrowful smile. "We all have to go someday, Isolde," her voice barely audible, a fragile wisp in the silent room. It was a painful truth, one that Isolde wasn''t ready to ept.


    ¡ª "It''s okay, Mom," Isolde murmured, her eyes misty with tears. "I''ll go to the market and find some work," she added, her voice trembling with determination.


    "You are a brave and strong young woman, Isolde," her mother managed to say, her words a gentle encouragement. "Don''t forget that," she added, her voice growing weaker by the moment.


    ¡ª "Thank you, Mom," Isolde whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She couldn''t bear to think of her mother leaving her.


    Isolde gently ced the bowl on the bedside table, her hands shaking nervously. She couldn''t afford to fail, not when so much was at stake.


    "Go and find your work," she whispered, her voice a fading echo, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and sadness.


    ¡ª "I''lle back with some money, Mom. Just hang in there a little longer," Isolde promised, her voice wavering with emotion, her eyes glistening with tears.


    "You are a wonderful daughter, Isolde," she said back, her voice fading like thest rays of the setting sun.


    Isolde nodded, her throat too choked with emotion to speak.


    She turned to leave the room, her footsteps echoing in the silence.


    Isolde left the house, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. The sunlight was harsh, starkly contrasting with the dimly lit room she had just left.


    The streets were bustling with activity, a cacophony of voices and sounds. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the sharp, metallic scent of iron and steel, the unmistakable stench of a smithy.


    Isolde took a deep breath, her resolve renewed.


    From street to street, Isolde searched desperately for any avable work. Her heart sank with every door closed in her face, her desperation growing with each passing moment.


    As the sun reached its zenith, Isolde''s feet ached, and her body screamed for rest. Yet, she couldn''t afford to stop, not when her mother and her siblings were counting on her.


    With each passing hour, Isolde''s heart grew heavier, a dull ache spreading throughout her chest. Her eyes scanned the street, and her knuckles were white with tension.


    As the sun began to set, Isolde found herself wandering aimlessly, her steps heavy with defeat.


    Her warm and salty tears ran down her cheeks, staining her face. Her lips quivered, her heart filled with sorrow and helplessness.


    The streets were nearly empty, the silence broken only by a dog''s asional murmur or bark. The sky was a mixture of oranges, purples, and reds, a breathtaking spectacle of nature''s beauty.


    Isolde sat on the steps of a nearby home, her head buried in her hands. Her heart ached, her body wracked with sobs. The hopelessness of the situation was crushing, a suffocating weight on her shoulders.


    She felt so helpless, so useless, unable to provide for her family, and she hated herself for it. She couldn''t imagine returning to her mother empty-handed, the disappointment and sorrow clear in her eyes.


    As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, the town grew quieter, its residents retreating into the safety of their homes.


    Isolde felt as if the shadows were watching her, judging her for her failure.


    A local brothel owner named ra approached her, a sultry, confident sway to her hips, her lips curved into a seductive smile. "Hello, darling," ra greeted, her voice low.


    ¡ª "Hi," Isolde replied, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    "You seem like a nice girl," ra continued, her eyes raking over Isolde''s slender frame. "How would you like a job that would pay well and put food on the table?"


    Isolde couldn''t help but feel a wave of unease wash over her.¡ª "What do you mean?" she asked, her voiceced with suspicion.


    "I''m the owner of the Pleasure Pce, the only brothel in this town," ra exined, her smile never faltering. "I''m looking for some fresh faces to help with the business," she added, her eyes glinting with mischief.


    The thought weighed heavy on Isolde''s heart, yet she knew it was a path she had to consider. Desperation had settled deep within her. There seemed no other way to ease their financial turmoil. Isolde hesitated, torn between the promise of a steady ie and society''s judgment. She knew the world could be cruel, especially to women who made such choices.


    In the end, she made her decision. She agreed to work for ra, believing that her family''s well-being was worth this difficult choice. Isolde didn''t dare share her secret with anyone, not her ailing mother or her innocent siblings. The fear of their disapproval and the tarnishing of her family''s name was a burden she alone could bear.


    On her first night at the Pleasure Pce, Isolde was greeted by a whirlwind of activity, overwhelming sounds and smells. Music,ughter, and the sounds of conversation filled the air, the scents of various perfumes mixing together to create a unique and intoxicating aroma.


    ra guided her through the crowd, weaving through the sea of bodies, her movements smooth and graceful.


    ra pointed out the Pleasure Pce''s various rooms and services as they walked. Her words were filled with pride and a hint of mischief. "There are many types of patrons here, Isolde," ra exined. "We cater to every whim and desire, offering a wide variety of choices," she finished, her smile revealing perfectly white teeth.


    Isolde nodded, trying to remain calm despite her nervousness. She knew this wasn''t a ce she should be, and she couldn''t help but wonder what would happen if anyone from the church ever learned of her presence there.


    ra led Isolde up a flight of stairs, the sounds of merriment following them. As they reached the second floor, ra gestured to a line of rooms, eachbeled with a number. "These are the private rooms," ra exined. "Once you are done with your customer, you can return here, and we will assign you to a new patron."


    Isolde nodded, her mind already spinning from the information.


    ra continued, "We have a variety of rules and standards that all girls must follow," she said, her tone turning more serious. "The most important one is that no harm cane to our girls. If a customer gets rough or violent, you have the right to call for help. And if a man tries to force himself upon you, he will be dealt with swiftly," she exined, her words ringing with a sense of conviction.


    Isolde couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief at these rules, knowing that she wouldn''t have to worry about being assaulted by a client.


    ra continued, "There is also a strict rule against bringing any type of drugs into the building. Thest thing we need is for one of our girls to get addicted or have a bad reaction," she added.


    Isolde nodded, taking mental notes. She felt her stomach twist and turn with anxiety.


    "If you have any questions, please let me know," ra said, her tone warm and reassuring.


    ¡ª "Thank you," Isolde replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn''t believe the turn her life had taken. She had spent so many years dreaming of marriage, a life offort and security. Now, she was facing a life of shame.


    But her mother''s condition weighed heavily on her mind. She knew she couldn''t let her die without doing everything she could to ease her suffering.


    The night went on, and Isolde found herself in thepany of various men, each seeking the pleasures of her body. They came in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique desires and tastes.


    Isolde''s first time was painful, her inexperience evident. Yet, she persevered, determined to endure the difort for the sake of her family.


    As the night drew on, her clients became bolder, their hands wandering across her body, their lips pressed against her skin. Their touches were both rough and gentle, leaving her skin tingling with a mixture of pleasure and pain.


    In the early hours of the morning, Isolde returned to her modest home, her body aching and her soul weary, yet her pocket full of coins. Her mother and siblings were fast asleep, oblivious to what she had done. She couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief and guilt, knowing she couldn''t bear the shame and disappointment in their eyes if they knew the truth.


    As the months went by, her mother''s condition slowly improved, and her strength returned. Isolde couldn''t help but feel a sense of gratitude and relief, knowing that she had provided the funds to cover their medical expenses.


    Isolde continued her secretive work at the Pleasure Pce, and eventually, the pain and difort faded. Her body became ustomed to the various activities, and her mind learned to ept the shame. With time, she even grew to like and look forward to it.


    The judgmental stares and whispers still haunted Isolde from her fellow townsfolk, who viewed her as a woman of ill repute. But the money she brought home was enough to provide for her family and ensure their well-being. And that was all that mattered to her.


    It was just another ordinary morning, bathed in the warm embrace of the sun while the sweet melodies of birds filled the air. Isolde stood outside her modest home, her fingers dancing quickly as she scrubbed her younger siblings'' clothes. Her mind was a whirlwind of tasks that awaited her on this day.


    As Isolde focused on her work, her eyes were suddenly drawn to a movement in the distance. A woman was pulling the sled and headed towards the dense forest, her shimmering silver hair trailing behind her. She appeared to be in a hurry as if she were running from something.


    The woman was hauling her daughter in arge sled, the weight slowing her pace. She looked desperate, her expression one of fear and anxiety.


    Recognition dawned upon Isolde; it was Nivalis, the Haldor''s wife. A surge of empathy rose inside her as she watched Nivalis''s desperate escape. The exhaustion and fear in Nivalis''s face, her eyes darting from side to side, her body tense as if she were afraid that someone was watching her.


    Isolde couldn''t help but recall the distressing memory of the times she had seen Nivalis bearing the marks of Haldor''s cruelty. It was the painful sight of the constant bruises on her face and body, the telltale signs of relentless beatings.


    Isolde knew that Nivalis''s existence was a daily struggle. The memory of Nivalis''s pale cheek, often adorned with fresh and fading bruises, was etched in Isolde''s mind. Those marks were a stark reminder of the physical torment that Nivalis endured regrly.


    But it was not just the physical violence that Haldor inflicted upon his wife. He was known to verbally abuse her, degrading her and diminishing her spirit with his harsh words. He seemed to enjoy reducing her to a state of helplessness and submission.


    Unfortunately, no one could help Nivalis. She was trapped in a cycle of abuse and dependency. After all, she was an elf. No one in themunity would dare speak up in defense of the elf, let alone stand against the Haldor.


    Tears welled up in Isolde''s eyes as she stood there, watching Nivalis''s figure grow smaller and smaller until it vanished into the depths of the forest. A deep ache settled in her heart as she realized that this might be thest time she would ever see Nivalis alive. The odds of survival in that unforgiving forest were slim, even for someone as determined as Nivalis.


    Haldor, her husband, was a skilled hunter who knew those woods like the back of his hand. He would likely track her down if Nivalis wouldn''t put some distance between herself and the town. And when he does, Haldor would not tolerate his wife''s disobedience.


    The weight of these thoughts pressed heavily on Isolde''s shoulders as she continued with her chores. She couldn''t shake the feeling of helplessness, the desire to do something, anything to help Nivalis. But there was nothing she could do to help.


    She could only hope that somehow, against all odds, Nivalis would find a way to escape her husband and find a better life for herself and her daughter.


    The sun was setting over the town, casting long shadows across the ground. The sky was painted with warm colors of orange, red, and pink, and the air was filled with the scent of wood smoke and pine.


    Isolde''s body was heavy with fatigue after a day of tireless chores. Her feet throbbed, and her fingers ached from hours of scrubbing and washing. Taking a much-needed break, she sat on her porch, letting her thoughts wander towards her beloved family.


    As the sun''s glow dimmed, a figure gradually took shape in the distance, bing more apparent with each approaching step. Isolde squinted her eyes, trying to identify the person. She caught her breath as she recognized the silhouette and movements. It was Haldor, their neighbor and Nivalis''s husband.


    Isolde''s stomach churned with anxiety, and her heart raced as she observed Haldor''s unsteady approach to his house. He clutched a bottle of ale tightly, and his eyescked focus. The mere sight of him sent a shiver down Isolde''s spine.


    She knew that If Haldor found out about Nivalis''s absence, he would surely set out to find her without dy, and Isolde couldn''t bear the thought of what might happen to Nivalis. Isolde couldn''t let that happen. Though the odds were stacked against Nivalis, Isolde was determined to do something, anything, to help her.


    Isolde''s mind raced, the weight of her options pressing down on her. Should she try to reason with him? Or would it be wiser to distract him somehow?


    Her heart hammered in her chest, and her palms grew sweaty as Haldor drew closer. Her mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions, and the pressure was almost unbearable.


    As Haldor staggered towards his front door, Isolde mustered up the courage to speak.


    ¡ª "Haldor," she called out.


    Haldor stopped, his bloodshot eyes turning towards her.@@novelbin@@


    "Yes, what is it?" he grumbled, his speech slurred.


    ¡ª "I, uh," Isolde hesitated, her throat dry.


    "Spit it out, woman," Haldor snarled, his patience waning.


    With trembling muscles and a surge of nervous energy, Isolde approached Haldor. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she asked, ¡ª "Are you... alright?" Her tone was gentle and calming.


    Haldor looked at her with a questioning look, yet the effects of the drink clouded his gaze. "I''m fine," he mumbled, his words slurred and barely intelligible.


    The scent of ale clung to Haldor''s breath, and his gaze was cloudy. Isolde realized she needed to take a bold step if she wanted to help Nivalis. Even though she didn''t have to do it, she wanted to do something. It was a simple act of a good deed to a person she barely knew. Maybe one day it will return to her?


    It was a risky move, but it was one of the few things she could do to distract him. One thing she is good at.


    With a gentle touch, Isoldeid her hand on Haldor''s arm, her fingers lingering on his skin. She sensed his body tensing beneath her touch, and she could see the hunger and desire in his eyes.


    ¡ª "Perhaps we should go somewhere more... private," she murmured, her voice soft and inviting. She whispered, her voice gentle and enticing. Isolde knew she was ying a dangerous game, but there seemed to be no other way.


    Haldor''s eyes widened, and he gazed at her in astonishment. Isolde knew she had his attention now.


    Isolde''s fingers traced small circles on Haldor''s forearm, her touch sending shivers through his body. His breathing became heavier, and his pulse quickened. Isolde could feel the tension growing between them, a palpable and electric energy.


    Her gaze shifted to the bottle of ale in Haldor''s hand, her mind calcting how much liquid was left in the container.


    ¡ª "What do you say?" she purred, her words dripping with lust and desire. "Why don''t we finish that drink inside, and then..." she trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air.


    Haldor''s eyes remained fixed on Isolde''s face, his expression mixed with lust and unease. He was caught in a tug-of-war between his desire and his apprehension, and his body couldn''t help but respond to Isolde''s advances.


    She continued her teasing, her hands exploring his chest and sliding down to his abdomen, feeling the firmness of his muscles beneath his shirt.


    "I... don''t have much coin," Haldor mumbled, his voiceden with desire.


    ¡ª "How much do you have?" Isolde asked, her tone teasing.


    Haldor reached into his pocket and retrieved a handful of coins. "This is all I have," he admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of embarrassment.


    Isolde carefully received the coins from Haldor''s outstretched hand, concealing them in her pocket. She couldn''t help but sh a sly, seductive smile and said, ¡ª "Well, today is your lucky day," she purred, "I''ve got a special discount, just for you."


    Haldor''s eyes widened with excitement, and his breathing quickened. Isolde knew she had him right where she wanted him.


    Without wasting a moment, Isolde seized his hand and led him towards her barn, located right next to her home. She guided him towards the barn entrance, her voice soft and coaxing.¡ª "Why don''t we head inside the barn?" she suggested, her hand gently tugging him forward.


    Haldor followed her willingly, his body trembling with anticipation and desire.


    Once inside the barn, the unmistakable scents of hay and animal dung enveloped them, creating a stark contrast to the cool and crisp evening air outside. The dimly lit barn gave their encounter an air of secrecy and sensuality.


    ¡ª"Lie down on that hay bale over there," Isolde instructed, pointing to afortable mound of hay. Haldorplied, reclining on the soft hay. He watched with bated breath as Isolde began to shed her clothing, her skilled fingers slowly revealing her pale, silken skin.


    As the night wore on, Isolde kept Haldor upied, making sure to keep him inside the barn. She knew that the longer she kept him there, the more time Nivalis would have. As the stars glimmered in the night sky, the moon bathing the town in its silver light, the two spent the night in the barn. Their bodies intertwined, their cries of passion echoing through the darkness.

 Chapter 16: First night in the woods

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Nivalis continued walking, her breaths ragged. Her arms ached, her legs burned, and her feet felt as heavy as bricks. She knew she was pushing herself to the limit.¡ª "Just a bit more," she whispered, her voice barely rising above a breath. "I can do this. For my children."


    Snowkes gently descended from the sky, dancing around Nivalis as if they were her closestpanions. The fierce wind howled through the trees, its cries echoing across the winteryndscape.


    The sky above gradually turned darker as the sun started to dip below the horizon, creating a mesmerizing canvas of orange and pink hues that stretched across the sky. As the light dimmed, the forest''s shadows stretched out like inky fingers, enveloping her in an eerie, unsettling embrace.


    ¡ª "It''s nearly nightfall," Nivalis whispered, her voice trembling with anxiety as she gazed at the crouching darkness. She looked worriedly at the sleeping figures in the sled, nestled beneath a cocoon of furs and nkets. They were her children, her most precious treasures. "We have to find a safe ce to rest."


    Despite the growing chill and the exhaustion that weighed her down like a boulder, Nivalis pressed forward, each step slow and deliberate. She understood that pausing for too long could drain her of the willpower to continue, and that was something she couldn''t afford. She had to walk as far from their old home as possible.


    As the golden sun disappeared below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of red and orange, the forest around Nivalis slowly transformed intoplete darkness. Nivalis struggled to make out the path ahead, and the sled seemed to have grown heavier, a burden that clung to her like a stubborn anchor, threatening to pull her down into the unknown abyss of the night.


    With the day''sst light slowly fading, Nivalis looked around her surroundings, or at least tried to, searching for a safe spot where they could rest for the night. Her eyes darted from tree to tree, peering into the shadows that lurked between the ancient trunks. The darkness was all-consuming, a vast, terrifying void that seemed to swallow the entire world.


    As she searched for a suitable ce, she couldn''t help but notice the eerie silence. The foresty still, almost unnaturally, as if the world had drifted into a deep slumber. Only the soft crunch of her boots on the snow and the gentle rustle of leaves could be heard, a gentle whisper that echoed through the stillness.Time seemed to slow down as they pressed forward. Nivalis felt the weight of her children''s safety on her shoulders.¡ª "I have to keep moving," she told herself, her voice a hushed murmur. Every tree they passed, every patch of darkness she scanned, brought a growing sense of urgency.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they stumbled upon a clearing. The moon peeked out from the clouds. A silvery disc in the night sky bathed the open space in its gentle glow. Nivalis released a sigh of relief, quickening her steps as she led the sled into the clearing.


    The clearing was a circle ofnd surrounded by dense woods. Nivalis could make out a few fallen logs and some old, withered trees. It was not an ideal location, but it was the best she could find at this hour. She stopped the sled and took a few deep breaths, allowing her heart to settle and her lungs to rest.


    ¡ª "I need to hurry," she muttered under her breath, her gaze scanning the clearing once more. The thought of spending a night in such a ce was daunting, but the alternative was to press on into the unknown darkness. She didn''t have much of a choice, she decided.


    She pulled the sled toward one of the old, withered trees at the center of the clearing. Its trunk was thick and sturdy, providing a semnce of protection.¡ª "I think we can rest here for the night." Her words, though quiet, carried an immense sense of relief.


    Silvia, awakened by the sudden stop, fluttered her golden eyes open. "Mommy? Are you alright?" Her voice was soft, filled with concern.


    ¡ª "Yes, darling. We can rest here for the night," Nivalis assured her, her motherly love evident in her voice.


    "Oh, okay," Silvia replied, her eyelids growing heavy once again. The day''s exhaustion had taken its toll on her.


    Silvia''s arms wrapped tightly around her little brother, who was still sleeping soundly. She looked worn out, with tired eyes and drooping shoulders. Both of them were hungry, their empty bellies grumbling, and the fear of the forest''s hidden dangers didn''t help.


    Nivalis felt a swirl of worries as she gazed at her precious children huddled together. It was a moment of decision. "Is it safe to make a campfire?" she wondered, her forehead wrinkling with thought. It might draw unwanted attention, but the biting cold was harsh, and her children''s empty bellies rumbled with hunger. "We need something decent to eat. Something warm."


    "And what about shelter? I can try to build something out of nkets and sticks," she considered, her gaze drifting to the dense trees around them. "But would that be enough to keep us warm?"


    Nivalis was overwhelmed by these questions but couldn''t afford to dwell on them for too long. The children needed warmth and a safe ce to sleep. She decided to start with fire, something they all needed urgently.


    She gathered sticks and dry bark and prepared a space by clearing the snow off the ground. Then, she found a fewrger branches and arranged them in a teepee formation, just like she''d seen her father do so many years ago.


    ¡ª "Now I need to get a flint," Nivalis muttered, rummaging through the contents of the sled, her breath forming small clouds in the frigid air, her fingers trembling, chilled by the cold.


    ¡ª "Aha! There it is!" she eximed, relief washing over her as her fingers finally grasped the smooth surface of the flint.


    Nivalis took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly from the cold. Striking the flint with a knife, she was met with no immediate sess. She felt nothing but frustration and disappointment. The spark flew, but it was not enough to ignite the dry bark.


    ¡ª "Come on, you can do it," she encouraged herself. Her strikes were bing more forceful, each one a desperate attempt to kindle the mes. "This has to work!"


    Nivalis repeated the process over and over, her frustration mounting with each failed attempt. Her movements were bing frantic, and tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.


    Sparks flew, but the kindling still failed to ignite. Nivalis continued to strike the flint with unwavering resolve. She knew she couldn''t give up.


    ¡ª "Keep trying, Niv," she whispered, striking the flint again, each spark bringing a glimmer of hope.


    She repeated the process over and over again, but still, nothing happened. Nivalis felt the chill creeping into her bones, but she couldn''t give up. Her children relied on her.


    Finally, a spark caught, and the kindling began to smolder. Nivalis blew gently on the me, coaxing it to life, her heart pounding with relief.


    ¡ª "That''s it, little one. You can do it," she whispered, her eyes locked on the burgeoning me as it grew brighter, radiating warmth. The fire was small but precious, a beacon of hope in the darkness.


    Slowly, the fire spread to therger pieces of wood, and within minutes, a merry fire was crackling, and the warmth spread through the clearing. Nivalis couldn''t help but smile as the fire flickered and danced.


    As Nivalis tended to the fire, Silvia sat by her side, her eyes wide with admiration and respect.


    "You did such a great job, Mommy," Silvia murmured, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion. She snuggled closer to her mother, findingfort in her mother''s presence and the burgeoning warmth of the fire.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but blush, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyes gleamed with pride and relief.


    Nivalis knew she had made the right choice. The fire would keep them warm and safe for the night, a smallfort in the vast, uncertain forest. The fire''s crackling song was a luby, and its warmth was a loving embrace in the midst of the dark and eerie night.


    As the night wore on, the fire continued to burn, casting a warm,forting glow. Nivalis and Silvia had managed to find a few sturdy logs and some dry leaves, and with these humble materials, they created a makeshift shelter by draping nkets and furs over the structure. The floor was made out of pine leaves. Additionally, they made walls out of the snow to block the wind. It was a simple shelter, yet it offered a sense of protection from the biting wind and falling snow.


    Silvia was quite tired and sleepy, so she snuggled up with her baby brother ¡ª their small bodies wrapped in cozy nkets, their dreams touched by the warmth of the fire. Nivalis, seated at the shelter''s entrance, stared into the mes, her thoughts swirling with worry and doubt.


    Nivalis nced at her daughter and her sleeping son, the two most important people in her life. They were everything to her, the only things that mattered in this cruel, unforgiving world. She couldn''t bear the thought of anything happening to them.


    Nivalis took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down, focusing on her children''s steady, rhythmic breaths.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Everything will be alright," she reassured herself. "We will find a new home. A better one. Where we will be safe and happy."


    Nivalis continued to gaze into the fire, letting its warmth wash over her.


    Then, with a sense of purpose, Nivalis retrieved a pot and some cooking utensils, filling them with freshly gathered snow. She ced the pot over the fire, waiting for the snow to transform into clear, bubbling water. The sizzling sound of the snow melting and the crackling of the mes wereforting, a gentle symphony that eased her troubled mind.


    Nivalis pulled out a sharp knife and chopped up the vegetables and herbs. She cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. She tossed them into the pot, giving them a quick stir. The aroma of the fresh ingredients filled the air, a pleasant fragrance that seemed to chase away the gloom of the night.


    While the mixture simmered, Nivalis rummaged through the contents of the sled, searching for anything edible. She was relieved to find a small pouch of salt, which she regarded as a culinary treasure, and a few dried meat strips.


    With great care, Nivalis took a handful of the dried meat, her fingers gentle but determined. She added it to the simmering pot, where it would soon be tender and delicious. With a pinch of salt, she enhanced the taste of the stew, ensuring that it would be both vorful and satisfying. To further enrich the taste, Nivalis retrieved a small pouch of dried herbs to spice the meal up.


    As Nivalis stirred the pot, she couldn''t help but think about her children. The simple act of preparing this meal was an expression of her love for them. Nivalis couldn''t help but feel a sense of aplishment and relief. "At least we have enough to eat," Nivalis whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.


    The soup simmered, its vors mingling and melding together. Nivalis watched the transformation with a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. "Now, we wait," Nivalis thought, a smile forming on her lips.


    ...


    The aroma of the stew, mixed with the soothing, crackling sounds of the fire, created an atmosphere of contentment and safety. Nivalis closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the tension in her body melt away.


    Nivalis nced at the sleeping figures of her children, their faces illuminated by the glow of the fire. They were nestled in the makeshift shelter, safe and protected.


    ¡ª "All will be well. Everything will work out," Nivalis murmured, a faint, bittersweet smile appearing on her face.


    Nivalis''s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden hiss of the stew boiling over. She quickly lifted the pot off the fire, and as the boiling liquid subsided, she couldn''t help but admire the enticing, steaming broth.


    With a well-worndle, Nivalis carefully scooped the contents of the pot, filling two wooden bowls with the rich, nourishing stew. The warmth of the bowl seeped into her fingers, aforting sensation against the chill of the night.


    Nivalis moved towards the shelter where Silvia was slumbering along with her brother, her heart swelling with a mix of motherly affection and exhaustion. She knelt beside Silvia and reached out to gently shake her daughter awake.¡ª "Honey, wake up." she whispered, her voice soft and tender, her palm on Silvia''s small shoulder.


    Silvia stirred from her slumber, her response a gentle, sleepy, "Hmm?"


    ¡ª "Let''s eat, sweetie," Nivalis continued, her words as gentle as a luby, nudging her daughter from her dreams.


    Silvia, slowly stirring from her slumber, rubbed the sleep off her golden eyes, hershes heavy with drowsiness."Mommy?" Silvia mumbled, her eyes still seeking to bring the world into focus.


    Nivalis''s heart swelled with love for her child. She smiled warmly and cupped Silvia''s cheek.¡ª "There''s a delicious stew waiting for you, my little snowke," she whispered.


    Feeling her mother''s gentle touch, Silvia nestled closer, her heart racing with excitement. "Oh, I''m so hungry, Mommy," she yawned, her tiny tummy grumbling anxiously.


    Silvia carefully rose from their improvised shelter, cradling her baby brother in her arms. She approached the fire, the snow crunching softly beneath her boots.


    Nivalis held out a wooden bowl filled with the hearty stew.¡ª "Here you go, my love," she said, her eyes filled with a mother''s tenderness.


    "Thank you, Mommy," Silvia mumbled, her gratitude as genuine as it was innocent.


    Nivalis whispered,¡ª "Of course, sweetie," her voice filled with love and devotion. "Just be careful. It''s hot," she cautioned, a mother''s protective instinct ever-present.


    Silvia offered a mumbled response, her curiosity urging her to take a cautious sip of the steaming broth. The warmth of the stew touched her lips, the rich aroma filling her senses, aforting, familiar scent of her mother''s cooking.


    As the warmth spread through her body, Silvia''s hunger showed itself in full force. She took a deeper, longer sip, savoring the vors. "Mmm, Mommy, this is delicious," Silvia praised, her eyes widening with delight and wonder. "It''s perfect," she added, her smile transforming the cold, deste clearing into a ce of joy andfort.


    ¡ª "Thank you, sweetie," Nivalis murmured, her cheeks adorned with a soft blush of maternal pride. She felt her heart swell with love and a sense of aplishment. "I''m d you like it," she added, a faint smile gracing her lips.


    Nivalis took a sip as well. The taste of the stew was unlike anything she had ever tasted, probably because she was exhausted and hadn''t eaten a proper meal the whole day.


    Silvia and Nivalis continued to eat, the crackling fire casting a warm, inviting glow on their faces. The sound of chewing and swallowing echoed through the clearing, punctuated by the asional slurp or sigh of contentment, speaking volumes of their exhaustion and relief.


    Eventually, they had finished their meal, their wooden bowls empty, and their hunger satisfied, if only for the time being. The fire crackled in the background, its warmth and light casting a protective circle around them in the stillness of the night.


    Silvia joined her mother in washing the bowls, spoons, and the pot they used for cooking. They carefully cleaned all the other cooking utensils, ensuring everything was tidy and ready for their next meal.


    ¡ª "Do you need to pee, sweetie?" Nivalis asked, her motherly eyes filled with tender concern as she looked down at her daughter. Silvia''s ones, wide with the weariness of their long journey and uncertainty about their surroundings, met her mother''s with a hint of vulnerability.


    Silvia nodded slowly, "Yes, Mommy," she replied, her fragile voice barely louder than a breath. She looked at her baby brother, a delicate bundle in her arms, and prepared to hand him over to her mother''s arms.


    Silvia ced her baby brother in Nivalis''s arms with great care, her movements slow and deliberate ¡ª the infant nestledfortably against his mother, seeking warmth and safety within her protective embrace.


    Nivalis gently took Silvia''s hand and guided her behind arge tree, leading her away from the crackling fire and their makeshift shelter.¡ª "Go on, sweetie, you can do it right here," Nivalis encouraged her daughter, offering a reassuring smile, though it did little to ease Silvia''s anxiety.


    "Mommy, it is scary here," Silvia whispered, her voice trembling like a fragile leaf in the harsh winter wind. Her wide eyes scanned the vast darkness that enveloped them.


    Nivalis''s heart sank as she recognized the fear in her daughter''s voice. She knew that they were in a dark and unfamiliar ce, far from the safety of their home. She murmured soothingly, ¡ª "I''m right here, honey. Don''t be afraid," her hand resting lightly on Silvia''s shoulder, providing a reassuring touch.


    "It''s dark," Silvia said, her wide, fearful eyes looking around the clearing, her young imagination crafting shadows into potential threats. She had never experienced such darkness, an inky ckness that seemed to swallow the whole world. Her gaze wandered toward the fire, its mes dancing in the distance, casting eerie, elongated shadows across the ground.


    Nivalis cooed softly, her arms enveloping her daughter in a protective hug.¡ª "Shh, shh," she whispered. "You''re safe with me," her voice brimming with confidence and conviction. "I promise no harm wille to you, my dear."


    Nivalis held Silvia close, feeling the trembles in the child''s tiny body, her motherly instinct guiding her to providefort. She wished she could do more to ease her precious child''s fears.


    Silvia looked up at her mother with wide, uncertain eyes. "Can we..." she paused, "...pee together, Mommy?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡ª "Of course, sweetie," Nivalis responded without hesitation, her smile filled with tender understanding.


    Silvia felt relief wash over her. Having her mother by her side would make the dark, eerie forest a bit less frightening.


    "Thank you, Mommy," the girl breathed, the tension slowly leaving her shoulders.


    Nivalis nodded, her smile warm and reassuring.


    Silvia took a deep breath, steeling her nerves as she prepared to relieve herself. She looked at her mother and offered a weak, shaky smile.


    Nivalis knelt beside her to offer assistance. Her hands were gentle as she peeled away Silvia''s pants, exposing her pale, supple skin. The girl''s thighs trembled with anticipation and nervousness, her chest heaving with each shallow breath.


    As her pants fell to her ankles, Silvia felt a rush of cool air against her bare flesh. Her body instinctively shivered, responding to the chilly breeze.


    Nivalis noticed the slight quivering of Silvia''s muscles, the way her skin prickled with goosebumps, and the subtle shift in her breathing.


    As Nivalis took off her coat quickly, she could feel the cold night air biting her skin, but she paid it no mind. She carefully ced the coat on the ground, creating a soft and cozy bed for her baby. Gently, she put the infant on the coat, her fingers lingering on his fragile, delicate skin. She couldn''t bear the thought of her child being exposed to the harsh winter weather, so she covered himpletely, shielding him from the asional wind gusts.


    Then, she lowered her own pants, exposing her naked bottom half to the cold, dark night. The cool breeze gently caressed their exposed flesh, an invigorating and terrifying sensation. Nivalis''s legs quivered, her knees knocking together as she tried to hold herself steady. Her fingers trembled, and her body stiffened.


    "Mommy, it''s cold," Silvia whined, her teeth chattering as she tried to control the tremors that coursed through her body.


    ¡ª "I know, sweetie. Just breathe, okay?" Nivalis murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    They crouched there, face-to-face, their bodies shivering with the cold and their dders ready to burst.


    ¡ª "Alright, sweetie. Just like you always do," Nivalis coached her, her voice a soothing whisper.


    Nivalis squeezed Silvia''s hands, trying not to focus on the cold wind that blew across her naked, hairless bottom. Nivalis''s pussy was on disy, vulnerable, and exposed, and her thighs were chilled and numb.


    Silvia squeezed her mother''s hands back, her mind trying to push away the strange, shadowy shapes lurking in the darkness. She trusted her mother''s guidance, letting herself rx in the moment. And so, Silvia began to pee, the sound of her urine sttering against the untouched snow echoing through the stillness of the night. With each release, a sense of relief washed over her, cleansing her from within. It was an unexpected feeling of freedom that coursed through her, powerful and liberating.


    Not wanting to be left behind, Nivalis, too, let her stream flow, her warm liquid trickling down onto the untouched snow. Thebined symphony of mother and daughter, as they relieved themselves in unison, merged into a sensual melody of gentle sttering and delicate sshing.


    As the golden stream poured out of her, Nivalis felt a sense of calm wash over her, a gentle release of tension and worry. She watched Silvia''s urine pour onto the snow, forming a yellowish pool that glistened in the moonlight. She listened to the sound of theirbined streams, the sttering and sshing echoing through the forest. It was a strange andforting sensation, a sense of intimacy between mother and daughter.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but stare in fascination as their streams connected on the ground. The urine flowed down the snow-covered ground, merging, forming a yellowish-golden puddle.


    The puddle grewrger, the scent of their collective musk spreading through the air, an intoxicating, heady fragrance.


    She couldn''t help but smile as the final dribbles trickled out, her body finally empty and relieved. The girls wiped themselves, their movements gentle and cautious. Silvia reached for a spare cloth that her mother had packed and used it to dry herself. Nivalis cradled the baby in her arms once more, ensuring his warmth, and wore the coat.


    "That was fun, Mommy," Silvia mumbled, a smile ying on her lips.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but agree, reciprocating her daughter''s radiant smile.¡ª "Yes, my darling, it truly was," she replied.


    ¡ª "Let''s go back to the fire, okay?" Nivalis asked, taking her daughter''s tiny hand in hers.


    "Okay, Mommy," Silvia replied, nodding and following her mother''s lead.


    They both returned to their camp and sat down next to the firece, their eyes fixed on the fire''s dying embers. Nivalis added more kindling to the fire, coaxing it back to life.


    The infant was sleeping soundly in his mother''s arms, his tiny frame wrapped in nkets. The flickering firelight illuminated his peaceful, serene, and innocent face.


    The sound of the fire crackling and the wind howling through the trees was strangelyforting.


    ¡ª "Now, let''s go to our shelter, my love. It has been a long day, and I need to feed your brother as well," Nivalis murmured, her voice soft and soothing.


    "Okay," Silvia obliged, the fatigue weighing heavily on her little body.


    Nivalis sat down and began untying her worn snow-covered boots and her socks. She carefully ced them by the fire, where they would dry overnight.


    Silvia followed her mother''s actions, her smaller hands struggling with the leather straps, her fingers fumbling with the buckles and knots.


    Nivalis reached out and assisted her daughter, undoing thest few knots that proved difficult. Once the boots were free, Silvia sighed in relief, her tiny feet finally rxing. "Thanks, Mommy," she mumbled.


    Nivalis smiled and gently ced her boots next to her own.


    The firelight illuminated Nivalis''s feet, revealing the supple curves of her ankles and the delicate, sensual arch of her heels. She couldn''t help but notice her daughter''s small feet, which were also exposed to the warmth and light of the fire. Their exposed toes wiggled gently in the heat, their flesh pale and tender, like a pair of plump, ripe peaches.


    The fire continued to crackle, the mes dancing merrily in the night. The wind whistled through the trees, but the warmth from the fire kept the chill away. Nivalis and Silvia crawled into the shelter, huddling close together. The fire kept warming their feet.


    Nivalis cradled her infant son in her arms, his head resting against her bosom. She gently lifted her shirt, revealing the soft, pale curve of her milk-filled breasts. Her nipples, erect and tender, were surrounded by the rosy hue of her aree, a sight that made Silvia blush with embarrassment.


    Nivalis held her infant close, her fingers gently caressing his head. As Nivalis positioned her baby, her nipple brushed against his soft lips, causing him to wake up. She could feel his small, soft mouth searching for her nipple.


    As the infanttched onto her breast, she felt a rush of pleasure, a warm, tingling sensation that spread throughout her body.¡ª "You''re a hungry boy, aren''t you?" Nivalis whispered, her voice tender and affectionate. Nivalis''s body rxed, and she could feel the tension and anxiety slowly going away. Her baby''s soft, warm weight wasforting, and his quiet sucking noises were soothing.


    Nivalis felt something brush against her other nipple. She jumped slightly, her eyes widening in surprise. She looked down to see her daughter''s face pressed against her breast, with her lips wrapped around her nipple. Silvia began suckling.


    ¡ª "Oh, honey," Nivalis murmured, a sense of wonder washing over her.


    She could feel her daughter''s warm tongue, soft and velvety, swirling around her nipple. Silvia''s cheeks hollowed as she sucked, her mouth pulling at her mother''s tender flesh.


    Nivalis''s heart swelled with emotion, her mind and body consumed by a mix of love, joy, and a hint of shame. Nivalis wasn''t sure how to feel about it. But the look on her daughter''s face, her wide and golden eyes looking at her while sucking her breast, and her body pressed against her made it impossible for her to say no.


    ¡ª "My darling, you must be still hungry, huh?" Nivalis said, her voice gentle and loving.


    Silvia nodded, her eyes fixed on her mother''s face, her expression a mixture of shyness and eagerness.


    ¡ª "It''s alright, honey. You can drink," Nivalis whispered, a sense of relief and gratitude washing over her.


    With her permission, Silvia continued to nurse. Nivalis felt the pressure of her daughter''s tiny mouth, her warm lips wrapped around her nipple, her tongue swirling andpping, and she felt the warmth of her breath on her skin. Nivalis stroked Silvia''s hair, her fingers gently caressing her head.


    Silvia''s eyes fluttered shut, her body nestling against her mother''s. She let out a soft sigh, her mouth continuing to work at her nipple, a gentle, steady suction that tugged at her flesh.


    As Nivalis''s children suckled on her breasts, the three of themy together in the shelter, underyers of nkets, their bodies pressed together, sharing warmth andfort. The winter''s cold had melted away, reced by a feeling of warmth and security.


    Eventually, they all fell asleep, their breathing slow and steady, the sounds of the forest echoing in the background. Silvia''s head rested on Nivalis''s breast. Somehow, she managed to sleep with her mother''s nipple in her mouth through the entire night. Aster was right in between mother and daughter, in the warmest spot.


    As the hours passed, the fire embers burned low, and the winter''s chill began to creep back in, but Nivalis didn''t notice it in herfort slumber. Her mind and body were at peace, her children nestled in her arms.

 Chapter 17: Our distant past

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    ¡ª "Ugh..." Nivalis''s eyes fluttered open as the morning sun greeted her with its brilliant, golden light that managed to find its way to her face through the tiny crack in their shelter. Her vision was blurred, and her body felt heavy and weak. She blinked a few times, her eyelids fluttering as she tried to focus.


    As her eyes adjusted to the light, her senses returned to her, one by one. First, the faint sound of birds chirping. Then, the rustling of the wind. Then, the smell of earth and pine. And, finally, the warmth of her children nestled in her embrace.


    Nivalis felt their chests'' gentle rise and fall, their tiny bodies tucked safely against her. Silvia''s mouth was still attached to her nipple, a soft and warm sensation. Aster was nestled between them, his tiny hands curled into little fists.


    As Nivalis slowly emerged from her dream-like state, her body began to awake. She felt the cold chill of the air, the soft, ticklish sensation of Silvia''s warm breath on her skin, and the faint tugging of her mouth at her breast.


    The memories of the previous day flooded her mind.


    A shudder ran through her, a shiver of fear, relief, and gratitude. Her heart thumped. She knew they were still in danger, that the forest was treacherous and unpredictable, and that their journey was just beginning.


    Her mind was filled with thoughts and worries, but she tried to push them away. "We are safe. We will be okay," she reassured herself, her eyes wandering to her sleeping children. The night was chilly despite her efforts to inste the shelter. Next time, she nned to wake up periodically to keep the fire burning.


    She could hear the rustling of the trees and the gentle whisper of the wind. She gently rubbed Silvia''s back, her fingertips tracing the delicate curve of her spine.¡ª "Wake up, sweetie. It''s morning already," Nivalis whispered, her voice soft and reassuring. She felt Silvia stir, her tiny body stirring in her embrace.


    "Mmm," Silvia mumbled, her voice muffled against her breast. She reluctantly released her nipple, her lips parting with a wet pop. Nivalis couldn''t help but smile. She brushed a stray lock of hair from her daughter''s forehead, her fingers lingering on her warm skin.


    ¡ª "We need to get up," Nivalis urged her, her voice gentle.


    "I''m tired, Mommy," Silvia whined, her eyes still heavy with sleep.


    Nivalis sighed, a mixture of concern and exhaustion creeping into her tone.¡ª "I know, sweetie. But we can''t stay here."


    Silvia''s face twisted into a frown, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout. Her voice came out soft and pleading as she asked, "Can I have some breakfast first?" Nivalis couldn''t help but feel the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. With a sympathetic tone, she replied, ¡ª "Of course, honey, I have something for you here in my pouch. Let me grab..." But as Nivalis began to get up, she was taken aback when she felt a pair of small, warm hands gently pushing her back down.


    ¡ª "What are you doing, sweetie?" she asked, her voiceced with confusion and a hint of amusement. Silvia blushed, her eyes fixed on her mother''s naked breasts, and murmured, her cheeks turning crimson, "I want to drink your... milk, Mommy."


    ¡ª "Oh, I..." caught off guard, Nivalis stammered, unsure of how to respond. Silvia''s pleading gaze, with wide and hopeful eyes, tugged at her heartstrings. Eventually, Nivalis agreed, a warm smile gracing her lips as she said, "Okay, honey." She shifted slightly, making herselffortable.


    Silvia wasted no time. Once again, her mouth wrapped around her mother''s nipple, her tongue gentlypping at the tender flesh.


    ¡ª "Ohh," The unexpected sensation elicited a gasp from Nivalis, who was taken aback by the moment''s intensity.


    "Hmm," Silvia murmured in response, her voice muffled by her mother''s breast.


    The movements of her daughter''s mouth on her breast were deliberate and sensual. Her lips wrapped around the rosy tip, her tongue swirling andpping. Nivalis could feel the tugging and sucking, the warmth of her breath, and how her milk flowed into her daughter''s mouth. She felt the soft, wet tip of her tongue against her nipple.


    Meanwhile, Nivalis pulled Aster closer, realizing he also needed to be fed. This was the perfect time to take care of his needs. His small hands grasped her breast, his tiny mouth searching for her nipple. And when he found it, he put it in his tiny mouth. He sucked eagerly, his warm, velvety mouth drawing her milk into his throat. Nivalis closed her eyes, allowing herself to rx, enjoying the moment.


    The warmth of her children''s bodies, the rhythmic suction of their mouths, the feeling of their tiny tongues against her skin.


    In the midst of this intimate scene, Nivalis reached for a snack from a small pouch nearby and a small knife. She carefully sliced the Frostapple Root into thin pieces with a knife in hand. The sound of her children nursing filled the air, creating a soothing ambiance within their small shelter.


    Frostapple Roots are sturdy small nts that thrive in cold climates, gathered with the first frosts in thete autumn. They''re crunchy and juicy, and they smell just like apples when you cut them, which is how they earned their name. When eaten raw, they make for a refreshing and nutritious snack. When cooked, they can be roasted, boiled, or mashed, much like potatoes, and their sweet and slightly tart taste adds a unique twist to savory meals.


    ¡ª "Here, eat this, my love," Nivalis murmured, holding out a slice. Silvia reached out and took the piece with her mouth, her lips glistening with a hint of drool and milk. Grateful, Silvia murmured, her voice thick with desire, "Thank you, Mommy."


    Nivalis continued feeding Silvia with root slices, and each time, Silvia washed it down with milk from her mother''s breast. Nivalis also enjoyed them, savoring the sweet and tart vors that danced on her taste buds.


    After fifteen minutes, Nivalis gently said, ¡ª "Alright, sweetie. I think that''s enough." Her voice carried a gentle and loving tone. As she pulled her breast out of Silvia''s mouth, her nipple popped out, covered in her daughter''s saliva. The cool rush of air against her moist skin made her shudder, creating a momentary sensation that sent a shiver down her spine.


    Nivalis''s breasts were still swollen with milk, her nipples still hard and tender. She ced her hand over her breasts, trying to ease the soreness. Silvia was smiling, her lips stained with a milky sheen. She looked content, her belly full, her mind at peace.


    ¡ª "Are you feeling better now, sweetie?" Nivalis asked, her voice filled with concern and affection.


    Silvia nodded, her eyes meeting hers. "Thank you, Mommy," she whispered, her words filled with gratitude and devotion.


    ¡ª "Of course, my love," Nivalis replied, her voice soft and tender. "Now, we need to get going."


    She carefully handed her little baby over to her daughter, her fingers lingering on his fragile, delicate skin. Nivalis couldn''t help but marvel at the sight before her. Her daughter cradled her baby, her face flushed with pride and wonder. Silvia was gentle as she held her brother, her movements slow and deliberate, as if she were afraid that he would break if she were too rough.


    As they dressed, Nivalis couldn''t help but feel the cold winter breeze biting at her skin, its icy teeth nipping at her bare feet. Nivalis took two pairs of boots from the outside and some thick socks, handing one set to her daughter. Silvia took the boots, her tiny fingers fumbling with the leather straps and buckles.


    ¡ª "Here, let me help," Nivalis offered, her hands gently moving over to her daughter''s clumsy fingers.


    "Thank you, Mommy," Silvia murmured, her voice tinged with frustration and gratitude.


    The sound of leather tightening and moving filled the air as Nivalis helped her daughter. She then put on her own boots, her movements quick and precise.


    Together they emerged from the shelter. Nivalis felt the wind''s chill on her bare face, her cheeks flushing pink. The cold morning air was crisp and fresh, and the sun''s rays were gentle and weing.


    ¡ª "Let''s start packing, sweetie. Help me gather our stuff," Nivalis murmured, her gaze falling on the pile of snow-covered items and supplies.


    "Okay, Mommy," Silvia acquiesced, her eyes wide and hopeful.


    They began packing the sled. Nivalis folded the nkets while Silvia ced the pots and utensils in the sled. Their movements were slow and careful as they worked, and each item was handled with care. Their breaths formed puffs of mist in the cold, clear morning air.


    ...


    ¡ª "There, all packed," Nivalis breathed, her voice filled with relief and aplishment.


    As Silvia sat at the front of the sled with her baby brother in her arms, Nivalis draped a thick, warm nket over them. She tucked it around them, ensuring they were snug andfortable. Silvia smiled at her mother, her eyes wide and trusting, her cheeks flushed.


    ¡ª "Now, let''s get going," Nivalis said, her tone anxious.


    Nivalis gripped the rope, her fingers curling around the worn, rough fibers. Her muscles flexed and tightened as she pulled, the movement slow and deliberate. She could feel her feet sinking into the snow, the powdery crystals crunching beneath her boots. The sled behind her followed her lead, gliding through the snow. Silvia clung to her baby brother, the sled rocking beneath them.


    They traveled like this for a few hours. The forest was eerily quiet. The only sound was the crunching of footsteps in the snow and the asional call of a distant bird. The sun rose higher in the sky, its rays dancing across the tree tops, bathing thendscape in a golden glow.


    Nivalis could feel the ache in her arms, her muscles protesting. But she didn''t stop. She kept moving. The sled slid through the snow, cutting through the ice crust. The cold air bites at her cheeks, and her breath forms clouds in the air. As they journeyed, Nivalis asionally turned her head, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest for potential threats.


    "Mommy," Silvia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and excitement, "I was wondering if adventurers are real."


    Nivalis couldn''t help but smile at the innocence in her daughter''s question. Her heart swelled with warmth as she nced back at the young, curious face of hers.¡ª "Absolutely, sweetie," she replied, her voice brimming with confidence. "Adventurers are very real."


    Silvia''s eyes sparkled with wonder, reflecting a child''s boundless imagination. "So, do they really travel the world, fight monsters, and save people?"


    Nivalis nodded, her smile growing.¡ª "Yes, honey. Adventurers are real, and they really do all those incredible things. They rescue those in need."


    Silvia''s whisper was filled with awe and amazement. "Wow, that''s so cool." Her imagination danced with the images of these heroic figures. "Have you ever met an adventurer, Mommy?"


    A soft chuckle escaped Nivalis''s lips at her daughter''s insatiable curiosity.¡ª "Yes, sweetie," she replied, her gaze now focused on the path ahead. "I''ve met many adventurers in my lifetime."


    Silvia leaned in closer, eager for every word. "Really? What were they like?"


    Nivalis paused for a moment, her eyes gazing into the distance. Her mind wandered, her thoughts filled with memories.¡ª "Well, the adventurers I''ve met," she began, "are all very different. Theye from all walks of life with different backgrounds and beliefs. Some are noble and virtuous, while others are... a little less so," she added with a smile.


    Silvia''s eyes widened with a sense of wonder, and her gaze remained locked onto her mother''s as if she were about to hear the most incredible story in the world. "What''s the most impressive thing you''ve seen an adventurer do, Mommy? Maybe a battle!?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.


    Nivalis pondered the question, her brows furrowing slightly as she journeyed into the depths of her memories.¡ª "The most impressive thing?" she repeated softly, a thoughtful expression gracing her features.


    ¡ª "Hmm," she murmured. Nivalis paused, her brows knitting together as she delved into her memories. She searched her mind for a story that would captivate Silvia''s imagination. "Well, my sweet, I haven''t personally witnessed many battles with my own eyes, but there was one particr adventurer whose tale I heard." Her voice took on a tone of reverence as she continued, "This adventurer, long ago, faced an entire horde of terrifying monsters all alone. And won, saving the lives of hundreds of innocent people. Now that was impressive," Nivalis finished with a sigh, a cloud of mist escaping her lips.


    Silvia''s eyes shone with a mixture of wonder and admiration. Her heart thumped wildly, and her body trembled with excitement. Her mind raced, conjuring up images of epic battles, fiercebat, and heroic deeds. "Really? That''s amazing!" Silvia eximed, her voice filled with amazement.


    Nivalis smiled warmly, her gaze resting on her precious child''s innocent and curious face.¡ª "Yes, it is, sweetie. Adventurers are truly incredible," Nivalis responded.


    Silvia paused, her inquisitive brow furrowed, her voiceced with concern as she tried to understand the world around her. "Where did monsterse from?"


    She spoke with care and a hint of trepidation.¡ª "That''s a good question, honey. It''s hard to say for sure, but it''s possible that the monsters are what is left of the Dark Times."


    Silvia''s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she absorbed the new piece of knowledge, "The Dark Times?" she repeated.


    Nivalis nodded, her voice carrying the weight of history itself.¡ª "Yes, honey. The Dark Times is a chapter in our history. A very, very long time ago. It was a period whenrge magical gates started opening in the sky, letting monsters enter our world. These gates were scattered all over thend, which meant that hordes of monsters could attack anywhere at any time. It was truly a frightening time."


    Silvia''s voice trembled as she whispered, "That sounds scary, Mommy," her young imagination painted vivid, ominous images in her mind.


    Nivalis offered her a warm, reassuring smile, her motherly love aforting shield.¡ª "Don''t worry, sweetie. The Dark Times are a part of our distant past, long gone. As for the monsters we have now, the Adventurer''s Guild keeps a close watch on their numbers. If they spot too many monsters, the brave adventurers will step in to protect us."


    With a sigh, Nivalis continued, ¡ª "And if, by any chance, the situation bes too challenging even for our brave adventurers, the kingdoms may have no choice but to send their own armies to help. Our world hase a long way from the Dark Times, sweetie, so there''s nothing to worry about."


    Her mother''s words reassured Silvia''s heart, and she murmured softly, "That''s good to hear, Mommy," a sense of relief washed over her. Her eyes still had a hint of fear in them, but her curiosity was stronger. "How the Dark Times ended, Mommy?" she asked, her voice a trembling whisper.


    Nivalis turned to her daughter, her expression gentle and tender. She knew this tale might be a lot for a young mind to understand.¡ª "It''s a little tricky, sweetie," she began, her voice soft and caring. "You see, every religion these days has its own story about what happened."


    Nivalis felt Silvia''s inquisitive gaze fixated on her, patiently waiting for the story to continue.¡ª "Some folks think the gods came to the rescue. They sent a hero from another world who closed the gates and kept the scary monsters out."


    Nivalis''s eyes gazed up at the endless sky as if searching for answers among the clouds.¡ª "Others believe it was people''s strength, bravery, and working together that saved the day. They banded together and fought off those monsters with their own courage."


    ¡ª "Some even believe that there was no Dark Times at all," Nivalis mused, her voice calm, "They think that monsters have always existed, and it''s just that their numbers grew so much that people started to make stories about them."


    ¡ª "But, who really knows for sure, right?" Nivalis asked, her voiceced with a hint of yfulness. "History is full of different stories, and everyone thinks their version is the true one. So, what do you think, my sweet?"


    Silvia made a pause to think, her mind racing with possibilities. "I think..." she began, "Well, I think it happened, and the gods have helped, Mommy," Silvia replied with unwavering certainty, her bright eyes shining with conviction. "But I''m not so sure about the hero thingy..."


    Silvia continued, "I mean, the gods are super powerful, right? Why send a hero from another world? It sounds so silly. They could''ve just used their own power to defeat the monsters."


    Nivalisughed gently, her eyes twinkling with amusement.¡ª "It is quite silly, sweetie, isn''t it?" she agreed.


    Silvia nodded, "Yeah!" then went quiet, but soon her curiosity bubbled over, "By the way, did you ever see a gate, Mommy?" Silvia asked, her voice brimming with excitement and a thirst for knowledge.


    Nivalis gently shook her head.¡ª "No, sweetie, I''ve never seen a gate. This happened a thousand years ago, if not more. But my father, your grandpa, told me so many wonderful stories about the gates and the magical creatures inside, like fairies! Can you believe it? Even though he hadn''t seen any of it either, he knew so much more than me."


    After hearing about fairies, Silvia''s eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky. "Tell me, tell me!" she urged, her voice full of eagerness and excitement.@@novelbin@@


    Nivalis smiled and nodded, her heart warmed by her daughter''s enthusiasm.¡ª "Alright, honey. Here''s one of the stories your grandpa used to tell..."


    As the day wore on, they walked deeper into the forest, the trail they made winded through thebyrinth of trees and bushes. The snowy deep and thick, making every step a challenge. Nivalis''s body ached from the constant strain, her muscles protesting the exertion. Yet, she paid it no mind, pulling the sled and entertaining her daughter with tales of the past.


    As the hours passed, the winter sky took on a deeper shade of gray, casting a somber hue over the forest. The clouds had gathered and thickened, obscuring the pale sun.


    They continued to walk, but the wind began to grow stronger, rustling the leaves and making the trees sway and shiver. The air felt heavy, and the snowkes fell, falling upon the world like a thick, wet nket, quietly covering their footsteps.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but feel the shift in the weather. She looked up, her eyes narrowing and her lips pressing into a thin line.¡ª "Something isn''t quite right," she whispered to herself, her voice full of concern and unease.


    The snowfall intensified, the snowkes clumping together as they fell from the sky. The wind, too, grew more fierce, its howling voice echoing through the forest. Nivalis knew what wasing, and her heart raced with the urgency to find shelter. She picked up the pace, her feet digging into the snow.


    Silvia noticed how the weather changed and her mother''s sudden shift in behavior. "Mommy, what''s wrong?" she asked, her voice heavy with worry.


    ¡ª "We''re making a shelter. It''s going to be alright, honey." Nivalis assured her daughter, her tone calm and reassuring.


    As the storm escted, the wind raged through the forest, shaking the trees with relentless force. The snow fell thick and fast, spinning and twirling through the air, obscuring their vision and veiling the world around them in a curtain of white. But she managed to spot a massive boulder that could protect them from the wind. Just beside it stood a mighty tree, its trunk sturdy and thick. It was the perfectbination for a makeshift shelter.


    Her hands worked as Nivalis cleared the area to prepare for their shelter, her fingers scrabbling and digging into the snow. The snow was wet and heavy, clinging to her fingers, making it difficult to grip. She could feel her fingertips growing numb, the chill seeping into her bones. But she didn''t stop. Her movements were desperate and wild, her mind racing.


    She reached into the sled and pulled out their biggest nkets and rope.¡ª "Stay right here, my love," Nivalis instructed, her eyes alight with a sense of urgency as she moved quickly, her boots sinking deep into the snow with each determined step. She tied the rope to the tree around its thick trunk. Next, she tied the rope to the sled, pulling it close to the boulder.


    She ced the nkets on the rope, creating instion for their shelter. She pulled the corners down, trying to create a solid barrier between them and the storm. But the wind was relentless, ripping and tearing at the nkets, causing them to p and p. She knew it wouldn''t hold, so she started to look for a few stones to ce them on top of the nkets, weighing them down and giving them more stability.


    Silvia held her baby brother close, her arms wrapped protectively around him, trying to shield him from the wind and snow. She watched her mother with wide, frightened eyes, her heart filled with fear and anxiety.


    Nivalis located a handful of rocks, each bing an anchor for the nkets. She secured the edges of the nkets, ensuring they would stay in ce. The snow was falling thick and fast, and the cold was seeping into her bones. Nivalis felt the bite of the icy wind against her cheeks, and her breath came in ragged gasps.


    As Nivalis worked, she could hear the sound of the storm building in intensity, the wind howling and whipping through the trees. The snow wasing down in waves, falling thick and fast, covering everything in its path.


    Her hands moved with urgency as she began to gather and cut pine branches, using them to create a makeshift floor for their shelter. The numbing cold bit at her fingers, her palms raw from the unrelenting work. But her motherly determination pushed her to continue.


    ...


    Nivalis could hear the wind howling, and she felt the gusts tugging at her cloak, trying to pull her away. Nivalis hurried back; She did everything she could to improve their shelter, but the snowstorm was now in full force, and the wind was screaming. Nivalis noticed her daughter hadn''t moved from the sled, holding her baby brother, even though their shelter was ready.


    ¡ª "Come, my love. Don''t be afraid. It''s safe inside," Nivalis said, calling her daughter over. Silvia stood there for a moment, her eyes wide with fear, like a deer staring down the jaws of a wolf. "Come on, sweetie, hurry," Nivalis urged.


    She gathered her courage and started to walk, and then finally, Silvia crawled inside, her body shaking from the cold.


    Nivalis took all remaining nkets and furs, water, and something to eat from the sled and crawled inside as well, closing the entrance behind her. It was dark, damp, and chilly inside, but at least the wind wasn''t whipping at them. The shelter was tiny, barely enough for them. They could hear the storm raging outside, the snow and wind pounding against the walls. The weight of the snow pressed down from above, creating a tight, protective seal.


    A numb, aching cold made their teeth chatter, and their limbs shake. Nivalis wrapped her arms around her children, holding them close, their bodies pressed against each other, trying to generate warmth, especially for her little son. She additionally wrapped them in nkets and furs that she got from the sled, but the cold seemed to slip through.


    The air was heavy with the scent of earth and pine, and the darkness enveloped them. Their breathing was slow and steady, and their hearts beat in unison. The sound of the storm was muffled as if it were far away.


    As theyy there, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one. They could hear each other''s heartbeats, feel each other''s breathing, and sense each other''s thoughts:


    They were alone. Lost in the wilderness. No one could save them.

 Chapter 20: We’re not animals

    The winter storm raged outside the unremarkable cave, cutting visibility to almost zero. The wind howled through the trees, bending branches and sending snow flying through the air. It was a fierce storm that hade unexpectedly, catching the group off guard as they walked in search of Haldor''s missing wife. They made good progress; the tracks they had been following grew more distinct with each passing hour, and it was just a matter of time before they would find her. But as the snowstorm began, the tracks vanished into the white nothingness.


    Unfortunately, the group was forced to seek shelter instead. They were quite lucky to have found the cave on their way, as there was no time to set up the tents, and it provided great protection from the snowstorm. The cave was cold and damp, and the wind whistled through the narrow entrance, causing the small fire they had built to flicker and dance. Although the fire provided a bit of warmth and light, it struggled against the darkness of the ce.


    Haldor paced back and forth, nervously ncing at the cave''s entrance every few seconds, hoping that the storm would subside. But it didn''t look like it would stop anytime soon. Hours passed by agonizingly slow as they waited out the storm.


    Eirik tried tofort Haldor, but it was evident that he, too, was just as anxious. "We will find her. I''m sure of it," he reassured, cing a hand on his friend''s shoulder. But the tension and anxiety were palpable in the cave. The wind howled outside, raging against the stone walls, and the fire flickered weakly in the darkness. The air grew thick, and the silence was almost unbearable.


    Without giving any answer, Haldor sat by the entrance, his eyes fixed on the storm outside. The wind whistled through the narrow opening of the cave, sending a chill down their spines. Odar shifted ufortably, his fingers drumming on his bow. Argo huddled against the wall, his knees pulled tightly to his chest.


    Odar cleared his throat, breaking the silence with a heavy sigh. "How long do you think the storm willst?" he asked Eirik. The question hung heavily in the air, and each person knew that the answer was uncertain. His question was merely an attempt to dispel the ufortable silence.


    Eirik sighed wearily, rubbing his face as if trying to gather his thoughts. "It''s hard to say," he admitted. "We could be stuck here for hours, maybe even days."


    Argo shivered, wrapping his cloak tighter around himself. The biting cold seemed to seep into every corner of his body, making it increasingly difficult to stay warm. "I hope it doesn''tst too long. I''m freezing," he grumbled, his breath visible in the frigid air.


    Odar let out a frustrated sigh and shot Argo a look. "You''re always cold, Argo."Argo red back at Odar, his toneced with sarcasm. "Well, forgive me for being human," he said. "It''s not my fault that I don''t have bulging muscles like you, Odar."


    Odar chuckled, flexing his muscles yfully. "Oh, my apologies. I didn''t realize you were jealous. Perhaps you should spend some time working out, and I can give you some tips."


    Argo rolled his eyes, crossing his arms defensively. "Screw you, Odar," he muttered.


    Eirikughed, shaking his head at their banter. "You two argue like an old married couple," he teased.


    Odar and Argo exchanged a nce before bursting intoughter. The once tense atmosphere in the cave now felt more rxed and lighthearted.


    To pass the time, the group shared stories and jokes, trying to keep their spirits up well into the night. Unfortunately, the snowstorm showed no signs of relenting, forcing them to ept that they would have to spend the night there. They decided that one person would keep watch while the others slept, ensuring the group''s safety.


    Odar, Argo, and the rest of the group made themselves asfortable as possible inside the cave. Eirik volunteered to take the first shift, settling down beside the fire. He kept his sword close, resting it next to him.


    ...


    As the night passed, the storm finally subsided, giving way to a peaceful morning. The small cave slowly filled with a warm orange glow as the sun''s rays found their way through the entrance. The watchman, one of the locals, decided it was time to wake everyone up. Haldor was the first to wake up, his body aching from the ufortable night spent on the hard, cold ground. With a groan, he stretched his stiff limbs, trying to shake off the stiffness. One by one, the others began to awaken, their yawns and stretches echoing within the cave.


    "Morning," Haldor greeted them. "Looks like the storm has passed," Haldor stated while peeking outside. "It''s time to get moving, everyone."


    With a collective agreement, the group quickly packed their belongings and ventured out into the fresh snow. Each step they took caused a satisfying crunch beneath their boots. The air felt crisp and refreshing while the sun''s radiant rays illuminated the sky, painting it with a vivid shade of blue.


    Eirik, growing understandably frustrated, voiced his concern to Haldor. "How do we find the tracks now, Haldor?" he asked.


    Haldor went silent for a few minutes, considering the best course of action.


    "They can''t have gone too far," he replied, his voice filled with determination. "Let''s split into small groups, with two men in each. Since we know the general direction she went, someone will eventually find something. Look out for any fresh sled tracks. They should be quite noticeable. And during the night, keep an eye out for any signs of a fire she might have made. Let''s all meet back here in two days. Whoever group finds a lead will send one man back to guide the others to the tracks."@@novelbin@@


    Eirik''s face brightened with hope as he nodded. "That sounds like a solid n," he said.


    And so the group divided into smaller groups, each venturing in different directions. Haldor and Eirik went towards the northeast, following the path they believed Nivalis had taken. Meanwhile, the other three groups set off towards the east-southeast, spreading out to cover arger search area.


    <strong>[Argo]</strong>


    The hours seemed to stretch on endlessly as Argo and Odar trudged through the thick snow, their weary eyes scanning the pristine white ground for any glimpse of fresh tracks. Weariness crept into Argo''s voice as he broke the silence, his uncertainty palpable.¡ª "Do you think we''ll actually find them?" he questioned, his tone filled with a mix of anxiety and doubt.


    Odar, usually quick with a response, remained silent, his intense gaze focused on the surroundings. After a brief pause, he exhaled deeply and shrugged his shoulders. "I don''t know, Argo. I hope so."


    Nodding in understanding, Argo adjusted the straps of his backpack, readjusting the weight on his shoulders. Fatigue crept into their bones as they had been walking for hours.¡ª "We''ve been walking half of the day, and there''s still no sign of anything," he remarked with a touch of frustration in his voice.


    Odar, too, couldn''t hide his disappointment. "Yeah, this is going to take a lot longer than we thought."


    Continuing their journey through the snow-covered terrain, Odar''s eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement. Turning his gaze towards Argo, he couldn''t contain his eagerness. "Oh, by the way, Eirik told me something quite interesting yesterday," he began, a mischievous grin forming on his face. "It turns out that Nivalis, Haldor''s wife, is actually a former elven princess. Can you believe it?"


    Argo''s eyes widened in surprise, his mouth agape.¡ª "What!? No way," he eximed with disbelief.


    Odar couldn''t help but chuckle, nodding in affirmation. "Yep, she''s real-life royalty. Crazy, isn''t it?"


    Argo couldn''t hide his surprise.¡ª "Wow, that''s insane. How did a princess end up in such a remote ce? It just doesn''t make any sense."


    Odar shrugged and shook his head. "I have no idea. But it seems like she''s a bit of a runaway."


    A momentary silence settled between them as they continued their tireless search through the winter wilderness. Intrigued by his own thoughts, Odar''s voice carried a sense of curiosity, "I wonder..." he pondered but didn''t finish the sentence.


    ¡ª "Hm? Wonder what?" Argo asked, curious about Odar''s unfinished thought.


    "You know... I know a guy who bought a ve-elf, a girl, for 250 golden coins."


    ¡ª "Oh?" Argo replied and then added. "That''s a lot of money, I guess."


    "And she was just an ordinary farm girl," Odar continued. "We are chasing the princess right now, that no one cares about, except this husband of hers. She''d be worth at least ten times the amount. I mean, they''re rare."


    Confusion colored Argo''s face.¡ª "So...?" Argo said, puzzled.


    The mischievous grin remained on Odar''s face as he exined, "If we find her, maybe we could catch her for ourselves and sell her at..."


    Argo''s eyes widened in shock as he interrupted, his voice filled with disbelief.¡ª "Odar! You can''t be serious."


    Odarughed, his tone dismissive. "Come on, Argo. Think about it. It''s a pretty good idea, isn''t it? We could sell her for a fortune, and then we''d never have to worry about money again."


    Argo shook his head, his expression uneasy.¡ª "But what about the kids? Aren''t you worried about the kids?" Argo asked, concerned.


    Odar smiled, shaking his head. "Nah. On the contrary, they might be worth something as well. Besides, they''re young, and they''ll be easy to sell. Imagine how much we could make, what Blessing Stones we could buy with that money?"


    Argo considered.¡ª "I... I don''t know, Odar," he replied hesitantly. "It just doesn''t sit right with me. It feels wrong."


    "Why not?" Odar questioned, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Look around us, Argo. We''re in a forest, in the middle of nowhere. There''s no one else here. We can do whatever we want, and no one will ever know."


    ¡ª "But... But..." Argo stammered, struggling to find the words.


    Odar''s expression twisted with rage as frustration overtook him. "For fuck''s sake, Argo!" he spat. "You''re a fucking low-tier cleric, not even a priest. For how long do you want to stay in the lower ranks?"


    Argo swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.¡ª "I-I don''t know... I never really thought about it."


    "Then start thinking!" Odar snapped, his voice rising. "You don''t have any offensive Blessings. All you can do is heal light wounds, which is pretty much useless. What can you do if a monster attacks us, huh? Do you want to cower behind me like a little girl? Is that what you want? How long do you think you can survive as an adventurer with your skillset? A year? Two years? With current pace, It will take you at least a decade to buy something decent."


    Argo flinched at Odar''s words. He fell silent, his gaze dropped to the ground, his cheeks flushed with shame.


    Odar''s voice softened, filled with concern. "Look, I''m not trying to be an asshole." He sighed, "I''m just saying that we have a rare opportunity here. Do you want to pass it up because of your stupid morality?"


    ¡ª "It''s not stupid," Argo whispered, his voice barely audible.


    "Fine," Odar conceded. "consider this: What''s more important to you, your morals or the prospects of a better life? What are you willing to sacrifice for your future and your survival?"


    Argo swallowed hard, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.¡ª "I... I don''t know," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper.


    "Look," Odar reasoned. "There''s nothing wrong with what we''re doing. It''s not like we''re going to kill anyone. We''ll catch her, sell her, and be done with it."


    Argo hesitated, his mind wrestling with conflicting thoughts.¡ª "I... It still doesn''t feel right," he murmured, his voice tinged with doubt.


    "Alright..." Odar sighed. "We can discuss thister. Let''s just focus on finding the tracks."


    Reluctantly, Argo nodded, and the two friends continued their search in silence. The hours dragged on, and the evening slowly approached. Their feet carried them through the endless, snow-coveredndscape.


    Suddenly, Argo''s voice rang out with excitement.¡ª "Odar! Over here! I think I found the tracks!" he shouted.


    Odar ran over to the spot where Argo was standing. Sure enough, the tracks were unmistakable, the distinctive imprint of a sled''s runners.


    "Holy shit, we did it! Ha-ha!" Odar eximed, his voice filled with relief. "We fucking did it!"


    Argo beamed with pride.¡ª "Yes, we did. Now, we need to get the others. Should I go, or..."


    "Not so fast," Odar said, his tone somber. "Remember our talk earlier? About the n?"


    Argo''s smile faded.¡ª "You mean..."


    Odar nodded. "Yes. This is our chance to make some real money, and we can''t let it slip through our fingers. We''ll sell her and be rich."


    Argo shook his head furiously.¡ª "No. No way."


    Odar let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Look, Argo. I get it. You''re a good person. But think about it. You could buy all the best equipment, the strongest Blessing Stones. You could even buy a house in the city, anything you want. And I''ll do the same. We could go from being no-name adventurers to being fucking legends. Isn''t that what we''ve always dreamt of?"


    A hint of doubt flickered across Argo''s face. He bit his lip, his mind racing.¡ª "It does sound good," he admitted reluctantly.


    "And remember, she''s an elf after all. It''s not like she''s a human or something. She''s an elf," Odar reminded.


    ¡ª "But that doesn''t make it right." Argo insisted.


    "Maybe not," Odar agreed. "But that''s the world we live in, and if we want to seed, we have to y by the rules."


    Argo hesitated, his thoughts caught between the yearning for a better future and the nagging voice of his conscience.¡ª "I-I... I still don''t know."


    "Argo, please," Odar pleaded, his eyes filled with desperation. "I can''t do this without you. You''re my best friend. Please, just trust me."


    Argo shifted his gaze to the ground. He was silent for a long moment before lifting his gaze to meet Odar''s.¡ª "Okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Let''s do it."


    Odar grinned and patted Argo on the shoulder. "Atta boy! That''s what I''m talking about."


    Odar''s face instantly turned serious. "Now, listen carefully. We''ll follow the tracks until nightfall and then ambush her at night. She''ll probably stop somewhere for the night, and when she does, we''ll catch her."


    ¡ª "Odar..." Argo''s voice trembled with doubt as he spoke up, attempting to voice his concerns once more.


    Odar quickly interrupted his friend, "It''s okay. Trust me. We''ll just capture her, tie her up, and then take her to the nearest city and, from there - straight to the Valemor Kingdom border. It''ll be a piece of cake," Odar assured, his voice brimming with confidence. "Don''t worry, though. It''s not like we will hurt her or do anything weird. We''re not animals. After all, we need to maintain our reputation as adventurers."


    Argo sighed, his shoulders slumping.¡ª "Alright, I guess." he agreed, his voice hesitant.


    "Now, let''s go," Odar said, his tone eager.


    The air grew colder, and the light of the setting sun began to fade, casting long and eerie shadows throughout the forest. Their footsteps followed the faint tracks on the snow. Each step they took echoed through the silence. Both men knew that their lives were about to change forever.

 Chapter 22: Rumors

    The winter forest became eerily quiet as the snowkes fell softly upon the ground. That night, the only sound that could be heard was the gentle rustling of leaves shifted by the wind. The full moon cast a silver hue across the snow-coveredndscape. A thin nket of fog driftedzily above the ground.


    It was just a few hours after the death of Odar and Argo. No signs of Nivalis and her children could be seen. The fire had burned out, leaving only ashes and a faint smell of smoke in its ce. The strong scent of blood lingered in the air, mixing with the bitter cold wind.


    A grotesque figure appeared from the depths of the surrounding woods. It was a rotten, walking corpse that had been driven by nothing but hunger, the same creature that Nivalis had encountered earlier in her journey. Its face was barely recognizable, with decay eating away at its skin and flesh. Every movement it made was slow and awkward, like a puppet controlled by an unseen hand. The moment the creature sensed the scent of blood in the air, without hesitation, it began to follow the trail that led it straight to the campsite where Nivalis and her children had been.


    The rotten corpse could feel its hunger growing as it neared the source of the scent. Its decayed brain recognized the familiarity of the smell, and it knew it was close to its next meal.


    The first to catch its attention was Odar, whoy lifeless on the ground with his once bright eyes now dimmed. The creature loomed over him, its decayed mouth opening slightly as if to breathe. A gaping hole in its torso revealed its internal organs, which had begun to dpose. Its eyeless sockets fixated on the corpse thaty before it, and its body twitched slightly as if from joy, signaling its eagerness to start the feast.


    Leaning in, its jaws gaping wide, the creature''s teeth closed around Odar''s cold skin, rending and tearing as it began to consume the meat. Its teeth gnawed at the flesh, ripping and tearing as they slowly broke the skin. The creature chewed eagerly, devouring it with glee, savoring every bite. It moaned hungrily, swallowing pieces of skin, muscle, and sinew with audible gulps.


    ...


    <strong>[Randall]</strong>


    Many dayster...The sun rose over the horizon, its rays peeking through the cracks in the clouds, bathing the snow-coveredndscape with a warm and yellowish glow. The weather was pleasant, with the light breeze carrying the aroma of pine needles and freshly fallen snow.


    Randall, a man whose age neared sixty winters, walked through the thick woods, his lean body slightly bent from years of toil. His face, etched with the tales of a life lived in nature''s embrace, bore wrinkles like the bark of an old tree. His hands were rough and calloused, honed by decades of hunting and gathering food for his family. His brown eyes, the color of earth after rain, still sparkled with a youthful energy.


    Despite the years weighing upon him, Randall''s reputation as a hunter was known in this vige. A crossbow, its wooden body polished by use, rested against his back, catching glimmers of sunlight. Despite the early hour, Randall moved with haste, his steps guided by instinct and memory. He knew thesends well, having lived here most of his life. With each stride, the snow crunched under his worn boots, a sound familiar andforting, and his breath formed clouds in the air.


    He was returning from his search for the missing Haldor''s wife, Nivalis. Haldor, a good man, needed Randall''s help, and Randall immediately offered to assist him in any way he could. This is what neighbors do, after all. They help each other.


    The events of the past seven days weighed heavily on Randall''s mind as he made his way back to the vige. The search had left him feeling drained and exhausted, but now, he was relieved to be back home. As he approached the vige, Randall spotted the tavern up ahead. It was a warm and inviting building, filled with the promise of goodpany.


    He knew he needed to speak to someone about what happened on his search ¡ª maybe a friend who could offer some insight or advice. And who better than the bartender? Randall spent many nights in this very tavern, enjoying a drink and sharing stories with old friends. He hoped they could help him make sense of everything that had happened over the past week.


    As he walked through the door, the smell of freshly baked bread mingled with sizzling meat and rich mead filled his senses and made him feel almost at home. "Randall! You''re back!" The bartender called out from behind the counter as soon as Randall entered the dimly lit inn. "Thank the gods," he added with a warm smile, wiping his hand on his apron before extending it towards Randall. As soon as he saw Randall''s face, the bartender noticed something troubling in his eyes.


    Randall returned the smile and shook the bartender''s hand.¡ª "Ah, it''s good to be back, Einar," he replied wearily, taking a seat at the bar.


    "Tell me everything, my friend," the bartender, Einar, said as he slid a mug of mead across the counter. Einar, a small but muscr man with a mustache as bushy as a squirrel''s tail, had poured drinks and lent an ear to the vigers for many a year. He was the sort who seemed to know just what to say and when to say it.


    Randall wrapped his fingers around the mug. He drank deeply, mead''s heat seeping into his cold bones, then cursed softly as he ced the empty mug down. Randall cleared his throat, unsure of how to begin. He fidgeted with the empty mug as he recounted the events that had unfolded in the previous few days.


    ¡ª "We started well enough," he began, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Tracked Nivalis heading east for quite some time, but the storm hit, and everything went to hell," Randall began, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "We were so close, I swear, just a few hours more, and we would have found them."


    The bartender nodded as he listened intently. His brow furrowed, and his eyes fixed on Randall as he spoke. "Aye, that storm was a beast," he murmured, refilling the mug.@@novelbin@@


    Randall took another gulp, the mead lending courage to his voice.¡ª "Yeah," he agreed and then continued. "After the storm passed, we decided to split into groups and spread out to search for her tracks. Everyone was hoping to find some clue about where Nivalis went, and we were confident some of us would pick up the trail eventually."


    Einar leaned in, his mustache twitching like a cat''s whiskers. "Did any group find aught?"


    Randall shook his head sadly.¡ª "I didn''t find a thing," he admitted, "and my group came back hoping that someone else had better luck."


    The bartender simply stared at him. Randall took another long drink from his mug before continuing his story. His voice trembled with emotion as he recounted the harrowing tale.


    ¡ª "Eventually, most of the groups came back, but no one found anything. Odar and Argo, these two adventurers who had joined us, hadn''t shown up at all, but we believed they might be just a bit slow since they didn''t know the local terrain. It was stupid to send them alone."


    Randall paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. The bartender leaned forward, his eyes full of concern as he waited for Randall to continue.


    ¡ª "We waited a whole day for those two guys to return. But they didn''t. So we split up again, but this time to find them," Randall exined.


    "Aye, and you found them, didn''t you?" The bartender guessed.


    Randall nodded, his heart heavy.¡ª "Yeah," he replied, his voice barely audible above a whisper. "It took us a while, but one of our group found them. Or rather what was left of them." He paused momentarily, taking a deep breath before continuing with his tale.


    ¡ª "The scene was like something out of a nightmare. Their bodies had been ripped apart, missing arms, legs, and other parts," Randall recounted, the memory still fresh in his mind. "I''ve seen a lot of things in my life, but never anything as gruesome as this." He shuddered.


    Einar''s eyes widened in shock, his brow furrowing. "By the gods..." he muttered under his breath.


    Randall took a sip from a mug before continuing with his story.¡ª "The worst part was when we discovered the marks on them," he said. "Human teeth on their flesh, bites that were clearly from a human, not a bear, wolf, or wildcat."


    The bartender recoiled in disgust, his face contorted with shock.¡ª "Gods above... You don''t mean..." he trailed off.


    Randall nodded slowly, unable to bring himself to speak the words aloud. The revtion hit the bartender hard, and he let out a shaky breath as he processed the information. The bar was quiet as Randall let the story sink in. The air felt thick with tension.


    One of the many vigers, who eavesdropped the whole conversation, interrupted with disbelief, "Hey, Randall, you don''t really mean Nivalis ate Odar and Argo?"


    The murmurs grew louder as more vigers gathered around Randall. Their voices were full of disbelief and doubt.


    "How could someone do such a thing? It''s madness!" Another viger eximed.


    "It has to be some mistake. Nivalis wouldn''t do something like that," reasoned a woman in the crowd.


    ¡ª "The marks on the body weren''t animal bites, I''m sure of it," Randall stated matter of factly.


    The murmurs grew louder. The bartender quickly gestured for everyone to settle down, and silence descended upon the bar once more.


    ¡ª "Their supplies were looted as well, so yeah, it wasn''t a monster," Randall added. "This is messed up, Einar. Can''t believe someone capable of this lived here this whole time." In response, the bartender shifted ufortably, unsure of what to say. His face was pale, and his hands were clenched tightly into fists.


    ¡ª "Elves... I always told they''re monsters," Randall added, his voice dripping with malice. "I''m sure she lured Odar and Argo into a trap and ughtered them like cattle. I''ve heard stories of elves sacrificing humans in their rituals, so I wouldn''t be surprised if she were into that."


    "Those poor bastards," Einar muttered, shaking his head. "What an awful way to go."


    Silence fell upon the bar once more as everyone tried toprehend the situation. It seemed as if nobody dared to break the silence.


    "Why, in the name of gods, Haldor married one?" One of the vigers muttered.


    Another man whispered in response, "I heard he had no choice. She was a gift from someone important after the war ended, someone who you can''t say no to. But who knows what really happened..." The other man nodded in agreement before they both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts.


    Einar sighed, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. His gaze met with Randall''s. "What happened to Nivalis? Did you find her? And what Haldor said about it all?" he asked.


    Randall shook his head in disappointment.¡ª "We lost her trail for good, I believe, so I decided to return back," he said, looking down at the ground. "Everyone else decided to continue the search, and Haldor said he won''t give up until he finds his son, but I doubt they''ll find anything. Without a trace to follow, she could be anywhere by now."


    The vigers exchanged worried nces, their faces etched with fear. Randall''s words hung ominously in the air. A heavy silence filled the room.


    "Well, shit," Einar cursed, shaking his head in disbelief. "What in the seven hells are we supposed to do now?"


    Randall shrugged helplessly.¡ª "I don''t know, Einar. I really don''t."


    The bartender drummed his fingers against the countertop, his expression grim. "To think of it..." he started, "Remember those kids who went missing a few years ago? Was that her doing as well? She might have eaten them! How long has she been preying on innocent people?" bartender''s eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    Randall felt a chill run down his spine as he recalled the incident.¡ª "You''re right, Einar. They vanished without a trace, and she lived next to the forest. Maybe..." he trailed off, not daring to finish his sentence.


    Einar nodded slowly, his lips set in a firm line. "Aye, it could be so."


    An uneasy silence filled the bar as everyone absorbed the shocking news. A look of fear was reflected on every face present. A somber and fearful mood reced the once lively atmosphere of the tavern.


    "We should tell everyone about what happened," said one of the vigers.


    "If you ask me, she needs to be taken care of," said different man from the crowd. "She and the rest of those filthy creatures she''s brought into this world."


    Another viger nodded in agreement, his voice trembling with rage. "If she''s capable of killing two adventurers in a blink of an eye... She might kill all of us too in the night," he said, ncing around the room.


    Once more, a hushed silence settled over the room as each person pondered what to do.


    "But what should we do?" Another man from the crown questioned.


    ¡ª "We should tell the Adventurers Guild what happened," Randall said. "She killed two adventurers, after all. The guild will probably put a bounty on her head once they know she''s a murderer."


    The men around him murmured their agreement, nodding along to his idea. "Yeah! The adventurers should handle her like the beast she is," said a man in the crowd, his voice rising. "They''ll deal with her in a fitting manner."


    Another middle-aged man in the crowd nodded his head in agreement. "I heard priests with high enough rank can read thest few moments of someone''s death. That''s some useful skill, and we should definitely find someone to expose the elf bitch. If we''ll see how she eats them, it will increase the bounty on her head."


    Others echoed his words, their voices growing louder.


    Randal nodded.¡ª "Good idea. Haldor said they''ll bring the remains on their way back whenever it is. Once we get the remains, we''ll take them to a priest in the city who can tell how they died, and we''ll get the proof."


    Einar nodded in agreement. "Aye, it''s the smartest move we can make."


    One viger spoke up. "But what if shees back to the vige?"


    Randall shrugged his shoulders.¡ª "We should remain cautious. We need to keep a close watch on each other. Let''s try not to travel alone and always carry a weapon. If anyone sees something suspicious, report it to the Watch immediately," Randall cautioned.


    The vigers nodded in understanding.


    The bartender raised his ss, prompting others to do the same. "Now, let''s raise our sses for Odar and Argo," he proposed. "They gave their lives to protect us, and we''ll honor their memory."


    A chorus of "here, here" was heard as the vigers raised their drinks high. They drank solemnly, each lost in their thoughts.


    "Rest in peace," Einar whispered, his voice barely audible. "May your souls find peace in the halls of your fathers."


    As thest drops of mead trickled down their throats, the vigers mmed their mugs down onto the table, the sound echoing throughout the room.


    The heavy atmosphere hung over the bar for a few minutes until one of the women, who had been silent up till now, spoke up. "So, is no one gonna mention how we still have this naked-elven-boob statue sitting right here in our inn? Should we remove it?"


    "NO!" every man in the room answered immediately in unison, making the woman jump with fright.


    "Oh,e on... Really? That''s messed up," she sighed, crossing her arms over her chest.


    "Anyway," the bartender said, changing the topic. "I should go and send someone to the city to notify the Adventurer''s Guild about what happened."


    A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. Randall gave the bartender a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he rose from his chair, preparing to leave.


    ¡ª "Thanks for your help, Einar," Randall said. "Let''s hope the guild gets this taken care of quickly. I can''t stand the thought of our folks being in danger."


    "Neither can I," the bartender replied grimly. "I''ll let you know if I hear anything from the guild."


    With that, the vigers dispersed. Randall downed the remaining contents of his mug and set it down on the counter. Randall gave his friend a grateful nod before turning and making his way towards the door.


    A few vigers bid him farewell as he walked out of the tavern into the cold winter air. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the sky. The sun seemed to shine more brightly than usual, as if trying to ease the troubled souls that wandered below. His footsteps crunching in the snow, Randall made his way back to his house.

 Chapter 25: Safety?

    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The night was frigid, the cold seeping through their shelter''syers of fabric, causing everyone inside to shiver. Silvia pulled her tiny body closer to Nivalis, her skin brushing against her mother''s skin, trying to absorb as much heat as possible. Nivalis felt the soft skin of her daughter''s chest against her as Silvia adjusted her position. She snuggled closer to Nivalis, burying her face in her mother''s cleavage. Her little brother, Aster, was already asleep, blissfully unaware of the circumstances, safe and warm in his sister''s and mother''s embrace.


    Silvia breathed deeply in her mother''s scent, the sweet, familiar smell reminding her that she was safe and protected. A feeling she craved more than ever now that their lives were in constant danger. She wrapped her arms around Nivalis'' waist, hugging her tightly, her fingers pressing gently into her flesh. As she closed her eyes, the world disappeared around her, reced by the warmth of Nivalis''s body against hers and the softness of her mother''s breasts. She focused only on breathing, letting herself forget the cold around her.


    ¡ª "It''s been a long day," Silvia whispered softly, her voice muffled against Nivalis''s breast. "Thank you, Mommy."


    Nivalis smiled gently as she ran her fingers through her daughter''s hair lovingly. "Don''t thank me, sweetie. You did such a good job taking care of your brother. I''m so proud of you," she whispered soothingly, nting a kiss on her forehead. Silvia nodded slightly, burying her face further into the softness of her mother''s breasts.


    After a minute of silence, Nivalis whispered once again hesitantly. "Honey..." she paused, "could you please suck on mommy''s nipples a bit more? It hurts again."


    Silvia raised her head from Nivalis'' chest, her silver hair falling messily over her face, framing her delicate features as she met her mother''s gaze. ¡ª"O-Okay," she agreed, her cheeks blushing in embarrassment as she opened her mouth slightly and took the tip of her mother''s right breast into it, sucking gently on the swollen, hardened nub of flesh, rolling her tongue around the are, causing it to swell even more. The tension inside the breast began to subsidize, and Nivalis let out a soft moan as she arched her back slightly, pushing her breasts forward involuntarily.


    Silvia continued suckling harder and faster, eager to relieve her mother''s difort and pain, drinking thirstily as more milk poured into her mouth, savoring the sweet nectar that tasted so delicious on her tongue and warmed her insides. The soft, slippery sounds of Silvia''s mouth filled the small shelter. The mother reached out to stroke her daughter''s hair encouragingly as her milk flowed freely down Silvia''s throat, filling her belly. Her nipples throbbed rhythmically, pulsating with each suckle her daughter made.


    ¡ª "Better?" Silvia asked shyly as she released her mother''s nipple with a wet pop and licked her lips clean."Mmhm." Nivalis nodded slightly and smiled. She tenderly cupped Silvia''s cheeks in her hands. "Now, the other one."


    Silvia immediately began suckling again on her mother''s other nipple, giving it her full attention, using both her tongue and lips to suck on it thoroughly. Once more, she drank greedily, enjoying the vor of milk and the sensation of having her mouth filled with liquid nourishment while listening to the soft,forting sound of her mother''s heartbeat echoing in her ears.


    Eventually, Silvia took her mother''s nipple out of her mouth once she had finished drinking milk, leaving it exposed to the cold air of the night. Her tongue lingered there for a moment longer, licking up everyst drop of milk that spilled out, tasting Nivalis''s skin and her salivabined together, leaving Nivalis'' nipples sore after her work was done. She licked her lips and swallowed thest remnants of her mother''s milk from her mouth.


    "Thank you, honey," Nivalis whispered softly as she started to gently rub her breasts in circr motions to release any pressure that was built up from being sucked so fiercely. She massaged and rubbed them gently, and Silvia watched in fascination as she did so.¡ª "Do you need help, Mommy?" Silvia asked quietly.


    Nivalis chuckled softly in response. "No, my dear," she replied gently. "I''ve got this. But thank you for your offer." Nivalis continued to massage her breasts that glistened from her daughter''s salvia, kneading them skillfully, squeezing and twisting them with her fingertips and palms. After a while, she stopped and let out a sigh of relief as the tension in her breasts eased up. She smiled at Silvia as she reached out and stroked her hair lightly. "Goodnight, my love."


    Silvia returned a gentle smile.¡ª "Goodnight, Mommy." She rested her head against Nivalis''s breast, snuggling in closer, and soon fell asleep listening to her mother''s steady heartbeat.


    Sleep soon came for Nivalis as well, and her eyes fluttered shut as she drifted off to sleep with her babies, as they huddled closely together for warmth. Unfortunately, due to the weather and the absence of a fire nearby, they ended up shivering shortly after drifting off to sleep. This continued well into the night as they clung to each other desperately, trying to preserve their body heat. The temperature continued dropping even further as the winds picked up outside their shelter, blowing across the ground and swirling around the trees above them. The noise of the rustling branches became louder as the wind increased in intensity.


    The howling wind eventually woke Silvia from her slumber, and she stirred groggily as she slowly blinked the sleep out of her eyes. She tried to lift her head, but her mother''s clothes kept her head pinned against Nivalis''s bosom. Her soft, pillowy breasts provided some cushioning as they pressed against Silvia''s cheek. She opened her eyes wider as she tried to look around to determine where she was. After a moment of confusion, she remembered that she was with her mother in their makeshift shelter. She slowly rested her head back down against Nivalis''s breast, rxing.


    "Not sleeping well, honey?" Nivalis whispered, her voice barely audible over the howling winds outside their shelter. She shifted slightly, trying to move the fabric of her clothes to reveal her daughter''s face, her eyes still heavy with sleep.


    Silvia shook her head and yawned sleepily, her golden eyes tired and unfocused in the darkness.¡ª "Yeah, just a little cold," she whispered.


    "Me too," Nivalis admitted as she rubbed Silvia''s back reassuringly.


    They both went silent and listened to the wind outside. Silvia spoke up softly after a whole minute of quiet.¡ª "Mommy... can I ask you something?"


    "Of course, baby girl. What''s on your mind?" Nivalis replied gently.


    Silvia blushed a bit, feeling her cheeks warm with embarrassment.¡ª "Um...well, I kinda have to go..." she trailed off awkwardly.


    "Go where darling?" Nivalis asked, looking puzzled.


    ¡ª "To... pee," Silvia replied, her voice trembling.


    Nivalis blinked in surprise, needing a moment to respond. "Oh. Okay," she said after a brief pause. "Alright then. Get ready, and let''s go."


    ¡ª "Thank you," Silvia mumbled shyly as she crawled out of her mother''s embrace, careful not to wake Aster.


    Silvia''s movements were clumsy and awkward as she struggled with the buttons on her coat. "Let me help you, sweetie," Nivalis said, chuckling lightly. She moved forward and gently pushed Silvia''s hands aside before skillfully undoing the buttons and fastening them again. "There we go, all nice and warm," she added as she helped Silvia put on her boots and wrap her scarf around her neck. "Good?"


    Silvia nodded slowly.¡ª "Thanks."


    With that, Silvia stepped outside into the cold. Nivalis followed closely behind. The wind whipped through their hair as they stepped beyond the shelter''s entrance. She held Silvia''s hand tightly, guiding her carefully through the darkness and helping her find a suitable spot to relieve herself.


    It was hard to see anything clearly, especially with the snow falling heavily around them. As Silvia began to squat down, Nivalis kept watch over her as she relieved herself on the snow. The sound of urine hitting the ground was lost among the howling of the wind. As soon as Silvia finished, Nivalis helped to wipe Silvia''s bottom gently with a piece of cloth and pull her pants up. "Come on, sweetie," Nivalis whispered reassuringly as she hugged Silvia close and led her back toward their shelter.


    As Silvia and Nivalis settled down in their shelter once again, the silence of the night slowly enveloped them. The sound of their breathing echoed loudly inside the small space. There was nothing but darkness surrounding them. Nivalis gently brushed the hair away from her daughter''s face and kissed her forehead tenderly. "There, that''s better," she whispered softly. "Now, let''s try to get some rest, okay?"


    ¡ª "Yes, Mommy," Silvia whispered back. As she closed her eyes, Nivalis''s hand rubbed her back gently, soothing her to sleep. The howling wind picked up as it grew even stronger and colder. But the only sound Silvia could hear was her mother''s gentle breathing next to her ear. She buried her face in Nivalis''s chest once again, nuzzling against her soft skin and inhaling her scent as she drifted off to sleep.


    Only to be woken up again 20 minutester by a familiar animal howl. It was a mournful, terrifying sound that seemed to echo through the forest and into their shelter. It caused Nivalis''s heart to jump in her throat and her blood to freeze in her veins.


    ¡ª "W-what was that?" Silvia whispered nervously.


    "I don''t know," Nivalis admitted honestly, but part of her remembered this howl from yesterday. "Stay quiet and close to me, sweetie." She said as she pulled Silvia towards her and hugged her protectively.


    Another howl echoed through the air. They waited quietly in the darkness as the sounds continued to echo around them. As soon as the second howl faded into silence, another one began, followed by another. The howls seemed to reverberate throughout the entire forest. Each time a new sound arose, goosebumps on Nivalis'' body rose with fear.


    Then Nivalis remembered. Silvia''s pee! Her scent. The beast probably smelled her urine in the snow. Nivalis gasped. "How could I be so stupid!?" this single thought screamed in her head. The smell will lead whatever creature out there straight to them, to their hideout. Ordinary wolves could smell even the slightest scent, but the animals in this forest were nothing but normal. Her children were in danger because of her, because she had not taken proper precautions.


    Nivalis''s heart raced in her chest, pounding wildly as she frantically tried to think of a n to save herself and her children, but the horrifying noises outside seemed to grow louder by the moment, sending shivers down her spine and making it difficult for her to concentrate on anything else.


    Then, the howls suddenly stopped, and the forest went eerily silent. The only sound was the gentle rustling of the trees above them as the wind blew through their branches. Minutes dragged on without a single sound being heard. Nivalis began to wonder if perhaps the creatures had simply passed by and were now gone, but she dared not hope for it to be true. Her hands trembled as she took several deep breaths and sat still in silence, waiting, straining her elven ears for any sign of danger.


    Just as Nivalis started to regain hope, terrifying howls resumed once again. They were still distant but unmistakably closer. Nivalis knew that she had to act quickly. She collected her thoughts and made a decision. She would grab everything they had, stuff it all back onto the sled, and flee as fast as they could into the night, getting as far away from these creatures as possible. It was a dangerous idea, but there was no other choice. Hiding was not an option as they could easily smell them.


    She rushed outside to quickly prepare their sled, taking every scrap of food and nkets from inside their shelter, folding them neatly, and packing them as swiftly as possible. Silvia watched Nivalis with terror written all over her face but remained obedient and stayed silent as her mother worked.


    Their meager belongings were ready in mere minutes, piled up on the sled. Everything was set. It was now or never. Nivalis looked down at her terrified child and whispered shaky, "Sweetheart...e here."


    Nivalis helped her daughter climb onto the sled and positioned herfortably. She firmly grabbed Silvia''s tiny hand and ced it atop the nket she sat on. "Hold onto this, okay? Hold it tight and don''t let go, understand? We have to leave quickly, and it will be quite bumpy." Silvia just nodded quickly in response. She stared at the nket, gripping her tiny fingers tightly against the cloth.


    Nivalis took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and then began to pull the sled, with Silvia holding on tightly as they ventured into the darkness.


    The forest around them was pitch ck, and Nivalis could barely make out the shape of trees as she moved ahead blindly, pulling the sled behind her. The only thing Nivalis cared about at that moment was getting in the opposite direction from where those beasts wereing.


    Silvia could feel her heartbeat skip a beat every time she heard a howl. Her sled bumped along the uneven terrain, asionally jolting Silvia ufortably with each dip and rise. Her tiny butt bounced painfully against the pile of supplies she sat on, causing her small asscheeks to hurt badly. Her lips felt dry, cracked from the cold air, tasting like metal whenever she licked them to moisten them, only to have them get even more painful momentster.


    The sound of the howls grew closer and closer, sounding more and more threatening and intimidating. The wind picked up around them, howling angrily as if it, too, were chasing them. The coldness stung Silvia''s face, freezing her tears as they rolled down her cheeks. She heard how her mother''s boots crushed the snow with every step as they ran. Her heavy breathing filled her ears.


    ...


    After what felt like an eternity, they stopped so Nivalis could catch a break. She leaned on a tree trunk for support as her chest heaved with each ragged breath as she looked around frantically, her face flushed from exertion and the bitter cold that nipped at her skin. Fog escaped from her mouth in small clouds one by one, obscuring the view of her sweat-glistened features. She wiped the sweat from her brow with her gloved hand and turned to face her children. Silvia and Aster were fine and seemed unhurt. Relief washed over Nivalis but didn''tst long.


    Another howl echoed through the forest, the same distance away from them as before - it felt like they hadn''t moved at all since this nightmare began. Nivalis couldn''t tell how far they had traveled, nor did she have any idea where they were headed, but she couldn''t stop to figure it out. She grabbed the rope and resumed their flight, fighting through exhaustion. Her legs felt heavy as lead, weighed down by exhaustion and coldness. She pushed herself onward through sheer force of will.


    ...


    After hours of continuous running through the forest, Nivalis finally copsed in exhaustion onto the snow-covered ground. Her legs gave way beneath her as she gasped for breath, unable to endure any longer. Her slender body couldn''t handle this much physical strain anymore, especially when they hadn''t slept much for thest two nights. Her lungs burned with everybored breath, her throat ached as if someone was choking her, and her chest tightened with every beat of her heart.


    Nivalisy in the snow, staring at the sky above, watching as the first rays of sunrise broke through the trees, casting a faint light upon their frozen surroundings. Her breathing was ragged and uneven. Her heart raced wildly, and her body trembled uncontrobly. Her whole body ached as if she had just run a marathon. Her muscles burned and cramped painfully as if they had been stretched to their limits. Her lungs screamed for air, and her vision blurred and darkened from fatigue.


    Another howl rang in her ears somewhere in the distance, but she was too exhausted to care anymore. She was numb everywhere, cold, and tired. Her eyelids felt heavy, and she could barely keep them open any longer.


    Silvia silently observed her mother breathing heavily, lying on the ground. She carefully climbed from the sled, carrying Aster in her arms, and approached Nivalis. She knelt beside her mother, wrapping her arms tightly around her chest as shey her head upon Nivalis'' heaving bosom.


    Theyy in silence, waiting for whatevering for them toe. Nivalis just stared at the sky, tears streaming down her face, her blue eyes full of regret.


    "I''m so sorry, Silvia," Nivalis muttered. "I didn''t mean for any of this to happen. I wanted you to be safe and happy..."


    ¡ª "It''s okay, Mommy. I understand." Silvia said as she cried silently as well, refusing to leave her side despite the fear of approaching death looming over them.


    Nivalis pulled her children closer as she gently embraced them, her arms encircling them protectively. "I love you two very much." She whispered, her voice breaking as tears continued to roll down her cheeks.


    As the minutes passed, the morning sun rose even higher, warming the air slightly. Once Nivalis'' breathing had calmed, a strange sound reached Silvia''s half-elven ears, a faint, strangely familiar sound somewhere in the distance. A non-stopping, buzzing but somehow soothing sound. It reminded her of something, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    ¡ª "Mommy, what is that noise? Do you hear it too?" Silvia asked as she lifted her tear-stained face from Nivalis'' chest and turned her ear toward the sound.


    Her mother didn''t answer at first. She was about to repeat the question when Nivalis finally spoke. "Yes, I hear it," she said quietly, her blue eyes reflecting the glimpse of light. Silvia could see the recognition on her mother''s face as if she knew the sound. "It''s..." she started to say but stopped, hesitating to finish the sentence.


    ¡ª "What is it, Mommy?" Silvia asked eagerly.


    "It''s..." Nivalis paused as she listened intently to the sound, her expression thoughtful. "It sounds like a river!" she finally said.


    Nivalis couldn''t believe it. It was their chance to save themselves. Nivalis rose, and while leaning on a tree for support, she got back on her feet. "Come on! Hurry up!" She urged Silvia as she grabbed the rope and pulled the sled wearily again towards the sound''s source.


    As they approached closer, the noise grew louder and louder, drowning out all other sounds. Soon, it was so loud Silvia could barely hear anything else.


    They reached the edge of the dark forest.


    On the other side of the river ¡ª normal-looking pine trees with brown trunks and green needles. Something this small family so longed to see, something an average person would usually pay no attention to, but for them, it looks like they have found haven, and it was just before them. The sun reflected brightly off the flowing water of the fast-flowing river before them. The crystal-clear stream gushed past them, sshing up white foam.


    Nivalis gazed at the water flowing before her, her blue eyes sparkling. She saw a chance to save their lives. "River..." She murmured. Her heart leaped within her chest as she looked at the sight, hope rising within her. The only chance they can survive is to cross it and reach the other side, where beasts can''t track them. If they can get to the other bank, they will be saved.


    "Honey, we''re going to cross this river." Her voice was gentle but firm. "It''s the only way we can get away from this ce. I need you to be brave and hold on tight to your brother, alright?" She instructed Silvia firmly as she stared directly into her golden eyes.


    ¡ª "Okay, Mommy. I''ll do my best." Silvia''s voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm.


    "Sled is too small for me, so I''ll be right behind you, pulling it through the water," Nivalis added reassuringly. "So just stay calm, alright?" She ced her hands gently on Silvia''s shoulders and smiled kindly. "The sled will float, and I can swim. There''s no reason to be worried."


    ¡ª "Alright, Mommy," Silvia whispered. She took Aster''s tiny hand in her own and squeezed it lightly. "Don''t be scared, little brother. I''m here with you," she whispered.


    Before them was a wide river. There was no ice anywhere; only crystal clear waters flowed swiftly, looking as cold as the winter itself. A light breeze rustled through the pine trees. The sun shone brightly, its warmth doing little to warm them up as they stood on the snowy bank.


    Nivalis started to strip off her clothes, starting with her boots. She quickly removed each boot, cing them inside the sled, making sure it wouldn''t get wet.


    She removed her upper clothes, exposing her pale, bare skin to the cold air. Nivalis winced slightly but quickly regainedposure. Her breasts jiggled with every movement, and goosebumps rose on her skin. She removed her pants next, revealing her thighs and calves to the frigid air. She started to shiver but continued to remove her clothes, stripping bare. The cold was almost unbearable, but Nivalis steeled herself against it. She grabbed the rope attached to the sled and wrapped it around her hand.


    Silvia grits her teeth and holds onto Aster as their sled slowly moves toward the water. She nced back to see her naked mother pulling the sled from behind right into the water.


    ¡ª "Ah?!" Silvia cried out in surprise once the sled hit the water and started to float, her voice echoing across the water''s surface.


    "It''s alright, honey. Everything will be fine," Nivalis reassured her daughter as she gripped the wood of the sled tightly. Silvia nced back again and watched as her mother slowly lowered herself into the river, gasping at how cold it was. Her teeth chattered involuntarily. Her lips were turning blue, and her skin grew red with every passing moment. She gritted her teeth and pushed onward. The current was strong and swift, but the sled remained steady thanks to Nivalis. "Don''t worry, honey. I can do this. Just hold on tight to your brother, and don''t let him fall into the water, okay?" Her voice echoed through the air.


    ¡ª "Yes, Mommy." Silvia''s reply was barely audible. "Please, be careful."


    The water was freezing, but Nivalis pressed on, keeping her hands firmly gripped onto the wood of the sled as the water tried to carry it downstream. As they went deeper and deeper, the water rushed past Nivalis'' hips and up to her waist. The cold became unbearable. She struggled to maintain her grip on the sled, and every fiber of her being cried out for her to stop. But she kept pushing onward, driven by her love and concern for her children. She needed to get them safely to the other side of the river. Nothing else mattered.


    Nivalis'' legs started to grow numb. She could barely feel anything below her knees anymore. But she continued to push against the current, forcing the sled to keep moving. It was agonizing. Pain shot through her body. Her body convulsed. She gasped as her teeth chattered together violently. The cold was so intense she couldn''t think straight. All she could focus on was moving forward. The icy cold water washed over her naked form, and the harsh currents tore at her body. It felt like millions of tiny daggers were stabbing her simultaneously.


    They went further, deep enough for Nivalis to lose her footing. The river''s flow became even stronger, and she had no choice but to let it drag her forward while desperately clinging to the sled, which now more than ever resembled a raft, her legs dangling uselessly behind her, making little difference. A violent shiver ran up her spine. The cold was like nothing she''d ever experienced before. Silvia, barely holding herself on the sled, saw her mother struggle to stay afloat, her eyes wide with terror.


    Nivalis'' body started to go numb. Her vision blurred as the cold became overwhelming. She barely managed to stay conscious to keep herself from drowning. The sled careened wildly downriver, pulling her along with it. She was no longer in control. Her body was at the mercy of the raging current. She was powerless.


    Silvia screamed in terror as she saw her mother suddenly disappear beneath the water.


    A secondter, she saw Nivalis emerge again, her body thrashing wildly in the strong currents. A violent wave mmed into her face, causing her to go under once more. After a moment, she resurfaced, her eyes wide with fear and desperation. "Silvia! Hold on!! Please, hang in there!!" She cried out. "Don''t let go! Don''t ever let go!!" Silvia didn''t answer, just clung tightly to the nket beneath her, clutching Aster fiercely, afraid she would drop him if she loosened her grip on him for even a fraction of a second.


    After an eternity of struggling against the water, Nivalis and her children finally reached the opposite shore.


    She crawled desperately to reach the solid ground, panting heavily as she copsed onto her back, coughing out water, exhausted and spent. Her body was shaking violently from the cold, and she could hardly speak as her teeth chattered together uncontrobly.


    ¡ª "MOMMY!" Silvia screamed as her heart pounded wildly. She rushed to her mother''s side and threw her arms around her, embracing her tightly. "I was so scared! I thought you''d drowned!" Silvia sobbed uncontrobly, tears rolling down her cheeks as she clung to her mother desperately. "You''re alive, Mommy! You''re alive!" she wept joyously.


    "Q-Quickly, we need t-to make f-fire," Nivalis said through clenched jaws, trying to stop her teeth from chattering. "G-Get m-m-my clothes, p-please," Nivalis ordered her daughter. And Silvia did as she was told.


    Silvia handed clothes one by one as Nivalis tried to dry and dress herself, but it wasn''t easy, as she was shivering so badly. Nivalis''s body felt like a block of ice beneath Silvia''s fingertips as she helped her dress. And once the task waspleted, Silvia wrapped her nket tightly around Nivalis.


    "W-We n-need fire, h-honey," Nivalis repeated while sitting down, her body still trembling uncontrobly from the cold. "C-Collect s-some w-wood," she instructed her daughter.


    Silvia nodded quickly and set off into the woods just nearby, searching for branches that might be dry enough to burn. Once she got a sizable amount, she piled them next to her mother. Then she rushed for the flint and a knife and handed both to her mother.


    With her hands trembling from the cold, Nivalis started to strike the steel against the flint to create a spark, but she was too weak to produce even a single one. Strike after strike, Nivalis failed miserably to start a fire, and her hands trembled so badly that she even dropped the flint.


    ¡ª "It''s okay, Mommy. You can do this." Silviaforted her as she reached out to help her pick it up.


    Nivalis sighed in frustration as she struck harder and faster, grunting with effort as she desperately tried to start a me. The past weeks of practice taught her well, and after a dozen more strikes, she seeded in creating a small spark, strong enough to ignite a tiny ember on a piece of dried pine bark. With her breath held tightly in anticipation, she bent low and blew on the ember gently until it grew into a small me, then tossed it on top of the pile of dry kindling Silvia had gathered earlier. The mes spread rapidly and soon grew into a zing fire.


    Nivalis reached out with trembling hands and held them above the fire. She stared at them in relief and rubbed them together, trying to bring feeling back to her fingers.


    "Thank goodness," Nivalis mumbled in a hushed tone. She nced at her daughter, who sat beside her, shivering without a nket since she gave it to her mother. Nivalis called Silvia to her and hugged her daughter in herp as they sat together by the fire.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 26: Home

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    As the warmth slowly returned to her fingers and toes, Nivalis let out a tired groan and got up, moving slowly and clumsily.¡ª "Come on, sweetie," she whispered to her daughter, her voice scratchy from the cold, pain, and tiredness. "Let''s find a good spot to sleep for the night."


    The sun had risen in the sky, casting a bright light upon their surroundings, illuminating thendscape in a way that made the whole area look more colorful and warmer. But Nivalis was too worn out to enjoy it. She simply grabbed their sled and headed towards the pine forest, away from the riverbank, where she hoped to find a decent ce to rest, finally. Silvia followed her silently, this time not sitting in the sled but collecting branches and twigs as they walked, slowly filling the sled with wood.


    As Nivalis trudged through the forest, she looked around carefully, searching for a suitable ce for them. She soon noticed a small, partially hidden entrance to a cave, almost invisible unless you were looking for it, and it looked like just another patch of darkness she so desperately tried to run from. Nivalis stopped before it, unsure if it was worth investigating, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. After a moment''s hesitation, she stepped forward and peeked inside cautiously.


    To her surprise, the cave was quite small. Part of her had expected it to be arge undergroundwork with many unthinkable creatures inside, but this was just a tiny cavity, no bigger than her living room back in the vige. Yet big enough to shelter the three of them from the elements. After ensuring nothing was lurking inside, Nivalis sighed with relief and entered, dragging the sled behind her.


    The wind constantly blew in and out of the cavern entrance, causing it to whistle slightly. But once she stepped inside, the noise disappeared, leaving only silence. The interior of the cave was surprisingly dry despite the snow outside. Its walls were covered with roots, and the ceiling was high enough for Nivalis to stand upright and move aroundfortably. The floor was uneven but not too rocky or ufortable to walk on. And there were no signs of any creatures inhabiting it, except for a few spider webs in the corners ¡ª nothing a woman who took care of the entire household couldn''t handle.


    Nivalis sighed in relief as she looked around the cave, her breath forming mist in the chilly air.¡ª "Thank Goddes, something good happened to us finally," Nivalis mumbled to herself. "This is perfect, Silvia, honey." She said as she turned toward her daughter, giving her a reassuring smile. "We are safe here."


    "Safe..." Silvia repeated quietly as she slowly nodded her head. Her golden eyes were still full of uncertainty. Nivalis walked closer, gently touching the girl''s cheek.


    ¡ª "Yes, my sweet, everything''s going to be fine now. Let''s settle here and rest well." Leaning down, she nted a soft kiss on her daughter''s forehead, a gesture that brought a faint blush to Silvia''s cheeks. Silvia''s lips quivered slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she nodded again. "Okay, Mommy," she whispered softly. The tender touch of her mother''s lips against her skin helped to ease her fears.Carefully, Nivalisid out their belongings, arranging everything neatly around them. She prepared a cozy nest of nkets where they could restfortably. Then, she took the wood Silvia had gathered and used it to build a small fire near their sleeping area. As the mes crackled and danced, she hung their pot over the fire, filling it with snow to melt and boil. Despite her overwhelming fatigue, Nivalis decided to prepare a warm meal first. It had been far too long since they had eaten something warm.


    As the snow slowly melted, Nivalis watched Silvia, whoy with her brother in her arms. In just a few minutes, both children had sumbed to sleep next to the crackling fire. Nivalis smiled softly as she looked down at them, curled up peacefully. Silvia sucked her thumb, making quiet sucking noises in her sleep, while drool trickled down her cheek and pooled on the shared nket. Aster, nestled in his sister''s embrace, slept with his head resting on her arm. The scene was so adorable that it almost brought tears to Nivalis''s eyes.


    Just moments ago, she had been on the verge of giving up. She had thought that everything was lost, that her life and the lives of her children woulde to an abrupt end. But now, they were safe, warm, and sheltered inside a cave. It all seemed so unreal as if they had been granted a miracle. For the first time in days, Nivalis allowed herself to rx, leaning her back against the stone wall next to her. The relief was palpable like a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. As she waited for the water to bubble, she closed her eyes, taking in the fire''s crackling and her children''s rhythmic breathing.


    ...


    The stew bubbled and simmered in the pot as Nivalis stirred it asionally, the savory aroma enveloping the cave, bringing a feeling offort and security. The scent of the cooking meat momentarily transported her back to the warmth of her long-lost home. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to forget about their struggles, the approachingck of food, and the possible dangers lurking just outside. Instead, she simply focused on enjoying this moment with her children.


    Soon enough, the soup was finally ready. Nivalis carefullydled it into two bowls, then gently roused Silvia from her slumber.¡ª "Wake up, baby girl," she whispered lovingly as she shook the girl gently.


    Silvia blinked sleepily as she woke up. She sat up and yawned widely. "Morning already?" she asked in confusion.


    ¡ª "No, my darling, it''s still daytime." Nivalis chuckled as she stroked Silvia''s hair affectionately. "Here, I''ve made something for us." With a tender smile, she offered the bowl and spoon to Silvia.


    Blinking her golden eyes open, Silvia gazed at the steam rising from the bowl of stew. She sat up slowly, her butt still sore from sitting on the sled, and rubbed her eyes with one hand, letting out a sleepy yawn. Her stomach rumbled loudly as she reached out with both hands, eagerly epting the food. Nivalis watched with a gentle smile as Silvia dove into the food without a word, polishing off her bowl in record time.


    ¡ª "Don''t forget to chew your food," Nivalis warned her daughter with a chuckle, a warmth in her voice.


    Silvia immediately slowed her eating speed and chewed carefully, loudly gulping every mouthful while trying not to choke herself in the process. She licked her lips thoughtfully before speaking again. "It tastes really good, Mommy. Thank you very much," she said softly, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at her mother.


    ¡ª "You''re wee, honey," Nivalis replied with a sweet smile, lovingly stroking the soft cheek of her daughter as she spoke. "I''m so happy to hear that."


    Silvia returned her mother''s smile with one just as bright and innocent, and then she turned back to her bowl and continued to eat, savoring the vors of their simple food. The rest of their meal passed quietly, both basking in the warmth and peace of being together in this tiny cavern. When they had finished their meal, it was time for them to rest properly.¡ª "Is it just me, or is it quite warm here?" Nivalis asked, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Her smile never left her face as she spoke.


    "I think it''s perfect," Silvia answered, nodding in agreement as she crawled into their makeshift bedding. "I wish it always stayed like this," she added as she started to remove her clothes. She pulled off her socks first, revealing her delicate feet. They were small and thin, with tiny toes that wiggled freely in the air yfully, as she enjoyed the feeling of warmth seeping into them. "Feels good," a soft giggle escaped her lips as she enjoyed the sensation.


    ¡ª "I agree," Nivalis replied as she climbed into the warm nkets alongside her children and started to remove her own clothes.


    Then Silvia slipped off her pants, having nothing under them. Her pale-skinned legs had the flickering light of the fire dancing on them. She kicked them aside before removing her upper clothing, leaving herself fully nude. She stood up, stretching her arms over her head, arching her back slightly. "Oh, I love being warm," she eximed, her voice ringing happily in the quiet of the cave.


    When Nivalis removed herst piece of clothing, Silvia jumped in her arms, hugging her mother tightly. She nuzzled her face against her mother''s swollen breasts, rubbing her cheeks against them. Nivalis wrapped her arms tightly around her daughter, pressing their naked bodies together as they hugged each other. They both giggled softly from the pleasant sensation of their warm skin touching one another. It felt so natural and wonderful, especially after suffering such cold for so long.


    Neither of them spoke a single word. They simplyy there, enjoying the warmth and closeness of each other, listening to the crackling of the mes in silence, their skin rubbing together gently as they all basked in the heat radiating from the fire.


    As theyy on the ground together, Silvia, as she usually does, began to suckle at her mother''s nipple, her beautiful golden eyes locked on Nivalis''s face as she sucked, drawing milk from her breast. Nivalis sighed as the pressure inside her breasts eased, and she cupped her daughter''s head in her hand, stroking her hair gently as Silvia sucked and drank greedily. Then she turned to her son, Aster, and also began to nurse him. Hetched on and started drinking, his face rxing as he closed his eyes and settled in her armfortably.


    Nivalis leaned back, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the moment. It was blissful to be with her children like this, to feel their warmth and their presence close to her, their mouths feeding from her breasts.


    As her two children quickly drank their fill, Nivalis wrapped a nket around all three of them. Silvia, as usual, rested on top of her mother, using her mother''s breasts as pillows.¡ª "Sweet dreams," Nivalis whispered as she tenderly stroked her daughter''s back and watched how it caused Silvia''s eyes to close slowly. Nivalis gently pressed her lips against her son''s forehead before finally allowing her eyelids to close, letting the cracking sounds of the fire lull her to sleep.


    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    Silvia shifted uneasily in her sleep, her difort increasing as she became aware of something damp on her face. She was still sleepy, so she attempted to ignore it, rubbing her head against her mother''s breasts and burying her face deeper into its pillowy surface. As shey there on top of Nivalis, she inhaled her mother''s sweet scent deeply, and it was even more pronounced than usual for some reason, making her smile happily. Her mouth watered with every breath of a sweet fragrance that was utterly unique and special to Nivalis alone.


    But the dampness against her skin persisted, urging her eyes to open, blinking away the remnants of sleepiness as she struggled to adjust to the dimly lit room. She didn''t know what time it was but sensed it was veryte. Without moving her head much, she looked at the fire nearby her and noticed that it burned down to a dim glow, and the chill in the air had returned. She slowly turned her head towards Nivalis, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight before her.


    Her mother''s flushed cheeks and rapid breathing indicated she was experiencing an intense fever. Nivalis''s face and body were covered in beads of sweat, and because of it, her skin glistened heavily, reflecting the glow of the dying fire off her naked body.


    ¡ª "M-Mommy..." Silvia whispered worriedly as she gently shook Nivalis, trying to wake her up. Her mother''s eyes were unfocused as they opened briefly and closed again.


    ¡ª "Mommy? Are you okay?" Silvia asked worriedly as she touched Nivalis''s forehead with her small palm. The touch caused Nivalis to moan softly as she squirmed slightly underneath her. Her skin was feverishly hot. Nivalis breathed raggedly and moaned softly in her sleep. Her lips parted slightly as she exhaled sharply through her nose, and Silvia could hear her mumbling incoherently in her sleep.


    ¡ª "Please wake up," Silvia pleaded desperately as she gently shook her mother by the shoulders, trying to wake her up. Her efforts were futile, however. Nivalis remained unconscious, seemingly oblivious to her pleas. "Mommy! Please, you must wake up! Something is wrong with you!" Silvia cried out as tears started to roll down her cheeks. She couldn''t understand why her mother couldn''t wake up.


    Silvia continued to cry as she tried to shake her mother awake, but Nivalis wouldn''t respond. She shivered visibly and was clearly in pain.¡ª "Please, Mommy! Please, open your eyes!" Silvia begged her desperately, unable toprehend what was wrong with her mother.


    ...


    As the sun rose over the horizon, Silvia saw its light peeking through the cracks in the cave''s entrance, illuminating the space with its golden hue. Silvia hadn''t moved a muscle all this time as she sat by her mother''s side, watching over her while tears streamed down her face.


    Nivalis was still moaning, mumbling something iprehensible. Silvia couldn''t understand a word she was saying. Her mother''s expression was twisted in pain and suffering, and sweat trickled down her face and neck as her chest rose and fell with every shallow breath. The cave became even colder, and the fire had already gone out long ago. It was so cold that Silvia began to shiver, too. She pulled her knees to her chest, hugging them tightly.


    ¡ª "Please, Mommy... I beg of you... Wake up, please!" Silvia pleaded between sobs, her voice quivering. She gently patted Nivalis''s cheek with one hand while the other grasped her mother''s hand tightly. "Please, Mommy... It''s getting cold here... You have to wake up now..." Her voice trailed off weakly as tears continued to fall down her face. Her words were barely audible due to her sobbing.


    ...


    Hours went by, and panic bubbled inside of Silvia, urging her to do something to help her mother, yet her mind was nk, unable to find a single idea. So she sat there beside Nivalis, holding onto her hand and crying silently, waiting for something miraculous to happen, but it just didn''t. Her mother still moaned in agony, barely conscious and writhing helplessly. Silvia had tried everything to wake her up, but her mother remained unresponsive.


    The first thing her young mind came up with was to try to make a fire. She thought that maybe if her mother got warm, she would stop shivering, and things might be alright again. She quickly grabbed her coat and stepped out into the cold to find dry branches scattered on the ground nearby.


    As she returned, Silvia rummaged through their belongings with shaking hands, searching for the flint, knife, and kindling. Her heart pounded as she carefully arranged the branches around the remnants of the fire they''d had the night before. Nervously, she struck the steel against the flint, copying her mother''s movements, desperate to create a spark to ignite a me. The tension in the cave grew with each unsessful attempt. Her mother''sbored breathing and beads of sweat on her forehead haunted Silvia as she struggled with starting the fire. She watched helplessly as her mother''s trembling body shook, and the despair only worsened.


    Frustration boiled over, and she struck the steel against the flint harder than ever before. Finally, a spark appeared, followed by a small cloud of smoke from the kindling. Silvia watched anxiously as it continued to smoke but refused to re up and be a fire.


    Then she remembered how her mother would gently blow onto the tiny me to help it grow into arger fire, so she tried the same technique. Bending down, she blew softly upon the kindling with a shaky breath. Tears filled her eyes as she watched it fail to catch, and the tiny ember started to fade into darkness.¡ª "Please," she whispered quietly, her voice trembling, "Don''t die, Mommy, please."


    Desperation filled Silvia''s heart as she felt the hope slipping away. Just when all seemed lost, a tiny red ember appeared in the middle of the kindling, as if from nowhere, burning brightly at its core. A spark of hope ignited within her chest, and she blew on it once more, watching it grow brighter with every breath. She took a deep breath and blew again, as strongly as she could manage, forcing all the air from her lungs. Miraculously, the kindling caught alight, and an orange me eagerly consumed the wood around it. Silvia felt triumph surge through her veins as the first yellow tongues of fire danced along the branches.¡ª "Yes!" she cried in victory, pumping her fist into the air.


    Silvia added more wood to the fire until it grew stronger and warmer, filling the cave with light and heat. The mes flickered and danced, casting a warm glow on their cave walls. Once the fire burned brightly and steadily, she turned back towards her mother and rushed over to her side.


    ¡ª "Mommy! Mommy!" Silvia cried out as she kneeled beside her, taking Nivalis''s cold hands in hers. Her mother''s face was pale, beaded with sweat, and the shaky rhythm of her breaths seemed more stable than before, if only slightly so. Silvia gently wiped the sweat from her mother''s forehead with the sleeve of her coat. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips were slightly parted.


    Silvia sped her hands together tightly and began to whisper quietly, ¡ª "Please, Gods and Goddesses, protect my Mommy. Do not take her away from us." Silvia prayed with all her heart. "Please, spare her life and keep her with us. I promise I will be a good girl."


    But nothing happened, and Nivalis remained lying there, motionless. Silvia looked at her mother, not understanding why this had to happen, why her mother had to suffer like this, especially after everything they had been through. Silvia threw her arms around Nivalis, burying her face in her mother''s chest as she sobbed uncontrobly, choking back sobs between muffled cries.


    ...


    It was early evening already, and the sun was beginning to sink below the horizon, bathing everything in its fading light. Snow had started falling again, coating everything white. Inside the cave, Silvia tried to feed little Aster, bringing him closer to Nivalis'' breast and instructing him to suckle.


    The infanttched onto Nivalis'' nipple reluctantly and began drinking her milk. Her belly growled in hunger as well, but right now, she was more concerned about Nivalis and Aster''s wellbeing than her own needs. She didn''t want to leave her mother''s side even for a moment. So she waited patiently until the baby boy was satisfied. Silvia then gently lowered Aster to sleep next to Nivalis.


    Silvia sat quietly, staring at the fire for who knows how long. The only sound was the asional crackling of burning wood she collected throughout the day. Her eyes zed over as she gazed into the mes. Her mind wandered aimlessly. She wasn''t thinking about anything specific. Her belly grumbled again, reminding her once more of her hunger. She had not eaten anything for the whole day.


    She nced over at her mother, who remained unconscious, and realized that Nivalis had not taken a single sip of water or eaten anything since as well, and it made her worried. She grabbed a waterskin from their supplies, brought it to her mother''s lips, and tilted it carefully so the liquid flowed into Nivalis''s mouth, which caused her to cough violently, and the water spilled everywhere.


    Silvia tried again, but Nivalis couldn''t swallow anything. She coughed violently again, and the water dribbled down her chin and onto the nkets below. Tears streamed down Silvia''s cheeks as she sat there, unsure what to do. Her mind raced frantically, trying to think of a solution.


    Finally, she had an idea. Silvia grabbed a waterskin and slowly poured the contents into her own mouth, tilting her head back slightly. Once the water filled her cheeks, Silvia leaned forward and pressed her lips to Nivalis''s, all while pinching her nose shut with her fingers. Silvia began to blow water gently into Nivalis''s mouth. Her mother choked, struggling to breathe, but eventually swallowed most of the liquid, taking a few quick breaths. Afterward, Silvia wiped away the water that dribbled down her chin with her sleeve.


    Once more, Silvia put some of the water into her mouth, blowing it into Nivalis''s puffy lips and doing her best to keep the water flowing down her throat without choking her. Silvia repeated this several times until the waterskin was empty.


    ¡ª "Good, Mommy, that''s good," Silvia said encouragingly while wiping away tears with the back of her hand and carefully cing the empty waterskin beside her. "I will try to make something for us to eat now."


    She rose from her position and picked up a pan, slightly bent from a previous encounter with the creature in the dark woods but still functional. Just like her mother had done many times before, Silvia collected snow into the pot just by the cave entrance and carried it back inside. With a struggle, she ced it on the fire and sat down close to her mother. She watched as it slowly melted into water, waiting patiently, determined to stay by her mother''s side at all times in case she needed help.


    Then, she looked through their supplies for anything edible and took a few potatoes and a carrot. She also found a knife, the same one she used to protect her mother, and her hand started to tremble in fear so much that she dropped the knife onto the ground, unable to pick it up again. An image of a man she killed to save her mother appeared in her mind, causing her to recall her most painful memory.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª"I-it''s okay..." She stammered shakily as she reluctantly grabbed the fallen knife off the ground. "I-I need to... I have to do this for Mommy." She reassured herself nervously while staring nkly at the de of the knife in her trembling hand, remembering how it felt when she drove it deep into the flesh, but quickly forced her attention elsewhere and attempted to peel the skin off the potatoes with trembling hands.


    Then, she tried her best to cut everything the way her mother taught her, but her movements were too awkward. It was more difficult than she remembered, as her tiny hands couldn''t grip the knife securely, so her cuts were clumsy and uneven.¡ª "Why this is so hard..." Silviained under her breath as she bit her lower lip with frustration. While she was cutting, she identally pricked herself on the finger. Blood dripped from her tiny finger, causing her to yelp in pain. She quickly put it into her mouth and sucked the blood off.


    She struggled with the task for a long time, slicing the ingredients slowly and meticulously until it finally looked eptable enough, dropping everything into the pot, and waiting for the water to boil.


    ¡ª "What else should I put in here?" She asked herself as she looked around for anything else to add to the soup. And then she remembered how her mother always added dried herbs to their food to make it taste better. She searched through their supplies again and found some dried herbs wrapped in cloth. "These should be okay to use, right?" Silvia inquired uncertainly, though no one was there to answer her questions.


    With that question, Silvia threw a pinch of the herbs into the water and started stirring it.¡ª "How do I know if it''s done?" She asked herself. She stared at the boiling water, wondering if it was time to take the pot off the fire and start eating. "Maybe I should wait longer," Silvia thought as she continued to stir the water while checking it periodically for any changes.


    ...


    As the snow continued to fall and the wind started to pick up outside the cave, Silvia leaned over her mother and whispered.¡ª "Don''t worry, Mommy, I will take care of you." She wiped her teary eyes once again and took a deep breath.


    She took the bowl with the soup she made and dipped a spoon into it, scooping out a few small bits of the potato, and raised it to her lips. She blew on it gently, cooling it down, and put it into her mouth. The vegetable felt nd and tasteless in her mouth, a massive contrast to the delicious meals her mother had always cooked for her. But still, it was something.


    As Silvia chewed thoughtfully, making sure no big chunks were left in her mouth, she leaned closer to her mother''s face, holding her jaw open with one hand as she pinched her nostrils with the other. Then, she opened her own mouth and pressed her lips to Nivalis''s, pouring the partially chewed pieces of potato and a few drops of her saliva into her mother''s throat. Silvia''s lips were moist and tasted slightly salty from her tears. She blew gently, pushing the food into Nivalis''s mouth while making sure nothing spilled out.


    Nivalis swallowed reflexively, choking slightly on the mush that slid down her throat. Silvia wiped away a trail of liquid that had dribbled down her mother''s chin and continued to feed her, asionally taking a bite herself. She kept the pace going, alternating between Nivalis and herself, slowly finishing the entire pot of soup.


    As soon as Silvia was done eating, she sat next to her mother, resting her head on Nivalis'' chest, listening to her heart beating beneath her ear, afraid it might stop beating at any moment. With the other hand, she gently caressed Nivalis'' cheek with her fingertips, stroking her mother''s hair away from her face.¡ª "Please... Don''t leave me, Mommy..." Silvia sobbed softly.


    As night fell outside, the firelight inside the cave cast eerie shadows across Nivalis''s pale features. Her skin, still glistened with sweat, reflected the flickering orange glow of the fire. Her eyes fluttered open briefly before closing again as if she had been dreaming. Silvia watched her intently, keeping an eye on her mother''s every movement, not daring to let herself fall asleep for fear that she might miss something important.


    Silvia tried to remain awake as long as her 5-year-old body allowed her, but eventually, she grew too tired and exhausted. Her eyelids felt heavy, and her vision blurred. She fell asleep while sitting, resting her head on her mother''s chest. Aster slept nearby as well, cuddling up against his mother''s side.

 Chapter 29: Crawling u0026 curiosity

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Aster had a lot of time to think about his previous life and his future in this one. He loved being with his mother and sister, and they had given him a sense of security and love that he hadn''t felt... never, probably. But despite this, a big part of him wondered about his brothers and mother from his old world. How are they doing? Does someone miss him? Or at least, remembers?


    Sometimes, Aster would lie in his bed, staring up and thinking about everything that had happened to him so far. It seemed like a dream, all of it. To this day, part of him expects it to be just a vivid hallucination and that he was still in that hospital bed, all alone, on the verge of dying. But seeing his mother''s beautiful face and feeling Silvia''s warm hugs... it was impossible not to believe this was real. He is indeed here with his new, elven family. He has a loving mother and a lovely big sister, and they have a small cave to call their own. This small cave is everything they have, yet somehow, it feels like enough.


    With each passing day, his attachment to this new world grew stronger, and his memories of Earth began to fade slowly... No, not disappear, but be distant, insignificant. As Elysia, the goddess of music, wanted him to be, he focused on just being happy. His one and only n is simply to enjoy his time with his family and do his best to help his mother and sister so they can be happy, too.


    Aster didn''t know exactly how old he was. A half of a year, maybe? When you are a baby, it is extremely difficult to determine the time, let alone how many months have passed. What he did know, however, was that being a baby was, well, boring¡ªvery boring. Aster found little to no entertainment just by lying and gazing at the rocky ceiling above him.


    But some things made those long days bearable. Watching his mother''s gentle face as she tended to him and his sister''s happy expressions always brightened his days.


    His favorite part of the day is, and probably always will be, when all three of themy in bed, cuddling close. The warm sensation of being pressed tightly against his mother''s soft, milky breasts is something he never wants to get tired of. He feltpletely safe in her warm embrace, protected andforted. The scent of her body and the feel of her delicate skin against his tiny one, the steady beating of her heart, and the soft sounds of her breathing soothed his mind and soul.


    Another enjoyable thing in his daily life is, without a doubt, drinking his mother''s delicious milk. Warm, creamy, and thick... Maybe it is his baby instinct talking, but nothing in the world tastes better. Nothing. And being able to share it with his older sister and receive her yful kisses afterward just adds to the whole experience.


    At first, he might have overreacted a bit and felt slightly jealous of Silvia stealing mother''s milk... but he eventually realized that it was only fair. Their mother had two boobs, after all. There was enough for both of them. He learned to share and even found it to be quite fun.Silvia always giggled softly whenever she kissed his face or licked his cheeks clean after feeding time whenever he spilled some milk on himself. And he liked those giggles very much. It was a nice change after everything this little girl had been through. Seeing her smile andugh made Aster happy, too. The bond between the siblings strengthened with each passing day.


    It feels like a dream, really, one that he never wants to wake up from.


    ...


    One peaceful evening, Aster found himself lying on his back in thefort of their cozy cave home. The sky outside transitioned into a breathtaking view of orange and pink hues, a sight he could only imagine as hey on the nket nest, enveloped in the soothing sounds of his mother and sister''sughter and conversation from somewhere around.


    Due to being tightly wrapped in a cloth, he couldn''t see anything but the ceiling above him, which only increased his curiosity about what they were doing. Their voices were filled with soft giggles and feminine sighs that bounced off the walls and echoed around the small space, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy.


    It seemed like they were enjoying themselves quite a lot, so much so that their giggling turned into moaning. As the girls busied themselves, Aster was left alone, bored with nothing to do except look at the cavern ceiling. More than anything, he wanted to see what they were doing. To witness it. It was quite frustrating, really.


    His mind was filled up with images of their girly, mother-daughter chatter, perhaps taking turns giving sensual massages to each other based on the sounds they were making.It was difficult to tell for sure, though. He couldn''t see a damn thing. And he couldn''t shake the thought that they might even be doing it all in the nude.


    He wanted to get closer and join the fun, to see his elven, beautiful mother being rubbed from top to bottom... To be so close yet so far at the same time. The mere thought of wanting to see something drives you insane when you cannot, especially when it is just within reach. It makes you want to move ¡ª or, if you are a baby, it makes you want to crawl.


    ¡ª ''There''s no way I''m missing it. I can''t just keep lying here,'' Aster thought as he wiggled his legs and arms. ''I need to learn how to crawl, dammit!'' So, with a firm resolve, Aster finally decides to give it a shot. With a newfound determination, he begins to wiggle vigorously, fighting against the restrictions of the soft fabric surrounding his body, struggling with all the strength inside him. His fists clenched tightly, and his face contorted with effort as he kicked his legs, trying desperately to break free. ''Come on... Come on... Just move, you stupid thing!''


    First, he freed one of his arms, then another, until finally, his upper torso was free. Aster almost cried out in triumph before remembering that he was supposed to be quiet. Thest thing he needed was to make them worry and stop what they were doing to check on him. No, he wanted to see everything ¡ª all of it. Not a single detail shall be missed. At this point, he felt like he could almost taste victory.


    With his arms free, Aster now proceeded to move his lower body next. His hips twisted and turned, trying to shake off the rest of the fabric holding him back. But the task proved rather challenging. It was incredibly difficult to focus while distracted by all sorts of noisesing from behind him.


    ¡ª ''What the hell are they doing?'' Aster wondered with growing curiosity. He couldn''t see what they were doing, so all he had was his imagination to fill in the gaps. And boy, did it fill them.


    <strong>[Sivlia]</strong>


    A bit earlier...


    ¡ª "Woah..." Silvia eximed, staring in amazement at the strange, hard, elongated object in front of her face, "It is so curved..." she murmured, her eyes fixed on it, "and warm too..." Her tiny finger poked at it curiously. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. "Do you think it''s tasty?" she asked, her golden eyes reflecting wonder and excitement.


    It was a reddish-orange root with a rough, bumpy texture, slightly warm to the touch for some reason. Nivalis examined the nt more closely in her hands, turning it over in her palm and touching its surface, "Hmm... It looks like it," Nivalis replied cautiously, lifting the root to her nose to sniff its rich, slightly sweet scent. "At least It smells delicious," she added.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Where did you find it?" Silvia asked curiously while studying the unfamiliar nt.


    "Near the river, underneath a fallen log," Nivalis exined. "It was peeking out slightly, and it caught my eye."


    ¡ª "Wow," Silvia said in amazement, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of trying something so unusual. "Can it be poisonous?" she asked nervously, ncing down at her mother for reassurance.


    Nivalis shrugged, looking uncertain. "I don''t know... It looks harmless enough," she said as she continued to inspect the strange nt closely. "But it''s always good to be cautious, especially with something we''ve never tried before," she paused, "I was thinking about boiling it first and trying a bit to see if it''s safe."


    Silvia pondered for a moment before speaking.¡ª "Only a tiny piece..." She said hesitantly, looking unsurely at her mother.


    Nivalis smiled knowingly. "Just in case," she finished for Silvia, understanding her daughter''s concerns all too well. "Alright. Let''s do it," she said as she ced the root on a wooden board and carefully cut small pieces off with her knife. She dumped these chunks into the pot nearby, which already had a bit of water inside. Then, she hung this pot above the fire. Silvia and her mother found themselves seated together beside the warmth of the mes as they waited for the root to be ready.


    She gave Silvia a reassuring smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling the girl close. "It shouldn''t take too long to boil, dear. We''ll let it cook for a few minutes and then try a small bite," she said quietly. "If it doesn''t taste bad, we can use this thing in our meals. How does that sound?"


    ¡ª "Sounds great," Silvia answered happily, cuddling against her mother''s side.


    While waiting for the water to heat up, Nivalis began stroking her daughter''s silky hair, gently brushing it with her fingers while humming a melody under her breath. She found it quite rxing to sit in silence and listen to the sounds of the fire crackling together with her daughter. They sat like that until the steam rising from the boiling water caught their attention, indicating that the root had finished cooking. Nivalis carefully lifted the lid and ced it aside, allowing the hot steam to dissipate. "Smells good," she noted cheerfully, taking a deep breath and savoring the aroma filling her nostrils.


    Silvia''s eyebrows furrowed together slightly as she stared at the pot''s contents. "It smells kind of sweet and spicy at the same time," shemented thoughtfully. "It still can be poisonous..."


    "Hmmm... You''re right," Nivalis mused aloud. "Well, only one way to find out." With those words, she picked up a wooden spoon and scooped a single slice. She brought the root to her mouth, blew on it to cool it down, and nibbled on it carefully. She chewed it slowly, up until her taste buds were greeted with a burst of vor, causing her face to light up instantly. "Oh my..." she moaned slightly, covering her mouth with her hand as she swallowed, "It''s delicious!" she licked her lips excitedly. The sound of her lips smacking echoed softly in the cave.


    ¡ª "Are you alright, Mommy?" Silvia asked in concern and added, "Do you feel sick?"


    "I''m feeling fine, sweetie," Nivalis responded cheerfully. "Let''s wait and see if anything happens before you try some, okay?"


    Silvia nodded silently in response as they waited for something to happen. They simply chattered and enjoyed the warmth of the fire while cuddling against one another.


    After about an hour passed, Nivalis still felt perfectly fine. She sighed in relief, "Alright, I think it is safe, but let''s not eat too much of it. Only a few pieces," Nivalis said while handing her daughter a spoon with a slice of the root in it.


    Silvia took a tiny bite, chewing it slowly as her face lit up in excitement. She closed her eyes and moaned as well, just like her mother when she tried it first.¡ª "It''s sooo good..." she muttered, licking her lips. "I''ve never tasted anything like it before."


    "Right?!" Nivalis said excitedly, grinning widely. "Neither have I," Nivalis agreed with a wide smile on her lips and then took a slightly bigger piece herself. "We can add those to our meals... Imagine how it would taste with rabbit meat or with fish. Mmm..." she sighed loudly at the thought.


    Silvia giggled happily at the thought of it as well. "Yeah... Sounds awesome," she mumbled softly as she continued munching on her treat, chewing slowly and enjoying every bit of it. Both girls couldn''t help but let out moans asionally, sighing with satisfaction from the unique taste in their mouths.


    Suddenly, from the corner of her eyes, Nivalis saw Aster, who was trying to crawl for the first time in his life.


    "Wait, darling..." Nivalis paused eating, slightly touching her daughter''s shoulder. "Look what Aster is doing, honey!" she whispered in awe while pointing towards her son, who was awkwardly trying to move in their direction on all fours.


    Silvia quickly turned around to observe Aster''s actions with wide eyes.¡ª "He''s crawling!" she eximed enthusiastically. She dropped the spoon in her hand and ran closer to her brother. "Ah! Look! Asty!"


    Nivalis rushed behind her, sping her hands together joyfully. "My baby''s growing up!" She beamed with pride as she watched Aster struggle to cross the few steps of the distance between them, clumsily crawling towards them. "Come here, my little pumpkin. Come to Mommy!" She beckoned excitedly, holding her arms out for the iing toddler.


    ¡ª "Yeah!" Silvia cheered. "Come to us, little brother!" She encouraged him with a bright grin, patting her hands on her thighs to draw his attention. Aster gazed up at them with his round golden eyes and tried his best to get closer. "He''s so cute!" Silvia squealed happily, pping her hands together. "Isn''t he so cute?" she asked as she turned towards her mother.


    "Absolutely adorable." Nivalis agreed with a nod. She smiled widely as she watched her son approach closer until he finally reached them, falling exhausted on his stomach.


    Nivalis quickly knelt beside him, pulling him to her chest and cradling him tenderly in her arms. "Aw, my little pumpkin, you did it!" She cheered, kissing his soft cheek affectionately as she hugged him close to herself.


    ¡ª "Why is he looking so... disappointed?" Silvia wondered with a frown. Indeed, little Aster''s expression was quite sad, his eyes downcast as if he expected to see somethingpletely different...


    Nivalis shook her head lightly in response and chuckled softly as she stood up. "I think he''s just tired from trying to move for the first time. Isn''t it tiring, right, sweetie?" Nivalis asked the young child in her arms, smiling down at him lovingly. "Don''t worry, my baby. Mommy will carry you for a while now. Okay?" She said softly to the child in her arms as she kissed his forehead tenderly, rocking him gently from side to side. She began to walk back towards the fire, singing a luby quietly under her breath.


    Silvia trailed behind her mother, her cheeks flushed with warmth from the excitement she felt for her baby brother''s first attempts at crawling. It was adorable.


    As they sat back down in their original positions, Nivalis cradled Aster in herp. Meanwhile, Silvia leaned closer to her mother, resting her head on her shoulder while enjoying the warmth of the fire nearby. The cave was silent except for the asional crackling sound from the fire and the soft breathing of her brother, who instantly fell asleep, exhausted from his efforts.


    Nivalis nced down at her son and smiled tenderly. "My precious," she whispered affectionately. "Sleep well, my darling."

 Chapter 36: Our little adventure

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    It is the beginning of spring, and the weather has finally got warmer, leaving the winter months behind. The sun peeked through the trees, casting a golden glow over the forest floor. Birds were chirping happily, and a cool breeze blew through the air, carrying the scent of flowers and freshly grown grass. It is a beautiful morning, and it looks like today will be lovely.


    The first thing Aster notices when waking up is that his mother is not beside him. The familiar softness and the warmth of his mother''s naked body were absent, something he had already gotten used to feeling every morning, something he could no longer start his day without.


    ¡ª ''Where is she?'' he wondered, and without even opening his eyes, he moved his arms around, trying to find her.


    Until finally, he did feel her warm, smooth, and naked skin under his fingertips. He immediately pulled himself towards her, climbing on top of her and hugging her tightly around her waist. He pressed his face against her bare, <strong><em>t</em></strong> chest, taking a deep breath and filling his lungs with her sweet scent. She instinctively wrapped her <em><strong>tiny</strong></em> hands around him in response, making him feel safe and protected.


    ¡ª ''Wait, t? Tiny? Something is not right...'' Aster''s eyebrows twitched in confusion. ''Since when are her breasts t?'' He slowly opened his eyes and looked up to see Silvia sleeping, not his mother. His sister''s long, silver hair was sprawled on the nkets, and her beautiful, porcin face was peaceful, her pink, pouty lips slightly open. Her bare chest rose and fell rhythmically, and her arms were wrapped around him, pulling his naked body tightly against hers.


    It''s not the first time something like this has happened, as all three of them always sleep naked in the same bed, so it''s nothing new or unusual. It didn''t feel wrong or inappropriate and was just a part of their daily life. He slowly raised his head and looked around the cave, trying to spot his mother. The sun shone brightly through the slightly opened door, illuminating the cave and letting the fresh air enter.


    His eyes fell upon a familiar figure as he nced around. She is sitting in the kitchen area, cooking. Her back is turned towards him, and she hums softly to herself. Her gorgeous, silver hair cascaded down her back, reaching to her wide hips. Aster breathed a small sigh of relief and thought,¡ª "Ah, there she is." He slowly untangled his sister''s arms from his body and sat up, being careful not to wake her up.


    Then he stood up and stretched his arms, his slender body arching backward as he yawned. He looked at his mother and smiled. She was still humming to herself, oblivious to his presence. Her posture was wless; her rear swayed slightly as she stirred the pot, highlighting her thin waist.Sometimes, Aster couldn''t help but admire her natural beauty. The way her hair shines from even the dimmest light, her wless skin, the way she moves, the way she smiles in a certain way, how her voice could steal his breath... Aster loves everything about his mother''s appearance, from the tips of her long ears to the curvatures of her perfect toes.


    He could spend the entire morning just watching her, and it would still be more enjoyable than any movie or TV show. However, at the moment, Aster feels like his morning is iplete because he hasn''t given his mother a good morning hug. So, without making any noise, he moved closer, wrapped his arms around her, and held her close, feeling the warmth of her body. Nivalis flinched at the sudden touch and let out a small yelp of surprise but quickly rxed when she realized it was her son hugging her. "Aster?" she said softly.


    ¡ª "Good morning, Mom," Aster replied, burying his face into her silky hair. "What are you doing?"


    "Good morning, my little sunshine. I''m preparing breakfast," she said, stirring the pot.


    ¡ª "What are you making?" he asked curiously.


    "Just a simple stew with mushrooms and some herbs," she replied, scooping a small piece out with a wooden spoon and blowing on it to cool it off. She then shifted her body a bit to the side and lifted the spoon to her son''s mouth, "Taste it."


    And before he knew it, his mouth was already filled with her cooking. It tasted delicious, the warm, savory vors dancing across his tongue.


    "Do you like it?" Nivalis inquired with a warm smile.


    ¡ª "It''s delicious," Aster answered, licking his lips.


    "Thank you, honey," she quickly nted a peck on his cheek.


    They stayed in that position for a while, with Aster hugging his mother from behind and breathing in the sweet scent of her hair while she cooked, humming softly to herself.¡ª "Do you need any help, Mom?" he asked eventually.


    "Hmm... Well, if you want, you can stir the stew for me," she answered.


    ¡ª"Okay," he agreed, removing his hands from her and moving beside her.


    "Thank you, sweetie. Here, hold this," she said, handing him the spoon.


    He took it from her and began stirring the pot, watching the bubbles rise to the surface and pop. He looked at his mother and smiled at her.


    She smiled back, her blue eyes shining brightly. Something is on her mind. "So, what are your ns for Silvia''s birthday, my love?" she said, confirming his suspicion.


    ¡ª "Huh?" Aster frowned. "Oh, of course, her birthday. Uhh, I was nning something... A gift, yeah," he replied awkwardly, scratching his head.


    "Something, huh?" she giggled, shaking her head. "Don''t tell me you forgot."


    ¡ª "No! Of course not!" he eximed defensively. "I have it all figured out. You''ll see," he added with fake confidence.


    "Mhm. If you say so," she smiled teasingly.


    ¡ª "What are you nning to give her?" he asked, looking at her curiously. "So we don''t give her the same gift, you know..." His voice sounded higher than usual, leaving no doubt that he had forgotten entirely about the birthday.


    Nivalis chuckled softly, finding it adorable. "I''ve made a dress for her. She will look absolutely gorgeous in it," she whispered, beaming excitedly. "I had to use one of my own clothes for the fabric, but it was worth it," she added while tucking a strand of her son''s hair behind his ear. "We can give it as a gift from both of us if you would like?"


    ¡ª "Oh, that''s a great idea!" Aster smiled excitedly, but his expression became serious once he realized his cover was blown. "Ugh, I mean... My gift is great and all, but your n is way better."


    Nivalis couldn''t help butugh at her son''s reaction. "It''s alright, honey. I understand," she assured, stroking his hair gently. "But, it''s her tenth birthday. It''s an important day. We have to make it special," she said, looking at him with a warm, motherly smile. "So, no teasing and no silly jokes, okay?"


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster nodded.


    "Good boy," Nivalis leaned closer and kissed his cheek. Then her gaze drifted to the fire, smiling. "I n to get us to the hot spring in the morning, spend the day there, and then have a nice dinner back home. Maybe give her a nice rub or two..." she paused, "How does that sound?" she asked, looking at him.


    ¡ª "She''ll love it. That sounds perfect." He nodded, smiling.


    "Good, then," she replied, turning her head to see if Silvia was still asleep. "Now, go get dressed and wake up your sister. I need to go hunting today, so I need you both to fill your bellies before I''m out, okay?" she ordered, giving him a gentle p on his bare bottom and taking the spoon from his hands.


    ¡ª "Got it," he answered, and his stomach growled as if agreeing with his mother''s words.


    ...


    A few hours have passed.


    ¡ª "Silvia, I''m about to pee on the floor if you don''t hurry up and get dressed. You are taking too long," warned Aster, who was on the verge of losing control of his dder.


    "I''ming,ing! Hold your horses," his sister replied, hastily pulling up her pants and putting on her boots. "There, done." Aster breathed a sigh of relief, "Finally! Why did you even take your clothes off in the first ce?" he asked, frowning.


    "Uhh, it''s morefortable toy on the bed. And I didn''t want to wait until the end of the day to do it," Silvia said as she tied the knot and tucked her shirt into her pants. "Besides, Mom isn''t here to see it, so no big deal," she added, brushing the strand of hair away from her face.


    Aster couldn''t argue with that. Their mother was out hunting and won''t be back until sundown. So, since she isn''t here, the kids can do whatever they want.¡ª "Fair enough. Let''s go. I''m going to piss myself."


    "Let''s go," Silvia nodded, heading for the exit. They approached the cave entrance, and Silvia pushed the door with all her strength, trying to open it. But the door wouldn''t budge. The heavy door was not connected to the walls but simply leaned against the entrance, as it was enough to prevent any wild animals froming inside. "Ugh, damn it. Help me, will you?" she grumbled, her face reddening as she struggled.


    Aster joined her, and together, they pushed the door open enough to create an opening for them to crawl through. As soon as they got outside, the warm rays of sunlight hit their faces, and the fresh breeze brushed against their cheeks. They inhaled deeply, filling their lungs with fresh, invigorating air. It felt so good.


    Silvia sighed happily and stretched her arms, enjoying the feeling. The birds chirped cheerfully, and the grass rustled beneath her feet. A butterfly flew by, its colorful wings fluttering in the wind. Everything was alive, and the world seemed so peaceful. But her happy expression was destined to be ruined by her brother''s loud pee stream hitting the ground.


    ¡ª "Ohh, this feels amazing," he moaned, relieving himself against a tree.


    "Ugh, really, Aster?" Silvia sighed, rolling her eyes.


    ¡ª "What?" Aster said innocently.


    "Why did you have to do that right here, close to the entrance? You could''ve gone further away," sheined, looking at the tree and the growing puddle underneath it.


    ¡ª "Sorry, I couldn''t wait. It was going to burst," he apologized, shrugging.


    "Yeah, yeah, whatever," she muttered, crossing her arms.


    After a while, he was finished. Aster tucked his member back into his pants and walked over to his sister.¡ª "Your turn," he said with a content expression.


    "Okay," she sighed, turned around, and started to walk to the nearby bushes. "Are youing? You know the rule," she asked, looking over her shoulder.


    ¡ª "Yeah, always stay close to each other when outdoors, I know," Aster said, following her.


    When they were both behind the bushes, Silvia pulled her pants down and squatted, ready to pee. The golden urine shot out of her body andnded in the dirt, forming a small puddle beneath her. She sighed contently, enjoying the feeling of relieving herself. As her pee continued to stream, she looked up and noticed her brother staring at her, his eyes fixated on her eyes. An awkward silence fell upon them, broken by the sshing sounds of his sister''s urine hitting the ground as they stared at each other.


    "Weirdo," she finally snapped, "Why do you have to look directly into my eyes while I''m peeing?" she added, frowning.


    Aster shrugged and replied,¡ª "I dunno. It''s kinda funny to watch your face," he admitted with a smile. "You make this weird expression whenever you pee."


    Silvia rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath as she nced away, focusing on finishing her business. The silence returned once again.


    ¡ª "How much have you got in there?" Astermented shortly after, eyeing the puddle that was getting bigger.


    "Shut up, Aster," Silvia muttered, her cheeks slightly flushed.


    After a few moments, the stream finally ended, and thest few drops fell into the dirt. Silvia stood up, pulling her pants up and tightening the knot. She looked at her brother and crossed her arms, a frown on her face. "Can we please go now?"


    ¡ª "Sorry, I didn''t mean to make you mad..." he said awkwardly, his voice soft and apologetic.


    "Ugh, whatever... I''m not mad," she grumbled, walking past him.


    ¡ª "Are you sure?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed.


    "Yes, I''m sure," she replied, her voice sounding annoyed.


    Aster didn''t seem convinced. He followed Silvia, and after a few steps, he caught up to her. Aster then moved past her and stared at her face, trying to see if she was mad or not.¡ª "Are you suuuure? It does not seem so," he questioned, tilting his head slightly.


    Silvia stopped walking and sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ugh, why do you have to be so annoying about it?" she muttered, closing her eyes and trying to calm down. "You can stop now. I''m fine," Silvia opened her eyes, her tone a bit more cheerful than before.


    Aster smiled.¡ª "Alright, then," he said, reaching for her hand. "I''ll rub your feet if you want?"


    A wide grin appeared on her face. Silvia epted his gesture and interlocked her fingers with his, holding hands. "Deal."


    ¡ª "Well, that was easy." Aster chuckled, swinging their arms back and forth.


    Silvia giggled as well. "Shut up, you dork," she said, lightly pinching his cheek with her other hand. "Come on. Let''s go."


    They slowly walked back to the cave entrance, their feet crunching on fallen twigs, the sunlight filtering through the trees. The air was warm and fresh, filled with the smell of flowers and the sweet scent of pine trees. Suddenly, Aster stopped when he spotted a squirrel perched on a tree branch, chewing on some unfamiliar nut.¡ª "Look, Silvia," he whispered, pointing at the animal. "Isn''t it cute?"


    Silvia looked up and saw the tiny creature munching on its food. Its ears twitched, and its nose moved slightly as it sniffed the air. Silvia''s face lit up, and a smile formed on her lips. "It is," she replied quietly, not wanting to scare it away.


    ¡ª "Want toe closer and see it better?" Aster asked quietly, looking at his sister.


    "Yeah, sure," Silvia answered, nodding.


    Aster crouched, pulling her down with him, and crept forward, trying to get a closer look at the squirrel. They slowly approached the tree, careful not to make sudden movements or sounds. The squirrel''s head turned in their direction, its ears perked up, and its eyes stared at them suspiciously. They froze, and the little creature remained motionless for a moment.


    Then, suddenly, the squirrel jumped from the tree and scurried off into the bushes, its tail swaying behind it.


    "Aw, it ran away," Silvia said sadly, pouting her lips.


    ¡ª "Yeah... Well, at least we got to see it," Aster replied, standing up and brushing the dirt from his knees.


    "Hey, have you seen the nut it was eating?" Silvia asked, looking at her brother.


    ¡ª "Huh? Oh, yeah. Why?" Aster asked, looking at her curiously.


    "Well, it looked pretty tasty, and I''d like to try it," she said, shrugging. "And maybe if I give it to squirrel, it will let use closer. Could you imagine having a squirrel as a pet!?" Silvia''s voice filled with excitement as she imagined herself walking with a squirrel on her shoulders.


    Heughed, amused by her idea.¡ª "Sure, I guess we can try," Aster said, scanning around for a non-pine tree that might have the nut Silvia was talking about, and surprisingly, found such tree in the distance. Then Aster, still holding hands with his sister, quietly walked towards the tree and searched the ground around it, looking for fallen nuts. After a few minutes of searching, he finally found what he sought.


    ¡ª "Ah! Found one," he eximed happily, picking up the nut.


    Silvia pped her hands excitedly, her eyes shining brightly. "Nice," she said, smiling. "Now, let''s try to feed it to the squirrel. Do you remember where did it go?" she asked her brother.


    Aster nodded, and they walked towards the bushes where the squirrel ran into. They looked around, trying to find the critter, but it was nowhere to be found. After a few minutes of wandering around, they found it sitting on the grass, caring for its fluffy fur.


    The little animal''s ears twitched, and its nose moved as it sniffed the air.


    Silvia held the nut in her hand, making sure not to make any movements or sounds, simply holding it up for the squirrel. The little critter eyed the nut for a second and then slowly approached her, pausing its movement asionally, sniffing the air cautiously.


    Soon enough, it was close enough to take the nut. Silvia waited patiently, her heart pounding in her chest. She even forgot to breathe from being so excited. The squirrel looked at her, then at the nut, then at her again.


    Finally, the animal snatched the nut from her hand and ran off, disappearing into yet another bush.


    Silvia''s let out a small squeal of delight. "We did it!" she eximed happily, pumping her fist in the air.


    ¡ª "Yep, we did," Aster replied, smiling warmly at her reaction.


    Silvia was ecstatic. She couldn''t believe that they had actually seeded in feeding the wild animal.


    "Let''s keep searching for more," she suggested, jumping to her feet and grabbing his hand. "Maybe we can have a pet squirrel after all."


    Aster chuckled.¡ª "Alright, let''s try."@@novelbin@@


    ...


    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Meanwhile, Nivalis had an incredibly lucky hunting. She killed three rabbits in a span of just a few hours, which usually takes her an entire day to do. She also found a huge patch of mushrooms, filling her backpack full with them. And the weather is incredible, sunny, and so warm. She is in an excellent mood.


    ¡ª "Today is such a nice day," she mumbled, adjusting her backpack. "I should return and spend the rest of the day with my babies. I''m sure they''ll love to y outside. Especially with such perfect weather," she smiled at the thought.


    She walked towards the cave, the backpack heavy on her back, which only made her happier. However, her smile disappeared as soon as she entered the cave. Her kids were nowhere to be found.


    The cave was empty, and everything was silent. Panic filled her mind as she searched every corner, calling their names repeatedly. No response. She was terrified, not knowing where her children were, her hands shaking. She immediately rushed out and looked around frantically. They were nowhere in sight, her heart racing with fear.


    ¡ª ''Please, please, be okay...'' she prayed silently, scanning her surroundings. She spent the next ten minutes searching for them until finally, she heard their voices. She rushed towards the sound, and soon enough, she saw them chasing after a squirrel.


    "Sis, it''s running away again!" Aster said quietly, pointing ahead.


    "Of course it does. You scared it, Aster!" Silviained. "Hurry up, don''t just stand!" She was about to run but stopped when she noticed a weird rustling of bushes behind her.


    ¡ª "What, in the love of gods, you two doing!?" Nivalis''s sharp and angry voice rang, making both kids flinch and turn around, their eyes widening at the sight of their furious mother.


    "Oh, hey, Mom," Silvia waved, a nervous smile on her face.


    "M-Mom?" Aster stuttered, swallowing hard and looking at the sweating face of his sister.


    ¡ª "I have been worried sick about you, and here you are, ying with a squirrel?!" Nivalis snarled, her voice echoing off the trees, startling the birds. "What did I tell you about ying outside without my permission?! It''s dangerous! Do you have any idea how scared I was?!" her voice shaking, her eyes full of unshed tears.


    "S-sorry, Mom," Aster said, his head lowered.


    "We''re sorry, Mommy," Silvia apologized, bowing her head as well. "We won''t do it again."


    ¡ª "Of course, you won''t. I never thought I would have to do it, but I''ll make sure you remember it," she said with contrasted calmness. Her blue eyes stared at them sternly, her arms crossed, and her expression serious. "Both of you, follow me inside. Now," shemanded.


    Seeing their mother''s expression made the siblings exchange a look. They quickly walked towards her, their heads lowered. They knew they were in trouble and didn''t dare to disobey and make it worse. Nivalis grabbed each of their hands and led them back to the cave. As soon as they were inside, she sat on the bed, her eyes staring daggers at her children.


    ¡ª "You two are in big trouble," she said, taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself.


    "W-we''re sorry, Mom. We just went out to pee," Silvia exined, her eyes cast downward, afraid to look at her mother. "But then we saw a squirrel, and it was so cute... So we tried to get close and feed it," she continued, her voice trembling. "It kept running away, so we chased it and... We lost track of time."


    ¡ª "And you, Aster? Anything to add?" Nivalis asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Sorry... It is my fault," he replied, his voice low and guilty. "I suggested Silvia to try to feed the squirrel. If it weren''t for me, this wouldn''t have happened," he added, trying to take the me.


    Silvia''s eyes widened, clearly remembering it was her idea. She immediately shook her head, her lips parted. "No, no, it''s my fault. I was the one who suggested feeding the squirrel," Silvia argued, looking at her brother.


    "No, it''s mine," Aster insisted. "Don''t take the me, Sis."


    "Aster..." Silvia''s eyes became watery.


    "Enough," Nivalis interrupted. "Both of you are at fault. I have told you repeatedly not to wander outside without my permission, no matter what. It''s okay to go if you need to pee, but it has to be quick and quiet." she paused, looking at her children, who had their heads lowered, feeling guilty, "And yet, you two decided to chase a squirrel through the entire forest? Do you know how scared I was, not finding you anywhere and thinking you had gotten lost or something worse had happened to you?"


    The siblings looked at each other. Their expressions showed remorse.


    "Mom, I''m really sorry..." Silvia mumbled, her voice breaking.


    "You''re right, Mom. I''m sorry..." Aster apologized, his voice barely a whisper.


    ¡ª "You can''t just apologize and expect everything to be fine. You need to learn from your mistakes. Otherwise, you''ll just do it again," she said, shaking her head. Nivalis sighed heavily, looking at her children''s guilt-ridden faces, but it has to be done for their own sake. "I can''t let this slide. I have to punish you both," Nivalis paused, not wanting to continue, but forced herself, "Now, strip," she ordered, her tone stern and unwavering.


    "Huh?" both blinked in confusion, exchanging a nce.


    ¡ª "Strip. Both of you. Now," she repeated.


    "What?" Aster asked, raising his eyebrow.


    ¡ª "Do I have to repeat myself? Take off your clothes. You''re going to be spanked," Nivalis answered, her voice cold.


    "Oh,e on," Aster whined.


    ¡ª "No arguing, young man. Now strip. Both of you," shemanded, her gaze fixed on her children. "Do you want to argue with me further?" Nivalis asked while looking at Aster, her eyes narrowing dangerously.


    "N-no, Mom. Sorry," he mumbled, his head lowered. Silvia pouted but didn''t say anything and reluctantly began undressing. A few momentster, both of them were standing naked in front of their mother, their clothes in a messy pile on the floor.


    ¡ª "Silvia, you first,e andy over myp," Nivalis said, patting her thighs.


    Silvia looked at her brother for a moment and hesitantly approached her, lying on herp. Her butt cheeks were already trembling slightly. She bit her lip and braced herself for the first p. Nivalis caressed her buttocks gently at first but then raised her hand and pped her left cheek firmly. She did not use all her strength, of course.


    The loud smack echoed off the cave walls, and Silvia winced, a tiny whimper escaping her lips. "Ow," she muttered, closing her eyes tightly.


    ¡ª "Count, honey," Nivalis said softly.


    "O-one..." she counted, her voice barely audible. Nivalis then raised her hand again and pped her other butt cheek, leaving a handprint. "T-two..."


    ¡ª "Louder," Nivalis demanded, her voice firm. She pped her bottom once again, the sound of her palm hitting the soft flesh ringing throughout the cave.


    "Three..." Silvia cried out, a tear rolling down her cheek.


    Nivalis raised her hand once more and brought it down again, spanking her daughter''s rear end. "Ah... Mmm... Ow..." Silvia moaned, her toes curling. "Four..." Silvia choked, her voice cracking.


    Meanwhile, Aster stood there, looking away, unable to watch his sister being punished. However, Nivalis noticed it.


    ¡ª"Look at her, Aster. Watch your sister," Nivalismanded. "I need you to remember what happens when you don''t listen."


    Aster gritted his teeth and turned to face his mother, his eyes filled with guilt and shame. Her ass now reddened, shaking under her mother''s touch, and she sobbed quietly, her face hidden in her arms. He tried to look away again, but Nivalis quickly spoke up.


    ¡ª "Don''t look away, young man," Nivalis said sternly, pping Silvia''s butt again. Her legs were moving uncontrobly, spreading apart from time to time as she tried to escape her mother''s hands, but to no avail.


    "Ah!" Silvia moaned, her butt twitching and another tear rolling down her cheek. "N-nine..."


    Nivalis continued pping her buttocks up until twenty, alternating between left and right, making sure not to leave any spot untouched. Soon, Silvia''s entire backside was red, her ass jiggling with every p.


    ¡ª "Now, Silvia, sit," Nivalis said, gently helping her to her feet.


    Silvia whimpered and rubbed her sore buttocks, trying to soothe the burning sensation. Her face was covered in tears, her eyes red and puffy. She looked at her brother briefly, then turned her gaze downwards, avoiding his eyes. She sat down, putting her feet under her bottom to not put any pressure on her naked butt cheeks. Her hands continued to rub her behind gently.


    ¡ª "Aster, now your turn. Come here," Nivalis called as she patted her thighs, her blue eyes ring at him.


    Aster gulped and hesitantly walked towards his mother, feeling nervous as hey on herp and closed his eyes tightly, preparing for the worst.


    Please consider leaving a rating or review on the front page of the novel. Thank you!

 Chapter 38: Proving his love

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The morning was pleasant, with the sun''s rays filtering through the dense pine trees and a gentle wind blowing through the forest, causing the leaves to rustle and the grass to sway. The birds sang joyfully in their nests, weing another day, while colorful butterflies danced gracefully among the flowers that dotted the forest floor.


    Aster woke up inside their cozy cave home with a yawn, rubbing his eyes and wiggling his toes under the warm nket. The first thing he was greeted with was his mother''s sweet, familiar scent, her natural aroma that made him sigh contently. During the night, he found himself lying on top of her, snuggling on her bare chest, right in between her gorgeous milky breasts that enveloped his head from both sides with their pillowy embrace.


    Aster couldn''t help but smile. He couldn''t imagine a better life than the one he has now.¡ª ''What a life I have,'' he thought as he sleepily cupped both his incredible mother''s breasts in his palms, feeling their softness and warmth.


    For Aster, there is no better way to start the day than by ying with his mother''s perfect tits. It became his daily ritual, a habit he couldn''t live without. He couldn''t get enough of them, and his hands never tired of squeezing and fondling her beautiful breasts, feeling their softness, their weight, and their warmth.


    His fingers gently pulled her pink, sensitive nipples up. Herrge breasts jiggled lightly as he released them, and they flopped down onto her chest, only to rise again as his fingers found their way back to her nipples.


    Aster sighed, feeling her mother''s nipples harden and perk up, making them even more enjoyable to fondle. His mother''s breasts were just so amazing. So soft and squishy, so firm and supple. And best of all, they were his to enjoy and y with whenever he wanted. And so he did. He slowly rubbed her nipples with his thumbs, making them even harder with each passing moment.


    He lifted his head and nced at his mother''s rxed and beautiful face. Her silver hair was spread around, and her naturally pale skin looked even more radiant than usual. Her cheeks were flushed with a light pink color, and her full, rosy lips were slightly parted, letting out her soft, rhythmic breaths, making her chest rise and fall almost hypnotizingly.


    As if noticing his stare, or maybe his wandering touch, Nivalis''s eyelids slowly fluttered open, revealing her blue eyes, shining with mother''s love for her son. She looked at him and smiled slightly. "Good morning, Asty," she said softly, her voice still hoarse from sleep.¡ª "Morning, Mom," he replied, returning her smile. "Did you sleep well?" Aster asked, tilting his head slightly while his hands continued to squeeze her breasts, and his thumbs kept teasing her nipples.


    "Mhm, I did. Did you?" Nivalis replied, not minding her son''s touch at all, letting him y with her bosom as he pleased. After all, it was his way to start a new day, and she had gotten used to it by now. One day, she would talk to him about it and make him stop, but today was not that day. She yawned and tried to stretch, but one arm was pinned under her sleeping daughter. Silvia rested her head on Nivalis'' shoulder and sniffled quietly, snuggling her petite body tightly against her mother''s side.


    ¡ª "Very much," Aster replied, focusing on Nivalis''s beautiful face. Then his eyes fell to his mother''s rosy, pouty lips, slightly wet with her saliva, making them glisten.


    He couldn''t help but stare at them.¡ª ''Is it okay to give her a good morning kiss?'' he wondered, ''Silvia and I already kissed her yesterday plenty of times, but asking for one is a bit different...'' His hands squeezed her tits a bit more firmly as he hesitated.


    "Is there something on your mind, darling?" she suddenly asked, noticing his stare on her lips. She raised her eyebrow curiously.@@novelbin@@


    Aster''s hands paused their y, and he blinked a few times, unsure what to say. But after a quick thought, he realized there was nothing wrong with a small good morning kiss from a loving son to his wonderful mother.¡ª ''And it shouldn''t be weirder than ying with her breasts all morning...'' He concluded.


    ¡ª "Oh, u-umm... Nothing important... It''s just I was wondering if I could have a good morning kiss," he replied hopefully, looking at the reflections in her blue eyes.


    Nivalis chuckled lightly, a cute little smile spreading across her face. "Of course you can, honey. Come here," she said, cing her hand on his naked butt and pulling her son closer to her face. She pressed her soft lips against his forehead and gave him a long, tender kiss. It felt wonderful, with no doubt, but Aster meant something else. Her hand stayed on his tiny bottom, resting.


    ¡ª "Not on the forehead," he protested, pouting cutely.


    Nivalisughed softly. "Alright, then. Here," she said, pressing her lips to his cheek, giving him a gentle peck. The feeling of her soft, moist lips against his skin was amazing, but It was still disappointing.


    ¡ª "No, no, not on the cheek, either," heined, shaking his head lightly. His long silver hair was spread over her shoulders, intervening with his mother''s locks.


    Nivalis now had a mischievous smile. She knew exactly what her son wanted, but it was an excellent opportunity to tease him a little. "Oh? Then, where should I kiss you, my little baby boy?" she asked, her blue eyes shining yfully. She leaned her head forward and gave his nose a little kiss. "Here?"


    ¡ª "No," he replied, trying not tough.


    "Then, what about here?" Nivalis whispered as she leaned closer to his ear. She gave a peck to his half-elven earlobe.


    ¡ª "N-no, Mom..." he muttered, his face reddened.


    "Are you sure?" Nivalis teased as she started to nibble it a little with her mouth, sucking gently on the tip, her hot breath tickling his ear.


    ¡ª "Mo-mommy, not my ears..." he pleaded, trying to escape her wet, tickling mouth.


    Nivalis giggled. "What''s wrong, my little knight? Don''t like it?" she asked yfully, pulling her mouth away. His ear is now slightly wet from his mother''s saliva. "Okay, let''s see..." Nivalis muttered, pretending to think deeply. "Hmmm... Here?" Nivalis teased, leaning in and kissing his chin.


    ¡ª "Nope," he answered, unable to contain his smile.


    "My, my, such a fussy boy. Maybe I should tickle you to get it out of you," sheughed, her fingers reaching for his side, ready to tickle her son''s ribs.


    ¡ª "No, no, please," he quickly pleaded, holding her hand. He was really ticklish, and she knew that. "Please, kiss me on the lips, Mommy," he eximed. But once said aloud, he realized how weird it was to say something like that to your mother. Feeling embarrassed, Aster blushed furiously, averting his eyes.


    Nivalis made a smallugh, enjoying her son''s reaction. She loved teasing him and seeing him flustered. It was too cute not to. She ced her finger under his chin, turning his head back to face her. "Well, if that''s what my sweet son wants, then I guess I''ll have to give you a good morning kiss on the lips," she said, smiling warmly at her boy.


    She cupped his face with her soft hand, her thumb gently caressing his cheek, and then slowly, oh so slowly, leaned forward closer to her son''s lips. The kiss was innocent, chaste, and pure, a loving kiss from a mother to her child without even a hint of lust. Itsted just a fraction of a second, barely enough time for his brain to register it happened at all, yet it was perfect. Perfect. Her soft, full lips felt wonderful against his as if they belonged there.


    Aster opened his eyes and looked at her. Her beautiful, sparkling blue eyes were gazing at him, filled with love and affection. "There you go, my sunshine," Nivalis whispered with a happy smile and a sweet and tender voice.


    ¡ª "Mhm, thank you, Mom," he mumbled, his face red as it can only be. He quickly hid his face, burying into her soft bosom, feeling the embarrassment and not daring to look at his mother. He could feel his heart beating rapidly, his cheeks burning hot.


    Nivalisughed and wrapped her arm around her son, giving him a tight hug. "You are so adorable," she whispered lovingly. "There''s no way now that I can stop myself from giving you good morning and good night kisses," she added, caressing his silver hair. "I hope you don''t mind," she chuckled, looking down at him.


    Aster shook his head.¡ª "I-I don''t," Aster stuttered, his voice muffled by his mother''s breast.


    Her sweet scent engulfed his nostrils once again, and his ears caught the rhythm of her heartbeats, making his heart beat tactfully. Aster felt his mother''s hand brush against his back, her fingers gently massaging him. He enjoyed the feeling and closed his eyes, letting out a content sigh.¡ª ''What a life...'' he repeated his thought, resting between his mother''s breasts, a small smile forming on his lips.


    ...


    His panting breath filled the cave as Aster repeatedly pushed himself up and down from the cavern floor. His tiny body strained as he struggled with each pushup, his non-existent muscles burning with effort.¡ª "Six... seven..." he counted as his arms buckled beneath him, and he copsed to the ground, gasping for air.


    This was his first day of exercising, and already, he felt awful; this was not something he was used to doing. But he couldn''t afford to stop. Aster had decided it was a perfect age to start doing physical exercises, and he was determined to have a healthy, stronger body in this life. It was hard. It was harder than he expected. Even the basic pushups were tough. Aster gritted his teeth, and with a deep breath, he began his routine again, determined to keep pushing himself.


    He had never cared about working out in his previous life, and the thought of doing anything more strenuous than walking around the block seemed like torture. But this was a new life, and he had to change. Not only for himself but for his family, too. ''Who knows what dangers are lurking in this world?'' he thought. He had to protect his sister and mother from any harm, no matter what.


    After a few more minutes of straining, his arms finally gave up.¡ª "Ugh..." Aster grunted, lying motionlessly on the cave floor. He closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling with every ragged gasp.


    "What are you doing, little brother?" a girl''s voice called from the bed, followed by a yawn.


    ¡ª "Exercising," Aster replied, rolling onto his side and looking at the bed where his naked sistery. She stretchedzily; her silvery hair was a tangled mess, and her eyes were barely open. "Or at least trying to," he added.


    "Why?" she asked, rubbing her eyes, still sleepy.


    ¡ª "Remember that story about a knight saving his sister from a dragon?" Aster asked, his breath finally calmed.


    "Yeah," Silvia answered, her golden eyes staring at his.


    ¡ª "Well, if I want to protect myzy sister from any evil dragon out there, I must first be a strong knight," he said teasingly to his sister.


    "M-me? Lazy?" she gasped, an over-dramatic look of offense on her face.


    ¡ª "Yep. It''s afternoon already, and you still haven''t got out of bed," Aster pointed out, looking at her naked buttocks, peeking from under the nket.


    "Oh really? I''ll show you who''szy here! Come here, your little!" Silvia pouted, jumping out of the bed and chasing after her little brother.


    ¡ª "Ah!" Aster squealed, running away from his sister.


    Silvia''s lips curled into a mischievous smirk as she chased him around the cave, giggling. It took her a while, but she caught him and tackled him to the ground. Aster struggled beneath her, trying to get free, but her legs were locked around his waist, and her arms held his wrists firmly.


    "Gotcha!" Silvia dered triumphantly. "Now, what did you call me, little brother?" she asked, smiling widely.


    Aster tried to break free once again but to no avail. His silver hair stuck to his skin, his face covered in sweat, and his breathing ragged from all the running around the cave.¡ª "A-azy sister," he mumbled, his cheeks flushed.


    Silvia was in a simr state, her pale skin glistening with a lightyer of sweat and her silvery hair stuck to her back. Her naked chest rose and fell heavily with each breath. "Say sorry, or I won''t let you go," she said, her golden eyes staring straight into his.


    ¡ª "I won''t," he answered stubbornly, avoiding her eyes.


    "Fine," she said yfully. "Then I''ll make you," she dered. And before her brother could react, she freed her one hand and began to tickle him.


    ¡ª "Wah!" Aster screamed and immediately burst outughing. He tried to hold her hand, but she was faster, and his attempt to stop her only made her tickle him even more.


    "Apologize!" she shouted, a devilishugh escaping her lips.


    ¡ª "Ahahahahah! Ahahahaha!" heughed uncontrobly, his whole body reacting to her tickle, and his eyes squeezed shut. He couldn''t do anything but let his sister torture him.


    "Apologize or no mercy!" Silvia eximed, her fingers dancing across his skin, causing him to convulse withughter.


    ¡ª "I''m sor- Haha! I''m sorry, I''m sorry," he said betweenughs, his stomach and sides hurting.


    "Good boy," she giggled, stopping her tickling attack. Silvia brushed the strands of silver hair from his face, exposing his golden eyes.


    ¡ª "That was mean," he pouted.


    "But you deserved it, brother," she teased, sticking her tongue out at him. She straightened her back, still sitting atop her brother''s waist. "Whew, you are so sweaty," Silvia noted, fanning her hand before her face. "We both are," she added, looking down at her glistening skin.


    ¡ª "And whose fault is that?" he asked, rolling his eyes.


    Silvia ignored his question and continued. "We should go wash a little," she suggested, looking at her little brother. "What do you say? I''ll heat the water for us," she added.


    Aster looked up at his sister and her glistening shapes.¡ª "Sure, let''s go," he agreed.


    "Great," Silvia said, nodding happily. She then stood up, offering her hand to her brother.


    ...


    On the same day, a few hourster, Nivalis stood in front of her children with a bright smile on her face. While she was out hunting, she discovered a spot in the forest with a lot of mushrooms growing, which meant plenty of food for them to collect, and it was a great way to spend some quality time with her children. Her excitement was almost palpable. "Are you two ready?" she asked as they were about to step outside of their cave.


    "Yes, Mom," the children replied in unison.


    "Wonderful. Let''s go," she said before opening the door and taking hold of their hands.


    It was another sunny day, and the fresh, cool air filled their lungs. They strolled, enjoying the sound of the forest and the smell of pine trees. After a short while, they arrived at their destination. Nivalis led her kids into an unremarkable patch of forest: nothing special, just the usual tall, old pine trees and green bushes.


    "Here, this is it," she said, pointing at a mushroom sticking from the ground. "See? We need to find these," Nivalis exined, showing her children an example of the mushroom they needed. "There should be plenty of them around. Take your time and look carefully, stick together."


    "Oh, and don''t touch anything else, okay?" she instructed, and the kids nodded. "If you do, you''ll get a nasty rash in the best case. It won''t be nice," Nivalis warned them.


    ¡ª "Got it," Aster said, a bit nervous. Silvia simply nodded.


    "Good. Now, start looking," she told her kids. "And don''t go too far from me. I need to see you both at all times," she added, looking at her kids, making sure they understood.


    "Okay, Mom," the siblings said in unison and began searching for mushrooms. It was a slow process, a little tedious even, but it was still more interesting than staring at the cave''s ceiling and doing nothing. One by one, the siblings discovered the mushrooms and collected them, cing them inside the bags Nivalis had given them.


    ¡ª "Aha, look, Mom!" Aster eximed, holding up a mushroom to show his mother, who was just a few steps away. "A big one!"


    "That''s great, darling," she replied, smiling and encouraging her son.


    "Hehe," he giggled before carefully cing the mushroom into his bag.


    "I found another one, too," Silvia announced proudly, holding up her mushroom slightly smaller than her brother''s. "Here, Mommy."


    "You''re doing great, my little girl," Nivalis said, patting her daughter''s head.


    The Silverfrost family gathered mushrooms in the woods for the next few hours. They chatted and joked, enjoying themselves whilepleting their task.


    The sun was about to set within an hour, but Aster was determined to make the most of the remaining time. He still had some space left in his bag and wanted to fill it entirely with mushrooms. Aster searched the area carefully, scanning it with his eyes, but couldn''t find any mushrooms. His sister and mother were behind him, helping him check for missed ones.


    While searching for mushrooms, Aster began to feel like they had already been collected from the surrounding area. Just as they were about to give up, he then noticed something unusual - a beautiful white flower growing deep in the tall grass, hidden from curious eyes.


    The flower was breathtaking andpletely white, without a single trace of other colors. Even its stem was snow-white, making the whole flower look like winter had forgotten its beauty here. The flower''s petals were perfectly symmetrical and arranged in an almost unnatural way, making it even more mesmerizing.


    ¡ª "Wow... Mom, look! Look!" Aster eximed, pointing at the flower. Nivalis and Silvia walked over to him, curious about what he had discovered.


    "Oh my... Is this... it can''t be," Nivalis murmured in disbelief.


    "What is it, Mommy?" Silvia asked, looking up at her with confusion.


    "It''s a Moonflower," Nivalis exined, her eyes fixed on the flower. She was fascinated by its beauty. Nivalis had only ever seen a single Moonflower in her entire life, and now her children had found another one. "I''ve never seen one in its original white color before. It''s truly magnificent," Nivalis whispered.


    ¡ª "Moonflower?" Aster asked, turning his gaze at his mother.


    "Mhm. It is a very special flower that changes its color once it''s been picked. The final color depends on the feelings of the person who has taken it," she exined to her son. "Elves have an old tradition where men use this flower to propose to the women they love. If the Moonflower changes to the same color as the woman''s eyes, it''s a promise of eternal love," she continued. "There are more ways to propose, of course, but it''s a story for another day," she smiled, ruffling her son''s hair.


    "Oh, so pretty," Silviamented, her golden eyes sparkling, admiring the flower. "Have you seen it before, Mommy?" she asked.


    Nivalis nodded slowly, a mncholic smile on her face. "Yes, my darlings, I did," she said, her voice slightly trembling. "My father, your grandfather, proposed to your grandmother with one. He used his ice magic, which is a rare variation of water affinity, to preserve the flower forever. The flower had the same blue color as my mother''s blue eyes," she exined, her eyes getting a little moist.


    ¡ª "Did she have blue eyes like yours, Mom?" Aster asked, looking at his mother.


    "Mhm," Nivalis nodded, her blue eyes glistening with tears. "Just like mine..." she smiled warmly at long-gone memories.


    ¡ª "I wish I could have met them," Aster mumbled sadly.


    "Me too..." Silvia added.


    "I''m sure you would have loved them," Nivalis smiled gently. "And they would have loved you both as well," she added, hugging her children tightly and resting her face against the top of their heads. "Although they are no longer with us, I know they are watching over us," she whispered, kissing each of their foreheads gently.


    Nivalis sighed and released the kids from her embrace, smiling at them. She wiped away the tears threatening to spill from her eyes and fixed her gaze on the flower.


    Silvia was just about to reach out and pick it up, but Nivalis stopped her and warned her, "Don''t touch it, darling."


    "Why not, Mommy?" Silvia asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    "It''s considered bad luck for a woman to pick a Moonflower for herself or for a man to pick it up without the intention to propose," Nivalis exined.


    ¡ª "Really?" Aster questioned, raising an eyebrow and looking at his mother.


    Nivalis spoke in an ominous tone, "ording to an ancient belief, if a woman picks a Moonflower for herself, the goddess of love and beauty, Selene, would be angered. Simrly, if a man does the same, the god of war, Eros, would be insulted. Both gods would punish the offenders by taking away something they hold dear."


    "Eek!" Silvia squeaked, moving her hand away from the flower, a worried look on her face.


    "Haha, rx, my love. It''s just an old legend," Nivalis chuckled. "But still, let''s not pick it up just in case, okay?"


    "O-okay, Mom," Silvia agreed, nodding.


    ¡ª "Mom, why would the god of war be angered by someone picking up a Moonflower?" Aster asked, scratching the back of his head.


    "I was told this story by my father when I was your age, so I don''t know the story in detail," Nivalis admitted. "From what I can remember, It''s about Eros, who fell in love with a mortal woman and used the same flower to prove his feelings to her. She epted his love, and they lived together until she passed away due to old age."


    Nivalis paused momentarily and then continued, looking into her son''s eyes, "After her death, Eros was heartbroken and became very protective of the Moonflower, the only reminder of his mortal beloved. It is his way to honor her memory. That''s the short version of it, at least," she finished.


    "Aww, that''s so sad..." Silvia pouted. "Still, I''d love to take it home," she said, looking longingly at the flower.


    "Mhm. Me too. It is a stunning flower," Nivalis agreed. "But we can''t. It is too risky."


    "Yeah..." Silvia sighed. "Can we return in a few days and check if it''s still here?" she asked hopefully.


    "Of course, my dear. If you''d like, we can revisit this ce tomorrow," Nivalis said reassuringly. "However, I have heard that this flower does not bloom for long - maybe up to a day at most. This is why they are so rare. So, if it is gone by then, there is nothing we can do," she exined, a hint of disappointment in her voice.


    "O-okay..." Silvia mumbled, her expression disappointed.


    Nivalis patted her head gently. "Come on, my loves. Let''s go back home. It''s almost dinner time," she said, rubbing their backs.


    Aster took a moment to look at the Moonflower a little longer, thinking.¡ª ''Is it really going to get that bad if I pick it up?'' he thought, his expression slightly worried. ''Would the gods be furious? I know for a fact that they do exist, but... would they punish a child who simply wanted to give the flower to his mother and sister? Really?'' Aster wondered, staring at the flower, unsure.


    "Aster, let''s go," Silvia called.


    Aster was lost in his thoughts about a flower, not paying attention to anything else.¡ª ''It would make my sister and mom happy... And I damn want to make them happy!'' Aster continued his internal monologue. As he looked at them, at his beautiful mother and lovely sister ¡ª the two people he loved the most in the entire world, he realized how much he loved them and how much they meant to him. The two people who made him the happiest. Who gave him all the love and care in the world. The two people who are above all else.


    The orange sun highlighted their beauty, making them look more radiant than ever. Their silver hair glittered in the sunlight, their skin was wless, and their smiles were enchanting. He looked into their eyes and saw nothing but unconditional love. And he knew, without a doubt, that he wanted to make them happy. No matter what.¡ª ''There is no one else I love more, and I can prove it,'' he admitted to himself, his golden eyes locked on them. Finally, he looked back at the flower, still lost in thought.


    "Asty?" Silvia called again, a bit confused.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, Aster finally made a decision. ''To hell with it! If the gods are so petty and want to punish me for trying to make my family happy, then so be it,'' he thought, clenching his fists. Aster''s eyes were full of determination as he looked at his family. ''If there is a price to pay for my mother''s and sister''s happiness, I will dly pay for it,'' he said to himself and nodded firmly, resolute in his choice.


    "Wait, don''t-" Nivalis tried to warn her son. But before she could stop him, it was toote.


    With a decisive nod, he bent down and plucked the Moonflower.

 Chapter 43: Little vacation

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Outside the hot spring cave, the sun slowly moved west, its golden light filtering through the trees and bathing the forest floor with a warm glow. Insects were buzzing, birds chirping, and squirrels jumping from branch to branch, searching for nuts and berries. A gentle breeze blew through the trees, swaying the branches, and a few fluffy clouds floatedzily through the sky above.


    A family of three was enjoying their little vacation inside a hot spring cave. A boy, his beautiful mother, and his lovely sister huddled together, soaking their bodies in the hot water. The two children had their heads resting against the soft bosom of their mother. Nivalis was running her fingers through their silky white hair, giving her babies some rest so they could recharge forter.


    Aster rubbed his sleepy eyes and yawned as he woke up. A smile appeared on his lips as he felt his mother''s soft breast pressing against his cheek. ''Best nap ever,'' he thought, gently squeezing her big, warm bosom. He sighed contentedly and buried his face deeper into her soft cleavage. His nose poked her nipple, and he breathed deeply, inhaling her intoxicating scent. He felt the steady rhythm of her heartbeat and slow, even breaths.


    He couldn''t remember when he fell asleep or how long he was out, but he wasn''t alone in drifting away. Silvia, sleeping to his right, was snoring softly and drooling a bit, pressing her body against her little brother, cuddling him like a teddy bear. Aster nced at her, noticing her lips asionally moving as if she was having a dream, mumbling incoherent words.


    "Oh, are you finally awake, honey?" Nivalis spoke quietly in a sweet voice, making him look up. Her long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, glistening in the sunlight streaming through the small opening above. Her skin was smooth and wless, and her cheeks were rosy from the heat. Her eyes were shining bright, reflecting the sunlight.


    ¡ª "Mhm," he nodded, smiling back. "How long have I been asleep?" he asked, ncing up at the opening in the ceiling.


    "Not very long," she answered,bing her fingers through his hair, "less than an hour," she added, ying with his locks. "Did you sleep well?"


    ¡ª "Yeah, I did," he mumbled, nuzzling his cheek against her breast."Good," she said, her soft hand rubbing his back, massaging his small body.


    Aster sighed, his eyes closing once again. "This is perfect," he whispered, smiling contently. "I could stay like this forever," he added, his voice barely audible.


    Nivalis giggled, her fingers tracing his spine. "I bet," she replied, smiling fondly at him. "It''s nice, isn''t it?"


    ¡ª "Yeah," he nodded. He leaned forward, kissing her breast and licking her nipple. He took the stiff nub between his teeth and sucked gently, making her squirm a little.


    "Hey," Nivalisined jokingly, tickling his sides, causing him tough and pull back. "Bad boy," she said, her voice teasing. "You''re supposed to ask first before drinking."


    ¡ª "Sorry, Mom," he apologized, looking up at her face. "Can I drink your milk, please?" he asked politely, his cheeks reddening slightly.


    "Hmmm," she hummed thoughtfully, cing a finger under her chin, pretending to be considering it.


    ¡ª "Please," he pleaded, giving her his best puppy eyes, which always worked on her.


    "Well..." Nivalis paused dramatically, tapping her fingers against her lips and looking into his golden eyes. "Oh, alright," Nivalis giggled, ruffling his hair. "You''re too adorable to say no to, honey."


    ¡ª "Thank you," he grinned, his face lighting up instantly. Aster brought his lips back to her erect nipple. He licked her are, his tongue swirling around her pink nub, and nibbled it lightly before sucking again. Her milk soon flowed into his mouth, filling his taste buds with sweetness.


    Silvia stirred and woke up, her eyes fluttering open. She lifted herself, wiping the drool from her mouth, and looked at her brother''s face buried in her mother''s bosom and pouted, her eyebrows furrowed. "Hey! Why didn''t anyone wake me up?" sheined, ring at her family.


    "We just started, honey," Nivalis smiled, patting her daughter''s head. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to leave you out. Here, have some," she said, lifting her other breast towards the little girl and offering her an inviting nipple.


    "Yay!" Silvia eximed, her mood instantly improving. She grabbed the big teat with both hands, squeezing it firmly. Milk squirted out, sttering her face and making her giggle.


    "Ouch... Not so hard, honey," Nivalis said, wincing.


    "Sorry, Mommy," Silvia apologized, loosening her grip and gently cing her mouth around the tip. She sucked softly, swallowing her mother''s delicious milk with small gulps. Her little tongue danced around, swirling around the tip.


    "That''s better," Nivalis sighed, caressing her daughter''s hair. She looked down at her children, a smile forming on her lips. "My two little babies," she murmured affectionately, holding them close.


    Her son and daughter continued sucking on her breasts without saying a word. Their eyes were closed, their cheeks red, and their lips curled into smiles. The liquid flowed down their throats, filling their tummies with their mother''s liquid. Nivalis sighed contentedly, her eyelids half-closed. She enjoyed being breastfed by her babies and loved feeling their mouths sucking her nipples, drinking her milk. It made her feel needed and loved. Seeing their faces rxed, their cheeks bulging as they drank her milk... how could she not adore it?


    After a while, the milk flow stopped, and the siblings released her teats with loud ''plops.''


    "Oh, did you finish already?" Nivalis asked, looking at her children. "That was quick," she said, wiping the remaining milk off their faces.


    ¡ª "Mhm, thank you, Mom," Aster said, smacking his lips and removing the droplets of milk from them with his tongue, identally licking his mother''s finger as she brushed her thumb over his chin.


    "Yeah, thanks, Mommy," Silvia said, smiling at her mother.


    "You''re wee," Nivalis said, hugging her children tightly, her big breasts squishing against their tiny chests. "So, what do you want to do now? We have a few more hours left until we return home."


    "Hmm," Silvia hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "How about... We y tag?" she suggested, ncing between her mother and brother.


    ¡ª "Sure, why not," Aster replied, smiling at her. "Sounds fun."


    "Tag, huh?" Nivalis chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure you''re ready for it?"


    "Absolut-" Silvia tried to answer but was cut short when a wave of water sshed against her face, catching herpletely off guard. "Hey!" she shouted, wiping the water from her eyes.


    Aster was already gone, swimming quickly away from his sister, who was sshing her way after him, a determined look on her face. "Get back here, Asty!" she yelled, trying to grab him, but he dodged her attempt and swam farther.


    Nivalisughed loudly as she watched her children chase each other. "Be careful, kids," she warned them, giggling at their antics.


    "Get back here, you little rascal," Silvia said,ughing loudly as she chased her little brother. She swam as fast as she could, closing the distance between them.


    ¡ª "Oh no," Aster whispered, hearing her voice behind him. He tried to pick up the speed, but his body was too small to outswim his older sister. His arms and legs pumped furiously, kicking the water and propelling him forward. He nced over his shoulder, and his heart skipped a beat as he saw her getting closer and closer. "Eep!" he squealed, his voice high-pitched.


    "Hahaha, I''m gonna getcha!" Silvia giggled, chasing him like a predator hunting her prey. "Give up and surrender already, or I''ll tickle you until you wet yourself!"


    But Aster refused to surrender. "Never!" he shouted and decided to dive under the water. He held his breath and swam down, hoping to lose her, but unfortunately for him, the water was crystal clear and not very deep, making it easy for her to see his every move. ''Damn it!'' he cursed inwardly, feeling her fingertips brush against his heel.


    "Gotcha!" Silvia shouted victoriously, grabbing her brother''s leg and pulling him towards her. "You''re mine now!" she eximed, doing the evilestugh this world has ever seen.


    Aster emerged from the water and gasped for air. "Ahhh," Aster cried out, trying to break free. "Help me, Mom!"


    ...


    As the sun slowly sank lower and lower, the colors of the sky began to change. First, a bright orange, then a deep crimson, and finally a deep purple, painting the sky in a beautiful array of colors. The moon began to rise, casting its silver light on the world below. The night was slowly creeping in, and the stars started to appear, twinkling in the sky.


    The Silverfrost family has returned safely to their home cave after spending almost the entire day in a hot spring. They have lit a fire in the firece to warm up the ce, and now the mother is cooking a delicious meal for her children and herself. While the kids wait patiently, snuggling up next to each other on the bed, sharing a nket, they silently watch her cooking. Silvia leaned her head on Aster''s shoulder, yawning quietly. She looked exhausted and sleepy.


    "I''m tired," she let out a tired mumble as her eyes slowly started to close.


    ¡ª "Here," he said, patting his thighs. "Lie down on myp. I''ll wake you up when dinner is ready," he offered.


    "Mhm, thank you," she murmured gratefully,ying on her back and cing her head on his tiny legs. "That''s better," she added, sighing contentedly.


    ¡ª "Comfortable?" he asked, adjusting the nket to cover her whole body.


    "Very," she replied, her eyes closed, a satisfied smile on her lips. She yawned loudly once again and snuggled closer, burying her face into his stomach.


    Aster smiled as he brushed his fingers through Silvia''s hair. Her long silver strands were soft and smooth, and her scent was sweet and pleasant. He gently stroked her forehead, tracing imaginary circles on her skin, "You were great today, Sis," he whispered, looking down at her.@@novelbin@@


    "Thanks," Silvia replied, sleepy, her lips curling slightly. "It''s hard to believe I finally got an affinity and used magic... It''s just so incredible," she murmured, her voice muffled by his clothes.


    ¡ª "I know," he said, moving her head a bit so he could see her face, but her eyes remained closed. He started tracing her eyebrows and cute little nose with his fingertips. "But I never expected magic to be thisplicated."


    Silvia nodded in agreement, slowly opening her eyes, her golden orbs locking with his own. "Yeah, it''s really difficult. It felt like I was fighting against myself," she confessed, a frown forming on her brow.


    ¡ª "I thought you did amazing," Aster said, rubbing her cheeks with his fingers, squeezing and pulling them yfully. "It was incredible. You looked like a real mage."


    Her lips twitched, moving even higher as her brother yed with her face. "Really?" she asked, looking at him expectantly.


    ¡ª "Really," he confirmed, nodding his head. "I guess it''s normal to struggle at first. I thought it would take a few hours or even days before you cast a simple spell, and here you are, doing it in less than ten minutes. That was amazing."


    "Hehe, thanks," she smiled, her face glowing with pride. "I guess I''m pretty awesome, huh?" she joked, sticking her little tongue out.


    Aster reacted immediately and grabbed her wet tongue between his thumb and forefinger. "Oh, look. I caught something," he said, pulling softly her pink tongue out of her mouth. "What should I do with this?" he teased, his grin widening.


    "Nuuuu, lemme go!" Silviaughed loudly, her words muffled as her tongue was trapped. Suddenly, she opened her mouth and sucked his fingers into her wet cavern, her teeth mping around his knuckles. The little girl bit him yfully and giggled, her eyes sparkling mischievously.


    ¡ª "Hey," Asterughed, shaking her head as he tried to pull his hand back. "Let it go," he said, but she refused, making her bite stronger. Her little tongue started to swirl around his finger, coating it with her warm saliva.


    ¡ª "Eww," Asterined, trying to pull his hand back. "Stop that," He tickled her ribs with his other hand, making herugh and squirm.


    "Bwahahaha," Silviaughed, letting go of his fingers. She wiped her mouth with her hand, her golden eyes looking up at him, her cheeks flushed from the tickle. "Well, that was too easy. You should have known better than to challenge me; I always win," she dered proudly, puffing her chest and raising her chin.


    Aster squinted his eyes at her, his lips curling into a smirk.


    "Don''t try it," Silvia said, seeing his expression.


    ¡ª "You underestimate my power!" Aster suddenly roared, his hand shooting towards her ears. He knew way too well how sensitive those pointy things were and how much she hated when he yed with them.


    "Nooo!" Silvia squeaked, trying to stop him, but it was toote for her. "D-don''t, Asty, nooo!" she pleaded, wriggling her body as his fingers danced around her earlobes. "Stop, that tickles," sheughed, squirming beneath his touch. "Please, no, I''m sorryyy," she giggled, desperately trying to escape his hands. "No, don''t do it! I''m so-hahaha," herughter filled the cave, and tears formed in her eyes as her little brother teased her ears mercilessly.


    ...


    Nivalis watched her children having fun and couldn''t help but smile. She loved seeing themughing and ying together.


    Suddenly, Silvia managed to escape her brother''s grasp and bolted away, jumping up and running towards her mother. She hugged her waist and hid behind her, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed red.


    "Haah, haah, you win this round, Asty," she breathed out, ring at her brother behind her mother''s back.


    Aster looked satisfied and crossed his arms over his chest. "Told ya," he grinned triumphantly, puffing his chest.


    "Hmph," Silvia snorted, sticking her tongue out at him. "We''ll see about that."


    Nivalis couldn''t hold back and burst intoughter. "Okay, okay, calm down, you two," she giggled, petting her daughter''s head. "The dinner is almost ready, so sit down and rx," she said, motioning towards the fire. "Honey, grab two bowls, please," she added, turning her head towards her son.


    ¡ª "Alright," Aster replied, smiling. He got up and took wooden bowls for him and his sister.


    "Thanks, honey," Nivalis said, taking the bowls from his hand and cing them on the ground. She served the stew and gave each of them a wooden spoon.


    ¡ª "Smells great," Aster said, sniffing the air.


    "It''s rabbit stew," Nivalis exined, sitting beside her children. "I caught it yesterday. Hope you''ll like it," she added, blowing on her spoon to cool the stew down.


    The cave became quiet as they ate, except for the asional slurping sounds from the three hungry mouths. The stew was delicious, and everyone was enjoying their meal. The fire crackled softly in the background, its mes flickering and dancing, casting shadows on the walls. Outside, the wind howled, rustling the leaves and branches, but the sound barely reached the cave, muffled by the thick stone walls.


    The meal was over quickly, and the kids had their bellies filled, feeling content. Nivalis ced the empty bowls on the floor and stretched her arms, sighing happily.


    "Thanks, Mommy," Silvia said, cuddling up to her. "You''re the best," she murmured, kissing her cheek.


    "My pleasure," Nivalis replied, affectionately caressing her daughter''s head.


    ¡ª ''Alright, this the perfect moment for my gift,'' Aster thought, standing up. He went towards the corner where they kept all their clothes. He rummaged through his pile of clothes, searching for something.


    "What are you looking for, honey?" Nivalis asked curiously, her eyebrows raised.


    ¡ª "I''ve got something for Silvia," Aster replied as he continued his search. "Aha, there it is," he eximed, retrieving a piece of white bark resembling a scroll from his coat. "Found it," he said, walking back to his family.


    "Found what?" Silvia inquired, tilting her head, confused.


    ¡ª "Here, this is for you," Aster answered, giving the object to his sister. "Happy birthday," he added, smiling at her shyly.


    "For me?" Silvia asked, staring at the rolled-up piece of thick bark in his hands.


    ¡ª "Yup," Aster nodded, trying to hand her his gift. "I made it for you while you were sick."


    "What is it?" Silvia asked, taking the bark and studying it carefully.


    ¡ª "Unroll it and find out," Aster grinned, watching her reaction closely. "Be careful. It''s fragile," he warned her, sitting beside her.


    Nivalis leaned closer, curious about what her son had prepared for her daughter''s birthday.


    Silvia carefully unrolled the bark. To her surprise, she found a beautiful charcoal drawing underneath. It was a picture of a happy girl with a brilliant smile drawn on a piece of dried bark. The drawing was of Silvia herself, and although some of the lines were a bit shaky, the proportions were urate, and overall, it looked pretty pleasing to the eye.


    "Oh, wow," Silvia gasped, her eyes widening as she stared at the drawing. She then nced at her mother and asked, "Did you help him with this?"


    "Nope, I remember getting him this bark from that white tree I found. But other than that, he did it all by himself," Nivalis said, smiling proudly at her son. "I don''t think I can draw even half as good," she admitted, smiling fondly at her son. "You have a real talent for this."


    Aster looked down and kicked the ground with his feet, feeling shy. "Thanks," he said in response to his mother''spliment. "It''s not that great, really," he mumbled, hoping he hadn''t gone overboard with the drawing.


    After all, this was his first drawing in this world. He didn''t want to showcase too much of his skill, as he was supposed to be just a kid. He only desired to enjoy his second childhood and spend as much time with his family as possible. He has no intention of doing anything too ambitious or extraordinary. He doesn''t want any special attention from anyone. He just wants a normal, happy life. In fact, he preferred to leave his previous life and aplishments behind him.


    But at the same time, seeing his always cheerful sister being sick and unable to do anything to help her... was hard. Harder than anything he ever had to endure. The truth is, he made this drawing to have something that would remind him of her in case... worst came to worst. So she will always be with him.


    Art has always been his way of coping with stress and sadness since he can remember. It was his escape, his safe ce, hisfort zone, his sanctuary. Now, this was nothing more than a silly gift. He doesn''t need to think about that anymore.


    Nivalis could see Aster feeling uncertain about his drawing, so she ruffled his hair lovingly and said, "You''re talented, honey. I think you did amazingly." She then leaned in and kissed him on the forehead.


    "Y-yeah, it''s awesome," Silvia said, giving her brother a big smile. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. "Thanks, little bro," she said, kissing his cheek softly.


    Nivalis pulled both of her children in for a hug, "Can''t believe my kids are so incredibly gifted," she murmured, nuzzling her nose into their hair. "My little mage and my little artist," she added, her eyes closed as she breathed in their scents. "My sweet, lovely babies," she cooed, squeezing them gently.


    "Love you, too," Silvia said, returning the hug, burying her face in her mother''s bosom.


    ¡ª "Love you, Mom," Aster said, wrapping his hands around her neck. "I will make you a drawing sometimeter," he whispered into her ear.


    "Aw, you don''t have to do that," Nivalis replied, giggling softly, stroking his back. "But I would love that," she added, kissing his temple.


    ¡ª "Okay," Aster mumbled, his eyes closing. He was enjoying their warmth and their scent. Their embrace was so soft andfortable.


    The three of them stayed like that for a few minutes, hugging each other tightly. They didn''t move or talk, simply enjoying the moment together.

 Chapter 44: Nightmares

    <strong>[Haldor]</strong>


    "You killed us! It''s all your fault!" Silvia cried out, her voice filled with sorrow and anger. Thoran, her younger brother, stood beside her, silently holding her hand. Both of them were pale as death and had blood flowing out of their eyes and noses.


    ¡ª "I did not!" Haldor screamed, dropping to his knees in horror. "It was her! All her! I didn''t know..." He shouted, trying to reach out to touch his children, but his body wouldn''t move.


    "Why didn''t you save us, father? You were supposed to protect us..." Little Silvia said, sobbing. "We were hungry... so hungry, father... It''s all your fault..." she uttered before both of them vanished into the darkness.


    ¡ª "I''m sorry! Please, wait! I''m sorry! I didn''t know... I couldn''t know... It was her! I tried to find you, I..." he screamed, trying to find the words to justify himself. But there were no excuses. What could he possibly say to lessen his guilt? He knew he''d failed as a father. He had failed his children.


    "You murdered us..." Thoran''s voice echoed from the dark.


    Haldor''s eyes suddenly snapped open, and he gasped. A cold sweat covered his forehead, and his heart raced wildly within his chest as he panted heavily. He sat upright, brushed aside the damp strands of hair that were clinging to his face, and took several deep breaths to calm himself down. The images from his dream were still vivid in his mind.


    ¡ª "By the gods," he mumbled while rubbing his eyes. "It was just a dream... just a fucking dream," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.


    He had raven-ck hair that was all disheveled, and an untidy beard surrounded his gaunt face, with his eyes looking empty and sunken. His leather armor hung loosely on a frame that was once muscr but now seemed skinny. His current appearance was nothing like the imposing warrior he used to be. For years, those nightmares had haunted him, draining him of his strength - every time he closed his eyes, the screams of his children filled his ears. Every time he slept, their pale corpses danced before him. They med him. And they were right, too. He''d failed them.He shivered despite the warmth inside his tent. A chill ran down his spine as his body trembled uncontrobly. "Just a dream," he reassured himself, taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly.


    He opened the tent, the cool breeze blowing in and making him feel better. Outside, the sky was a mixture of deep purples and blues, the first rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon. Birds chirped their morning songs, and leaves rustling in the wind filled his ears. Haldor took another deep breath, inhaling the fresh morning air and trying to clear his mind.


    ¡ª "Damn nightmares." he cursed in frustration, searching for his boots in the dimly lit tent. Finding them, he slipped his feet into them and tied theces tightly. "I really need a drink..." he sighed, taking his sword and buckling it around his waist. He grabbed his cloak and pulled it over his shoulders, fastening it with a simple knot. Once he stepped outside, he stretched his arms above his head, letting out a long yawn.


    It had been raining earlier, and the ground was still muddy and wet, making walking difficult. His boots squelched with each step as he made his way toward his horse, hidden under the nearby tree, away from the rain.


    ¡ª "Good morning, old boy," Haldor said softly, stroking the horse''s muzzle. "I hope you slept better than I did."


    The horse whinnied softly, nudging his palm with its nose. He smiled at his loyalpanion, patted the animal''s neck, and ran his fingers through its coarse mane. "Let''s go. We need to hurry if we want to reach the city today."


    He picked up the reins and returned to the tent to pack his belongings. Within minutes, he had his tent rolled up tightly and secured behind the saddle, a bedroll strapped securely beneath it. After finishing packing, Haldor swung himself into the saddle, put his feet in the stirrups, and urged his mount forward, its hooves sshing mud beneath them.


    The morning flew by quickly, and soon, he reached the forest''s edge. There, he paused momentarily and looked out towards the fields beyond. He saw rolling hills dotted with tree patches extending as far as the eye could see. As he continued his ride, his thoughts returned to his children again. Those dreams¡ªno, nightmares¡ªhad haunted him relentlessly for five long years. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw their faces, using him, ming him for their deaths.


    His grip tightened on the reins, his knuckles whitening. There was still a chance they were alive... But the odds were slim, and Haldor knew it. He had been searching for years, yet there was no trace of his children. He had traveled far and wide, asking everyone he could find, looking for clues, but no one had seen them or heard of their whereabouts. The only conclusion he coulde to was that they never made it out of the woods.


    Even the adventurer''s guild couldn''t find anything despite offering a decent reward. His mind was filled with doubts and questions that had no answers. ''What happened to Odar and Argo, those two unlucky bastards? Did Nivalis really do... those things?'' The truth is, he had no idea what happened there. He couldn''t picture Nivalis doing such a thing, and yet... The bite marks, the missing body parts, the stolen supplies?


    And what the priest discoveredter... He saw her biting the man''s neck. Everything pointed towards her, but it was just too unbelievable. ''Did she run out of food, and was this desperate?'' Haldor wondered, his jaw clenched tightly.


    ¡ª ''Doesn''t make any sense. She took a lot of supplies when she ran,'' Haldor reasoned in his mind. ''And how in hell did she fight two adventurers? She is not a warrior, not even close. A former elven princess, a spoiled brat, and a useless housewife... But not a fighter.'' He sighed, running his hand through his tangled hair. It felt greasy and dirty. He looked around, trying to distract himself from these never-ending thoughts.


    Hope is a cruel mistress. She torments you with glimpses of light where none exist, blinding you to reality. It makes you cling to the slightest chance of finding those you''ve lost, even when all signs point to their death. Haldor knew the chance of his children still being alive after all this time was nearly nonexistent, but part of him still hoped they were somewhere out there. Waiting for him to find them. To save them.


    ...


    The sun began to dip below the horizon as evening approached, casting a golden hue across the sky. Haldor had been on the saddle the whole day and was tired and sore, but he was relieved to have reached the city before nightfall. Arge crowd had gathered near the gates, waiting for their turn to enter. Haldor stopped and dismounted, leading his horse by its reins towards the southern gates.


    There was a long line of carts and wagons, their owners patiently waiting their turn. Children ran around them, ying games while their mothers chatted amongst themselves. A few people stared at him curiously as he approached the line, but none bothered him.


    He joined the queue, keeping his gaze fixed ahead. When he finally reached the front, a guard stepped forward and asked for his entry permit. He removed his old military tag ne from under his worn leather armor and handed it over, watching silently as the guard inspected it closely before handing it back with a nod. "Wee to Valemor," he said emotionlessly, motioning for him to move.


    Haldor thanked him and led his mount through the archway, entering the bustling city. Valemor is a fairly big city, with stone walls surrounding it and tall watchtowers rising high above. Hundreds of homes and buildings stood within those walls, built mostly of wood, with some stone and brick structures here and there.


    But what really made Valemor special for Haldor was its proximity to the forest where his children went missing. If Nivalis ever turned back, maybe out of desperation, it was most likely here where she would go first. It''s big enough to lose herself in the crowd and buy supplies.


    He walked down the crowded streets, passing shops and stalls selling various items. Vendors hawked their wares loudly,peting for the attention of passersby. Haldor ignored them, continuing on his path until he reached the inn. He needed a ce to stay, and the cheapest one avable was The Roaring Boar, an inn located in the slums of the city.


    "Wee to The Roaring Boar. My name is Liv. How can I help you, sir?" The young girl greeted him with a smile when he entered the inn. She was sweeping the floor but stopped to wee him, resting the broom against the wall. She was short, a bit chubby, with her curly ck hair tied up in a messy bun. Her brown eyes looked tired, and her clothes were stained, but something about her made him want to smile back.


    ¡ª "Good evening," he replied politely. "Do you have a room?" Haldor asked, finally looking around. A few drunk men yed cards in the corner,ughing loudly. One many passed out on the bench, snoring like a bear. Others sat around tables, chatting and drinking ale. A fire crackled merrily in the firece, its heat spreading throughout the building.


    "We have plenty, sir. How many nights will you stay?" Liv inquired while they both headed towards the counter.


    ¡ª "Two, at least. Maybe more. And I need my horse to be taken care of," Haldor answered, rummaging through his pockets for coins. "What''s the price?"


    "Eight copper a night and another three for the stable," she replied casually. "It won''t include breakfast, though. You''ll have to pay for that separately."


    Haldor nodded, handing her the coins. She ced them into a box behind the counter before returning with a key, giving him a small smile. "Your room is upstairs, the second on the right. We can also prepare a hot tub, but we charge extra," Liv informed him, cing the key into his hands. "It is kind of small but enough to wash up. Would you like to have it prepared?"


    ¡ª "Yes, please," Haldor replied. He was filthy, and his skin itched with dirt and sweat. Hot water sounded heavenly right now. "How much will that cost?"


    "Two more coppers," she told him, holding her hand out expectantly. He dropped two more coins onto her palm and watched her pocket them before continuing. "Thank you, sir. My pa will get everything ready for you. He''ll bring it to your room in about half an hour," she exined cheerfully.


    ¡ª "Thanks. Don''t forget about the horse, it''s tied outside." Haldor reminded her, turning away and heading towards the stairs.


    "Of course," she replied with a nod. "Have a nice stay!"


    ¡ª "I will." He gave her a brief nod and climbed up the creaking wooden staircase.


    Haldor walked along the corridor until he reached his room, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The room was small and sparsely furnished, containing only a single bed and a nightstand. At least it was clean, and there was no sign of bugs or other vermin.


    Haldor closed the door behind him, sighing heavily. It had been a long journey; now, he wanted nothing but to rest. He took off his belt and ced it on the nightstand. Then, he removed his leather armor, cing it carefully next to the bed. He sat on the edge of the bed and removed his boots, dropping them onto the floor with a thud.


    After a moment, he stretched his stiff body, his joints cracking loudly. Hey on the bed briefly and closed his eyes, listening to the soundsing from downstairs. But then, after a few moments, the exhaustion of the past few days finally caught up with him. He fell asleep almost instantly.


    The next thing he knew, someone knocked on his door, waking him from his slumber. Haldor sat up quickly, blinking away the sleep from his eyes.


    As Haldor opened the door, he was struck by the sight of Liv''s father, who carried a tub into the room without saying a word. The man was a giant of a person, standing almost a head taller than Haldor, who was by no means short himself. His arms and chest were so massive that they barely fit through the doorway. He was bald and had a thick, bushy beard that covered most of his face and a scar that ran from his eye to his cheek. The wooden tub wasn''t big, but it was more than enough to freshen up.


    The man''s dark eyes met Haldor''s, a known coldness hidden within them. A stare of someone who had seen too much, fought too many battles, and killed more than he could count. It was a gaze belonging to a soldier who knew pain, suffering, and death. Haldor recognized the look all too well, as he had it in his eyes. The man ced the tub on the ground, put a towel next to it, and then left the room without a word, closing the door behind him.


    ...


    The next day, Haldor rose early, feeling refreshed and energized. He ate a quick breakfast of porridge and honey, paid for his meal, and left the inn. The sun had barely risen, and the city was still shrouded in shadows. However, the streets were already bustling with activity. He knew where he wanted to go first: the Adventurers Guild.


    The building was located near the eastern gate and stood out. It was three floors high, constructed from stone and wood, and had arge balcony on the upper level. An emblem depicting a sword surrounded by mes hung above the entrance, proudly disying the guild''s symbol. Two heavily armored guards guarded the main entrance, sitting on chairs and chatting idly.


    Inside, a massive room was filled with tables and chairs. Several clerks stood behind counters, talking with adventurers and handing out assignments. Dozens of adventurers milled around, chatting loudly andughing at each other''s jokes. At one table, a group of dwarves, who are a rare sight nowadays, were engaged in a heated discussion about theirtest mission. They wore heavy armor and carried axes, shields, and swords resting against their chairs.


    Haldor made his way through the crowd, approaching a counter where a middle-aged woman sat. Her short brown hair framed her pale face, and she wore sses over her green eyes. She smiled politely as Haldor approached her.


    "Hello, sir. Wee to the Valemor''s Adventurer''s Guild. Would you like to post a request or ept one?" the woman asked, her voice professional.


    ¡ª "I''m looking for information about an old request," Haldor replied, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the crumpled piece of parchment he''d kept with him all this time. "Is there any news?" he asked, handing it to the clerk.


    The woman''s brow furrowed slightly as she took the parchment from him and read it carefully. "Oh, this one... Unfortunately, we haven''t received any new information on this request since it was posted," the woman told him with a sad tone. "Have you tried to check other guild branches? This request has been sent to..." She paused, checking the paper. "To six other cities. Maybe they had better luck?"


    ¡ª "I did," Haldor responded without showing any frustration. This whole time, he did nothing but travel between those ces, only to receive the same answer. "Nothing at all."


    The woman sighed heavily, shaking her head slowly. "I''m sorry, sir. I wish I could tell you something different," she said, her voice sincere. "Despite being old, this is quite a famous request. I don''t think a single adventurer doesn''t know of it. I''m sure if anyone hears anything, they will inform us immediately. The reward is quite attractive," she said, returning the parchment to Haldor.


    ¡ª "Thanks anyway," Haldor muttered, turning around and leaving the building. He felt frustrated and disappointed, but at the same time, he wasn''t surprised. This happened to him many times before, and he expected no less. It had been five long years, after all.


    Haldor spent a few hours visiting the market and various shops to prepare for his uing journey. However, it only reminded him of another problem - the coins in his pocket were decreasing rapidly. All those years of traveling and searching had cost him a small fortune.


    He had to sell his house, steel armor, and even his two-handed sword to cover the expenses, which was the most painful of all. Enchanted with dwarven runes, it was one of a kind, forged just for him. A gift from his father. He loved and treasured this weapon more than any other in the world. Now, the de rested in some merchant''s storage.


    Haldor spent the entire day asking around about Nivalis, but nobody seemed to know anything. As the sun began to set, its fading light painted the city''s buildings with shades of orange. Haldor returned to the Roaring Boar, the inn that was now crowded and lively with dozens of drunken men and women enjoying their evening.


    They even had a bard performing, a tall, thin man in colorful robes strumming a lute. Haldor paid no attention to the music or the people as he sat alone in the corner, sipping a cheap ale.


    Up until a certain song. The bard began to sing, and a few voices joined as they recognized the tune.


    <em>Where no light shines, forest old and deep,</em>


    <em>Where shadows dance, and secrets sleep,</em>


    <em>An elven princess, with eyes of ice and moonlit hair,</em>


    <em>In the dark of night, you pray... You pray for her to stay away!</em>


    Haldor almost spit the ale in his mouth. ''What the hell?'' Haldor thought, standing up and taking a better look at the bard. A few men sang the words along with the bard while others tapped their mugs in time with the beat.


    <em>She stalks the woods with children pair,</em>


    <em>Their golden eyes, like embers, re!</em>


    <em>They tread so light, with steps so sly,</em>


    <em>And leave no trace beneath the sky.</em>


    The bard continued, his voice ringing throughout the inn. His lute strings vibrated as his fingers danced across them, producing a catchy melody.


    Haldor stood there, dumbfounded, staring at the bard and the crowd. He couldn''t believe his ears. Everyone sang along happily as if this was a well-known, well-liked song. The song went on.


    <em>Winter''s breath, the snowkes fall,</em>


    <em>Lost in the storm, you hear her call.</em>


    <em>No footprints found, no blood, no bone,</em>


    <em>Just children''sughter, their satisfied moan.</em>


    <em>The vigers whisper; they tell no lies,</em>


    <em>Of hungry elven princess, a beast disguised!</em>


    <em>In the winter, when snow falls deep,</em>


    <em>She hunts when others sleep...</em>


    The whole inn began pping and cheering when the bard finished singing. But for Haldor, all sounds became distant echoes as his heart thundered in his chest, blood roaring in his ears. Everyone was smiling andughing, enjoying their drinks,pletely unaware of what really happened back then. Completely oblivious to the tragedy his children faced, of their possible fate... A fate that Haldor tried so desperately to deny. Of hungry death somewhere in the wilderness, alone and cold. Forgotten and afraid.


    "It''s your fault," a familiar voice of his daughter spoke to him. Haldor froze, unable to move, his eyes searching for her. But all he saw was people dancing,ughing, singing, and drinking. Bard yed another song.


    "You did this to us," it repeated, louder and clearer, its source impossible to find. "Now they mock us. Laughing at our corpses..." she cried, her voice breaking.


    Haldor''s fingers curled into a fist, nails digging into his skin. His face contorted in anger and pain as he tried to control himself, to suppress the rage and guilt boiling inside him.


    "Dad... Help me..." another voice called out to him, weak and terrified. A boy''s voice. Thoran''s voice. Haldor spun around, trying desperately to find him. His eyes darted everywhere, searching frantically, but his son was nowhere in sight.


    But soon he saw... them. He saw a little girl holding the corpse of her brother, dancing to the bard''s music, their faces twisted with agony. Her movements were unnatural and jerky, the boy''s lifeless body swaying awkwardly. Her mouth opened wide as if screaming, but no sound escaped her lips. Blood flowed freely from their eyes and noses, dripping onto the floor.


    And the smell... Haldor could smell it all - the rot, the decay, the death, the stench of a corpse. He knows this smell all too well. Every man who has seen war does. His stomach lurched, threatening to empty its contents.


    A woman next to him looked at Haldor with a puzzled expression. "Is everything alright, mister?" she asked. But her question didn''t reach him. He didn''t even notice her. Haldor clenched his teeth so hard that the woman could hear them grind against each other.


    Haldor lost it. Without thinking, without realizing what he was doing, Haldorunched forward, his body acting on instinct alone. The next thing he saw was the bard smiling innocently before him. His head jerked back violently as Haldor''s fist connected with his nose.


    There was a sickening crunch as the bard fell backward. The lute''s strings twanged loudly, and its wood splintered when the instrument hit the ground. Haldor didn''t stop there, though. He approached the downed bard and grabbed him by his throat.


    "Please, I''m sorry... I''m sorry... Please..." the bard cried out, his face contorted with fear and pain. But Haldor didn''t listen. He didn''t care.


    Then, he began to repeatedly punch his face, smashing the delicate bones and sending blood and bits of flesh flying. Everyone in the tavern turned their heads towards them, stopping what they were doing, watching them with shock and disbelief... Except for Liv, the owner''s daughter, who invited the bard to perform today. She ran toward the two of them, her face pale with terror.


    "Stop! Stop! What are you doing!?" she cried, trying to pull him off the bard. "Let him go!" But Haldor didn''t react, didn''t listen, didn''t stop. Instead, he pushed the girl away roughly, making her hit the table with her hip. She yelped, falling on the floor.


    A few men, their faces hardened with resolve, rose from their seats. Their hands clenched into fists, ready to intervene. But a certain someone was much faster to react than anyone else.


    Arge shadow appeared beside Haldor, blocking his view. The next thing Haldor saw was a big fist mming into his jaw. His head snapped sideways as pain exploded throughout his skull. Everything blurred momentarily as he tumbled backward, releasing the bard from his grasp.


    He shook his head, trying to clear his vision, blinking rapidly. His jaw throbbed painfully, and his ears rang loudly. He blinked again, and his sight cleared just enough to see the giant of a man.


    The inn''s owner. Liv''s father.@@novelbin@@


    He quickly stood up and faced the huge man. Haldor removed his belt with the sheath attached, threw it away, and rolled up his sleeves. He knew when to use a sword, and this wasn''t one of those situations. He could feel blood trickling down his chin and taste its metallic vor on his tongue.


    The innkeeper frowned, his dark eyes filled with anger, but his lips curled into a chilling smile. He cracked his neck, flexed his muscles, and rushed forward, swinging his arm at Haldor.


    Haldor sidestepped the blow and delivered a sharp punch into the giant''s exposed side. Haldor''s hand throbbed painfully, and he swore under his breath. The man''s ribs felt like solid stone beneath his knuckles.


    But the giant didn''t flinch, didn''t even seem affected. He swung his arm again, aiming for Haldor''s head.


    Haldor ducked underneath the blow but was met with a knee, smashing into his forehead and sending him crashing into a nearby table. But the pain only made Haldorugh madly as he wiped away the blood from his face.


    ¡ª "Is this all you''ve got, big guy? Come on, show me what you''re made of," Haldor taunted, spitting out the blood in his mouth. He jumped up,unched forward, and aimed an uppercut at the innkeeper''s chin.


    The big man took the punch without flinching as if it were nothing more than a light tap. It seemed like the weight difference was too significant, but Haldor wasn''t intimidated by his opponent''s size. He was used to fighting against stronger and bigger enemies. He knew how to handle someone bigger than him.


    Haldor''s next strike missed the target, however. Instead of hitting his chin, his fist flew past the giant''s head, grazing the edge of his ear. The man smiled, then responded with a quick jab, catching Haldor square in the nose. The blood from his nostrils flew through the air, spraying everywhere.


    Haldor ignored the pain, stepped in, andnded a nasty kick to the giant''s leg just above the knee. And it looks like the giant felt it well. Maybe the old trauma or the old bones. Either way, his leg gave out under him, making him kneel. Haldor followed it up with a series of quick punches. Every vulnerable spot, every weak point he could think of. Each blow struck with precision, hitting exactly where he intended.


    Seeing this, a few men were about to help the innkeeper. But their intervention was unnecessary. The giant took every punch without faltering and didn''t even grunt with pain. Then, his massive hand grabbed Haldor''s arm, pulling him closer. Before Haldor could react, the man''s fist mmed into his gut, knocking the wind out of his lungs.


    ¡ª "Oh, fuck," Haldor groaned as he bent forward, coughing. Meanwhile, the innkeeper signaled the men with a gesture to stand back, wanting to finish this fight on his own.


    Then, oh fucking finally, Haldor felt it. Deep inside, his Blessing Stone of Berserker awakened, responding to the adrenaline and rage coursing through his veins.


    Haldor''s eyes narrowed, and his muscles tensed as a surge of energy flooded his body. His blood boiled hotter, pumping harder, fueling his muscles with strength and speed. Maybe he lost his Fire affinity, maybe his body couldn''t use the mana, but the damn stone was still there.


    "Not bad," the giant spoke, his voice deep and rough. He noticed the change and decided to take this seriously.


    ¡ª "You hit like a fucking girl, you stupid bastard," Haldor snarled. He was still struggling to breathe properly.


    The big man charged, throwing his entire weight behind a powerful punch. Haldor ducked at thest second, narrowly avoiding being smashed in the face. Instead, the giant''s fist hit the wooden beam supporting the ceiling. The wood splintered, cracking loudly, and the impact shook the entire building.


    Haldor wasted no time and used the opportunity, responding with a punch of his own. His fist flew straight at the innkeeper''s face, hitting his nose and returning the favor. There was a loud crack, followed by a muffled curse from the big man as he stumbled backward. Blood poured from the broken nose.


    But Haldor wasn''t done yet. He continued his attack,nding several more punches, one after another, before grabbing the giant''s shirt and throwing him onto the table behind them. The furniture toppled over, spilling food and drinks everywhere. People around them scattered, trying to avoid being caught in the crossfire.


    Haldor''s gaze locked on the big man, who was now struggling to get up from the pile of broken wood and spilled food. Before the giant could regain his bnce, Haldor rushed towards him, delivering a fierce kick to his stomach. This finally triggered the men around to intervene.


    The chairs and tables flew, teeth crunched, and cries of pain were shouted. More and more men joined the fight. Haldor lost count of how many of them. All he could see was a blur of fists and feet, the sounds of breaking furniture and cursing men filling his ears.


    They were peasants, nothingpared to the veterans he fought. No matter how many joined, Haldor remained undefeated. It wasn''t even a fight for him... It took him no more than a minute to take them down.


    But it was enough for the innkeeper to recover and catch Haldor off guard. He grabbed Haldor''s neck, lifted him off the ground, and threw him across the entire room. Haldor''s back hit the wall hard, and he slumped to the floor, groaning. Hearing the approaching steps, Haldor tried to stand up. But before he could do so, the giant was already upon him, grabbing his head and smashing it against the wall. Then again, and again.


    Haldor''s vision went ck momentarily, and the world spun around him. A ringing noise echoed in his ears, now louder than ever. Blood trickled down his face, staining his clothes. His brain felt like mush, unable toprehend anything. But the Blessing Stone inside him burned with pure anger, urging him to continue, forcing his consciousness to stay awake. To fight, to kill, to destroy everything around him.


    Haldor roared in fury and managed to lock his legs around the giant''s neck, putting him into a chokehold. The man''s eyes widened in surprise as he struggled to free himself. He grabbed Haldor''s legs and tried to force them apart, but they wouldn''t budge.


    ¡ª "Die, die, die!" Haldor shouted, squeezing tighter. His face was covered in blood and bruises, but he didn''t care. All he could think about was killing the bastard. The innkeeper gasped and thrashed, his face turning red. Two men rushed in, trying to help, and started to kick Haldor with their heavy boots.


    But their attempts were futile. As if they were attacking an iron statue, Haldor didn''t move, his grip unrelenting. He tightened his legs, crushing the giant''s throat. Feeling inevitable, the innkeeper began to mumble something incredibly quickly, using thest few breaths avable to him.


    Haldor''s eyes widened, seeing how the man''s skin started to turn into stone. A faint green light emanated from his flesh as it changed into a rough, grey texture.


    A fucking Stoneblood. The spell from Earth Affinity.


    The man''s body was turning into a living rock. Hard and solid, impossible to break, even with a war hammer. With Fire Affinity, Haldor could burn the bastard and turn the stone into molten g. But now? Nothing he could do.


    The next thing Haldor could feel was his legs breaking, bones snapping under the pressure of the man''s grip. Then, the pain, oh, the pain. Haldor tried to push away from him, but it was pointless. Then he started to punch the stone face repeatedly, his fists turning into a bloody mess, but nothing helped.


    The giant''s features remained unchanged except for his smile. His lips curled surprisingly high, enjoying the desperation and suffering in Haldor''s eyes. But luckily for Haldor, the innkeeper''s daughter was watching this whole mess. The man couldn''t let her see this side of him... see what he truly was. What war turned him into. So, he decided to end it quickly.


    A massive, stone fist mmed into Haldor''s face. And with that, everything went dark.

 Chapter 45: Redemption

    <strong>[Isolde]</strong>


    Life wasn''t easy for Isolde, but she always did what was necessary to survive. Selling her body was necessary to feed her starving family, save her ill mother, and provide for her siblings. It wasn''t a pretty life, but it was the only way to get through those harsh times. Everything changed, however, when her mother discovered what she was doing. This was a few weeks after the incident with Nivalis, who fled into the forest with her kids.


    The look of disgust, shame, and disappointment on her mother''s face was something Isolde would never forget. Even her siblings looked at her differently, as if she were nothing but a disgusting piece of filth. And the worst part was, they were right.


    As punishment, her mother kicked her out of the house, sending her away from their vige for good. Alone, desperate, cold, and hungry, Isolde wandered the roads without a destination. Eventually, she reached Valemor and ended up living on the streets, a ce where she truly belonged. But no matter how hard things got, Isolde never once considered returning to selling her body. No, that part of her life was over. She had made a promise to herself - never again, even if it meant starving to death.


    However, her decision made life much harder for her. Every day was a struggle to survive. She slept in dark, wet alleys, ate scraps, and fought for her ce amongst the others who lived the same miserable existence. It was the lowest of the low for Isolde. Days and nights blurred together in a haze of hunger and loneliness. But the worst part was when she realized she was pregnant. Her past deeds came back to haunt her.


    Isolde gave birth under the very bridge where she slept, hidden between two crates. It was the most difficult moment of her life - painful, terrifying, and exhausting. But all that seemed to disappear when she held her child in her arms. The pain, the suffering, the fear, all vanished. Only her son remained, so tiny and fragile that she feared a mere gust of wind could break him.


    That day, she vowed to her son that she would give him the best life possible. She promised to be a mother he could be proud of. She swore to love him, protect him, and make him happy. She named him Randal, her precious little Randal.


    But it was much easier to say than do. Being a parent was harder than she expected. The following months were a constant struggle. She couldn''t afford the cheapest food, couldn''t buy clothes for her son, and had to sleep under that damn bridge. She sold whatever she could, did odd jobs, and saved every coin she earned, though it was barely enough to live on.


    Everything changed one fateful day when she met a kind, gentle, and understanding priest who took pity on her and her child. This man ran a small church on a hill outside the city. He took her in, gave her food and shelter, and asked for nothing in return. It was a godsend, truly.The priest''s name was Father Martin. He was an old man, grey and wrinkled, perhaps covered in scars, but with a soft heart full of kindness and love for everyone in need. His brown robes were worn and tattered, and his hands were rough and calloused. He epted Isolde despite her past and her mistakes. He saw something good in her and treated her like a daughter, and she couldn''t be more grateful for that.


    Isolde and Randal have lived there ever since. Isolde works tirelessly, helping Father Martin with chores, cooking, cleaning, tending to the garden, and just about anything else. She does whatever she can to repay him for his kindness.


    Years have passed, and now, her life lookspletely different from what it used to be. She now lives in a cozy and warm room with her son, who is well-fed and safe.


    They even have a cat! Yes, a cat, the fluffy, ck beast named Shadow.


    It was all she could ask for, really. This was far more than she deserved.


    ...


    ¡ª "Come on, my sweet boy, it''s time to go to bed." She gently brushed Randal''s ck hair aside and tucked him in, covering his tiny body with a warm nket. Isolde leaned forward and nted a soft kiss on his forehead.


    "Mama, will you tell me a story?" he mumbled sleepily. He stared at his mother with his golden eyes, blinking slowly.


    ¡ª "Sure, honey," she replied with a loving smile. "What would you like to hear?" her fingers traced his cheek, caressing his soft skin.@@novelbin@@


    Randal thought momentarily before answering, "Tell me about knights."


    ¡ª "Again? You really like them, don''t you?" Isolde chuckled softly, gettingfortable beside her son.


    "Yeah, they are awesome!" Randal''s eyes brightened as he smiled, showing off his missing front tooth. "Did you ever meet a real knight, Mama?"


    ¡ª "Maybe one or two," Isolde answered, smiling sadly.


    "Wow! Did they have armor and swords? Have you seen their house''s symbol? What about their horses? And where..." Randal bombarded her with questions, his eyes filled with excitement. Suddenly, the sound of a knock interrupted his words.


    Isolde nced at the door, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. It is a bitte for someone to visit them, and Father Martin should be sleeping by now. ''Who could it be?'' She sighed, stood up, and headed towards the door, leaving her son alone in their bed.


    She wore a white nightgown that hid her feminine curves, reaching down to her ankles. Her long, ck hair was loose, cascading down her shoulders and back. Her bare feet shuffled as she walked across the floor, and the wood creaked slightly under her weight.


    Isolde opened the door and saw Father Martin standing, wearing the same old brown robe. His hands were sped behind his back, and his expression was serious. "Good evening, my child," he said softly, bowing his head. "Sorry to disturb you thiste, but I need you at the infirmary. Please hurry."


    Isolde looked at the old priest and saw how exhausted he looked, how his shoulders hunched, and how his eyes seemed tired. "Of course, Father Martin. I''lle right away."


    Father Martin nodded, "Thank you, my child." He turned around and left, walking slowly down the corridor.


    Isolde closed the door and walked to the corner of the room where she kept her clothes. She rummaged through the pile of tattered and worn fabrics, searching for something decent. Meanwhile, Randal sat up in bed, watching her curiously.


    "Mama, is something wrong?" he asked, tilting his head.


    ¡ª "No, darling," she said reassuringly, finally finding a clean and proper dress. "Everything is alright. Father Martin needs my help with something, so I need to go. You stay here, okay?" She slipped into her dress and began fastening the buttons.


    Once she finished dressing, she walked towards her son, kissed his forehead, and ruffled his hair affectionately. "Go back to sleep. Mama will be back soon," she whispered, pulling the covers over him. "Love you."


    "Okay," Randal mumbled, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "Love you too, Mama," he mumbled, rolling onto his side and snuggling under the covers.


    Isolde kissed his cheek, then hurried out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. Then, she went downstairs, her footsteps echoing throughout the silent building.


    As Isolde entered the infirmary, her nose wrinkled at blood, sweat, and puke stench. A man was lying on a table, his face beaten badly, his left eye swollen shut, blood trickling from his nose. Father Martin was standing beside him, wiping his wounds with a damp cloth. He looked up as she approached. "Ah, there you are," he greeted her. "Come, help me with this patient."


    She nodded and walked toward him. The man lying on the table groaned loudly every time Father Martin dabbed his face with a rag soaked in some type of liquid. He looked up at her and smiled politely.


    "It looks like we got a fight at the Roaring Boar," Father Martin exined, handing her the rag. "Here, your hands are softer. Clean his nose."


    ¡ª "Again?" Isolde sighed, epting the cloth and dipping it into the water bowl. "How bad is it this time?" she asked as she began wiping the blood from the stranger''s broken nose. Her touch was indeed gentle and delicate, and her movements were careful not to cause him pain.


    "Very bad. Two dozen or so, I was told," he replied grimly. "Guards will bring those who can''t afford the city''s church. We can expect moreter."


    ¡ª "Two dozen!?" Isolde eximed, her eyes widening. "My gods," she breathed out, shaking her head. She nced around and spotted a few beds already upied by injured people. Most were sleeping peacefully, but a few moaned in pain.


    "Yes, yes, this one is good. I''ll take it from here. Thank you, darling," he told her, smiling warmly. "Now, prepare more beds and get us all the bandages, ointments, and herbs you can find. We have work to do."


    Isolde nodded and left the room, heading towards the storage. Once she arrived, she gathered everything she needed and carried the supplies back to the infirmary. Along the way, she passed a few guards dragging the wounded and unconscious men. One man was exceptionally bloody, his face swollen and bruised beyond recognition. His legs were so twisted that Isolde couldn''t help but shudder, feeling sorry for him.


    ¡ª "Oh, dear..." Isolde muttered, looking at the unconscious man. It will be hard to save him, for sure. She opened the door for them, let them enter, and followed.


    "Innkeeper told us this guy caused all this mess," one of the guards said to the priest, cing the beaten man on the nearest empty bed. "Bastard''s a fucking monster, I tell ya. I have no idea how he''s still alive," he gestured at the face, which was caved in, his eyes swollen shut. Blood oozed from his nose and mouth, dripping onto the bed.


    "Yeah. If he makes it through, make sure to chain him and let us know. He''s got a fine to settle, a big one," another guard chimed in, his voice gruff. "He''s lucky he didn''t kill anyone, or he''d hang. But... the innkeeper took all his belongings to cover the damage. I doubt the bastard''s got anything left to pay the fine with, so we most likely will see him swinging soon enough," he added with a grin. "He won''t be able to pay for the treatment either. Keep that in mind."


    "Thank you for informing us, gentlemen. God bless," Father Martin said, his tone respectful, although he frowned at the guard''s words. He turned his attention back to the man lying on the bed and examined him closely.


    "Aye, Father," the guard nodded, turning to leave.


    "No problem," the first guard answered, quickly ncing at the man. "Good luck, Father," he wished him as he followed after the other.


    The priest sighed heavily and turned to Isolde, who stood beside him. "Help me with his clothes," he ordered her.


    ¡ª "Yes, sir," she replied, moving towards the patient and beginning to cut his leather armor with scissors. She noticed a ne hanging around his neck. "A soldier," she remarked.


    "It looks like it," Father Martin nodded. "It should have his name. Take a look."


    ¡ª "Alright." Isolde grabbed the ne and carefully pulled it over his head, examining it closely. "It can''t be..." She froze, her eyes widening.


    "What is it, my child?" the priest asked curiously without looking up.


    ¡ª "I-I know him... This is Haldor," Isolde breathed out. Her heart skipped a beat, and her palms became sweaty. Memories of the past rushed back to her, reminding her of those times she tried to forget. "Haldor Firefury," she muttered quietly, staring at his broken face. "Randal''s father."


    ...


    Two months have passed since that day.


    ¡ª "You did what!?" Isolde screamed, her face red with anger and her eyes wide with shock. She red at Father Martin, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. "How could you? It was none of your business!"


    "Calm down, my child. Please." The priest tried to reason with her, raising his hands defensively. "Haldor had to know he has a son, and Randal deserves a father," he exined calmly, his tone soft and gentle.


    Suddenly, Haldor opened the door and quietly entered the room, interrupting their argument. He looked much better now, his face almostpletely healed, and his legs no longer broken, all thanks to the priest''s healing and the Blessing Stone inside his body.


    ¡ª "No, no, no!" Isolde protested angrily, pointing a finger at Haldor. "Randal is mine and only mine! I won''t allow it!" she eximed, tears forming in her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to p Father Martin''s smile off.


    "Why not, my dear?" Father Martin asked, his voice still calm and soothing. "I spoke with him. This man is a good person, or at least tries to be. He lost his family and suffered greatly-"


    ¡ª "I don''t care! You hear me?!" Isolde interrupted him, her voice trembling with emotion. "The only reason why he lost his family is because he beat and humiliated his wife, making her so desperate that she decided to flee into the wilderness. Away from him!" she paused and looked at Haldor, "And most likely died because of it." she hissed.


    Haldor remained silent, his head bowed and his gaze fixed on the floor. He didn''t dare speak, not wanting to make the situation worse.


    "I-I know... What he did was horrible, with no doubt," Father Martin admitted, nodding slowly. "But please listen to me, Isolde, my child. Everyone makes mistakes; you are better than anyone who knows it. Everyone deserves forgiveness. Give him a chance, please. He promises to change and be a good father, and I can see his determination in his eyes. I know he means well," he continued, his voice firm and confident. "I''m not that young anymore. My time is limited, and I can''t watch over you and your son forever. You will need someone to look after you once I''m gone, especially when the boy gets older. Who knows what trouble he will cause? He needs a father to guide him," he added, his eyes meeting hers.


    ¡ª "I-I... I..." Isolde struggled to speak, tears flowing down her cheeks. Her shoulders slumped, and her body trembled slightly.


    "Please, think about it, my child. Give him a chance, just one. If he fails, you will never have to see him again." Father Martin stepped forward and put his hand on her shoulder. "Please."


    Isolde closed her eyes, sniffling and wiping her face with the back of her sleeve. "No. Never," she said in a low voice, shaking her head slowly. "This is my son and mine only. He doesn''t need a father. He has me," she repeated firmly, her jaw clenched tight. "You have no right to decide what''s best for him. I''m his mother, and he''s my responsibility. Do you understand?"


    Father Martin sighed and nodded sadly.


    "I promise never to hurt him," Haldor said quietly. His hands were sped before him, his posture stiff and tense. He nced up at her, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret. "I know... I don''t deserve him. You are right, especially not after what I did... I will do everything you say and follow your every word," he promised. "But please, give me a chance."


    Isolde didn''t answer immediately, chewing her lower lip. She thought about all the hardships and suffering she had endured in thest five years, about how hard life had been for her and her son. It wasn''t easy ¡ª not at all ¡ª but she managed somehow. Why should she ept this stranger? To risk Randal''s safety and happiness? No. Absolutely not.


    After a few moments of silence, Isolde finally spoke. "No. This is final." She looked up at him, her eyes cold and unwavering. "I don''t want you near my son. Leave us alone. If I catch you anywhere near him, I''ll call the guards," she warned, her tone firm and harsh. "Do you understand?"


    Haldor swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the floor. He nodded silently and turned away, leaving the room without another word.


    Isolde watched him walk out the door, her expression nk and emotionless. Once he disappeared, she sighed heavily and ran her fingers through her hair. She nced at Father Martin, who was watching her closely, his face grim. He shook his head slowly and left the room as well, leaving her alone.


    ...


    <strong>[Father Martin]</strong>


    Father Martin walked slowly, his footsteps echoing loudly in the empty basement where he spent his entire evening counting and cataloging his inventory. It was a boring task, but he liked doing it. It was repetitive and tedious and gave him peace and tranquility. He reached the end of the corridor, where a wooden staircase led upwards. He climbed the stairs and pushed open the door leading outside.


    Walking through the garden, he stopped momentarily and looked up. The night sky was clear, the stars bright and beautiful, shining down on his wrinkled face. A gentle breeze blew, rustling the leaves of the trees nearby. But yesterday''s event kept ying in his head, not letting him enjoy the moment''s beauty. He felt guilty. He didn''t expect things to turn out like this. He hoped Haldor and Isolde would be a family or at least close friends. ''How naive of me... Isolde hasn''t spoken to me the entire day. She probably hates me now.'' he thought.


    ¡ª ''Was it too much to ask?'' He sighed heavily, sitting on the bench, his gaze fixed on the moon. Its silver light illuminated his tired face. He rubbed his forehead, his brows furrowed slightly. ''I should have kept my nose out of it,'' he thought. ''What was I thinking? She has every right to feel the way she does. Her suffering was no less than his; her son is her world. She would never let anyone else into his life.''


    Suddenly, a soft meow startled him.


    Father Martin looked down and saw a ck cat sitting beside him, its fur shiny and sleek. It meowed again and rubbed against his leg. "Shadow," he whispered, reaching out and stroking the cat''s back. It purred contentedly and jumped onto hisp.


    ¡ª "Hello there, you little rascal," Father Martin said fondly. "Where have you been all day, hmm? Off causing mischief, I presume?" He chuckled, scratching Shadow''s ears.


    The cat meowed in reply and nestled into hisp.


    ¡ª "You always find me when I''m troubled," Father Martin sighed, stroking the cat''s fur. "To think of... I was even ready to pay the Haldor''s fine... To ease their burden, even if it meant going broke," he muttered quietly. "That was foolish of me... This whole mess is all my fault. But I have done too much wrong in my life, and I just wanted to do some good while I still could."


    The cat purred loudly and nuzzled its head against his hand.


    ¡ª "Ah, well. There''s always hope," Father Martin said with a weak smile, scratching Shadow''s chin. "I''m sure if Haldor sticks around and does what he promises, maybe they will get along eventually."


    "Meow," Shadow replied, its yellow eyes gazing up at him.


    ¡ª "Don''t give me that look," Father Martin chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Let''s go, I''ll feed you," he told the cat, standing up and carrying him inside. The cat purred happily, restingfortably in the priest''s arms. When he opened the door to the kitchen, a faint sound from upstairs caught his attention. He stopped and listened, tilting his head towards the stairs.


    ¡ª "Hmm?" Father Martin frowned. He ced Shadow on the floor and began climbing the stairs. "Is someone there?" he called out, reaching the top. The hallway was dark, except for a dim lighting from underneath Isolde''s bedroom door. Father Martin walked toward it, listening carefully, but not a single sound came from the room.


    He stood there for a moment, hesitating. He debated whether to leave or knock, not wanting to disturb her, given howte it was. But a strange feeling of uneasiness grew within him... It was too quiet. "Better be safe than sorry," he muttered under his breath, knocking gently on the wooden surface. "Isolde?" he called out softly. There was no answer.


    ¡ª "My child, can Ie in?" Father Martin asked, knocking again. Still, there was no response.


    He hesitated momentarily, unsure if he should enter. But then, he heard a soft whimpering from inside. Without thinking, he reached the doorknob and entered the room. Inside, he found Isolde on the floor, holding her bleeding stomach. Her skin was pale, almost ghostly white, and her breathing was ragged and uneven.


    ¡ª "Oh gods, my dear," he shouted, rushing toward her. He kneeled beside her and pressed his hands over her wound. She lost a lot of blood, her white nightgown soaked in crimson liquid. Her body was trembling, her eyes staring at nothing.


    "Isolde, my child, stay with me!" Father Martin eximed. He tore her clothes, revealing her t belly. There was arge, deep cut running across it. Blood poured freely from the wound, forming a puddle on the floor. ''The cut is too deep... I need needs my tools, quickly.''


    "Ran... Dal," she managed to utter between ragged breaths.


    ¡ª "Don''t talk, dear. Save your strength," the priest instructed. Father Martin carefully scooped her into his arms, lifting her off the ground despite his old age and aching spine.


    "Ran... Dal," she mumbled weakly, her voice barely audible. "Haldor... took... him."


    Father Martin froze, his heart stopping for a brief moment. The world spun around him, the floor shifting beneath his feet, almost dropping her. He couldn''t believe his ears. ''No, it can''t be. This isn''t happening. He wouldn''t...'' his mind raced, desperately trying to process the situation. But he doesn''t have time to think. Not now.


    He tightened his grip on her body, his jaw clenched tight. He has to save her first and foremost, then worry about the rest. "Everything will be fine, my child," he told her, his voice trembling. "Just hold on."

 Chapter 46: Practice

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Three more years had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Three years of a happy childhood filled withughter, warm smiles,forting hugs, and loving kisses. Three years of growing, learning, and simply being a normal kid. Three years of contentment and happiness, shared with his mother and sister.


    Thanks to his continuous daily workouts, Aster grew into a healthy little boy with a somewhat athletic body and good stamina. Surprisingly, despite the age gap, he was now only a half-head shorter than his sister. Silvia hasn''t grown much since she got her affinity for some reason. She still looked like the same ten-year-old little girl she had been three years ago, her chest as t as ever and her face keeping its childlike innocence. Perhaps it is normal for half-elves to mature at a slower pace? Aster wasn''t sure.


    Today, Aster and Silvia were in a small clearing near the cave entrance, sweating their little butts off. The sun was only slightly above the horizon, shining brightly; the sky was cloudless and blue. The birds were chirping and singing their morning songs, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches ¡ª perfect weather for training. The air smelled fresh and crisp, and the grass was still slightly wet with dew.


    Although Aster usually exercises alone in the early mornings, sometimes Silvia decides to join him, and today is one of those days. For the past hour, they did basic workouts:ps around the clearing, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, and so on. Both kids were covered in sweat and breathing heavily, exhausted and drained.


    ¡ª "Alright, onest time," Aster said, looking at his sister''s sweaty, exhausted face. He held her knees as she struggled to do onest crunch. "Come on, you can do it," he encouraged, smiling at her. Her long silver hair was messy and sweaty, clinging to her flushed skin.


    During these workouts, they wore no upper clothing, exposing their naked chests to the morning air and allowing their sweat-drenched bodies to cool off. Silvia had only her old pants and a pair of sandals on her feet. Her t chest heaved heavily, rising and falling with every ragged breath, her ribs distinctly visible. The grass and dirt stuck to her bare back, and the sun reflected off her wet skin.


    "Ahhhh," Silvia groaned in pain as she pushed herself. "I hate you for this," she panted, gritting her teeth. She felt her stomach muscles burning and her legs trembling slightly. With a final grunt, she managed to pull herself up and grab his neck, hanging her arms around it. "Haaa," she exhaled, resting her forehead against his chest.


    ¡ª "See? I told you you could do it," Aster smiled, his hands still holding her legs."Mhm," Silvia murmured, her eyes closed.


    ¡ª "Alright, the warmup is done," Aster suddenly announced, "Now we can finally start our training!"


    "Wait, wait, what?" Silvia''s eyes shot open, looking up at his grinning face. "What do you mean by ''warmup is done''!? This was the warmup!?" she asked, staring at him in disbelief. "We spent an entire hour-"


    Aster burst intoughter. "Rx, it was just a joke," he said, interrupting her. "I didn''t expect you to fall for it."


    "Ugh, you''re such a dork," Silvia grumbled, rolling her eyes at him. "You almost gave me a stroke, you know," she pouted, letting go of him and copsing on the grass.


    ¡ª "Haha, sorry, couldn''t resist," Aster chuckled, sitting beside her.


    "You''re lucky I''m too tired to kick your ass," Silvia huffed, rubbing her stomach.


    ¡ª "Sure, sure," Aster chuckled, poking her side with his finger.


    She squeaked cutely, pping his hand away, and narrowed her golden eyes at him. "I would so totally kick your butt," she said with confidence, raising her chin. "I just don''t feel like wasting my energy on someone as weak," she smirked, flexing her biceps, which barely bulged.


    ¡ª "Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that," Asterughed, standing up and stretching his arms. "How about a little wrestling spar? We haven''t done it in a while," he suggested, ncing down at his sister''s sprawled figure. "Unless you''re scared, of course," he added, giving her a cheeky smile.


    "Pfft, me?" she huffed, rolling her eyes. "Of my little brother? Please," she chuckled, waving her hand dismissively.


    ¡ª "Great," he said, his eyes shining mischievously. "Whoever wins gets one favor from the loser."


    "Oh?" Silvia raised her eyebrow, a smirk forming on her lips. "Sounds tempting... I''m in," Silvia stood up, dusting herself off.


    ¡ª "Let''s go, then," Aster said, walking to the center of the clearing. "The first one to pin the other down for five seconds wins. And to warn you, I won''t hold back," he grinned, cracking his knuckles.


    "Neither will I," Silvia replied, following after him. "You are going to massage me for hours after I crush you," she dered, pointing her finger at him.


    ¡ª "In your dreams," Aster scoffed.


    They started to circle each other cautiously, their gazes locked onto their opponent''s movements. Simultaneously, they rushed forward, their hands extended in front of them. They collided midway, each grabbing the other''s shoulders, struggling to gain the upper hand.


    Minutes passed as the two siblings wrestled, trying to knock the other to the ground. However, neither winning nor losing. The kids were sweaty and breathing heavily, but their expressions were intense, and their eyes shone with determination.


    ¡ª "C''mon, Sis. Just give up already," Aster grunted, trying to trip her, but she twisted her body, dodging his attempt, and pushed him instead, forcing him to step back.


    "Hah, you wish," Silvia replied, her breathingbored. "You can''t beat me," she added confidently, throwing her entire weight forward.


    This provided an excellent chance for him to hold his sister''s waist and attempt to lift her, but she was too quick to react. Already in mid-air, she wrapped her legs around his waist, squeezing tightly. Then, she wrapped her arms around him and brought her mouth to his ear. "Too bad, brother. Looks like I''ve won already. This will make you beg for mercy," she whispered smugly and started to lick his earlobe ¡ª such a dirty trick.


    ¡ª "Eww, gross," Asterined, squirming in her grasp, trying to pull her off him. "You''re cheating!" he shouted, struggling to maintain his bnce.


    "No, I''m not!" Silvia eximed,ughing loudly. "This is fair y," she giggled, her tongue swirling around, making him shudder. Her hot breathing against his ear was the only thing he could hear.


    ¡ª "It isn''t!" Aster protested, grunting in frustration. He grabbed her hips and tried to push her away, but she clung to him stubbornly. But all he needed to win was to pin her down for five seconds. So, he lowered himself and dropped his sister on her back, using his body to pin her down.


    "Oof," Silvia gasped, feeling the weight of her brother on top of her. She began to twist her body and wiggle under him, trying to get free. Using her hips and thighs, she eventually flipped them around and gained the upper hand.


    What followed was a fierce battle of dominance between the two siblings, this time on the ground. One would get the upper hand every few seconds, only to lose it again. The situation was getting increasingly heated, and neither was willing to give up.


    They kept rolling on the ground, their bodies sliding against each other and their limbs entangled. Brother and sister, their t chests were pressed together as they grunted and groaned, breathing heavily.


    Finally, after a particrly intense struggle, Silvia managed to pin Aster underneath her. She sat on his chest, pressing her weight down. Her hands were gripping his wrists, keeping them pinned to the ground. She breathed heavily, her chest rising and falling rapidly, sweat dripping down her forehead. "Hehe, now who''s on top," she grinned victoriously, her golden eyes glimmering triumphally, her silver hair cascading down her bare shoulders.


    Aster groaned, struggling to break free. "Ugh..." He tried to push her off with his legs, but she was sitting too high for him to reach.


    "Looks like I won," Silvia said victoriously, enjoying the view of her brother''s defeated expression. He tried his best to break free for the next minute, but it became clear that he lost. "You are now my personal masseur," she dered, leaning down and blowing air into his ear to piss him off even more.


    Aster grimaced and closed his eyes, ignoring her teasing. "Damn it," he cursed under his breath, finally giving up. "You got lucky at the end, that''s all. Now, get off me," he muttered, still feeling her warm breath against his ear.


    "I want you to say, ''Please forgive me, oh mighty big sister, I will dly massage you whenever you want,''" Silvia demanded, wiggling her tiny butt over his chest.


    ¡ª "What!? No way!" Aster shook his head, trying to free himself. "I''m not going to say that. Besides, you cheated when you started licking my ear. You''re not getting any favors," he argued.


    "Oh, really now?" Silvia''s expression transformed from victorious to menacing as she raised her eyebrows. "Be a good little brother and say the words," she threatened, her grip on his wrists tightening. "I wonder how long you canst," she teased, her mouth slowly moving closer to his ear.


    A shiver ran down Aster''s spine. "N-no, not again," he stuttered, turning his head away from her, his face flushing red. "Stop! Don''t do that," he pleaded desperately, wiggling beneath her.


    Ignoring his protests, Silvia pressed her wet lips to his ear and breathed warmly against it, "Just give up and say the words, baby brother." Then, her mouth gently sucked in his earlobe, pulling it and nibbling it softly with her soft pink lips, making her little brother as ufortable as possible.


    Aster groaned in protest, attempting to move his head away, but Silvia''s persistent mouth followed, continuing her onught on his ear. Her wet pink tongue slid inside, flicking against his inner walls, causing him to squirm beneath her. "Say it," Silvia whispered, her hot breath tickling his ear.


    Finally, Aster gave in and said, "Please forgive me, o-oh mighty big sister, I will dly massage you whenever you want... UGH!" he pleaded, unable to withstand any more of her torture.@@novelbin@@


    "Hahahaha," Silvia burst intoughter. "Oh my, I can''t believe you said it," she giggled, releasing his hands.


    ¡ª "You''re horrible," Aster grumbled, wiping his wet ear.


    "I love you too," Silvia replied with a sweet smile as if she hadn''t just vited his ear canal a moment ago. "But really, my body''s sore from your sparring idea. You owe me a nice, rxing massage," she added, dismounting from her little brother and settling beside him. "Right?" she locked eyes with him, her expression pleading like a puppy''s.


    Aster rolled his eyes, letting out a long sigh. "Sure," he answered reluctantly. "But not now. We need to help Mom today. You know, the usual," he said, referring to collecting herbs and mushrooms.


    "I know," Silvia nodded. "Then in the evening?" she suggested, smiling at him.


    ¡ª "Deal," Aster agreed, returning the smile.


    "Yay!" Silvia squealed happily, raising her hands and cheering. "Thank you, Asty," she beamed, hugging him tightly. "Get ready for a loooong massage session."


    Asterughed, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, just let me go," he said, squirming in her embrace.


    "Alright, alright," Silvia giggled, releasing him. "Let''s go. We should get back home and wash up. Mom is probably making breakfast already." she said, getting up. She reached down and pulled her little brother to his feet.


    ...


    The Silverfrost family spent the day just as usual. After a quick washup to remove the dirt and sweat, the kids ate breakfast and helped their mother prepare for a trip to the forest. Then, they left the cave and spent most of the day gathering herbs and mushrooms.


    Once the sun began to set and the sky turned orange, they decided it was time to return home. On their way back, Nivalis spotted a rabbit, which she managed to shoot with her bow. Thus, a delicious dinner was ensured for the evening.


    When the trio finally returned to the cave, Nivalis began preparing their meal while Aster and Silvia went straight to the bed andid down, exhausted. The day had been hectic, and their bodies were sore and aching.


    "Asty, it''s time for our deal," Silvia reminded her little brother, poking his shoulder with her finger.


    ¡ª "Right, right..." Aster mumbled, closing his eyes. "Give me a minute."


    Silvia pouted, impatiently staring at his face. "You promised," sheined, poking his cheek. Aster didn''t react, pretending to be asleep. "Astyyyy!" she whined, shaking his arm. Aster started snoring.


    "Oh,e on! You had never snored before," Silvia said, rolling her eyes. She waited a moment, then, unable to bear hisck of response, she leaned over him and began pinching and pulling his face repeatedly. "Wake up,zy brother!"


    Aster continued snoring, unfazed by her actions.


    Nivalis, who had chopped the ingredients, nced at the children andughed. Silvia had previously told her about their small deal, and she couldn''t help but smile at Aster''s attempt to weasel out of it. "Oh no, my breasts are in pain again! If only someone could massage them," she eximed, deciding to help her daughter out.


    Aster''s eyes snapped open instantly, and he quickly sat up, looking at his mother with a silly smile.


    Nivalis smirked, turned away, and continued cutting as if nothing had happened. Aster blinked a few times, confused. Then, his expression changed to disappointment as he realized it was a trick to make him wake up. "Mom!" he pouted, ring at her back.


    "Hehe, sorry, honey," Nivalis replied, a smile ying on her lips.


    Silvia couldn''t contain herughter when she saw her little brother''s disappointed expression. "That was amazing, Mom. You are the best," she praised, grinning widely. Nivalis chuckled, pleased with herself.


    Aster looked between them and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. I''ll massage you," he grumbled, gesturing her to lie down by patting the bed. "One day, this trick won''t work anymore... One day..." he mumbled, watching his sister get up and undress.


    "Good luck with that," Silvia smirked, yfully sticking her tongue out as she took off her pants, revealing her pale skin in the firelight. Once wholly undressed, she crawled back onto the bed andy on her stomach, her long silver hair cascading over her back and her tiny butt wiggling excitedly. "Do your best, little brother," she said, resting her head on her folded hands.


    Aster sighed heavily and started to rub his sister''s body, gently massaging her back first before moving to the other parts of her petite body. Silvia moaned quietly, enjoying her brother''s touch on her skin. "Oh, right there..." she whispered, arching her back slightly. "Do my legs, too, please," she asked, closing her eyes.


    ...


    After finishing dinner and cleaning the dishes, it was time for Silvia''s evening magic practice session.


    Since she developed an affinity for ice magic, Silvia has practiced it almost daily, gradually improving her control over it. However, it was not an easy process. On the contrary, it was extremely challenging and required a lot of dedication and effort from the little girl. Her powers came with unpleasant side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion, along with intense coldness affecting her body.


    Silvia''s ice magic is as beautiful as it is challenging to control. At the end of each practice session, it makes her entire body tremble and shiver. Sometimes, even her teeth chatter and her lips turn blue, making her look like an ice princess from a cartoon movie. If she pushes herself too hard, which has only happened once so far, her entire skin turns pale blue, and she falls into aa-like state.


    It is hard to describe the level of panic Nivalis and Aster experienced when it happened. They tried everything they could to warm her up, fearing the worst. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, and she woke up from her unconscious state two dayster, her skin returning to its healthy color. She was incredibly tired for the next week or so but otherwise unharmed; there weren''t anysting consequences. Since then, Silvia has always made sure not to push herself that far during her magic training sessions.


    Silvia prefers to practicete in the evening, just before bedtime, to mitigate the side effects. This way, they could return home and snuggle under their warm nkets beside the crackling firece, where they could warm her shivering body and wait for the effects of her training to pass. And she likes to sleep between her mother and little brother, sandwiched between them and enjoying their warmth.


    Silvia stood outside the cave entrance under the moon''s gentle glow, bathed in the soft light. Nearby, Aster and Nivalis sat watching her practice, the cool evening breeze rustling the leaves of the trees around them.


    Nivalis was dressed in a loose tunic and skirt made from old garments that had seen better days. Her silver hair was gathered in a casual bun, and her long ears asionally twitched, picking up every sound of the night. Aster leaned against her, feeling sleepy, as Nivalis held him close, her fingers idly tracing patterns on his belly.


    "Are you ready, sweetie?" Nivalis asked her daughter, smiling encouragingly.


    "Yup," Silvia nodded, her eyes closed as she took a deep, steadying breath. As she exhaled, ayer of frost began to form on her right hand, slowly creeping up her skin as she channeled her mana into her palm. The moonlight glinted off the icy surface of her skin, creating a mesmerizing sparkle. Silvia''s brow furrowed at the tingling sensation, but she pressed on, her concentration unwavering.


    Opening her golden eyes, Silvia fixed her gaze on the center of her palm. A thick mist rose from her hand, drifting down to caress the grass at her feet. She focused her thoughts and mana into a single point, forcing the fog to swirl and condense into a small chunk of ice that floated just above her palm. It was rough and uneven, smaller than the size of a fingertip. Silvia''s breathing slowed as she continued to pour more mana into the spell.


    The ice crystal started to rotate, growingrger with each passing moment. A small smile yed on Silvia''s lips as she watched her creation change from a rough and irregr chunk of ice to the shape of an icicle, its sharp point glinting dangerously in the moonlight. She wanted to create a perfect icicle roughly the size of her thumb.


    However, as the icicle grew, it began to tremble and vibrate, fine cracks spiderwebbing across its surface. Silvia''s brows knit together, her focus intensifying as she struggled to control her spell.


    "You are doing great, honey," Nivalis encouraged, tightening her embrace around her son. "Don''t rush, take your time."


    "Mhm," Silvia hummed, nodding her head slightly. She concentrated all her thoughts on stabilizing the spell and mending the cracks. Sweat trickled down her forehead, and her breath formed little clouds of mist as she exhaled shakily. Finally, after several tense moments, the spell stabilized, and the cracks disappeared. Silvia let out a relieved sigh as the crystal stopped trembling, now floating perfectly in ce.


    When the icicle gotrge enough, Silvia stopped the growth process. Mist continued to flow from her hand as she closed her eyes and tried to picture the next step of the spell.


    ¡ª ''Incredible...'' Aster thought as he watched silently, fascinated by the process. Silvia previously described every stage of how her magic works, how the mana flows through her body, the mental images she uses, and how difficult it is to control... She shares every detail with him, no matter how small. The amount of work she puts into casting a spell is staggering, to say the least.


    However, the most challenging part of magic is not casting but figuring out how the spell should work and what details should be added or excluded. It requires a lot of trying and failing until the desired result is achieved. This is the most exciting part for Aster and something he would have loved to try himself... But he has no affinity, sadly. Time will tell if he will get one, but at least he can participate in developing Silvia''s magic by observing her and suggesting changes to her spells.


    Silvia''s eyes opened, and she raised her hand higher, guiding the icicle to float slightly further away. The mist followed close behind, swirling around the icicle and forming a sphere of dense, pressurized fog behind it.


    Launching a spell is a tricky process, and there are two ways of doing it. The first involves using mana to propel the spell forward, much like how the icicle floats now. It is simple and easy, but it consumes a lot of mana to make it somewhat effective.


    The second method, the one Silvia is practicing, is tounch it with an explosion-like force behind it, much like a cannon. However, the problem with this method is how to create such force with ice magic? Luckily, she can control this mist of hers and force it to move and squeeze together into apressed sphere behind the icicle. It requires a bit of mana to prevent solidifying, as well as a tremendous amount of concentration, but the result is worth it.


    When the pressure inside the sphere was good enough, Silvia took a deep breath and shifted her focus back to the icicle. Suddenly, it spun, creating a loud humming sound that intensified as the speed increased. She clenched her teeth, feeling her mana draining rapidly. Nivalis and Aster covered their ears to protect themselves from the sound.


    "Almost done!" Silvia shouted, struggling to maintain the spell. She aimed her hand towards a nearby tree and released the pressure. The sphere behind the icicle exploded with a deafening boom, sending the icicle flying forward with a whistling sound. It flew through the air with incredible speed and mmed into the tree. The tree shuddered, its bark splintering and ice fragments scattering in all directions; a noticeable hole marked the point of impact. "Nice," Silvia said proudly, trying to shake the lingering cold off her hand.


    "That was incredible, honey," Nivalis pped her hands, impressed by her daughter''s spell. "You''ve gotten much better."


    Aster nodded, adding, "It was amazing. Well done," he praised.


    She walked towards them to sit beside her mother. "Hehe, thanks," she said, beaming with pride. "I thought it was over when it started to crack," she confessed, cuddling up to her mother and seeking her warmth. "But I managed to stabilize it. And it''s so much easier to aimpared to thest time," she added, sighing with relief. "Thanks for the advice, Asty. Spinning the icicle really helped," she smiled at him.


    ¡ª "I''m d," Aster replied, still leaning against Nivalis and receiving a belly rub. "It was quite loud, though. Perhaps you should reduce the spinning. Otherwise, the target might flee before you have time to finish the spell," he suggested, putting his hand on his mother''s naked knee. "What do you think, Mom?"


    "Mhm. That''s a good idea," Nivalis said, looking down at her son and kissing him on the temple.


    "Yeah, good point," Silvia nodded, standing up. "Alright, let''s try again."


    ...


    "Brrr... I''m cold," Silviained, crawling onto the bed. Nivalis followed right after, lying beside her daughter and opening her arms invitingly. Silvia immediately hurried closer and hugged her mother''s waist, burying her face into her mother''s milky breasts. The girl trembled visibly, goosebumps covering her naked body. Nivalis gently rubbed Silvia''s back, eliciting a contented sigh from her daughter.


    "Better?" Nivalis asked, a note of concern in her voice.


    "Yeah," Silvia said, pressing her little body closer to her mother''s warmth.


    "You did well today, my love," Nivalis said, kissing her head. "I''m so proud of you."


    "Thanks, Mommy," Silvia mumbled, her teeth chattering slightly.


    "Oh, my sweet girl," Nivalis cooed, gently rubbing Silvia''s back and bottom to help warm her. "How about a story while we wait for Aster?"


    Silvia''s eyes brightened instantly as she looked up at her mother, her lips curling into a smile. "I would love that," she replied, hugging her waist tighter. "But I want you to do all the voices this time."


    "Okay, but you have to promise not tough," Nivalis said, smiling tenderly.


    The mes danced hypnotically as Aster sketched his sister''s face with charcoal on a piece of white bark, its flickering light casting shadows on the walls. He sat cross-legged near the fire in the kitchen area, focusing on his work. The sketches mainly were of what he saw throughout the day ¡ª a squirrel, a few birds, some flowers, a rabbit, and Silvia practicing her magic. This was his nightly routine,sting no more than fifteen minutes, helping him keep his drawing skills in check. It would be a shame to lose such a skill simply because ofziness.


    He didn''t even keep those drawings. Instead, he would wash them away every morning, dry the bark, and start over again. The reason behind this was purely practical: there are not enough white trees growing around, so the drawing material is limited. Besides, there''s something rxing about knowing that his creations would be gone the next day, only to be reced with new ones.


    Silvia''s happy giggles filled the cave, bringing a smile to Aster''s face. "Alright... time to sleep," he whispered, setting aside the charcoal and bark. He washed the ck dust from his hands and walked towards his family.


    "Well, I think he is finally joining us," Silvia said, looking up at him as he approached.


    ¡ª "Yup," Aster replied with a nod. He dropped his pants and removed his tunic, exposing his pale skin to the warm glow of the fire.


    Aster hurried underneath the nkets, nestling close behind his sister. Her skin felt cold, as it always did. "You''re freezing," he whispered into her ear, enveloping her in his arms and pulling himself closer. She shivered slightly, weing her little brother''s warmth by pressing back against him. Their legs intertwined, her icy toes brushing against him, making him grimace slightly in response.


    He ignored the difort, saying nothing. He had gotten used to her icy touch by now. He rested his chin on her shoulder and nced up at his mother, his eyes locking with hers. "What did I miss?" Aster asked with a yawn.


    "Nothing, just getting to the good part," Nivalis replied, cupping his cheek in her hand. "So, as I was saying," she paused, clearing her throat dramatically. "''Oh no! Run away, everyone!'' cried the littlemb. ''The wolf ising!''" Nivalis continued the tale, her eyes twinkling in the firelight.

 Chapter 49: The last goodbye

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Winter is a tough season, especially here in the north, where itsts much longer than normal, longer than all three other seasonsbined. This particr winter seemed to drag on and on, with snowstormsing and going in an unending cycle. The world beyond their shelter was cold, harsh, and unforgiving.


    Yet, their cave, hidden deep within the pine forest, provided the necessary protection and warmth to help them survive the long, bitterly cold nights. The Silverfrost family has been in their cave this entire time, much like bears hibernating in their den. They relied on their carefully stored provisions to sustain them through the long, dark, and cold months.


    It wasn''t without difficulties, however. Food supplies were not infinite, and they had to carefully ration their meals to ensure they wouldst until spring. The meager portions paledpared to the big meals of summer, leaving their stomachs growling in protest. Still, they were grateful; while not ideal, they were not starving, and things could have been far worse.


    Wood was also a constant challenge because fire is necessary in such weather. Even during the day, a roaring me is a must, one that requires a lot of wood. Once their summer stockpile of wood ended, they had to venture out and collect more once every week or so. The pine forest was abundant in trees and branches, but the deep snow, reaching nearly to the boy''s waist, and the relentless, biting winds made the task far from easy.


    Despite all these difficulties, they did well and survived another long, cold winter. The sun finally shone again with all its glory. Its warm rays touched the frozen ground, slowly returning the color and life to the surrounding forest. Birds chirped happily, their voices weing the long-awaited change. All kinds of critters emerged from their hiding spots and returned to their usual lives, searching for food and rebuilding their nests. It was as if the whole world was waking up from a deep slumber, stretching its limbs and enjoying the sun''s rays.


    Even though the snow still did not meltpletely, the promise of a warm spring was near.


    One particr morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the sides of their crudely made door, a young boy slowly opened his golden eyes. He yawned and stretched his legs beneath the cozy warmth of his nket, his small toes wiggling slightly as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, blinking several times to focus.


    He nced to his right, seeing the sleeping face of his adorable sister, her messy silver hair scattered all around, her pink puffy lips parted as she breathed, still dreaming peacefully. The sight made him smile.Looking around, Aster saw that his mother was already awake and preparing to go outside. Putting on her warm coat and boots, she stood beside the entrance, adjusting her clothes and ensuring everything was properly in ce before facing the day.


    ¡ª "Going out?" Aster mumbled, rubbing his eyes again.


    "Hmm? Oh, you''re awake, my love," Nivalis smiled warmly at her son. "Yes, the weather seems nice, so I nned to go fishing. I won''t be long, okay?" she replied, picking up a bow, arrows, and backpack from the floor.


    Aster hummed in understanding, sitting up and scratching his tummy. "Okay," Aster nodded. "Need any help? I can go with you if you want," he offered, yawning.


    "No, no, it''s alright. You two stay here and keep each other warm. I will be back before noon," Nivalis said, giving him a reassuring smile.


    ¡ª "Alright. Good luck, Mom," Aster smiled back, his sleepy voice barely audible.


    "Thanks, honey," she said on her way to the bed. She kneeled down and gave her son a quick peck on his lips. "Be a good boy and take care of your sister while I''m gone. Okay?" her blue eyes locked with his golden ones.


    ¡ª "Of course. Don''t worry," Aster replied, nodding his head.


    "Good boy," Nivalis whispered, ruffling his silver locks before moving towards her daughter and kissing her forehead. The girl mumbled something in her sleep but quickly fell silent again.


    "See you soon, sweetie," she whispered, giving him another quick kiss before turning away and heading to the door. She stepped outside and ensured the wooden barricade was properly in ce and secure. Then, there was silence.


    ...


    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    As Nivalis walked through the forest, her boots squelched loudly, sinking deep into the muddy ground. The cold morning breeze blew, rustling the branches of pine trees, and the soft sound of the wind filled her ears. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and the cloudless blue seemed endless. The morning chill was still there, and her breath created clouds of mist, which floated upwards before disappearing in the air.


    Nivalis hummed a quiet tune, a cheerful melody that matched her mood, and her steps became more lively, almost dance-like. ''Finally, some sunlight,'' she thought happily, her face turning toward the sky, feeling the warmth on her skin. ''It has been a long winter...'' she sighed, continuing to walk through the muddy ground.


    They will have a decent meal again for the first time in many months. Nivalis could almost taste the freshly cooked fish on her tongue. It''s been so long since they had a proper meal that was not dried or smoked. It felt like a lifetime ago, and it almost seemed like an impossible dream ¡ª a dream that she was about to makee true.


    Arriving at the forest''s edge, Nivalis found herself at her preferred fishing spot along the riverbank. Large rocks dotted the shoreline, a perfect ce from which she could easily spot the fish swimming below. With practiced movements, she climbed the tallest boulder, carefully stepping on its slippery surface and using her hands for support before settling into afortable position.


    With her bow and arrows set aside, she retrieved the rope from her backpack, deftly securing one end around her waist and the other to an arrow. This technique, born of experience, allowed her to quickly retrieve the caught fish without risking losing it in the current. It was a simple method but an effective one.


    Setting her backpack aside, Nivalis cautiously lifted herself to one knee, bow in one hand, arrow in the other. She leaned forward, peering into the water''s depths, her sharp gaze piercing through the rippling surface. Small fish darted by, but she ignored them; they were both more challenging to catch and offered less meat, and that was just not worth the effort.


    Now, the most difficult part. Waiting.


    Her vibrant, sky-blue eyes remained fixed, scanning the flowing water with what seemed infinite patience, seeking the slightest hint of movement beneath the crystal-clear surface. As time passed, the sun climbed higher in the sky, its bright light shimmering off the water, causing the river to shine like a thousand diamonds.


    The intensity of the reflection forced Nivalis to narrow her eyes. The wait was long and tedious, but she never lost her focus. She remained motionless, her eyes peeled and searching for the slightest sign of a fish. ''Come on, where are you?'' she thought impatiently.


    It was then, just as she was beginning to wonder whether she should change the spot, that a familiar movement caught her eye, a shadow passing below. Though the target was distant, she deftly positioned the arrow on the bowstring, drawing it back until it grazed her rosy cheek. Her gaze locked onto the target, tracking its movements. Her hand trembled ever so slightly, her muscles protesting as she maintained the bow''s tension. Yet, she held the arrow steady, waiting for the right moment.


    "Haa..." Nivalis exhaled, her fingers releasing the arrow in a fluid motion. She watched it cut through the air, whistling loudly. A ssh followed a momentter, creating ripples in the water where the arrow disappeared. The rope immediately tensed, pulling at her waist as the arrow hit its target. Nivalis couldn''t help but let out a satisfied sigh.


    ¡ª "Gotcha," she mumbled, smiling proudly. She slowly pulled the arrow out of the water, careful not to lose her prey.


    After a few seconds of struggle, she finally got it out, lifting it up and revealing the dead fish. It was a trout, a rather big one, a good catch. "Perfect," Nivalis murmured happily, detaching the arrow from the fish''s body. Retrieving a knife from her boot, she quickly cleaned the trout, her nimble fingers making quick work of the task. Once finished, she wrapped the fillet in a cloth and stowed it away in her backpack.


    Suddenly, a twig snapped somewhere behind her, and Nivalis reacted instantly, leaping to her feet, bow at the ready. There was nothing but trees, bushes, and melting snow, nothing out of the ordinary. Gripping her bow tightly, Nivalis listened intently but couldn''t hear anything unusual.


    Her sharp, blue eyes darted left and right, searching for anything out of ce. Nothing. The forest was quiet and peaceful. The boulders around her glistened in the sunlight, blocking the view of anything behind them, but she was confident no one could sneak this close to hide behind them without being noticed.


    A gentle breeze brushed past, teasing strands of her silver hair against her nose and cheeks. ''Nothing to worry about,'' Nivalis assured herself, lowering her bow. It must have been a bird or squirrel, or maybe just the wind ying tricks on her.


    ¡ª "Two more, and I''m done," Nivalis mumbled, returning to work. She had a routine, and she was determined toplete it.


    ...


    The sun now hung high overhead, and the morning had turned into noon. After catching two more fish, it was finally time to return home. She untied the rope from her waist, storing it alongside the fresh fish fillets in her backpack. Standing up, she indulged in a full-body stretch, releasing a contented groan. Her shoulders and back hurt slightly, but she felt satisfied with the results. Today, the children will have a feast.


    ¡ª "Hmm..." she sighed, rubbing her stomach. ''It will be a delicious dinner,'' she thought happily as she jumped from the boulder,nding gracefully on her feet. A sudden gust of wind blew, carrying a strange, foul smell with it, causing her nose to wrinkle in disgust. It was unlike anything she had smelled before; it was as if someone had mixed rotten eggs, spoiled milk, and fish guts together and left them outside for weeks.


    Before she could even process what it was or turn around from where the scent came from, a sudden burst of pain came from her left leg and forced her to her knees. She screamed in pain, looking down at her thigh and seeing a long wooden spear embedded deep in her flesh.


    ¡ª "Wha-?!" In a desperate attempt to regain her footing, a second, this time blunt blow struck her right knee, sending another wave of agony coursing through her entire body. She felt her knee snap and bend in an unnatural direction, causing her to fall on her side, screaming in pain. She didn''t have time to think, to understand what was happening.


    A wicked, high-pitchedugh reached her ears, followed by another, much simr one. The sound was bone-chilling, a perverse melody that froze her blood. As she managed to lift her head, her tear-blurred vision beheld a sight that made her eyes widen in terror, her pupils contracting to tiny pinpricks.


    Two grey, ugly creatures grinning at her maliciously, their mouths full of sharp, jagged fangs. They were short, barely reaching her chest, wearing ragged clothes that were barely enough to cover their bodies. One of them was still holding a wooden spear that pierced her leg, drool escaping his mouth as he continued to cackle with glee. The other, slightlyrger and more imposing, gripped a hefty wooden club, ready to strike once more.


    ¡ª "W-What the..." Nivalis gasped, her voice trembling as she struggled toprehend what the actual fuck happening here. Her hands trembled uncontrobly, her fingers wing the muddy ground desperately as her body refused to listen to hermands. The pain in her thigh intensified as the goblin attempted to pull the spear from her flesh.


    She cried out again, her agony provoking another delightedugh from the bigger goblin. She grabbed the spear and desperately tried to stop it from moving, crimson blood gushing from her wound and pooling on the ground below. As her fear began to take over, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, her breathing becamebored, and she started to hyperventte.


    "Get the fuck away from me!" she yelled desperately at the creature, gritting her teeth. The second goblin lifted his club, his red eyes shining with malice, and brought it crashing down upon her arm.


    Nivalis screamed, her vision blurred by tears. The pain was nearly unbearable, but she clung to the spear with all her might, her fingers stubbornly refusing to release their hold. In an attempt to retrieve the spear, the goblin holding it twisted the wooden shaft, increasing her agony. Creaturesughed again, enjoying the sight of the suffering elf. Their high-pitched, screechingughter rang through the air.


    With everyst bit of strength and determination she could muster, Nivalis desperately reached for the knife concealed within her boot. Her trembling fingers closed around the handle just as the spear-wielding goblin noticed her actions. Before it could react, she plunged the de deep into its chest. The sound of tearing flesh, of flowing blood, and the goblin''s cries of pain filled her sensitive ears as the de cut through its skin.


    The creature released the spear, attempting to push her away as it shrieked in pain. Nivalis refused to let him go, knowing this might be her only chance to get this close.She has to finish him, no matter what. Her fingers curled around the handle, her hand shaking violently, struggling to keep hold of the knife. Her knuckles turned white, and her teeth clenched so tightly that they felt close to shattering.


    ¡ª "YOU FUCKER!" she roared, withdrawing the knife and thrusting it into the goblin again, deeper, faster, harder. "DIE!" fury fueled her every movement as she relentlessly stabbed and twisted the de, ignoring the goblin''s desperate attempts to defend itself with its sharp nails, which left deep gashes on her wrists and neck. But the adrenaline surging through her veins numbed the pain. Blood spattered everywhere, drenching her hands and face and staining the surrounding ground an even deeper crimson.


    ¡ª "DIE! DIE! DIE!" Nivalis continued to scream, her voice heavy with rage, anger, and desperation. Her arms moved in a frenzied blur, stabbing the creature over and over, blood spraying in every direction.


    Amidst the chaos, she could hear the other goblin''s enraged cries, and before she could even react, a sudden blow from its club struck the back of her head. Her vision darkened, and her body slumped to the ground.


    As the goblin was about to finish her with its club, Nivalis snapped her eyes open and instinctively rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a devastating impact that would have certainly shattered her skull. ''Where is my fucking knife?!'' she thought desperately, her eyes darting around frantically. Her head throbbed with unbearable pain, her vision blurred, and the world spun uncontrobly.


    The goblin let out a scream of pure rage and hatred, its voice guttural and fierce. It brought the club down once more, and Nivalis just managed to move her arms in time, protecting her face and absorbing the blow with her forearms. The sharp pain radiated through her limbs, jolting her entire body.


    Another blow came shortly after, hitting her shoulder this time. Then, her ribs. Again and again, the goblin hit her, screaming something she couldn''t understand. She cried out in agony, but all she could do was try to protect herself, desperately trying to block the blows as best she could. With each passing moment, the goblin''s attacks intensified, and her body grew weaker.


    Blood stained the ground around her, and her vision darkened. He was on the verge of losing consciousness again; her thoughts became muddled, and her movements sluggish. She knew that if she didn''t act quickly, she would die.


    The image of her children''s smiling faces shed through her mind. Summoning her remaining strength, Nivalis shoved aside the pain and focused on the task at hand. ''I have to kill it,'' she thought, her fists clenching and teeth grinding in determination. With a primal roar, Nivalis lunged forward, pushing herself off the muddy ground and kicking the goblin''s crotch as hard as she only could. The creature''s agonized scream filled the air as it crumpled to the ground, clutching its groin.


    Nivalis copsed back into the mud, her breathing in ragged gasps. Her vision was getting even worse, and the world threatened to slip away once more. Panicking, she frantically patted the slippery ground with her only working hand, desperately trying to find a weapon, a rock, anything.


    Her fingers touched something smooth and heavy, and she immediately gripped it tightly and pushed herself on top of the creature, putting her entire weight on top of him. Then, she swung it with all her strength, connecting with the goblin''s face. A satisfying crunch echoed as its nose shattered, and it cried in pain. The creature started to fight back with its arms and legs, kicking wildly.


    The goblin desperately tried to escape, squirming around on the muddy ground. But no matter how hard it tried, she kept swinging the rock, her fury growing with every blow.


    ¡ª "DIE! YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" she shouted, her voice cracking as she brought the stone down on its face. Another strike, another crunch, and another agonizing scream. Again and again, the blood sttered in every direction, staining her face, her hands, and her clothes. Her breath was ragged and heavy, her lungs burning with every intake. Her heart pounded in her chest as if it was about to explode, and her ears rang painfully.


    It was hard to tell how many times she hit the creature. But after a while, the goblin finally stopped moving, lying lifeless on the ground, and the head was nothing but a bloody, mushy pulp of flesh and bones. A strong smell of urine and feces reached her nostrils, almost making her vomit.


    ¡ª "Haah... Haah... Haah..." her lungs hurt, her throat burned, and her body ached all over. It was only now, with the battle over, that she finally noticed how much pain she was in. "Oh fuck," she hissed, throwing the blood-soaked rock aside and falling on the ground,pletely exhausted. The world spun around her, her eyes closing involuntarily. Gasping for air, Nivalis looked at the sky, her vision blurry and unfocused. More than anything, she wanted to sleep; her body was way too weak to continue.


    But the image of her children shed through her mind once again. ''No, I can''t faint... not here... not yet,'' she thought, trying her best to stay awake.


    She groaned, trying to sit up. Her left arm waspletely limp, hanging uselessly at her side, and her legs... "Oh fucking hell," Nivalis cried out, seeing the wooden spear still deep in her flesh. The blood was pouring out, and she knew she was in big trouble. Her other leg was no better, her knee twisted unnaturally, dislocated.


    She knew that removing the spear was a bad idea and would make her bleed faster. But she had exactly what she needed, even though it was only a temporary solution. Nivalis removed her backpack from her shoulders and took out the rope. Her hands trembled violently, making it difficult for her to tie it above her injured thigh, but she kept trying anyway. Eventually, after a few failed attempts, she managed to tighten it enough. She used her teeth to pull the end of the rope and tied it in a knot. It made the blood flow much slower but did notpletely stop.


    Gritting her teeth, she managed to roll on her side. With only her right hand, she began crawling through the mud, dragging her body away from the river. The spear kept hitting the ground as she moved, cutting the flesh of her thigh and making her scream and cry, but she kept crawling.


    Barely seeing where she was going, Nivalis pushed herself forward. Every single part of her body hurt; every breath sent a sharp pain through her chest. Tears ran down her cheeks uncontrobly, and her heart pounded so fast that it threatened to jump out of her throat.


    The blood continued to pour from her wounds, mixing with the mud as she struggled to keep going, her hand sinking deep into the cold, wet ground, only to pull herself slightly forward. The forest around her was quiet and still; no sound could be heard. No wind blew, no animals moved, and no trees rustled their branches. There was no one around to witness her struggle ore to her rescue. No one heard her desperate cries, and no one noticed her tears.


    ''I have to make it... I have to... see my children,'' she repeated to herself, crawling through the mud. Part of her knows that even if she makes it to the cave, there is little chance for her to see another day, not with such injuries. But at least she could try her best to see her little babies onest time, to say how much she loves them, to see their bright smiles, to hug them tightly, and to say a proper goodbye. They deserve to have a chance to say goodbye to their mother, one thing that Nivalis never had and always regretted.@@novelbin@@


    The forest was a blur, but she continued to move, her arm pushing and pulling her broken body. "Silvia... Asty..." she muttered the names of her children onest time, her voice barely a whisper. "I''m...... ing." she breathed out before her eyes closed and the darkness took her.

 Chapter 53: The big sister strikes back!

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The sky above was a brilliant blue, dotted with only a few fluffy clouds thatzily drifted by. The sun''s warm rays peeked through the pine trees'' branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Birds sang their sweet melodies while bees buzzed in the air, searching for pollen to sustain their colonies. Winter''sst remnants had long since melted away, reced by the vibrant signs of spring.


    Inside the cave, Aster and Silvia stood facing each other, their bodies glistening with sweat that clung to their skin like a secondyer. Their chests rose and fell with each heavy breath as they gripped thick branches as tall as themselves, each wrapped at the end with a piece of cloth for safety ¡ª their improvised training spears.


    Nivalisy in her bed near the fire, her eyes heavy with fatigue as she watched her children fight with wooden sticks. Despite her weakened state, she forced herself to stay awake and keep an eye on them, worrying about her babies getting hurt. For thest two hours, Aster and Silvia had been practicing the basics: attacking and dodging each other''s strikes, blocking and countering with their spears.


    At first, their movements were slow, awkward, and clumsy, but as time passed, they grew morefortable and confident with each other and their weapons. Now, they even started sparring, trying to mimic real fights. But the more real it seemed, the harder it was for Nivalis to watch without flinching.


    Silvia''s cheeks flushed bright red, her silver hair sticking to her forehead in damp strands. Her eyes stared intensely at her brother''s face, which was equally flushed and exhausted.


    ¡ª "Okay, my turn to attack," Aster said calmly, lowering his stance into a fighting position.


    Silvia took a cautious step back, gripping her branch tightly, waiting for the attack. Aster drew a sharp breath through his nose before charging forward at his sister.


    ¡ª "Left!" Aster warned, swinging his spear in a wide arc. Because this was their first training day, and both had no idea what they were doing, they agreed to warn each other about their next moves. This way, the training wouldn''t turn into a mess of injuries, and they could actually learn something.Silvia swiftly blocked his strike, her weapon colliding with his in a loud crack. Both their arms shook violently from the impact, and she winced, gritting her teeth as she held her ground, preventing his branch from touching her body.


    ¡ª "Right," Aster warned again, twisting his hips and swinging his weapon horizontally.


    Silvia managed to block his attack once more, but not without effort. The strength behind his strike surprised her, causing her to stumble back a step before regaining her bnce. However, before she could recover, Aster quickly changed the direction of his swing. "High!" he eximed, raising his stick above his head.


    Silvia gasped and instinctively threw herself backward, dodging the attack by a hair''s breadth. Aster quickly followed, "Middle," he warned, thrusting the spear at her torso. But Silvia was fast enough to parry the strike, pushing it aside with a grunt of effort.


    It continued for a while, with Aster attacking and Silvia blocking or dodging. They circled each other, their movements growing slower as their limbs became numb with pain. Sweat trickled down their faces, dripping like tiny rivers onto the stone floor below. The heavy breathing of tired siblings filled the cave, the shuffle of their bare feet on the rough surface echoing around them in a rhythmic pattern.


    ¡ª "Middle, middle!" Aster warned Silvia throughbored breath, attacking her repeatedly and thrusting his weapon at her chest, abdomen, and thighs, forcing her to dodge, parry, and step back constantly.


    Silvia''s heart raced wildly in her chest, threatening to burst free from its confines. Her lungs burned with every ragged breath she managed to draw into her starved lungs, while beads of sweat dripped down her pale skin like tiny tears. Every muscle ached, protesting the exertion as she struggled to keep pace with her brother''s attack.


    Aster pressed forward, his attacksing from unexpected angles, each apanied by a shouted warning of its direction. When Silvia raised her spear to block histest swing, he changed its trajectory at thest moment, and thanks to him breathing heavily, his warning came a split second toote. The girl was too slow to adjust her defense, leaving her with no choice but to attempt a desperate dodge.


    As Silvia turned her body to evade the attack, the side of Aster''s spear connected with her buttocks with the force of his entire body behind it. A loud p echoed through the cave, and Silvia let out a startled yelp as her eyes widened in shock. The cloth wrapped around the wooden shaft did little to soften the impact on her pink and tender, defenseless butt cheeks.


    "Mmm!" Silvia cried out, clutching her stinging buttocks with both palms. Due to the intense pain, her knees buckled beneath her, making her kneel on the stone floor. She lowered herself, pressed her face against the cool rock, and lifted her hips high up in the air. "Ow... ow..." she hissed through gritted teeth, her expression contorting into a mask of pain as tears welled up in her eyes. Her pink little toes curled, and her thighs quivered uncontrobly.


    ¡ª "Oh, I''m sorry, I''m so sorry," Aster blurted apologetically, rushing over to his sister''s side with concern on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, crouching beside her. Without waiting for a response, he reached out and grabbed the hem of her tunic, pulling it up to reveal her tiny, reddened buttocks that trembled in the air. The red mark across her cheeks seemed to pulse in time with each strained breath she took.


    "Ow... I''m okay. I''m okay..." Silvia muttered, massaging her throbbing bottom with both palms. Her little fingers squeezed and kneaded the delicate flesh, spreading her cheeks apart. "Just... ow..."


    ¡ª "I really am sorry, Silvia. I didn''t¡ª" Aster began his apology, only to be interrupted by their mother''s painful coughing. Both kids turned to look at the bed where their mothery; her face scrunched up in pain as she tried to sit up.


    "Mom, please don''t move!" Silvia eximed, jumping to her feet and rushing to her mother''s side. "Just lie still and rest! What are you doing?!" she cried out in panic. Aster followed close behind, and they both knelt beside their mother.


    Nivalis panted heavily, her chest heaving with eachbored breath. Her eyes were squeezed shut, and her arms trembled beneath her weight as she struggled to remain upright. "Please, Mom, stay in bed. Everything''s okay," Silvia said softly, gently helping their mother lie back down again.


    Nivalis groaned and hissed as her body met the nkets. "I''m okay, just..." she gasped, trying to catch her breath. "H-how bad is your bottom, dear?" she asked, looking into her daughter''s worried, golden eyes.


    "It''s fine, Mom. It was nothing," Silvia mumbled, offering a soft smile as she brushed a stray strand of hair away from her mother''s face. "I was just pretending it hurt more than it did so Asty would owe me a massageter," she lied, trying to ease her mother''s worries.


    Aster couldn''t help but nce at his sister''s exposed buttocks peeking from under her tunic as she crouched above their mother''s face on all fours. The long and ugly mark across her bottom was anything but fine.


    "Are you sure, honey? It didn''t look like nothing," Nivalis muttered, frowning as she stared into her daughter''s eyes.


    "Yes, Mom. I am fine; it hurts only a tiny bit. Promise," Silvia reassured her mother, gently patting her forehead. "Don''t worry about it. We should worry about you, not my butt," she said, giggling softly.


    "Hmm... If you say so, honey," Nivalis said, her expression rxing a little. "But still, you should be more careful. Your training looks quite dangerous. Take it slower next time."


    "Of course, Mommy," she whispered, kissing her cheek. "We will be more careful next time, won''t we, Asty?" Silvia added, ncing behind and giving her brother a piercing look. One that promised eternal torture if he disagreed.


    ¡ª "Uh, yeah. Yes, of course," Aster answered, snapping out of his stare at his sister''s ass.


    "Good. And Aster... give her a massageter, okay?" Nivalis said, looking up at her son. "You need to take care of your sister, even if it hurts just a little," she smiled weakly, closing her eyes.


    ¡ª "Don''t worry, Mom. I will give her the best massage ever. This evening, after we take care of all the chores, I will have plenty of time to spoil her," Aster said, giving his sister a warm smile.


    "Alright, then," Nivalis mumbled, her eyes still closed. "Enough training for today. Go and wash yourselves, both of you. You smell terrible," she teased, earning a few tiny giggles from her children.


    "Okay, Mommy. Don''t worry, I will scrub this doofus clean," Silvia said, smiling as she looked down at her mother''s face. "And when we return, we will prepare something nice and tasty for you. Alright?"


    "Mhm..." Nivalis replied, her voice barely audible as she drifted off to sleep.


    The kids watched her for a moment, listening to her slow, steady breathing. When they were sure she was deep asleep, they exchanged nces. Aster''s worried expression met Silvia''s angry one. Her pursed lips and narrowed eyes were so intense that they sent chills down his spine. It was not the usual yful, angry look he had grown used to.


    ¡ª "Sorry?" Aster whispered, swallowing hard as his voice trembled. Silvia red at him for a moment, not saying a word. Unsure of what to do, he nced around, feeling like a prey being stared down by a predator.


    "You will give me a massage, a long, long, and long one," Silvia whispered, her voice cold and threatening, as she slowly crawled towards her little brother. Her face was dangerously close to his, her golden eyes drilling into his soul. "You will do it until I fall asleep. Do you hear me, mister?" she asked, her breath brushing his lips. "Noining. No tricks. No excuses."


    Aster swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded frantically. "Y-yeah... Of course, I-I will, as I promised to Mom. Noining. No tricks. No excuses," he stuttered, repeating her words. "A long, long, and long massage. Got it."


    "Good," she said, standing up. Silvia''s smile and tone were sweet as honey, but it continued to send chills down Aster''s spine. "Get up, my dear little brother. We are going to wash ourselves. And you will receive a nice special scrubbing from me," she innocently added.


    She held out her hand for him, and Aster reluctantly took it, getting up as he did so. "I am going to be all red again after your nice special scrubbing, aren''t I?" his voice trembling slightly.


    "You bet, little bro," Silvia grinned, her eyes glistening mischievously in the cave''s dim light. "You are going to love it."


    Aster sighed, defeated. "Yay. I can''t wait," he muttered, picking up the pot with water and cing it on the fire.


    ...


    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    As the siblings finished their daily tasks, the sky slowly began to turn pink on the horizon. They cleaned themselves, tidied the cave, prepared and shared a meal, cared for their mother''s wounds, and even managed to do someundry and hang it out to dry. With chores out of the way, it is time for Silvia to do her magical training before bed.


    Sitting just outside the cave''s entrance, Aster watched his sister practice her magic; his golden eyes focused on her face. He held a spear, ready to protect them if anything went wrong. Though it was not a training spear but a real one with a sharp, pointy end, he didn''t feel too worried because they were close to their cave, and Silvia''s training was always quick. His job was to keep his ears and eyes open for anything suspicious while his sister did her thing.


    The sun was almost gone, its faint rays illuminating the treetops. Birds chirped, their sweet melodies filling the forest, and crickets'' rhythmic chirping grewlouder by the minute. A cool breeze caressed their faces, bringing the scent of fresh pine needles and wildflowers. Aster sighed deeply, moving his eyes from his sister to the surrounding forest.


    Silvia closed her eyes, focusing on her mana and the spell she wanted to cast. She breathed deeply, in and out, her hand covered with ayer of frost, slowly spreading up her arm. As the ice crept along her skin, her golden eyes snapped open, her gaze fixed on the single point above her palm. A thick mist poured from her open hand,zily falling to her feet. With a clear image in mind, Silviamanded the mist to concentrate on that point, which it did.


    The mist began to swirl and twist, condensing into a spike shape. Silvia observed as the mist solidified, forming a crystal clear, razor-sharp icicle hovering above her palm. She smiled and nced up at her brother, expecting praise. After all, she tried her best to quicken the process of creating the icicle and making it of a perfect shape as well.


    But Aster remained quiet, continuing to look at the surrounding trees. He scanned the area, looking for potential dangers.


    Silvia puffed out her cheeks, a little upset at her brother''sck of attention, and looked back at her icicle. Instead ofunching just like she usually did¡ªwithpressed mist exploding behind the icicle¡ªshe focused on her mana. She tried to imagine her mana enveloping the object with countless tiny threads stretching from her palm.


    Suddenly, the girl felt overwhelming mana surging through her veins. A wave of dizziness swept over her, and her vision blurred, making her feel nauseous. Simr to how she made the icicle float above her hand, adding more mana should give her much more control over the icicle.


    She felt how her mana sips into the ice as if her very blood ran inside it. Her heart raced, her breathing became rapid, and beads of sweat trickled down her pale skin. It was much harder to do this than her usual method, and her brain felt as if it would explode from the strain, but Silvia stubbornly held on, refusing to let go of the image in her mind.


    Then, she tried to manipte the threads. They moved ording to her will, twisting and curling around the ice, forming a spiral pattern that made the icicle spin. A sharp, stabbing pain pierced her temples, forcing her eyes shut for a moment, but she gritted her teeth and pushed herself, forcing her eyes open.


    Silvia groaned quietly as her arm trembled under the icicle. Despite her efforts, she couldn''t prevent the threads from bing disordered, their once perfect arrangement now distorted and tangled. Moving her golden eyes up, she nced at the boulder in the distance andunched the spinning ice in its direction.


    It didn''t whistle like her spells usually did. This time, the icicle flew silently through the air, falling on the ground halfway to its destination. Not only that, the trajectory was slightly off-center.


    ¡ª "Impressive, for the first-" Aster tried to praise his sister, but she cut him off.


    "Oh, shut it. It was really bad," Silvia said, wiping the sweat off her forehead and ncing at her brother. She frowned, pouting her rosy cheeks at him.


    ¡ª "Are you still mad-" Aster started, but his sister interrupted him again.


    "No, I''m not mad," Silvia mumbled, crossing her arms and puffing out her cheeks even more. Yes, she was totally still mad at him for hitting her butt. Even now, it stung terribly, but she did her best to ignore it throughout the day. "Let''s try again. I need to practice more," she said, focusing on her palm.


    ...


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Aster''s nervousness grew with every tremble of his sister''s body ¡ª trembling that seemed to intensify as she tried to cast her spell repeatedly. With each passing moment, her condition worsened, and his attempts to convince her to stop only seemed to make matters worse, provoking an even more stubborn response from her, her body shaking violently like never before.


    ¡ª "You need to take a break," Aster whispered urgently, frowning as he looked at her exhausted face. "You''re overdoing it, Silvia."


    "Shhh," the little girl hissed in response, focusing on the mist in her palm. Her face contorted with effort, brows furrowed, and lips pressed into a tight line. Channeling more and more mana made her fingers twitch uncontrobly as beads of sweat rolled down her pale skin, but her gaze remained fixed on her palm.


    Aster observed his sister, worry etched into his features. "Please, Silvia, you have to stop," he pleaded, stepping closer. But, the little girl remained unresponsive, her attention entirely consumed by the ice. "Silvia, you''ve done enough for today. Let''s go inside."


    "I''m not leaving until I do it," she whispered through gritted teeth. "You saw myst attempt. It was pathetic."


    ¡ª "That''s because you''ve never practiced this before. Although itcks power, you''re alreadyunching your spell twice as fast as before; that''s progress. I don''t want you to copse. Please, let''s go," Aster reasoned, gently putting his arms on her trembling shoulders.


    "I''m not going to copse. Stop worrying so much," Silvia replied, her voiceced with fatigue. "I need to make this work. I''m doing it for Mom. I have to protect-" she began, but Aster cut her off.


    ¡ª "Come here," Aster whispered, his arms moving beneath her legs and back, lifting her petite body. "No more training for today, youngdy. Your brother is taking care of you now, whether you like it or not," he added, cradling her in his arms and carrying her back to the cave. She was pretty heavy for him. Aster''s skinny arms struggled to hold her weight, but he forced himself to continue.


    "A-Asty, what are you- Hey!" Silvia eximed, surprised by her brother''s actions. Her arms instinctively encircled his neck, clinging to his slender frame as he carried her. "P-Put me down, Asty," she protested, her golden eyes looking into his while her cheeks pouted cutely angrily. This! This was the angry face Aster knew so well.


    ¡ª "I will once we are inside the cave," Aster whispered, giving her a soft smile.


    Silvia squinted, frowning as she pursed her lips. "B-but... I''m not... I''m not done yet. Put me down," she stuttered, wriggling herself in his embrace. "I''ll be fine, I promise."


    ¡ª "No, you won''t," Aster replied, adjusting her in his arms. He opened the wooden barricade, stepped inside, and closed the door behind them. "No arguments. You''ve done enough for today. Your training can wait. Now let your brother take care of you, alright?" he whispered, walking over to their bed and gentlyying her on the nkets.


    "Mhm..." Silvia mumbled, shyly averting her eyes.


    Aster knelt, removing her boots and revealing her tiny, wiggling toes exposed to the chill in the air. She looked up at him, her golden eyes staring at his face silently, allowing him to do whatever he wanted.


    After neatly putting her shoes aside, Aster moved his hands to her coat and began slowly unbuttoning it, one by one, revealing the thin, white tunic she wore underneath. His eyes moved to her face; her cheeks flushed pink, and hershes fluttered nervously as she watched him work. Once thest button was released, he gently lifted her, slipping the coat from her arms andying her back down.


    ¡ª "It''s all wet," Aster noted, observing the wet tunic clinging to her slender frame, revealing the delicate curves beneath the fabric. Her chest rose and fell, her ribs slightly pronounced as she breathed. He cautiously slid his hands beneath her tunic, his fingertips grazing the soft, wet skin of her stomach, and raised the hem, pulling the damp garment up and over her head.


    "Ah," Silvia''s gasp was barely audible as the cool air caressed her petite, exposed body, causing her to shiver. Goosebumps covered her nakedness almost immediately, her pale skin glistening in the light of the firece. But Silvia didn''t move or make a sound, her eyes fixed on her brother''s face; she simplyy there obediently, her long, silver hair spilling over her shoulders and chest.


    With her upper clothing removed, Aster lowered himself down to her trousers. He hooked his thumbs beneath her waistband and slowly tugged them off. Silvia lifted her hips, letting her brother slide her pants off her, his fingers running past her smooth, creamy thighs and calves all the way to her cute feet.


    ¡ª "Wait for me. I''ll be in a moment," Aster whispered, grabbing the nket from next to her and gently covering his sister''s shivering body. Hertrembling fingers clutched the edges, pulling the fabric closer. Silvia nodded and gave him a soft smile, her golden eyes following him as he stood up and headed toward the fire.


    Aster did what he usually did before going to bed¡ªhe added more wood to the fire and checked on their mother, whispering goodnight and tucking her in. When he turned around, his gaze met his sister''s, her beautiful eyes reflecting the fire''s dancing light.


    Her eyes followed her brother''s every move as he removed his coat, tunic, boots, and pants. She watched him silently, her golden eyes glued to his skinny frame as he crawled back to his lovely sister. When her little brother approached her, he lifted the nket at her feet and slipped underneath, his dry, warm skin brushing against her trembling, wet one as he moved up her body, positioning himself atop her fragile, petite form.


    ¡ª "Hi," he whispered, smiling at her from above as his head popped from the covers. His long, silver hair cascaded down, intertwining with her locks, and his golden eyes twinkledin the firece''s warm glow.


    "Hi," Silvia replied, giggling quietly. Her small hands still clutched the nket and held it tight, with her little brother''s head between her fists. "I am all sweaty," she murmured, looking at his face.


    ¡ª "You are," Aster said, kissing the tip of her nose, making her scrunch her face. "My sweet, adorable, and stinky little sister," he whispered, his hands sliding under her back, wrapping her in a tight hug.


    "Hey! I am not your little-" she tried to protest, but Aster suddenly rolled over, pulling her on top of him. "-sister," she finished, looking into his golden eyes, pouting cutely.


    ¡ª "Today you are," Aster whispered, brushing a lock of her silver hair behind her ear. "I carried you like a princess, so I think I earned myself the right to call you my little sister for tonight," he teased, tightening his embrace.


    "Whatever," she murmured, resting her chin on his shoulder. Her cold hands moved down to his lower abdomen, between their bodies, and rested there. Aster didn''t even flinch orin when the coldness of her hands met his warm skin, already used to her icy palms.


    For a moment, they remained like this, enjoying each other''s warmth, feeling their bodies pressed against one another, and listening to each other''s breaths. But eventually, Silvia broke the silence. "Wait, actually, no. You were a meanie today, little brother. So I am the one who''s big here. And I will be the one calling you ''little.'' Got it, little bro?" she announced, trying to sound intimidating, but her little body shivered too much to do a good job.


    ¡ª "So I guess big sister doesn''t need my massage anymore? Too bad, I was just about to start. Oh well," Aster sighed, closing his eyes and faking a snore.


    "Oh, no, no, no," Silvia squealed, her lips curling into a cute, pleading smile. "My butt hurts soo, so terribly. I waited for this all day, Asty, please," she whispered, nuzzling her face against his neck and nting a few kisses on his skin. The snoring intensified, with her brother ignoring her.


    "I''m sorry, my little brother, my cute and amazing, super-duper-handsome, and kind little brother. Please, pretty please, give me a nice, long massage," Silvia pleaded, blowing air against his neck with her lips pressed together, making a funny raspberry sound.


    A single giggle escaped Aster''s lips, betraying his perfect disguise. "Oh, no, this big brother is sleeping and can''t hear anything," Aster mumbled under his breath, resuming his fake snoring.@@novelbin@@


    "Hmh!" Silvia puffed out her rosy cheeks and narrowed her eyes at her brother. "You asked for this," she muttered, cing her hands on his chest and lowering herself down under the nket.


    Aster frowned, wondering what his sister was up to when suddenly, a warm and soft sensation of his sister''s mouth spread across his left nipple. He gasped, his eyes shooting wide open. "What are you- Mm!" Aster tried to speak, only to produce a high-pitched squeak when his sister bit his nipple. He hurriedly grabbed the nket with his hand, lifting it. His sister''s golden eyes stared up at him mischievously as she held his defenseless nipple between her teeth, her little tongue flicking against it.


    ¡ª "Release it," he said, ring at her from above.


    "Nu-uh," she hummed, her hands on his chest like a cat''s paws. Her golden eyes stared into his eyes with a mischievous glint.


    ¡ª "Stop it, youngdy. Your big brother demands-" Aster''s words were abruptly cut off as a high-pitched, almost girlish moan escaped him, much to his surprise. He squirmed under his sister''s relentless assault, her teeth pulling at his sensitive nipple. "Silv...iaa... aaah," Aster gasped, his back arching in response to the sharp sensation.


    "Hnhn," Silvia chuckled, a sly smile ying at the corners of her lips. Her teeth mped down harder on his vulnerable flesh, eliciting a series of twitches and groans from her little brother.


    ¡ª "Stop... biting me..." Aster managed to force it out through gritted teeth. "I''ll do the... Massage, just- Ah!"


    "Okay," she suddenly released her bite and pulled herself up closer to his face, smacking her lips happily. Her expression shifted to one of sweet innocence as she leaned in, gently pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose like nothing had happened.


    Aster groaned and closed his eyes, his mind still fuzzy from her attack. The pain subsided slowly, leaving a slight, tingling sensation as if his sister''s wet mouth was still attached to his skin. "You are horrible, Silvia," he mumbled, rubbing his left nipple with his fingers.


    "Hihi," the girl giggled, her cheeks flushed pink. "Sorry, not sorry. Now, with my title protected, my dear little brother, I demand a nice, long, and amazing massage, okay?" she announced, wiggling her body atop him. "Or else..."


    ¡ª "Alright, alright!" Aster interrupted. "Just calm down," he mumbled, palms moving to her shoulders. "Here, just stay like this and rx."


    "Mrr..." Silvia purred, nuzzling her face against his shoulder and closing her eyes. His gentle, slender fingers caressed her sore muscles, massaging her shoulder des and neck. She breathed deeply, the smell of his skin filling her lungs with each breath.


    ¡ª "Big sisters are evil, I tell you. Evil," Aster grumbled, moving his hands up and down her spine and gentlykneading her delicate skin.


    "And cute. Super cute," Silvia murmured, her warm breath tickling his skin.


    ¡ª "Sometimes," Aster sighed. "When they aren''t doing evil things, they are super cute."


    "Mmm," Silvia hummed, her lips curving into a soft smile. She remained quiet for a while, letting her brother massage her back. It was soothing and rxing, exactly what she needed after such a tough day.


    It continued for a while, her brother''s warm palms working their magic on the exhausted muscles of her back; she patiently waited for his fingers to move lower, down to her aching little bottom, but for some reason, they didn''t.


    "If you continue to ignore my butt, you will be in trouble, little brother," Silvia warned, her voice muffled by his neck.


    Aster''s gaze drifted up to the ceiling as his hands momentarily stopped moving, resting on his sister''s lower back, above her round, little bottom. The soft curve of her hips urged him to continue, but he hesitated.


    Silvia waited patiently for him to move his palms further down, but as the silence grew, she got tired of waiting and took matters into her own hands. She gently grasped his wrists and slowly guided them down to her sore, tender cheeks. "Here, massage it here," shemanded.


    ¡ª "Silvia..." Aster''s mumble was barely audible. Though he had massaged her bottom many times before and was familiar with every contour of her petite behind like no one else in this world, doing so with her lying naked on top of him was a bit awkward, even for him.


    "No excuses, Asty. Remember?" the girl whispered, pressing his hands against her skin, forcing his palms to squeeze her bottom. "Just rub it until it feels better. Like you always do," she added, nuzzling her nose against his neck. "Until I fall asleep."


    ¡ª "...Fine," Aster agreed reluctantly. His hands began gliding over the smooth, delicate skin of his sister''s butt. His palms and fingers gently squeezed and kneaded her tiny, round cheeks, caressing every part of her sore, little bottom. He did it softly, tenderly, carefully. He did it lovingly. Like any brother would or should.


    Theyy together inplete silence for quite a while, with their hearts beating as one while Aster did his magic. As more time passed, she gradually rxed more and more, her eyelids growing heavy and her breathing bing slower.


    "You''re... really good... at this," she mumbled, her voice sleepy. "Goodnight... Asty," she murmured, nting a soft kiss on his skin, her lips lingering on his neck as she slowly drifted off to sleep.


    ¡ª "Goodnight, Silvia," he whispered, his lips grazing her forehead as his hands continued their slow, steady movements. Her soft, warm breaths continued to tickle his neck, and he felt her heartbeat slow down, her bodypletely limp and rxed. He continued massaging her bottom for a while longer to make sure she was deeply asleep, just like he promised to.

 Chapter 55: Last few moments

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Aster and Silvia watch in horror how their once sturdy wooden barricade gets destroyed, being nothing but a mere inconvenience for the goblins on the other side. The cave door creaked loudly after each hit, and it didn''t seem like it wouldst much longer. The boy''s heart beat faster than ever before, fear paralyzing his mind and body.


    ''What should we do? What should we do?'' he repeated in his head. But nothing came, no answer. The monsters'' roars and screams filled his ears, drowning out all other sounds. Their ws scraped against the wood were the worst.


    He knew what would happen if that door gave way. He knew he had to act, had to do something, anything, but Aster couldn''t move. His entire body trembled with fear as he stared at the door. All the training, the practice, and the pain, yet his knees trembled as the monsters tried to break through.


    His sister reached for his hand and squeezed it tight. Her cold, freezing fingers intertwined with his, squeezing tightly. Their golden eyes met, and for an instant, Aster saw his reflection of fear mirrored back at him. She offered a weak, reassuring smile, her voice trembling as she whispered, "It will be alright."


    She squeezed his hand tighter, taking a deep breath and focusing on the door. Over and over again, she whispered, "It will be alright," as if trying to convince herself that it was true. Then, she raised her other palm toward the door, her fingertips turning an eerie shade of blue, and ayer of frost started spreading across her arm.


    "I''ll... protect you... Asty..." Silvia muttered, her voice barely audible. The ice on her arm spread like wildfire, engulfing her shoulder and swiftly crawling up to cover half her face in seconds. Frost began to form around her bare feet, gradually creeping up her legs under her loose tunic as if trying to im her entire body. Her breathing grew ragged as convulsive spasms shook her petite body. Her fingers dug painfully deep into his hand, the grip so strong that it made him wince.


    ¡ª "Silvia?" Aster croaked out, his eyes widening in horror as he watched the ice spread across his sister''s delicate body.


    Just then, another hit from outside shattered the door, revealing the ugly, disgusting, muscr goblin on the other side. But before it and the other goblins could enter, the well-familiar mist of Silvia''s magic erupted from her body and filled the entire cave in mere seconds. Aster took a deep breath and immediately regretted it; his lungs burned from the cold air, and his throat constricted with a violent coughing fit.Everything around Aster was a blur, a veil of mist that shifted and swirled, stinging his eyes like tiny needles. The air felt like liquid ice, burning his insides and giving him goosebumps all over his body. But worst of all was the sensation of holding Silvia''s hand ¡ª like touching the surface of a frozenke. Cold, so very cold.


    ¡ª "S-Silvia?!" Aster called out again, his voice hoarse and painful. However, all he received in response was a weakening of her grip on his hand, her fingers slowly releasing their hold.


    He felt her weight leaning against him, her tiny, fragile body going limp and copsing onto his chest. Her head tilted to the side, and her golden eyes rolled back, showing only the whites.


    Aster held her in his arms; his legs were barely able to support him as he struggled to breathe. Silvia''s skin was covered in a thinyer of frost, making her look lifeless. A loud sound rang through the entire cave again,ing from the entrance, but it was different this time. Not the wood being smashed into pieces but a dull, heavy thud. Aster blinked a few times, trying to see at least something.


    As the mist started to disperse, he could see the entrance clearly. There was no more wood or anything else that could be used to block the cave''s entrance. Only a solid wall of ice. A wall thicker than his entire height, perfectly smooth and without any cracks. Aster blinked again, not believing what his eyes were telling him. On the other side, he could see the silhouette of the goblins, their red eyes glowing with rage as they pounded on the wall with their fists and weapons, trying to break through it.


    ¡ª "Hey," Aster coughed, his throat still burning from the cold. "Silvia," he repeated, shaking her gently. She did not respond. "Silvia," he called out again, louder this time, but her body remained unmoving, her eyelids closed, and her mouth slightly parted. "Wake up," he said, his voice cracking as tears filled his eyes.


    ¡ª "Wake up, please," Aster begged, hugging her fragile body. "W-We''re... safe," Aster sniffled, burying his face in her silver hair. He nced to his left and saw his mother desperately trying to crawl towards them, a pained, terrified expression on her face.


    She tried to say something to him, but the cold mist affected her lungs, too, making her cough violently, her breaths short and raspy.


    ...


    The goblins relentlessly pounded against the thick ice barrier, their ws and spears scraping against its surface in a futile attempt to break through. Aster sat on the ground, cradling the spear in hisp as he stared at the silhouettes of the monsters moving outside. An exhausted, tired face reflected back at him from the smooth surface of the ice. His eyes were dull, almost lifeless, and his cheeks were stained with tears. Goblin''s angry roars could also be heard, though the frozen barrier muffled them.


    "Aster,e here," their mother''s raspy, strained voice called out, pulling him away from his thoughts. The boy turned his head towards the bed where shey, her unconscious daughter sleeping in her arms. Despite how painful it is for Nivalis toy like this, due to her injuries and broken ribs, she had to. She needed to hold her daughter, to warm her cold body.@@novelbin@@


    Aster slowly got up and walked toward them. His feet shuffled across the cold stone floor, his movements slow and almost mechanical. He stopped beside his mother, never taking his eyes off his sister''s pale blue body. Her weak, barely audible breathing was the only sign of lifeing from her shivering form.


    Nivalis looked at him with sadness in her sapphire-blue eyes. "Is it holding?" she asked, looking at the ice wall.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster nodded, his gaze falling on the extinguished fire nearby, where embers still flickered weakly. With a sealed entrance, oxygen inside the cave became a serious problem. Thest thing they needed right now was the fire burning all the oxygen in the air, killing them even faster than goblins.


    "Crawl inside, honey. It''s getting colder," Nivalis whispered, lifting the nkets and motioning for Aster to join them. The girls werepletely naked underneath, theshivering bodies of mother and daughter pressed against each other.


    Aster silently obliged, grabbed the hem of his loose tunic, and pulled it over his head, exposing his skinny, hairless body. The boy crawled under the covers and wrapped his arms around his mother and sister, sandwiching the little girl between them. Aster immediately noticed how incredibly cold Silvia''s skin felt. It was like hugging a block of ice, so cold that it burned his skin.


    Nivalis noticed her son''s difort, "Try to ignore it. She needs our warmth," she whispered, pulling her son close by pressing his little bum with her hand. "Just hold her tight, and don''t let go," she instructed him, continuing to rub his little behind, providing him with at least some heat.


    Aster nodded, hugging his sister and pulling her as close as possible. Nivalis covered all three of them with the heavy nkets, their warm breaths filling the tiny space under the covers. They remained like this for hours, their bodies pressed together, limbs tangled in a tight embrace.


    From time to time, the monsters banged their fists against the ice, their roars and screams echoing in the cave. Each time that happened, Aster''s muscles tensed, his body stiffening as he expected the ice to shatter and the goblins to rush inside. The only thing that somewhat calmed him down was the constant feeling of his mother''s soft hand rubbing his bottom, gently squeezing and releasing it over and over again.


    "Please, don''t... don''t worry, Aster," Nivalis suddenly whispered, breaking the silence. "Everything will be okay. We''ll make it..." she said, her voice sounding sad and defeated. She did not believe her own words, and neither did Aster. The reality of their situation was too bleak to hope for a miracle.


    "I want you to know that I''m proud of you, my sweet boy," Nivalis whispered, her voice cracking as she struggled to speak. "You did so well, my love. Better than I could have hoped..." she added, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "Just know that I will always love you, both of you, more than anything else in the world. No matter what."


    Aster couldn''t find the words to reply. All he managed to do was move his small hand up and down his mother''s naked hip in a gentle caress, trying to soothe her worries. He had no words left, no strength, and no courage. Everything he had done, all the training, preparations, and nning, was meant to prevent a situation like this. He failed miserably, and there''s no way to fix it now.


    This might be hisst night alive, thest chance to spend time with his mother and sister. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.


    ...


    One seemingly endless day passed ¡ª the longest, darkest, and most terrifying day of Aster''s life. Every hour felt like it could be theirst, every minute a gamble. Somehow, the goblins hadn''t managed to break through the ice wall, and the three of them were still alive. The sound of their tools scraping against the ice never stopped, growing louder and louder as time passed, yet somehow, the ice held firm, refusing to break.


    There was nothing Aster could do, no way to escape, and no one to save them. He justy there, eyes closed, holding his sister''s icy body, hugging his scared mother, and praying for the nightmare to end.


    Silvia remained unconscious, her breathing weak and her pulse so faint that it could hardly be felt. Nivalis did her best to stay strong, trying tofort her son, but her voice betrayed her. No amount of lies and false hopes could hide the fact that things were beyond horrible, no matter how badly they wished they would.


    At some point, she just started to sob quietly, unable to hold back anymore. It was awful to hear her like that, but Aster had no idea how to help her. He felt so useless and weak,pletely powerless. There was nothing he could do to make things better, and he hated himself for it.


    After hours upon hours of listening to his mother''s cries and the monsters outside, his mind finally started drifting away. It became harder and harder to keep his eyes open, and eventually, he gave in, closing them and surrendering himself to the darkness.


    Nivalis continued to lie there in silence, waiting, hoping. Hoping for a miracle that would never happen.


    ...


    The first thing Aster noticed was the scent of his mother and sister''s skin mixed together under their covers, forming a unique, almost sweet fragrance. His nostrils twitched, and he inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of their naked bodies.


    Gradually, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing the dim, cozy space beneath the heavy nkets. A sliver of light seeped through a gap in the fabric, and he wondered, ''Is it morning already?'' yawning loudly. He lifted the covers slightly to peek outside; a rush of cold air invaded the warm cocoon, eliciting a curse under his breath as goosebumps rose on his skin and a shiver ran down his spine.


    ''The ice is still there...'' he sighed in relief, seeing that the wall at the entrance remained intact, though slightly melted at the bottom with small cracks here and there. ''Looks like we survived another day,'' Aster thought, lowering the covers back. He couldn''t help but think, ''Will today be ourst?'' as he closed his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to push away the awful thought.


    "Good morning," Nivalis''s weary voice reached him, and he could hear her shifting under the covers.


    Aster turned his head and looked at his mother, giving a weak smile. Her sapphire-blue eyes stared straight into his, shining brightly despite the gloomy light.


    ¡ª "Good morning, Mom," Aster murmured, leaning forward to press his lips gently against hers. He shared a tender kiss with his mother, her palm gently rubbing his lower back in response. "How are you feeling?" he asked, resting his chin on his sister''s shoulder, his chest pressed against her back.


    "I''m sorry I cried so much yesterday," Nivalis apologized, forcing a warm smile. She looked ashamed as she said, "I... didn''t want you to see me like that." With a gentle touch, she brushed the hair away from her son''s face.


    Aster smiled sadly, taking his mother''s hand and bringing her palm to his cheek. "It''s okay, Mom. It''s normal to cry in a situation like this," he whispered, rubbing her wrist. "I''m the one who should apologize. I should''ve been more careful and prepared, but... I''m sorry," he muttered, averting his gaze. "If I did, we wouldn''t be in this mess, and-"


    "Shhh," Nivalis whispered, pressing a thumb to her son''s lips. "It''s not your fault, Aster. Don''t me yourself," she said firmly, staring intently into his golden eyes. "My sweet boy... You did everything you could. Sometimes, life throws unexpected obstacles at us. No one is to me."


    She caressed his cheek, her fingertips tracing the contour of his jaw. "It''s not fair, but that''s how the world works. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much effort you put in, it won''t always work out the way you want it to," she whispered, leaning closer and pressing her forehead against his.


    Aster swallowed the lump in his throat, his heart aching painfully inside his chest. "At least we are together," he murmured, his voice wavering. "And, if it has to end... I''m d we can spend thest few moments together," he sniffledquietly.


    "Mhm," Nivalis nodded, her sapphire-blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, you''re right, honey. We should be grateful for what little time we have left."


    They both fell silent, their faces pressed against each other, breathing each other''s air. The silence stretched on for a long while. Neither of them spoke, and neither moved. The only movement came from their chests, rising and falling rhythmically.


    Finally, Nivalis broke the silence, clearing her throat gently. "I wish we could stay like this forever, my sweet boy," she whispered, stroking her son''s head slowly. "But I think it''s time to eat something," she said with a warm smile, her blue eyes looking into his golden ones.


    Aster agreed, "Let''s have a nice breakfast then, all three of us." He kissed his mother''s warm cheek before reluctantly separating himself from the girls and climbing out from under the nkets. Without bothering to wear his tunic, he walked over to their food storage, grabbed a handful of dry mushrooms, and ced them on a wooden te.


    All they had were dried mushrooms he and Silvia had collected, a single batch they''d managed to finish drying before the goblins attacked. Unfortunately, there was no way to cook them properly, so they just chewed them dry. It tastes as awful as it sounds but is still better than nothing.


    Aster then walked toward the ice wall where the sun''s rays hit the ground, creating a bright, colorful rainbow. At the bottom of the wall, there was a small puddle of melted water, which Aster used to fill their wooden cups. He returned to their bed, taking care not to spill, and ced the cups beside them on the floor.


    "Thank you, my love," Nivalis said, offering a weak smile as she took her cup and sipped the cool water.


    Aster climbed back under the nkets and ced the te of mushrooms between them. "Dig in," he said, selecting a single mushroom and beginning to nibble. The mushroom was hard and tasteless, causing his teeth to ache as he worked on chewing it.


    They ate silently, munching quietly, washing down the dry mushrooms with sips of muddy water, and asionally ncing at each other. It was a sad, depressing meal, but they pretended like it wasn''t. They tried to act normal, trying not to think about the ice wall, the scratches of ws and tools on the other side, and the inevitable fate awaiting them.


    "Let''s feed Silvia as well," Nivalis suggested, picking up a mushroom and started chewing it for her daughter, adding water to her mouth. Aster did the same, observing the tender way his mother''s soft lips pressed against his sister''s pale ones, how she gently parted them to transfer the softened mushroom with her wet tongue, delicately pinching the girl''s small nose to make her swallow.


    Silvia coughed faintly, a tiny trickle of water escaping from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes remained shut, her body still.


    As Aster finished chewing his own mushroom, he leaned in and repeated the process, gently kissing his sister''s lips and guiding the softened fungus into her mouth with his tongue. He gently pinched her nose, feeling her tongue weakly trying to resist his, pushing it out of the way. He could feel her throat constricting, swallowing the food. He wiped a droplet of moisture from her chin with his thumb before selecting another mushroom.


    Taking turns, the boy and his mother continued feeding the unconscious girl. Their mouths met hers repeatedly, their wet tongues pushing the mush inside her mouth, forcing it down her tiny throat.


    ...


    As evening settled on the fourth day, the ice wall was close to copsing under the relentless goblin attacks. The orange sun cast long, ominous shadows of the monsters against the stone floor of their home, making them seemrger and more terrifying than ever before. The sound of their tools scraping against the ice filled the air as time ran out, each scratch a countdown to their inevitable end.


    Aster''s heart thundered in his chest; his stomach clenched with pain from eating only dried mushrooms. He sat on the cold, rocky floor, wearing his coat and pants, with his mother and sister behind him on the bed. His golden eyes remained fixed on the fragile ice wall, the only thing separating them from the monsters on the other side. The silence was deafening as he waited for the inevitable crack to shatter the barrier.


    His grip tightened around the makeshift spear, his knuckles whitening as he readied himself to fight to the very end.


    "Honey..." Nivalis called out weakly from behind him, her voice barely more than a whisper.


    Aster turned to face his mother, meeting her sad, sapphire-blue eyes, swollen from the tears she had shed. Her trembling hand clutched a knife, its de glinting in the waning sunlight as she protectively hugged her unconscious daughter.


    "I... I need you to hide in the corner, behind the logs," she said, pointing at the spot with her head. "When the monsters break through... you must stay silent... and when you hear me scream... try to slip past them... make your escape," she struggled to speak, her voice catching in her throat.


    Aster''s heart skipped a beat, and his stomach twisted painfully from even considering such an option. "No," he stated simply, shaking his head in refusal.


    "Please... Aster, my love, listen to me," Nivalis pleaded, her eyes welling up with fresh tears. "If you hide, they might overlook you... they''ll focus on me and Silvia," she reasoned, swallowing hard. "That could be your chance to get away," she added, sniffing and wiping the tears off her cheeks.


    ¡ª "No," Aster replied once more, his voice trembling slightly. "No," he repeated, his grip on the spear tightening even further. "I... I won''t," Aster mumbled, his chest aching as if someone had already stabbed him. He shook his head again, tears silently streaming down his cheeks. "I won''t leave you and Silvia behind, Mom. I can''t."


    Silence enveloped the cave for a moment, and neither dared speak. Nivalis stared at her son, her expression shifting from desperate pleading to a heart-wrenching mixture of defeat and helplessness.


    "You must, Aster," Nivalis pleaded, the desperation in her voice growing even more. "Please. I won''t... let you die here," she whispered, her lower lip trembling, her sapphire-blue gaze glistened.


    ¡ª "Mom..." Aster choked back a sob. "I''m not... going to leave you two behind. Not now, not ever. Never," he vowed, wiping his face with his hand. "I will fight until the very end."


    Nivalis took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to cry freely as she searched for more words, finding none.


    Mustering the most innocent and courageous smile he could manage despite the tears on his face, Aster said, "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll protect you and Silvia; Iwill protect you both, no matter what. Everything will be alright. Believe in me," his voice wavering slightly. "After all, we''re the Silverfrosts! We won''t go down without a fight, right?"


    Nivalis nodded weakly, offering her son a tearful smile. "Y-yes..." she mumbled, her voice barely audible. "We''re Silverfrosts..." she repeated, sniffling.


    ¡ª "Exactly!" Aster eximed, struggling to maintain a cheerful tone. "We will fight those ugly bastards and make them pay for every second of pain they''ve caused," he said, looking straight into his mother''s eyes. "I won''t let themy a single finger on my girls. I''ll protect you, no matter the cost," Aster said, and for a brief moment, his hands stopped trembling.


    "Mhm, I know," Nivalis whispered, burying her face in her daughter''s soft hair, hiding her tears. His sweet lies did little to soothe her broken heart.


    Turning his head back towards the ice wall, Aster watched as the orange light outside illuminated the silhouettes of the goblins chipping away at their barrier.The noise rang through the cave, echoing off the walls, making the boy''s body stiffen as it grew closer.


    The heart raced so wildly in his chest that it felt like it would explode any moment now, echoing loudly in his ears. Fear filled every fiber of his being, but he showed no sign of it. His mother needed him to be brave and strong. And he would do everything in his power to be that for her.


    Aster started taking deep inhales and exhales, trying to calm his beating chest, but nothing seemed to work. Sweat started trickling down his forehead, causing his hair to stick to his skin, and his hands became so sweaty that he had to wipe them on his pants every few minutes.


    ''It''s going to happen soon,'' Aster thought, swallowing hard, his saliva almost getting stuck in his throat. ''I better move to the left of the entrance so I can take at least one of those bastards by surprise,'' he strategized, his knees trembling uncontrobly as he cautiously moved into ce.


    For some unexinable reason, his sweating intensified as he stood there, grasping the spear, waiting. The heat spread through his entire body, making him feel ufortable in his clothes. But it didn''t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. It was almost over. He just had to be brave in hisst moments. Dying while protecting his family is a much better way to go than taking a bunch of pills in a lone hospital room. This thought brought a sad, bittersweet smile to his lips.


    His heart was pounding so loud that it drowned out the noisesing from the outside, making him feel lightheaded. He could barely breathe, and the room seemed to spin around him. ''Calm down,'' he told himself, briefly closing his eyes. ''Just damn breathe and calm down.''


    A strange, painful ache started growing in his chest, making him gasp for air. The pressure in his temples was almost unbearable, and his head felt like it was going to burst open any second now. Sweat dripped from him, pooling in tiny puddles around his boots on the cold, dusty ground.


    ''What is happening to me?'' Aster panicked, his grip on the spear loosening as he stumbled backward, leaning against the wall for support. Breathe in, breathe out. ''It''s just a panic attack,'' he realized, focusing on the sensation of air filling his lungs. ''I can handle this. It will pass.''


    The agony only worsened, however, spreading through his body like wildfire, burning every cell in its wake. His skin tingled all over, and the tips of his fingers feltpletely numb. His sweaty palms could barely maintain their grip on the spear.


    Despite his best efforts, the pain persisted, forcing him to writhe and squirm uncontrobly. The world spun around him, his vision blurring as his ears rang incessantly. His lungs protested, refusing to ept any more air. He wanted to scream, but he tried desperately to keep quiet, not to worry his mother.


    "Are you alright, honey?" Nivalis''s voice reached him through the noise in his ears, making him turn his head toward her.


    He could barely see her, his vision blurred by abination of tears and sweat in his eyes. "Y-yeah..." he lied, forcing the words past the sharp pain in his chest. He took a deep, shaky breath, trying to calm down, but only worsening it.


    "Your eyes, what-" Nivalis began, but her voice was abruptly cut off by a deafening crack of ice echoing throughout the cave. A chorus of furious roars and cheerful screams followed. The wall shattered, sendingrge chunks of ice crashing to the ground.


    The moment the first goblin stepped through the entrance, its red eyes glowing with excitement and hunger, Aster lifted his spear and thrust it forward, aiming at its exposed neck. It was him, the one in the fur coat, the strongest and biggest one.


    The sharp tip of the spear connected with the monster''s throat, but it failed to prate the skin. The sharpened wood merely scraped against it, leaving a shallow scratch across the grey surface. Before Aster could react, the goblin grabbed the shaft and yanked it away, throwing it across the cave.


    At that very moment, when the goblin''s spear was nowing directly at Aster''s chest, the boy saw his life sh before his eyes. All his memories, from the day he was born until his death and rebirth, appeared before his eyes. Every single event, every little detail, every single memory was vividly clear. The countless hours spent on music, ying piano, and the happiest moments spent in this world with his family.


    He could hear his heartbeat beating rapidly, louder than ever before, pounding in his chest. He could hear the happy roar of the goblin echoing through the cave. He could taste the salty, bitter sweat on his lips and feel how his pants were bing wet and sticky from the urine.


    This is the veryst moment of his life, thest few seconds of being a loving son and a caring brother. The end of his evesting dream.


    In a desperate attempt to save himself from the iing attack, the boy raised his trembling hand, hoping to block the goblin''s weapon. It happened instinctively, just a pure reflex.


    The moment the tip of the spear pierced his palm, a sudden stream of bright, orange mes erupted from it, instantly engulfing the creature entirely. The monster released a shrill, high-pitched screech, filling the cave with its agonized cries.

 Chapter 57: The curse

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The morning sun gently streamed through the open entrance, casting a blinding light beam upon the silver-haired boy''s eyelids. Aster turned around, shielding his eyes from the light, and tried to go back to sleep. Unfortunately for him, a nasty breeze of morning air brushed across his naked back. His golden eyes fluttered open, and a hazy image of his sister''s long, silky hair, softly illuminated by the dancing orange mes of the fire nearby, greeted his awakening vision.


    Aster groaned softly, disappointed to find Silvia lying on the opposite side of the bed, closer to the firece and out of his reach. To solve this problem, he began to squirm and wriggle his way closer to her, like a worm, slowly and silently. When their naked bodies finally touched, the still-unconscious little girl moaned softly from her brother''s sudden touch.


    The coldness of her skin gave him goosebumps all over Aster''s body, making him shiver slightly. Still, he continued to move closer to her, wrapping his arms around her petite figure, pressing himself tightly against her back until he felt the curve of her spine with his body. Their feet tangled, and their smooth, naked legs intertwined.


    Her t chest rose and fell slowly under his arm, her breathsing out in gentle puffs. Aster pressed his forehead against the back of her neck, taking slow, deep breaths as he inhaled his sister''s sweet,forting scent. He pulled the nkets higher, covering their heads and creating a small, dark, warm cocoon.


    Trying to find the perfect spot, Aster adjusted his hips, pressing his groin firmly against his sister''s soft, smooth, plump buttocks. It felt only natural for him to do it. After all, he had been doing this whenever they slept together. However, this time was different. It didn''t take long for his hard member to start poking at her tender flesh.


    The events of yesterday''s night flooded his mind all at once. The fight with the goblins, his magic, his fever, his weakened state, the strange feelings of his mana in his crotch, and the scariest thing ¡ª how it morphed his poor, innocent member into something monstrous, disgusting.


    Aster immediately pulled his hips back, separating his lower body from his sister''s round buns, and sat up. Removing the nkets covering him, he stared down, a horrified expression on his face. The sight of his fully erect penis, pulsating and throbbing with each beat of his heart, greeted him. ''This must be a nightmare! Oh no...'' he screamed internally when he touched it with his trembling hand.


    "Honey... Everything okay?" Nivalis'' sleepy voice reached him, snapping him back to reality. He turned his head and met her exhausted gaze, looking at him from behind the fire.¡ª "I... everything is fine," Aster lied, swallowing hard, and quickly covered himself with the nket.


    Her blue eyes shone brightly in the fire''s light, and the mes'' reflection danced across her delicate features. Her silver hair was loose and falling in waves down her shoulders. "That''s good, honey," Nivalis said, smiling at him tiredly, rubbing her eyes with her knuckles.


    ¡ª "Did you... um... sleep well?" Aster asked, avoiding her gaze and staring at the flickering mes instead.


    "Not really. I stayed awake the whole night to watch out for the monsters. Everything seems quiet," Nivalis answered, stretching her back and sighing. "It is still quite early. You should get more sleep... After what happened yesterday... You need a lot of rest, sweetie," she whispered, leaning back against the wall.


    Feeling his gigantic 2-inch monster between his legs, Aster knew there was no way he could sleep with his current condition. "No... I don''t feel tired anymore," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.


    "Alright..." Nivalis mumbled, making an awkward pause as she looked at mes, deep in thought. Then, her gaze shifted back to her son. "Well, if you are not going to sleep... There''s something we need to talk about, honey," she said, taking a deep breath. "Could youe over here, please?"


    Aster froze. He nced down at his nket, nervously adjusting it over his crotch. "Y-yes... Of course," he muttered, taking his tunic off the ground and putting it on, hiding his throbbing, erect member from her view. Slowly and hesitantly making his way to her, his bare feet shuffling across the rough stone floor, he stopped beside her.


    Standing awkwardly, Aster held the hem of his tunic with both hands. His gaze dropped to his feet, unable to meet his mother''s eyes, and he patiently waited for her to speak.


    Her blue eyes stared intently at him, and she took her time before breaking the silence. "Please sit down, honey," she requested, patting her healthy thigh for him to sit on.


    The boy obediently did as told and sat on her leg, his hands holding onto the hem of his tunic at all times.


    "Aster," Nivalis sighed softly, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him closer, pressing her son against her chest. Her ribs still hurt, but she ignored the pain. "I am sorry, honey. For when I washed you... your... umm... thing. I should have been more careful. It is all my fault," she muttered, gently caressing his back. "And... There''s nothing to be ashamed of, alright?"


    ¡ª "Ugh..." Aster groaned, hiding his face in her shoulder.


    "Hey," she whispered, pulling him away slightly and cupping his cheeks, forcing him to look into her blue eyes. "I know, it is embarrassing for your mother to see how it... you know... But... This is something you can''t control. It is nature doing its job. There''s nothing shameful or wrong with it. Do you understand me?" she asked, her gaze serious and gentle at the same time.


    ¡ª "Mhmm," Aster mumbled. ''Oh... I see... She''s trying to take the me and make it seem normal like it is not the awful disease, but just a... condition,'' he realized, ncing into her eyes, which were full of sadness and concern. "I... understand... Sorry, Mom," he apologized, lowering his head.


    "Oh, sweetheart... There''s nothing to apologize for, honey," Nivalis whispered, gently stroking his cheek with her thumb. "Is this the first time it''s happened?" she asked, gently pinching his chin.


    ¡ª "Yeah," Aster admitted. "I was hoping that it was a nightmare or something... It got really big..." he muttered, showing his mother howrge it got with his hands.


    Nivalis smiled warmly at him, kissing his forehead affectionately. "I know, sweetie. I saw. It''s a perfectly normal thing to happen, alright?" she said, rubbing his backfortingly. "No need to worry about it, my love."


    ¡ª "Sorry you had to see it. I really tried to control it, but... I didn''t know how," he said, nervously ncing up at his mother. ''But... why? Why does my mana choose to concentrate in such a weird ce?'' the boy asked himself, the very question making his eyes water.


    "Oh, my baby... Don''t cry," she mumbled, wiping away his tears with her thumbs. "No matter how many times I see it, no matter how often or when, or where... It won''t bother me, honey. Your mother is here for you, alright? There is nothing to be ashamed of," she reassured him, smiling sweetly. "I want you to know that you can always talk to me. About anything. Alright?"


    Aster nodded, tears still trickling down his cheeks. ''She is too... Too nice...'' he thought, hugging her tightly.


    Nivalis held him close, embracing him lovingly, running her fingers through his soft hair. "Listen... How about we pretend this didn''t happen? Would that help?" she asked, her eyes started to glisten as well.


    ¡ª "Yes. Please... let''s forget about it," Aster muttered, his voice muffled by his mother''s tunic.


    "Okay, sweetie. It never happened," Nivalis agreed, gently rocking her son from side to side.


    The two remained silent, hugging each other. For a long time, Aster remained motionless, his arms wrapped around his mother''s waist. He listened to the rhythmic sound of her breathing and enjoyed the softness of her chest on his face.


    Eventually, he sighed softly and pulled away slightly, meeting his mother''s gaze again. "Alright. How about I try to use my magic? I think I figured out how it works," he said, trying to change the subject. After all, this was still their top priority.


    Nivalis smiled, her sapphire-blue eyes shimmering warmly in the flickering light. "That''s great, honey. I can''t wait to see you use it," she said, gently squeezing his bottom as she helped him adjust his position. He turned to face the cave exit, straddling her right leg.


    The hem of his tunic lifted identally, exposing his little butt cheeks grinding against his mother''s soft, naked thigh as he tried to adjust himselffortably. Nivalis felt his smooth, little testicles resting on her skin, pressing against her, reminding her how she cleaned them. She ignored the feeling and focused on the task at hand. "Try to make a small fire. Not like yesterday, okay?" she whispered, her hands resting on his hips, holding him in case he faints.


    Aster, adjusting himselffortably on his mother''s soft leg, smiled happily. He was relieved that the situation had been dealt with and that they could move on. Yeah, he has to learn how to live with such a curse. But, thankfully, his mother was understanding and epted it without questions. His throbbing member felt even harder now, for some unknown magical reason, pulsating strongly with each heartbeat. He took a deep breath, ignoring it.


    "Don''t be nervous, honey. You got this," Nivalis encouraged, squeezing his hips reassuringly. It caused the boy to shift slightly, his soft balls sliding on his mother''s bare, pale thigh. "Remember, be careful. No rush, alright?"


    ¡ª "Alright. Here it goes," Aster muttered, closing his eyes and concentrating on the strange heat he momentarily felt yesterday. It has to be the key to using mana stored in his... private parts.


    Slowly, Aster exhaled, rxing his body and mind. As the air escaped his lungs, his thoughts cleared. A momentter, the warmness in his chest appeared, making the boy smile. ''There it is!'' he thought, trying to concentrate on the sensation.


    Inhaling deeply, he focused entirely on his heart, trying to understand the warmth inside it. It is quite unnatural to be able to feel something happening within your own heart, yet here he was, experiencing exactly that. ''It is... so weird,'' Aster thought, furrowing his brows. ''Is this the feeling Silvia spoke of? It has to be...''


    Aster remained like that for a few minutes, trying toprehend what was happening in his heart.@@novelbin@@


    "Honey?" Nivalis whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. "How is it going?" she whispered into his ear.


    ¡ª "It''s... definitely there," Aster whispered, opening his eyes. "Just like Silvia said, it feels like a ball of energy... and warmth, in my case. It''s very faint, but... it''s there," he exined, feeling how it fluttered in his chest. "Let me try..." he mumbled, still focused on this feeling. Slowly, he raised his hand, pointing his palm in front of him, fingers spread apart.


    Nivalis watched with fascination, her blue eyes widening in excitement as she waited for her son''s magic to happen finally.


    Yet when Aster''s hand twitches, ready to unleash the mes, nothing happens.


    ¡ª "One moment," Aster muttered, keeping his hand raised. "Almost... I am almost there, Mom. Just wait," he mumbled, his hand jerking again. Yet again, nothing happened.


    Running out of ideas, Aster began changing the shape of his hand, hoping the right movement would somehow trigger the spell. He tried a wed hand, a single pointed finger, a fist, a thumbs-up, even an awkward middle finger, all to no avail.


    ¡ª "Go, fire, go!" Aster suddenly eximed, making his mother chuckle quietly. "Fly! Up, up, and away, fire!" he wiggled his wrist, trying to activate the spell. An awkward silence followed. "Well, I had to try it," he mumbled, scratching his chin in embarrassment.


    Nivalis couldn''t contain herughter any longer, her head thrown back as she burst intoughter, giving a single, incredibly cute snort.


    Aster nced at her, watching his motherugh uncontrobly, a smile forming on his lips. He loved the sound of herughter, the way her cheeks flushed pink, the wrinkles that formed near her eyes, and, of course, how her breasts jiggled underneath her tunic with every chuckle.


    "I... I''m sorry, honey. It''s just..." Nivalis stammered, struggling to speak through her giggles.


    ¡ª "I see... Since you are healthy enough tough this much..." Aster said, his fingers wiggling yfully.


    "Oh, no, no, no!" Nivalis cried, trying to catch her son''s hands.


    ¡ª "A payback!" he announced, slipping his hands under her garment and began tickling her naked sides. He didn''t go hard on her, considering her injuries, but it was enough to make her squeal.


    "Haha! S-stop! Please, I can''t breathe!" she cried, giggling like a little girl and trying her best to stay quiet. "You little-Noooo!"


    It was pretty reckless, considering their situation, but the boy couldn''t help himself. After everything they went through, a couple of minutes ofughing together was what they both needed.


    ...


    As the yful tickle fight with his mother finally ended, Aster settled back into hisfortable position on her leg, his focus shifting back to the warmth within him. While enjoying his time with his mother was amazing, there were more important matters. The sooner he could master his powers, the safer they would be.


    Behind him, Nivalis pouted adorably as she held her son''s hips firmly. Her face still flushed bright red fromughing too much, and her silver hair, loose and messy, cascaded over her shoulders and chest. "Are you sure this will help?" she asked, her soft breasts under her tunic rising and falling against his back with each gentle breath.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster responded, keeping his eyes closed.


    She sighed softly and, just like she promised, moved her mouth closer to her son''s ear. It was the "punishment" Aster gave her in exchange for not continuing the tickle torture ¡ª something she hadn''t done in more than two months.


    Her soft, moist lips sucked lightly on the sensitive skin of his earlobe, asionally pulling it with her teeth. She knew how much her baby boy enjoyed this little treat of her, but only if done right. A very specific technique only his mother knew of, a skill honed throughout many cold winter nights and rainy days spent indoors, where the only option left was cuddling with her children.


    Aster used to dislike the touch of someone''s tongue and lips there. After all, his ears are the most sensitive part of his body ¡ª or were until recent events. He always blushed fiercely and tried to squirm away whenever his mother decided to tease him.


    His adorable reaction always made her want to do it even more, but the more she did, the less heined. He slowly became fond of the sensation of his mother''s mouth nibbling on his ear. Now, he even asks her to do it asionally¡ªnot very often, though.


    Aster tilted his head to the side, giving his mother better ess to his ear. He could hear every slight movement of her lips, the tiny, wet noises when she parted them, the warm exhale of her breath brushing against his skin, and the slight sound of her tongue licking the sensitive skin between her lips.


    "Isn''t it distracting?" Nivalis whispered, blowing her hot, humid breath into his ear, making him gasp softly and his eyelids flutter. A small, barely audible moan escaped him.


    ¡ª "N-No... It''s nice. You really know how to do it properly. Don''t stop," Aster muttered, smiling happily. "Every time you did it, I fell asleep almost immediately. So, it should help me rx," he added, feeling how his mother''s warm tongue traced along his earlobe.


    She chuckled, her tongue swirling around his ear before pulling away, leaving a thin trail of saliva on his skin. "Mmm, I see," she hummed, returning to sucking his earlobe again.


    The only thing that bothered him was his penis, for some reason twitching and pulsating stronger than ever before. It was quite painful, too. ''Who knows how diseases like mine work... Let''s ignore it,'' he thought, gritting his teeth and trying to concentrate on his heart.


    The warmth it produced became a hot, burning sensation that grew only stronger the more he concentrated on it. Likeva, it slowly spread throughout his chest. Aster began to picture how it flowed through his veins, burning its way to his left hand. Soon enough, it reacted. It started to follow the direction created by his imagination, surprising the boy.


    He gasped softly as a pleasant feeling surged through his arm, causing his fingers to tingle slightly. Then, it suddenly changed into an ufortable, burning sensation. ''This has to be it!'' he thought, his golden eyes shooting open.


    ¡ª "I think I got it this time," Aster whispered, his heart pounding wildly. One shaky breath after, the boy raised his hand and clenched his fingers into a tight fist, his muscles tensing, his teeth grinding together. Struggling to contain the powerful magic within, his entire body began to tremble.


    Nivalis held her breath, her lips still attached to her son''s ear. She felt the tremors that ran through his body, almost vibrating against her leg.


    Then, slowly, he opened his palm, facing the ceiling. In an instant, a shining, orange light filled the cave, twice as bright as the campfire mes. Nivalis immediately pulled away and looked ahead, her blue eyes glowing brightly under the fire''s light, fascinated and amazed by her son''s magic.


    The small me flickered and danced in Aster''s palm, pulsating in sync with his beating chest. It cast shadows on the cave walls and illuminated everything. The heat warmed their faces, reaching their cheeks and noses.


    ...


    After spending the next twenty minutes practicing, Aster learned the most important aspect of his powers: how to control the intensity of his mes. From the tiny, flickering me of a candle, it can grow into a wild, roaring fire.


    The more he practiced, the better Aster felt how it all worked inside his body: how his heart ignited the manaing from his lungs, pumping it through veins to his hand. When it finally leaves the palm, it behaves ording to the image you had in mind at that very moment. The only thing he did not understand was how his little guy was involved in all this. Is there some hidden power? Probably.


    The second andst thing Aster learned is how unstable and wild the fire is. Good two words to describe the nature of his magic. It wants to burn all your mana at once, and it takes a lot of focus and effort to prevent it.


    While in Silvia''s case, it takes a lot of effort to produce a little bit of ice, Aster has the exact opposite problem ¡ª he can make a lot of fire, but the mana is gone instantly. It can quickly drain you dry if you''re not careful. It is pretty lucky he put all his concentration into picturing the exact size of the mes he wanted.


    It only took him three attempts to feel exhausted and weak again. The first two attempts were the most intense, as he was still learning how to control it properly. The third spell, the size of a candle me, didn''t drain him nearly as much. Aster managed to cast it for about three minutes before the headache appeared. He had to stop before it got worse, not wanting to repeat yesterday''s fainting.


    "Very good, honey," Nivalis said, rubbing her son''s belly as he leaned against her right breast. "I am proud of you. You really did well, Aster," she whispered, kissing his head. "It''s really impressive, my love."


    Aster nodded, smiling weakly. "Thank you, Mom... but I''m not sure how effective it will be in a real fight, especially against a bunch of goblins," he whispered, his breathing slightly heavy. "It takes me quite a lot of time to start casting, and... I need a lot of concentration to control the intensity of the fire. Even the small me was... really difficult to keep under control."


    "Hmm..." Nivalis muttered, ncing up thoughtfully. She remained silent for a long moment, her fingers tracingzy circles across her son''s stomach as he cradled her leg, leaning against her. "At the very least, we can try to scare them off. We did it once," Nivalis replied, gently rocking her son with her leg. A moment of silence followed as the two remained quiet, thinking. It worked once, but could they rely on it?


    Nivalis nced at the open entrance of the cave and whispered, "We really need to make a new door... Somehow," she sighed. The wind blew gently through, whistling slightly, filling their noses with the smell of pine trees.


    ¡ª "Yes... We do," Aster muttered, his voice weak and quiet.


    "And we are short on food... I don''t like the idea of sending you alone outside. But I don''t think we have much choice," Nivalis sighed, resting her chin on her son''s head. His soft, little butt cheeks brushed against her thigh as she continued to move her leg from side to side.


    ¡ª "Mhm," he agreed, closing his eyes and enjoying the softness of her chest.


    "We have enough mushrooms for... I don''t know, three days? Maybe four. But the wood for the fire will run out much sooner," Nivalis said, taking a deep, calming breath. "And we need a lot of wood for the door, too... And not just twigs, but bigger logs. They are much harder to find..." she whispered, biting her nails. "How will you even carry them back? I don''t know. And what about the winter supplies..." Nivalis began to mumble incoherently, her tone shifting into one of worry.


    ¡ª "Hey, mom. It will be fine," Aster interrupted, lifting his head and looking up at her. "Don''t worry. I will protect you, feed you, and keep you warm. I won''t let anything bad happen to you, alright?" he said, his golden eyes shining brightly. "To you and Silvia. That''s a promise."


    "Mhm..." Nivalis smiled down at him; her blue eyes began to glisten from hearing such words from her son. "Of course, sweetie. I know you will. You already proved that..." she whispered, ruffling his hair lovingly. "I love you, my brave boy. You have no idea how much," she whispered, cupping his cheeks. Her thumbs traced gently along his little nose, her eyes never leaving his. "I''ll try to help you as much as possible, alright?"


    ¡ª "Alright. I love you too, Mom," Aster smiled back, his eyelids starting to feel heavy. But sleeping is thest thing he will do right now. His mother was up all night, so she needs to sleep much more than he does. "How about you take a nap, and I''ll keep watch? You look tired," he suggested, touching her hand and squeezing it gently.


    Nivalis opened her mouth to protest but quickly closed it, knowing her son was right. Her eyelids were already half-closed, her head nodding every few seconds. She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, and said, "You are probably right, honey... I guess a little sleep will do me good," she whispered, running her fingers through her silver hair, messing it up even more. "Can I take a nap here, with my head on yourp?" she asked, looking into his eyes pleadingly.


    ¡ª "Sure," Aster agreed, standing up. The hem of his tunic was still high on his waist, his tiny, round butt fully exposed to his mother. Nivalis carefully adjusted the garment to cover his bottom before he could even notice.


    Aster sat beside the fire and rested his back against the cold wall. Then, his motherid her head on hisp, snugglingfortably. She silently looked at him from below his tummy, her delicate, pale features highlighted by the fire''s warm light, her beautiful, full lips forming a shy smile, and her silver hair cascading down his legs.


    Nivalis buried her face into his stomach, inhaling deeply and closing her eyes. "Wake me up if anything happens, alright?" she mumbled, her voice muffled by his tunic.


    Aster gently ran his fingers through her soft, silvery hair,bing the messy locks. "I will," he promised, looking down at her. He continued to caress her head as she breathed into his tunic.


    A few silent minutester, a sudden realization that this whole time his penis was pressed against his mother''s cheek made Aster''s eyes widen and his heartbeat quicken, thus increasing pounding against her even more. ''Oh no...''


    Aster pressed his legs together, trying to hide his throbbing and pulsating member between them, away from his mother. Unfortunately, no matter how he wiggled his legs, the very tip of him still pressed against her cheek as shey there, breathing slowly and steadily, already asleep.


    He could only hope his tunic was thick enough to keep her from feeling the constant, strong throbs against her skin.

 Chapter 58: Restless

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The morning was quiet and peaceful, the kind that promised a beautiful day ahead. Once hidden behind a nket of grey clouds, the sky began to clear, revealing a stunning sun that just started to peek over the horizon. It bathed the forest in the colors of warm yellows and vibrant oranges while the wind whispered through the pines, causing their needles to dance and rustle. The morning mist began to thin, uncovering dewdrops that clung to the grass, making the world glitter and sparkle.


    But to Aster, this beautiful scene was lost. The forest around him was a blur of green and brown. The trees and bushes were nothing but an obstacle. His boots, covered in mud, crushed the fallen leaves and branches beneath him, snapping and crunching loudly. His clothes were soaked with sweat, his breaths ragged and heavy, his muscles screaming in protest. Yet, he had only one goal: to run.


    His sister, unconscious, was secured to his back, her limbs tied together around his body, her head lolling against his shoulder. He ignored the pain, the exhaustion, the fear. He just ran. Alone, surrounded by the dangers of the forest, away from home.


    ''Just keep going,'' Aster urged himself mentally, his lungs burning with each heavy breath. He adjusted his hold on his sister''s thighs, his fingers digging into the softness of her legs. ''Almost there,''he lied to himself, pushing his body beyond its limits.


    ...


    In the quiet of the previous day, as his mother dozed peacefully in hisp, he found time to think about their whole situation, his new powers, and the inevitable return of the goblins. While his fire magic is undoubtedly impressive, realistically speaking, it will do almost nothing against an entire tribe of goblins. In the most optimistic scenario, he could perhaps scare them off again.


    The chances he could quickly master his magic enough to kill them all are basically zero. Aster is no genius, and he has no delusions in that regard. It took Silvia years of everyday training to get to her current level, and all she could do was create a massive wall of ice to block the entrance at the cost of her health, the long-term consequences of which remain a disturbing unknown.


    Magic isn''t an option right now, maybe in a couple of years, but at the moment, it''s simply not enough. What else can we do? Creating a sturdy door and hoping the goblins won''t get through it? That''s not a veryforting thought and not very safe either.Another idea crossed his mind ¡ª setting traps around the cave. While Aster liked the home-alone vibes of it, his knowledge about traps is pretty much the following: sharpen the stick, cover it with feces, and hide it in the ground. After that, watch for a foot tond on it. And, of course, pray it is not your foot. Forgetting where you put your traps is no fun.


    Even so, it wouldn''t stop all the goblins; there are simply too many of them. It might wound a couple, slowing down the rest slightly.


    The third option would be to run away. The idea sounds reasonable ¡ª just get the heck out of this ind surrounded by rivers. But this is probably the worst option of all. This scary, ancient forest surrounds them, and who knows what other monsters and beasts live there? Not to mention, Nivalis barely moves, and Silvia is still unconscious.


    Theoretically, they could make a raft and try their luck in the rivers, traveling down the stream until they meet a civilization, but... Aster would rather not test the raft''s durability in a river filled with rocks, dangerous bends, and possibly even monsters. They would likely be smashed and drowned before getting far, not to mention how cold the local waters are, even in summer.


    The only option left is the best, or perhaps the worst, of them all ¡ª hiding. After a lengthy discussion and much hesitation, Nivalis finally agreed to his n, which is in the middle of implementation at this very moment.


    ...


    When Aster reached the destination, the mist was almost gone. It was still early, so the air was chilly and crisp. Aster could see his breath escaping his parted lips in tiny puffs of white steam.


    ''I can see it! We are almost there,'' Aster thought, ncing ahead. His heart raced like crazy, pounding loudly in his ears, his breathing ragged and heavy. Twenty more steps, and his sister will be safe and warm again. He just had to hold on a little longer.


    He approached the seemingly random spot in the forest¡ªa natural, rocky wall covered in moss and vines. Waist-high grass and bushes surrounded it, making it difficult for him to reach one particr part of it.


    As Aster approached the wall, he spotted a small, almost invisible opening between bushes covered in thick vines, which he needed to push aside and squeeze through. ''Found it!'' he thought, with a weak, victorious smile. Once inside, his boots began shuffling against the rough, uneven stone, his back aching from the weight of his sister.


    Inplete darkness, Aster moved slowly and carefully through the tight corridors and narrow gaps until he finally reached the main cavern. He stumbled forward, almost tripping over the loose, uneven stones illuminated by the bright light streaming in from a hole high in the ceiling.


    The familiar, steamy air filled his lungs as he took a deep breath, the faint scent of sulfur and wet stone invading his nostrils. The bubbling water echoed throughout the cave, reminding him of the many happy memories they had made here ¡ª birthdays, holidays, or justzy days when they had nothing better to do.


    The hot spring.


    ¡ª "Finally," Aster whispered, looking around the cavern that would now be their home. ''It''s so warm in here,'' he thought, a small smile ying on his lips. ''It will be amazing during winter.''


    Carefully untying his sister''s legs and arms, he lowered her onto the ground. Aster began removing the handmade disguise cloak she had been wearing¡ªa long, brown piece of fabric with leaves sewn onto it¡ªone they made for gathering trips.


    Aster quickly untied her boots, revealing her cute, slightly dirty feet. Her pink toes curled slightly, making him chuckle. He put them under her head, trying to make lying here morefortable.


    ¡ª "I''ll return soon, Silvia. Don''t worry," Aster whispered, lowering himself closer to her face. His sister''s pink lips glistened slightly in the dim, golden light of the cavern, slightly parted.


    Aster pressed his mouth against hers, giving her a soft, loving kiss. One that only a brother could give his sister. When he pulled away, a strand of saliva still connected their mouths. "I''ll bring Mom," he whispered, licking his lips.


    With that, the boy turned around and rushed outside through the dark, tight tunnels. His footsteps echoed and bounced off the stone walls, mixing with his heavy, exhausted breathing. He had a lot of work to do today, and resting was not an option.


    ...


    Returning to the cave was much easier and faster, though a lot scarier without the mist covering everything. Aster felt like someone was watching him despite repeatedly checking around and finding no one there. The boy was just too nervous, his imagination ying tricks on him. Or at least he hoped so.


    The fact that his sister''s unconscious body was still lying somewhere in the cave, alone and unprotected, weighed heavily on his mind. He kept telling himself, ''No, they won''t find her. She is safe there,'' in an attempt to stay calm. And only the sight of their cave, illuminated by the morning sun, managed to calm him down.


    Aster stepped inside, his footsteps echoing, announcing his arrival. The first thing he saw was his mother sitting near the fire, with all their belongings neatly packed beside her. Her silver hair was tied in a bun, with a single strand falling over her face. When she saw her son unharmed, the look of relief on her face told Aster how much she had worried about him.


    "Aster!" Nivalis whispered, her voice a little shaky. Her blue eyes watered, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips. "H-How did it go?" she asked, her gaze quickly scanning her son from head to toe. "Is she alright, honey?" she asked, looking up at him.


    ¡ª "She is fine, snoring inside the cave. I got there before the mist cleared," Aster replied, kneeling beside his mother. His face was all red and sweaty from the constant running. "She will be safe there," Aster said, giving her a tired smile. He removed the hood of his disguise cloak, letting his messy, silver hair flow down. "Don''t worry, Mom."


    He nced around the cave, noticing how empty it felt without all their stuff lying around. A ce where he spent most of his life suddenly became unfamiliar.


    "Alright..." Nivalis nodded, exhaling deeply, relieved to hear everything went as nned. "Are you okay?" she asked, gently cupping his cheek, her thumb tracing along his cheekbone. "You look exhausted, sweetie."


    Aster leaned into her touch, his hand holding hers. "I am fine, Mom. Just a bit tired, that''s all. But I''ll manage," he mumbled, smiling weakly. "Are we ready?" he asked, ncing at the pack beside his mother.


    "Yes," Nivalis answered, pulling her hand away. "All our clothing and cooking utensils, rags, sewing stuff, your drawing materials, all our herbs... pretty much everything important I found around," she whispered, gesturing towards the heavy-looking sack made from their nket. "nkets and the remaining food are in the leather backpack, which I''ll carry, along with my bow and arrows. It is not heavy, so I should be fine," she said, gently massaging her injured thigh.


    ¡ª "Mom, I can take the backpack," Aster insisted, already reaching for the backpack. "You just take your bow."


    "No, I will," Nivalis stated firmly, pping his hand away. "Your sack is already heavy enough," she added, giving him a stern look. "It''s not heavy," she repeated, attempting to stand up.


    ¡ª "Okay..." muttered Aster, helping her up. With only one functional leg, Nivalis really struggled to get on her feet, even with her son''s support. Once up, Aster leaned her against the wall and picked up her leather backpack from the ground. It was pretty damn heavy.


    Nivalis allowed her son to help her put it on and adjust the straps and buckles. "See? Nothing I can''t handle," Nivalis smiled, trying to hide the pain from just standing. She was unsure how she would manage the trip. It typically took them an hour to reach there. But now? It would be a miracle if they could arrive before the afternoon.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster responded, draping his sister''s disguise cloak around his mother. After tying a few knots, he covered her face, concealing her pale skin and silver hair. Being made for her daughter, it was quite small and short for Nivalis, but it would do the job.


    She was right. Aster''s bag was heavy. For a boy of his size, that is. With a groan, he hoisted it onto his shoulder and looked up at his mother. "Ready, Mom?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.


    "Yes, my love," she replied, nodding, and slowly limped towards the entrance, leaning on her son for support.


    A chilly wind blew against them as they exited the cave, rustling the grass and trees. The burnt goblin''s head on the spear met them, its empty eye sockets staring away into the forest. Nivalis had done this yesterday to keep goblins away, or at least try to.


    Speaking of that spear. It had strange symbols carved on the wood and a few colored strings near the sharpened stone head. While it looked cool and could actually pierce something, they decided to leave it behind and try to make something simrter. Who knows those creatures'' traditions? It could be important for them. They might decide to double down on finding their new ce to retrieve it. Better not risk it.


    With a deep sigh, the two slowly started their long walk through the wilderness.


    ...


    <strong>[Nivalis]</strong>


    ¡ª "Agh, dammit," Nivalis swore as she clutched her injured thigh, wincing in agony. Despite her best efforts not to put weight on it, the pain was still unbearable. Using her son''s shoulders for support, leaning more and more against his fragile, tiny body, she forced herself to move. Aster struggled to carry the heavy bag and help his mother walk, but he didn''tin.


    "You alright, Mom?" Aster asked, looking up.


    ¡ª "Yes, yes, honey. Just... I need a moment to catch my breath," Nivalis said, wincing from pain. She leaned against the closest tree, sliding down andnding on the grass. "Let''s take a break here, alright?" she whispered, her head resting against the tree trunk, eyes closed.


    "Okay, sure," Aster agreed, cing the sack on the ground. He sat beside her, panting, looking around the quiet forest.


    Nivalis sighed as she massaged her injured thigh with her fingers. When the boy noticed this, he crawled closer and ced his small hands on her thigh, recing his mother''s. Slowly, gently, he began to press his fingers into her soft flesh, squeezing it lightly.


    His mother let out a quiet moan, her eyelids fluttering. "Asty... Oh... Right there," she whispered, guiding his hand towards the source of her pain.


    "Here?" Aster asked, his fingertips digging into her sore muscles.


    ¡ª"Mhmm..." Nivalis murmured, biting her lip. "It helps... thank you, honey."


    "No problem," Aster smiled, trying to ease his mother''s pain as he massaged her thigh. His hands traveled up and down, squeezing her muscles and then kneading them, gently pressing his fingers into her skin. It was slightly ufortable with her pants on, but they didn''t have time for a proper massage.


    Every minute outside is a risk they have no choice but to take. They had been walking for over two hours but had only covered maybe a third of the way to the hot spring. Breaks like this were bing longer and more frequent, slowing them down significantly. And her injured thigh wasn''t getting any better; the pain worsened with each step she took.


    Nivalis took a deep, calming breath, the smell of pine filling her nose. ''I don''t know for how much longer I can keep going... How will I make it?'' she asked herself, her blue eyes slowly opening to see her son.


    His small hands continued to massage her hurting thigh. ''He''s too young to worry about all this. To be burdened by such things. The food, winter prep, safety... It should be my responsibility, not his.''


    ¡ª "I''m sorry, sweetie," Nivalis suddenly apologized, looking down at him.


    "Huh? For what?" Aster asked, pausing the massage.


    ¡ª "For everything... I... I am the one who should take care of you. You shouldn''t have to worry about anything other than having fun, ying with your sister, and enjoying your childhood," she whispered, gently cupping his face.


    "Oh, that... Don''t worry, Mom. It''s fine," Aster replied, smiling at her. "It''s not your fault. Besides, we are going to live in the hot spring now! Can you imagine how awesome and fun that will be?!" he said, trying to cheer her up. "We will be able to rx in the hot water every day! Every single day! Swim and ssh all winter long... Just imagine! I will get my share of childhood, alright!"


    His excitement made her giggle, momentarily forgetting her worries. "You''re right. It will be nice," she said, pinching his cheek lightly. "Alright, I feel better now. Let''s keep going?"


    "Are you sure? You can rest a bit more if you want," Aster said while helping her stand up.


    ¡ª "Ugh... Yeah, let''s keep going," Nivalis agreed, leaning against him. The two slowly continued their trek through the forest, one step at a time.


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    His n became a disaster. Their breaks became increasingly frequent, while their walks became much slower. Three more hours of walking, but they had only made it halfway to the hot spring. It is a miracle that goblins haven''t found them yet.


    He tried to help as much as possible, making her lean on him more and rubbing her sore muscles during their breaks. But it wasn''t enough. At some point, Nivalis couldn''t take it any longer. She just fell to the ground, letting out a cry of pain.


    "Aster... I''m sorry. I''m sorry, baby, I can''t..." Nivalis whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "I don''t think I can walk any further," she muttered through quivering lips. She had been trying her best to hide the pain from him, but now she had no strength left to do so.


    Aster dropped the sack on the ground, exhaling heavily. "That''s fine, Mom. You did good," Aster reassured her, his face covered in sweat and dirt. He was exhausted, too. The boy''s legs felt weak, and his arms were sore. Everything in him screamed to take some rest. Yet, the only thing that mattered to him right now was his mother.


    ¡ª "I''ll carry you," Aster said, his voice strained and tired. "Don''t worry, Mom."


    "I-I... I''m too heavy, honey, and..." Nivalis tried to protest, looking up at him through her tears.


    ¡ª "I will," Aster interrupted, giving her a reassuring smile. "If I can''t carry you, I''ll drag you," he added, his tone determined and confident. "I won''t leave you here. Just give me a minute to catch my breath."


    "Asty..." Nivalis whispered, her blue eyes welling with tears. The boy''s golden eyes stared into hers, full of love and determination. "Alright... If you say so," she muttered, giving in. "I am sorry, honey... I wish I were stronger," she apologized, covering her face with her hand and sniffing loudly.


    Aster whispered softly, "Shh, shh," as he sat beside her face and gently tugged down her hood. He stroked her silver hair, weaving his fingers through the strands, whispering, "Everything will be alright, Mom." Then, he pressed his lips against her forehead.


    Nivalis clung to him,her arms wrapped securely around his waist, her face pressed against his chest. Aster hugged her back, gently stroking her hair. They stayed like that for a few minutes, holding each other closely.


    Finally, Aster spoke, "We need to leave. Silvia is waiting for us." He pulled away from her and stood up. Nivalis looked up at him, her face marked with tears, and nodded. "I''ll hide our stuff nearby. I don''t think I can carry it all," he added, taking the backpack off his mother''s back and picking up his bag from the ground.


    Aster moved everything to the nearest bush and hid it. He then took a small knife from his boot and quickly marked the nearby trees, making sure the marks could be seen from a distance. All they had left on them were their knives and a bow; everything else he would retrieveter. After putting the knife back in his boot, Aster returned to his mother. "Are you ready, Mom?"


    "I am," Nivalis replied, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.


    ¡ª "Alright," Aster said, cing his arms under her armpits and helping her to her feet. His knees shook with the effort, but he remained steady. Once Nivalis stood, Aster turned around, his back facing her. "Just lean against me and rx your legs," he instructed, bending forward slightly.


    "O-okay," Nivalis mumbled, wrapping her arms around his tender shoulders and pressing her chest against his back. Her son was too small for her, making her knees touch the ground. She simply rxed her legs and let her entire body weight rest on her boy.@@novelbin@@


    Aster nearly copsed under her weight, his knees trembling. "Oh... Uh..." he gasped, struggling to regain his bnce. He took a few careful steps forward, dragging her along.It was even harder than he expected.


    "Are you alright, Aster? Put me down. It''s too much. Let me-" Nivalis said, her arms holding onto her son''s neck, her legs dangling uselessly against the ground.


    ¡ª "No, no. I got this," Aster said, gritting his teeth. ''I can do this,'' he thought, taking one careful step after another. His lower back was already screaming in pain. "Just hang in there," he told her, struggling forward.


    "Honey... Just... Stop. You''ll hurt yourself. Let me walk. I think I feel better now," she whispered, her heart pounding furiously, worried for her son''s health. She could see how much strain his petite, little body was under. "Please."


    ¡ª "N-No... No. We both know this is not true," he panted, refusing to give up. Slowly, one step after another, Aster carried his mother through the forest, his muscles burning and his legs shaking from exhaustion. Every part of him wanted to stop and copse on the ground, but he couldn''t. He promised his sister he would bring their mother.


    Nivalis didn''t know how to respond, managing to utter only a single "Sorry" as her son continued to drag her.


    Aster remained silent, too busy trying not to break his ankles on the uneven forest floor.


    ...


    Each step was more difficult than thest. Sweat dripped down his forehead, stinging his eyes. His vision began to blur and darken at the edges; the heartbeat rang in his ears, drowning out all other sounds. While his body moved automatically, Aster tried to think about anything else but the pain.


    Aster''s mind was filled with thoughts of magic and how amazing it all seemed. He could actually create fire right from his hands just by thinking about it! What could be cooler than that? Nothing.


    Even now, he could feel his lungs gathering mana with every strained breath he took, even though his breathing sounded like he was dying. He was not. Aster was, like, ny-five percent sure of it.


    This raw mana gets concentrated in his arteries,zily drifting around his body, doing nothing. Whenever Aster needs to, his heart changes the raw mana, making it fire-like. It just starts to feel warm inside, so it''s all just a guess. Aster likes to call it the "ignited" mana.


    Then, all he needs to do is concentrate hard enough, direct the ignited mana into his palm, and picture the exact size, shape, and intensity. And the me wille ¡ª in a minute or two, but still.


    One interesting idea crossed his mind as he struggled to walk. What if, instead of pushing mana from his body, he tries to do something with it inside of him? If he concentrates his mana in the muscles of his legs, will they get stronger? How does fire mana affect the body? Or ice mana, for that matter?


    It was quite risky to attempt, though. Aster had discovered yesterday that his fire could burn his skin. His palm remained intact only because the me of his spells hovered high enough above it.


    ''To think of it, the fire mage without fire resistance is a very stupid concept,'' Aster realized, chuckling softly. ''Yet, here I am, with a genius idea to set my own legs on fire. That''s what a good n looks like,'' he thought sarcastically before shaking his head. ''Nope, no way. I''m not doing it.''


    ¡ª "H-how... l-long did we w-walk?" Aster managed to ask, his throat dry. They should have taken some water.


    "About twenty minutes, honey," Nivalis replied, ncing around, making sure no one was following them.


    ''Oh, for the f-'' Aster mentally swore, making another painful step ahead. ''Alright, change of n, I am doing it. There is no way I will make it otherwise,'' he decided, taking a deep, calming breath. Ignoring the ache in his legs, Aster concentrated.


    The familiar heat appeared in his heart, slowly growing hotter. He decided to start with the smallest amount of mana possible and gradually increase it to be extra cautious. A single tiny drop of ignited mana into his left leg would do. He chose to do only one leg topare the difference between the two.


    ''Slowly... Slowly,'' Aster repeated in his mind, imagining a little droplet of mana inside his chest, like a glowing ember that traveled through his veins, heading towards his left leg. It took a while, but eventually, he felt it ¡ª a barely noticeable, warm sensation in the middle of his thigh.


    His leg didn''t burst into mes, which was a relief. In fact, it didn''t even feel painful or ufortable. There was just a faint feeling of warmth, as if his skin had been touched by the sun but from the inside. ''Now, let''s see the effects,'' he thought, taking a few more steps,paring the difference.


    It didn''t change a thing. Aster''s left leg was just as weak as his right one.


    ''Okay, a bit more then,'' Aster thought, imagining two droplets of the same size. It took Aster a while to navigate them to his left leg, and this time, the warm sensation was slightly stronger andsted a bit longer. But, sadly, his left leg was still as weak, so that still wasn''t enough.


    Aster continued the process of gradually increasing the amount of mana, slowly but surely draining his reserves. After an hour of constant concentration and focus, all while carrying his mother on his back, Aster finally felt the difference. Thirty droplets into his left leg made it about twenty percent stronger than his right one ¡ª a slight difference, but a difference nheless.


    The only downside is that the warm sensation turned into a terrible pain, as if someone had poured boiling water on him. Normally, he wouldn''t be able to stand it, but his legs already ached so much that it barely made a difference. The painsted for five minutes or so before it slowly disappeared, and with it, the effect of his spell.


    During their short break, he checked on his leg, and visually, it was all fine. ''Alright, good,'' he sighed in relief. He expected to see some nasty burn on his skin, but thankfully, that wasn''t the case.


    ¡ª "Let''s go. I feel a bit better now," Aster whispered, helping his mother get onto his back.


    "Are you sure, sweetie?" Nivalis asked for what felt like the twentieth time. "I can try to walk for a bit," she added weakly.


    ¡ª "Yep... Ugh... I got this," Aster insisted, starting to walk. ''Okay, let''s try the same, but with both legs now. It should work,'' he thought, picturing the fire mana flowing through his veins. Thirty drops for each leg, evenly spread, should do the trick.


    And he was right. Carrying his mother became a bit easier, and his steps quickened. The hot, boiling pain of the mana in his muscles was almost unbearable. Almost. But he can handle it. He has to.


    Aster pushed himself, knowing the sooner he arrived, the sooner he could rest.

 Chapter 61: Slipping inside

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The morning was amazing, truly wonderful. And it wasn''t due to the singing cicadas or the trees moving with the wind, nor was it because of the shimmering stars in the dark sky, barely being seen through the hole in the ceiling. Oh, no. None of this mattered. No amount of bird songs could make such a morning. The reason why Aster thought it was perfect was quite different.


    He was finally free from the difort of his erection. He couldn''t help but smile. Brightly so. The pain was gone, and so was the gigantic size that had tormented him for weeks. Now, he could feel his small, soft penis pressed against his mom''s warm skin, just as it had been before. It felt wonderful, liberating.


    This entire night, he slept right on top of his mother, with his head on her big, soft breasts. Like in the good old days before she got wounded. Her gentle breathing filled his ears, her calm heartbeat thumping against his cheek, her chest rising and falling slowly. The warmth of her body, the softness of her breasts... It was perfect. Perfect.


    With a soft "Mmm," Aster buried his face deeper into her warm, soft chest. His tiny hands instinctively cupped herrge breasts, feeling their familiar weight and silky texture. His fingers started circling around her soft nipples, slowly but surely causing them to harden. His mother responded with a soft sigh.


    Aster continued to slowly stimte his mother''s nipples until they were fully erect, and her breathing became shallow and uneven. "Aster, sweetie..." she whispered, her eyes still closed.


    ¡ª "Good morning, Mom," Aster mumbled, pulling her erect nipples up with his thumbs and forefingers.


    "Hngh," Nivalis whimpered, still half-asleep, her fingers digging into her son''s naked butt. "Good... Morning, honey," she sighed, her voice hoarse.


    ¡ª "It worked, Mom," Aster mumbled as he rolled the pink, hard nipples between his fingertips."Huh? Wh-what? W-what worked, honey?" Nivalis groaned, slowly opening her blue eyes. Her blurry vision gradually focused on her son''s smiling, happy face.


    ¡ª "What you did with my... thing... you know..." Aster said, looking at her from between her breasts. "Your idea of making my body think it''s making a baby worked. It''s back to normal and doesn''t hurt anymore," he added, leaning forward and gently kissing her lips. "Thank you," he whispered against her lips.


    "Ugh," Nivalis groaned as memories of the previous night came rushing back. She quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks turning bright red. "You''re... wee, honey," she muttered, not daring to look him in the eyes. "Oh, gods," she whispered, covering her face with her palms.


    ¡ª "Mom?" Aster asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.


    It took her a moment to respond. "I''m so sorry, baby. It shouldn''t have happened," Nivalis muttered, shaking her head.


    ¡ª "Sorry? For what?" Aster chuckled, removing her hands away and cupping her flushed cheeks with his small palms. He turned her face to make her look at him, though she did so reluctantly. "It felt amazing! Incredible! I didn''t know that... I didn''t know that something like this was possible!" he beamed, his golden eyes shining, full of joy and happiness. "We should do it more often!"


    "No, no. Honey... We shouldn''t have done that," Nivalis whispered, her sad, blue eyes looking down, avoiding his. "It''s not what a mother and a son are supposed to do. I shouldn''t have... I shouldn''t have touched you like that," she exined.


    ¡ª "Oh... Are you sure? I didn''t mind it at all," Aster admitted, moving his thumbs on her cheeks. "Is it so wrong?"


    "It is..." Nivalis sighed, shaking her head. "You have no idea how wrong," she whispered, ncing at his confused face. "Only husbands and wives should be doing these things together... not a mother and a son. Never a mother and a son. Never," she exined, tears welling in her eyes.


    Aster silently looked at her guilty expression, unsure what to say. ''Ah... I guess it was a bit too intimate,'' he realized, remembering how she stroked his throbbing member and how incredibly good it made him feel. Her blushing face, the awkward expression. ''Make sense that it only happens between couples...''


    Nivalis continued, sniffling between words, her eyes brimming with tears. "Please forgive me. I just couldn''t stand the thought of you hurting. I couldn''t bear to see you like this. You looked so sad, and... and... I don''t know... I didn''t want you to be in pain, sweetie. Please forgive me. I''m a terrible, horrible mother."


    ¡ª "But... it worked!" Aster smiled, trying to reassure his mother. "So what it was a bit... um, inappropriate, I guess... It''s not that big of a deal! Besides, isn''t sleeping naked together also kinda wrong, and only married couples do it?" he added, giving her his most adorable smile.


    "Sweetie, you don''t get it..." Nivalis whispered, shaking her head. "We''ve slept like this since you were a baby, but this... What I did was wrong. Extremely wrong. So very wrong," she said, tears streaming down her face.


    ¡ª "Hey... Mom..." Aster mumbled; seeing his mother crying made him feel awful. He never meant to make her cry. Trying to think of a way to make her feel better, he quickly came up with an idea. It''s a silly one, but it might work. "How about this? Is this also wrong?" he asked, leaning forward and gently capturing her pink nipple with his mouth. It''s been a while.


    He knew his mother enjoyed it just as much as he did, and hopefully, it would cheer her up a little, proving that it wasn''t as wrong as she thought. The familiar taste of her aroused, hard nub made his eyelids flutter, and a quiet moan escaped his lips. Every little detail of her nipple, from its sweet vor, texture, shape, and size, was something he could never forget. Better than any candy or fruit he had ever tasted.


    "Hngh!" Nivalis moaned, feeling her son''s tongue swirling around her swollen nub, his teeth gently pulled and tugged on it. "Aster!" she gasped, grabbing his head with both hands, trying to pull him away.


    But he refused to let go; instead, his hungry mouth pulled her nipple along, refusing to give up the treasure it held. "Aster, please... Don''t..." she whimpered, her fingers entangling in his silver hair. "It is... It is different as well... Please stop, sweetie," she pleaded, her eyes shut tight, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I-I... I just liked how closer it made us when you and Silvia did this... before... and..." her voice trailed off, unable to find the right words.


    Aster reluctantly pulled away, releasing her breast with a wet, sucking sound, letting it fall back down with a bounce. "Sorry, Mom. I didn''t mean to upset you," he apologized, wiping his mouth. His golden eyes stared at his mother''s tear-stained face. "I get it... I also really liked how close it made all three of us. Imiss those times when you had milk," he confessed, giving her a warm, tender smile.


    "Mhm," Nivalis sobbed, not saying anything.


    Aster took a minute to find the right words, then continued, "My point was, it''s just three of us here, Mom. Who cares about other people? We might never meet any," Aster smiled warmly, his finger gently circling around her are. "As long as we are happy, that''s all that matters. Don''t you agree?"


    Nivalis didn''t respond, staring into his beautiful, golden eyes as tears ran down her cheeks. "Oh," she mumbled, looking up at the ceiling, unable to say anything else.


    ''Alright... it looks like a much more serious problem than I thought. Trying to normalize what happened was a wrong move,'' Aster realized, staring at his mother''s crying face, trying toe up with something else to make her feel better. But only one thing came to his mind. No matter how good it felt for him, her well-being was always his priority. And always will be.


    ¡ª "Come on, don''t cry, Mom," he whispered, cupping her cheeks and wiping her tears away with his little thumbs. "How... how about we pretend it never happened? Just like how we agreed not to remember when you washed me down there, and things happened," he asked, looking into her blue eyes and smiling awkwardly. "All you did was help me with my pain, and that''s all. How does that sound?"


    Nivalis sniffled, looking into her son''s kind, loving eyes. She nodded weakly, whispering, "I''d love that, honey... Let''s try..."


    ¡ª "Try what? I don''t remember what you''re talking about, Mom," Aster chuckled, leaning forward and kissing her wet nose. "See? It''s easy. We just forget about it. Nothing has ever happened," he whispered, smiling reassuringly. "We just had a weird dream we will soon forget, that''s all."


    "Yeah... Nothing has ever happened," Nivalis nodded, wiping her tears. "Just a weird dream," she muttered, smiling a bit.


    ¡ª "Right. And if you suddenly feel bad about that really, really strange dream, remember that you''re the most wonderful, loving, beautiful, caring mom in the whole wide world, and I love you more than anyone," he whispered against her lips, before giving her a gentle kiss. "Don''t tell that to Silvia, though."


    Nivalis giggled softly against her son''s soft lips, nodding her head. "Got it. I love you too, my pumpkin," she whispered, caressing his shoulders. "And sorry again... for everything," she hugged him tightly, closing her eyes.


    ¡ª "Don''t worry, Mom," Aster whispered, nuzzling his face into her neck. "Nothing to be sorry about. Nothing happened," he muttered, inhaling her sweet, natural scent.


    Nivalis didn''t respond. She gently ran her fingers through his silver hair, down to his pale butt, listening to his calm breathing. Theyy there together for a while, quietly snuggling, enjoying the warmth of their embrace. A good, warm cuddle was what she needed the most right now, and that''s exactly what Aster gave her.


    ...


    Ten minutester, Aster suddenly mumbled against her neck, breaking the silence, "Oh, right... I forgot to do my spell on Silvia yesterday," his eyes fluttered open. He looked at his sister, who was sleeping beside them, covered with a nket. "Can I do it now?" he asked, softly touching Silvia''s pale face. She was still so cold.


    "Sure, go ahead, honey," Nivalis answered, her fingers tracing the lines of her son''s skinny back. "Just be careful, and don''t use up all your mana. You''ve got the whole day ahead."


    Aster nodded, cing his hand on his sister''s t chest, feeling it rise and fall with each breath she took. ''Alright, let''s try this again,'' he thought, closing his eyes. ''Let''s try a bit more this time... Should be around the half.''


    Aster felt how the warmth slowly filled his chest, raising his body temperature; beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The process of raw mana being ignited inside his heart. His mother''s soft hand gently patted his bare buttocks, helping him stay calm and focused.


    When Aster first started trying to help his sister, he began with the smallest amount possible, just a tiny droplet of mana, simr to the one he used on himself when he first discovered this body-enhancing spell. He wanted to bepletely safe when dealing with something as risky as forcing his warmth into his sister''s unconscious body, so he had to start slow.


    But unfortunately, it wasn''t as easy as he thought it would be. Silvia''s icy mana froze his own the moment it touched her skin. Drop by drop, Aster slowly increased the amount he was using, emptying his reserves every day before going to bed on these numerous attempts to warm her.


    When he started using bigger amounts, he discovered something interesting. For some reason, the fire and ice start to fight against each other, almost as if they were two living beings struggling for survival. It made him realize this had also happened in his previous attempts. Silvia''s mana simply won over his in mere moments, making it hard even to notice the fight had happened.


    Then, he began trying to break through her icy defenses, slowly increasing the mana even more. But getting inside his sister is not an easy task, to say the least. The more mana Aster used, the harder it became to control the whole process.


    The concentration needed to make sure he wouldn''t identally burn her as he tried to get inside her was intense. Her body doesn''t want to be prated by her brother, apparently.


    And now, he was using half his daily mana reserve for yet another attempt, the most he had ever done.


    The processsted over ten minutes, slowly igniting half of his mana reserves. The pain in his chest was almost unbearable, but he gritted his teeth and held on. When his lungs began to burn, and he couldn''t breathe anymore, he decided it was enough and finally opened his eyes. His golden irises glowed brightly, his entire body trembling from such an extreme effort.


    "Calm down, rx, you''re okay. You can do it, honey," Nivalis whispered, massaging his back.


    With his mana ignited and ready, he took a deep, shaky breath and guided it towards his palm. Aster imagined pushing it through her pale skin, into her fragile body, visualizing how it should not hurt her but warm her instead... Just lick her insides gently, carefully.


    Following hismand, the warm mana began to breach the thick, cold barrier. Silvia''s mana resisted immediately, sending freezing waves against the intruder, attempting to freeze it before it could do any harm. Aster''s mana fought back, burning hotter against hers, desperately trying to push the cold away and gain ground.


    The next ten minutes were a grueling, exhausting battle.


    Silvia''s ice mana pushed back against the mes, forcing the invader to retreat and regroup. Then, the heat would charge again, pushing the ice back and gaining ground. Back and forth, the fire and the ice shed against each other, fighting for dominance.


    ¡ª "Ugh," Aster groaned, realizing he was losing their mana battle, making so much effort and not even getting through the skin. ''Come on... just a bit more,'' he thought, forcing his warmth to fight and push through her barrier. The ice was strong, very strong, and its resistance was fierce. Trying to improve his situation, Aster started twirling his mana, focusing it all on a single point as if trying to drill through.


    Thest time he tried it, it was too hard for him to do something asplex. To twirl his mana, keeping everything safe and under control while shielding from constant attack from Silvia''s icy mana? Unbelievable. Impossible. Not to mention, he tried it only with a small amount of mana, so the control was supposed to be much simpler. And yet he failed back then.


    But today was somehow different. Something had changed, and Aster couldn''t put his finger on it. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders, making it much easier to control his mana. Whatever it was, he could tell the difference and was grateful for it.


    Slowly, the fire burned through the wall of ice, and his mana entered his sister''s body. It didn''t go unnoticed; soon enough, her icy mana also focused on a single point, trying to push the foreign, warm force out. The fire and ice pushed each other in and out, struggling for control. Aster pounded his sister''s tight hole with everything he had, trying to slip deep enough into her. And he seeded.


    This brief moment of being inside his sister was more than enough to get the job done, to release his warmth deep inside her. Using the opportunity, he imagined how just ten droplets of his mana slipped through, quickly spreading around her chest to try to warm her.


    However, the moment those ten droplets left his palm, the main battle was lost, and the tiny entrance he made in her mana was sealedpletely. He wasn''t even sure if he managed to slip through... But considering how fast it all closed, most likely not. It all happened just too fast.


    Aster sighed, opening his golden eyes and looking at his sister''s face. She looked the same. Pale, cold, and unconscious. "Ugh... It didn''t work. Again," he mumbled, removing his hand from her chest. He hugged his mother, burying his face into her soft breasts.


    "It''s okay, sweetie," Nivalis smiled, caressing his back. "Give it time. You''ll figure it out," she assured him.


    "Yeah," Aster replied, taking a deep breath and inhaling his mother''s scent. He nced at his sister again, sighing. "Well, at least I made some progress. I think I''m close. It''s just too hard to control everything at once," he muttered. "I need more practice, that''s for sure..."


    Nivalis silently nodded, hugging his sweaty body and running her fingers through his hair.


    "Alright, no time to waste! Let''s get ready for the day," Aster suddenly eximed, straddling his mother''s waist before standing up. "Today will be great! I''ll bring us so much food that our bellies will hurt from eating too much!" he beamed, looking around for his tunic.


    "Sounds like a n," Nivalis smiled softly, watching her son search around. "It''s near the fire. I washed your clothes after you fell asleep," she added, watching her boy run towards the kitchen corner, his bare feet shuffling against the rocky ground. His cute little bottom bounced with each step, catching her eye.


    Picking up his tunic, Aster noticed a few holes in the fabric. "By the way, we need to start thinking about how to make new clothes," he mumbled, grabbing the hem and pulling it on. "All we have left is one set of clothes for each of us. And with our sack gone, we don''t even have any spare fabric to fix what we have," he added, looking around for his pants.


    "Yeah, I agree. I guess we can make the crochet hook from wood. I know how to knit with it," Nivalis mumbled, taking her tunic from beside the bed. Her stiffened nipples brushed against the fabric as she put it on, making her sigh softly. "But we still need materials," she added, taking her pants next.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Hmm... Yeah, this is a problem," Aster frowned, putting on his boots.


    "Mhm. Well, we could use our nkets from the bed. But I''m not sure if that''s a good idea," Nivalis said as she put on her boots and walked over to her son. With his hand still healing, he struggled to tie his shoes. "Here, let me help you, sweetie," Nivalis offered, crouching down and doing it for him.


    ¡ª "Thanks, Mom. But yeah, unweaving the nkets is a bad idea... Oh, I know! What about the rope I found in the goblin''s cave? Remember?" he asked, watching her fingers working. "I wonder how they made it."


    "Oh, yeah... Ipletely forgot about the rope. It''s probably made from some dried nt," Nivalis replied, finishing the knot and looking up at him. "It''s over there, behind the woodpile. Can you grab it?"


    ¡ª "Yeah, sure," Aster nodded, walking over to where the rope was and picking it up. Despite being quite thin, the rope was surprisingly strong and durable. He carried it back to his mother, handing it to her.


    "Hmm," Nivalis hummed, holding the rope and examining it carefully. "Yeah... It''s definitely some nt, but I have no idea what kind..." she muttered, rubbing the rope''s surface. "Take it with you today. Maybe you''ll find something simr in the forest," she said, standing up and handing the rope back to him.


    "Alright. I''ll keep my eyes open," Aster nodded, taking the rope and walking over to the backpack to put it inside. "Ready?" he whispered, grabbing the spear and ncing back at his mom. Going outside to relieve themselves is something they do first thing in the morning, and today was no exception. She nodded and followed him through the dark, narrow tunnel that led outside.


    ...


    Stepping outside, the mother and son found themselves in a forest shrouded in mist. The sun had yet to rise, but the faintest hints of purple marked the beginning of a new day. Stars still sparkled overhead, and the air was cool, causing them both to shiver. They could see their breath, white puffs of steam rising into the sky. They moved towards a nearby tree, about twenty steps from the entrance.


    Aster spoke, barely above a whisper, "You go first, Mom."


    Nivalis nodded, her voice equally soft, "Alright, I''ll be quick." The grass was tall enough to hide her as she squatted down.


    Aster stood nearby, leaning against the same tree, eyes scanning the misty forest. The sound of his mother''s soft sshes of urine filled his ears, making the boy look down at her. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, reaching down to her naked hips.


    Just like Silvia, she made a funny facial expression while peeing. The way she furrows her brows, the cute scrunching up of her little nose, and the tight pressing of her lips... Only his mom and Silvia were capable of such hrious expressions. Aster had to suppress a giggle. ''It never gets old,'' he thought, smiling fondly.


    His gaze shifted lower, and he saw her beautiful, pink,pletely hairless pussy. The way she had to use her fingers to spread her puffy lips apart... Just so the hot, steamy liquid could flow out. The memory of her tight hole twitching appeared in his mind... how her finger disappeared inside, only to appear again covered in some transparent liquid. The memory alone made his heart skip a beat. He wanted to peek at it again but couldn''t see it from this angle.


    Like a bolt of lightning, his penis twitched ¡ª the awakening of the sleeping 2-inch giant. The only thing missed was the sound of thunder. ''Oh no. Not again,'' Aster panicked, tearing his eyes away from his mother''s peeing pussy. He took a deep, calming breath and looked around the foggy forest, focusing on the cold breeze against his skin. Not on the sshing sounds or the smell of her urine. Just on the wind.


    It didn''t work.


    Aster''s heart was pounding so loud, making his erection grow faster and faster. ''So this is what mom meant yesterday about getting excited... Ugh...'' Aster thought, frustrated, adjusting his pants. ''Alright, she said it should go down on its own. I just need to wait,'' he sighed, staring nkly at the distant trees. ''Come on, I am not excited anymore...''


    "All done," Nivalis whispered, breaking concentration. When the boy turned to face her, she wiped her wet pussy with a leaf and pulled up her pants."Your turn," she said, taking his spear, her long, silver hair swaying gently in the wind.


    ¡ª "Oh, um, sure," Aster stuttered, nervously moving towards the same spot his mother used. He slowly pulled down his pants, his penis throbbing and twitching uncontrobly. A minute turned into two as he stood there, struggling to relieve himself, his dder simply refusing to cooperate.


    "Everything okay, honey?" Nivalis whispered, ncing at him. "What''s taking so long?"


    ¡ª "N-no, nothing. I can''t... start. You know how it is," Aster mumbled, trying to force his urine out, feeling the ufortable pressure in his pelvis. "Just... give me a few minutes. I''ll be quick."


    "Okay, sweetie..." Nivalis murmured, turning her head away to give her son some privacy. She grew worried as it took him quite a while to start, but she soon rxed when she heard the familiar sshing sound ofpee hitting the ground.


    ¡ª "Uh..." Aster sighed in relief, finally able to pee. He used one hand to lean against the tree and the other to hold his member. It was like a dam had broken; a long stream of clear, steaming hot liquid flowed out of him, seemingly endlessly. "Ugh, this feels good," he whispered, the muscles in his lower abdomen finally rxing. Since he woke up his magic, peeing had be a real challenge.


    Nivalis chuckled, hearing his relieved sighs. Half a minuteter, she noticed his pee had stopped and approached the boy from behind, asking, "Are you done?"


    ¡ª "Yep," Aster nodded, quickly pulling up his pants before she saw his erection. "Let''s go. I''m hungry," he smiled, taking the spear from her hands, and energetically started walking back to the cave.


    "Me too. Let''s make something nice for breakfast," Nivalis whispered, following him.


    ...


    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    As breakfast ended and her son went into the forest to gather food, Nivalis found herself alone in the dark cave, alone with her thoughts. She sat next to her unconscious daughter, stroking her long, silver hair.


    ''Ugh... I can''t believe I did that to him... Why did I think it was a good idea?'' Nivalis sighed, remembering the previous night. How she used her hand to bring her son pleasure, making him moan and tremble. How she gently massaged his soft, delicate testicles to calm him. And how she squeezed his hard, little penis as he climaxed, all while he sucked on her nipple. ''I''m such a terrible, horrible mother,'' she thought, feeling tears fill her eyes.


    ''He''s going to hate me when he gets older... When he realizes what I''ve done. Oh, gods, what have I done?'' she cried, covering her face with her hands. ''But... What other choice did I have? I couldn''t let him suffer in pain, could I? Leaving him always aroused? Put his health at risk? Is that what a good mother is supposed to do?'' she asked herself, staring at the fire in the far corner.


    ¡ª "Hng," Nivalis whimpered, remembering the sensation of his pulsating member in her hand, his hardness throbbing between her soft fingers, the way he shivered and moaned when he orgasmed...


    It took her a while topose herself, taking deep breaths and frequently wiping away the tears. ''I need to forget about it, just as we agreed. Act like nothing ever happened. And when Aster needs my help again, I''ll make sure he learns to do it himself...'' Nivalis decided, nervously nibbling on her fingernail.


    ¡ª "Yeah, sounds like a n," Nivalis whispered, nodding. "I just have to find a way for him to¡ª" she abruptly stopped as she looked down at her daughter, noticing her golden eyes were open. Nivalis didn''t move, too surprised to react. Only when the little girl blinked did she realize what was going on. "S-Silvia?" Nivalis gasped, quickly leaning closer and cupping her slightly rosy cheeks. Her hands trembled as she held her daughter''s face.


    ¡ª "Silvia? It''s me, Mom," Nivalis sniffled, smiling broadly. Tears of joy reced the old ones. "Sweetheart, are you alright? Can you say something?" she asked, touching her forehead.


    Her trembling, cracked lips moved slowly, struggling to form a single word. But only a quiet, hoarse moan came from her throat, as she was too weak even for something so simple. The little girl closed her eyes, a tear rolling down her cheek.

 Chapter 62: Feel my warmth (1/2)

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The evening sun shone through the thick foliage of the dense pine forest. Its orange light pierced the gaps between the green needles and swaying branches, casting many small, flickering shadows on the ground. Birds sang songs, insects chirped and buzzed, and the wind rustled the treetops.


    A lonely, silver-haired boy walked through the forest, stepping carefully and trying not to make a single sound. His boots have twigs and leaves tied to the bottom to create a soft cushion for his steps, his attempt to make the tracks he leaves behind in the soil less noticeable. The disguise cloak fluttered in the wind lightly, covering the paleness of his skin and long, silver hair.


    With every step, his head darted left and right, his golden eyes scanning his surroundings for potential dangers. His pointed ears listened for any strange sounds or movements. He held a crude wooden spear tightly in his left hand while the straps of his backpack bit into his shoulders, weighed down by the mushrooms, berries, and nuts he had carefully collected today. After a long, tiresome day, he silently walked back home.


    ''It bes much harder to find mushrooms as it gets hotter,'' Aster sighed, but it was unavoidable. The summer heat slowly but surely began to take its toll, drying up everything around. His eyes spotted the familiar tree that usually had nuts scattered around it, so he approached it¡ªa few minutes of kneeling on the ground made his backpack heavier with six nuts. Not much, but every little bit counts.


    ''After we pack the honey from yesterday, I need to start looking for another hive,'' Aster reminded himself as he finally approached the entrance of their cave. Moving the vines away, he whispered, "I''m home," expecting to see his mother waiting for him, just like she always does. But not this time, however. Instead of her gentle smile and weing arms, he was met with darkness.


    ¡ª "Mom?" the boy whispered, stepping into the cave. His steps echoed as he walked through the tight, winding tunnel, which seemed unusually quiet. Only when he approached the main chamber of their home did he hear his mother''s faint whispers. "Mom? I''m back," Aster announced, cing the backpack on the floor and ncing at his mother sitting on the bed.


    ¡ª "Is everything okay?!" Aster rushed closer, noticing tears on his mother''s face. Those were tears of joy, but he didn''t know that. He instantly concluded that what he did this morning with their mana had caused his sister serious harm. Nivalis couldn''t even utter a word in response as he dropped his spear on the ground and fell to his knees before the bed.


    But what he saw wasn''t the unconscious, pale, motionless little girl he was used to seeing. Instead, he saw his sister slowly blink, her beautiful, teary, golden eyes looking up at him. The corner of her lips twitched, attempting to form a weak smile. "S-Silvia?" he stuttered, his golden eyes widening, unable to believe what was happening."She''s finally awake, honey," Nivalis sniffed happily, unable to stop smiling. She gently brushed her daughter''s cheek with her fingertips.


    ¡ª "Hi, sleepy," Aster chuckled happily, leaning closer, his eyes locked with his sister''s. "You''re finally awake... How are you feeling?" he whispered, gently touching her forehead. Her lips parted to form a word, but no sound came out.


    "Shh, don''t strain yourself, sweetie," Nivalis said, squeezing the little girl''s hand. "She''s very weak and can''t move her or speak. She''s barely able to keep her eyes open," she exined, looking at her son.


    ¡ª "I see," Aster nodded, his palm still stroking his sister''s silver hair. Don''t worry, Silvia. We will take care of you. Everything will be fine," he whispered down at her, a big, bright smile on his lips. "Do you think my morning spell woke her?" he asked his mother, not stopping the patting.


    "It''s possible," Nivalis whispered, nodding. "Did you do something new?"


    ¡ª "Mhm, I used more mana than usual and... twirled it. It was a lot harder to control, but I managed to create a small breach, and probably a couple of drops of my mana slipped through," Aster said, looking down and seeing his sister''s surprised eyes. "Oh, right! You don''t know yet!" heughed. "I woke my magic a few days after you made that badass ice wall! I got fire affinity, can you believe it?!" he beamed, proudly grinning.


    ¡ª "I tried toe up with a spell that can help you to get warm, and it looks like it worked... A little bit," Aster exined, wiggling his fingers to mimic the fire. "Let me try again, okay? You''ll get better in no time," he said, cing his palm on her naked, t chest.@@novelbin@@


    "Wait, wait. We don''t know for sure if it was you, honey," Nivalis suddenly stopped him, taking his hand into hers. "It might be just a coincidence. Let''s not risk doing spells we don''t know much about and just wait a few days to see if she improves. If not, you can try your thing again," she said, looking at her daughter''s face. "My love, it''s been a while since you woke up... Try to sleep, okay? We''ll watch over you," she whispered, adjusting the nket to cover her naked chest.


    ¡ª "Yeah... you''re right," Aster nodded, leaning closer to kiss the little girl''s cheek. I''ll tell you everythingter, okay? Try to rest. Your brother will protect you, don''t worry," he whispered against her skin. Silvia looked at him for a few seconds and slowly closed her golden eyes, letting exhaustion take her with a soft exhale. Nivalis and Aster sat silently for over ten minutes, watching the little girl fall asleep.


    Nivalis turned to her son, a worried look on her face. "She wakes up every two hours, looks at me for fifteen minutes, and then falls asleep again. Cries a lot, too," she whispered, using Aster''s shoulder to help herself stand up. "Come, let''s prepare a dinner. Something light for her to eat when she wakes up again. Maybe with you around, she''ll eat a bit more," she said, heading to the kitchen.


    Aster silently followed his mother, taking off his boots along the way. "I''ve got some mushrooms, nuts, and berries," he whispered, taking the backpack and carrying it over to the fire.


    ...


    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Three days have passed since Silvia woke up. The daily routine remained unchanged. Aster spent most of his time in the forest, doing his best to feed this small family, while Nivalis kept herself busy around the cave, doing chores and keeping a close eye on her daughter.


    But her little girl didn''t seem to get any better. She was still just as weak, unable to talk or move; only soft, barely heard whimpers left her trembling lips.


    The cave was filled with sunlight, covering the walls with a warm, golden glow as the flickering light came in through the hole high in the ceiling. The sun was at its peak in the sky, meaning Aster wouldn''t return from the forest for a while.


    Nivalis let out a sigh, holding her daughter''s limp hand. "Honey, would you like to take a bath together? Rx in the water for a bit," She gently rubbed her daughter''s cold skin with her thumbs. Silvia slowly blinked twice, signaling her approval.


    ¡ª "Wonderful," Nivalis smiled. She grabbed the bottom of her tunic and quickly pulled it off, revealing herrge, pale breasts, which jiggled slightly with every little movement she made. The warm sun rays kissed her smooth, milky skin. She carefully removed the nket covering her daughter''s naked body, leaning closer, her bare thighs brushed against each other. "Hold on, honey," she whispered, wrapping her arms around her frail body and lifting the girl.


    Nivalis struggled to carry Silvia, her weak leg shaking from the effort but continued to limp forward. Slowly and carefully, she carried her daughter toward the bubbling water of the hot spring. "Carefully..." she mumbled to herself, gently pressing Silvia''s head against the softness of her chest, carefully lowering them both into the warm water.


    ¡ª "There you go, sweetie," Nivalis sighed, sitting on the underwater rock. She gently cupped the little girl''s soft ass cheeks, small enough to fit into her palm, making sure her head stayed above the surface. Their long, silver hair floated around them, shining in the sunlight. "This feels nice, doesn''t it?" she asked, noticing her daughter''s soft smile as she rested on her soft breasts.


    Silvia''s tired eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at her mother. She responded with two slow blinks, her golden irises sparkling, reflecting the dancing light rays.


    ¡ª "I am thinking of letting Asty do his thing today," Nivalis whispered, gently running her fingers through her daughter''s long, silver hair, slowly washing her. "You haven''t gotten better yet... And it''s been three days since you woke up. Do you think we should allow him to try his magic again?" she asked, cupping her cheek.


    Without much thinking, her golden eyes blinked twice, giving her approval.


    Nivalis sighed as she watched the sun''s reflection dance on the water. "I can''t say I am not nervous about it... Magic is such an unknown force. However, your brother seems quite confident and promised to start slow. But, if you want, we can wait a week or two to see if you get better naturally..." she mumbled, ncing down at her daughter.


    Silvia blinked three times, rejecting her offer.


    ¡ª "Alright... Then we''ll try," Nivalis smiled, kissing her head, returning to washing the little girl''s hair. Nivalis started humming the quiet luby to her, gently rocking her body up and down, her palm squeezing her soft bottom as she did so. "We will get through this, my love. I know it," she whispered, smiling fondly at her daughter''s rosy cheeks. Silvia just smiled, closing her eyes.


    After twenty minutes of bathing and rxing, Nivalis decided it was time to get out. In such a weak state, being in the hot water for too long could do more harm than good. "Alright, sweetie. It''s time to get out. We''ve been here long enough," she said, picking the little girl up and stepping out of the hot spring. She gently ced it there on the rocky shore, went to bed to grab the tunic she wore, and then returned.


    The sun''s rays warmed their soft, silky skin as Nivalis patted them both dry. She will have to walk naked for the rest of the day, but that was nothing new. There was no one else around but three of them, after all. "Would you like to eat something, my love? I can roast you a few mushrooms," she whispered, her long, wet hair waving over her shoulders as she looked down at her daughter.


    Silvia blinked three times, weakly looking up at her.


    ¡ª "No? Alright... How about a bit of honey, then?" Nivalis offered, smiling softly, knowing how much Silvia enjoyed the sweet treat.


    Two slow blinks and a sweet smile were her responses.


    "Haha, alright. Let''s get you back to the bed," Nivalis chuckled, cradling the little girl in her arms, carrying her like a princess. She limped back towards the bed, gentlyying her down on the fluffy nkets.


    ¡ª "I''ll be right back," Nivalis whispered, giving her daughter a gentle kiss on the forehead. She then walked towards the corner where they kept all their supplies, near the entrance, as it was much cooler there than near the warm water. It looked like just a big pile of charcoal and ash, but inside, it was full of food, protected from the moisture. Nivalis quickly fished a small portion of honey tightly wrapped in leaves, just enough for a quick snack.


    Returning to the bed, Nivalis sat down and carefully ced her daughter on her knees, with legs to the side, nestling her deep between herrge and incredibly soft breasts, big enough topletely engulf her torso. The coldness of her daughter''s skin made her nipples instantly harden. "Comfy?" Nivalis whispered, looking down at her, gently wrapping arms around her small, incredibly skinny body.


    Her head rested on her mother''s left breast, tilted back and slightly to the side. Her golden eyes stared up at Nivalis, giving two slow blinks in response.


    Nivalis ced the package on her daughter''s naked legs and unwrapped it, revealing a small chunk of honeb inside. The sweet aroma quickly filled the air, twitching Silvia''s little nose.


    Smiling, Nivalis dipped her finger into the honey and brought a tiny amount to her daughter''s mouth, gently parting her lips and letting her suck on her finger. "Here you go, my love," she whispered, feeling the soft movements of her tongue against her fingertip.


    ¡ª "It''s good, right?" Nivalis asked, pulling her wet finger out of her daughter''s mouth to scoop another drop of honey. Her daughter slowly blinked twice, smiling up softly. Her golden eyes fluttered shut when her mother''s finger entered her mouth again for her to suck on, her little tongue happily swirling around it.


    After repeating the process several times, Nivalis scooped a bit for herself, using the same wet finger. The taste of honey and her daughter''s saliva blended in her mouth as she let out a soft, delighted moan. "Mmm," Nivalis hummed, smacking her lips happily as she nced down at her daughter.


    The corner of Silvia''s lips curled up as she saw the next scoop approaching her lips. Her mother''s finger prated her tiny mouth once more; the little tongue instantly greeted the intruder. Silvia sucked on her finger with the remaining strength she had, her cheeks slightly hollowed. "Did I tell you about how Aster came home covered in honey?" Nivalis asked, her free hand patting her daughter''s hip.


    After receiving three slow blinks, she chuckled and began her much-exaggerated tale about what happened that day, how Aster fought off an entire swarm of bees and battled their giant bee queen to get honey for his sleeping sister. The smile on the little girl''s face grew brighter the more she listened to her mother, all while continuing to suck her mother''s honey-covered finger like a pacifier.


    Of course, Nivalis avoided mentioning what else had happened that day.


    ...


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    ¡ª "I''m home," Aster said softly, entering the home. His mother smiled from the bed where she sat, his sister''s head resting on her bare thighs. Both girls werepletely naked, only Silvia''s legs hidden under a single nket.


    "Wee back, dear," Nivalis said, gently running her fingers through her daughter''s hair. The flickering light of the fire reflected off their smooth, pale skin. His mother''s breasts hung heavily over Silvia''s head. "How was your day?" she asked, watching Aster walk towards the bed and drop his backpack and half-filled sack nearby.


    ¡ª"Good, actually," Aster said, removing his cloak and throwing it aside. "Thanks to yesterday''s rain, there were more mushrooms than usual. I didn''t find a beehive, though," he added, removing his boots and sitting on the bed beside them. Nivalis tilted her daughter''s head towards him so that she could see him.


    ¡ª "Hey, sis," Aster whispered, leaning down to cup her cheeks, meeting her golden eyes. "Feeling any better?" he asked, smiling down at her. She slowly blinked three times, signaling a no. "I see..." Aster muttered, kissing her forehead and looking up at his mother. "Are we trying?"


    "Yeah," Nivalis nodded, resting her palm on her daughter''s t stomach. "But please, take it easy and start slowly... as slow as you can," she said, gently scratching her tummy. "No risks, okay? If something feels not right, you stop. Got it?"


    ¡ª "Of course, Mom. Don''t worry, I''ll be careful. One moment," Aster stood up and pulled down his pants to get a bit morefortable, careful not to sh his raging erection to the girls, leaving nothing but his tunic to cover himself. Three days of painful, constant throbbing, and there was still no sign of it calming down.


    "Let''s have dinner first. You must be hungry," Nivalis offered, gently putting her daughter''s head on the bed and pushing herself up.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster mumbled, staring at her hairless pussy as his mother got up from the bed. The dancing mes of the fire illuminated the perfect curves of her swaying hips as she walked to the fire, the way her long, silver hair reached her lower back, trying to hide her perfect, heart-shaped butt, yet failing to do so.


    And how herrge, soft breasts jiggled left and right with every little movement she made around the kitchen. The pain in his crotch was unbearable, his cock twitching uncontrobly under the tunic at the sight. ''Ugh... How did I never notice before how the pain gets worse when Mom is naked?'' he frowned, looking away.


    Trying his best to ignore the pain, he looked at his sister. She had trouble seeing him properly, with her head facing the ceiling. Astery down on his stomach, cupping her cheek to turn her face towards him. "Hey," he whispered, gently brushing away a strand of hair from her face. "Everything will be okay, I promise. So don''t worry, okay?" he assured her, his thumb rubbing her soft skin.


    Silvia''s golden eyes looked at him, her puffy, chapped lips forming a barely noticeable smile.


    ¡ª "Would you like a massage?" Aster asked, gently patting her chest up and down, her pink nipples asionally brushing against his palm. "Mom is making us..." he nced at the kitchen to check, "...fried mushrooms for dinner, so we have time," he mumbled, turning his attention back to his sister.


    She slowly blinked twice, the corners of her lips curling upwards even more.


    ¡ª "Alrighty, then," Aster smiled at her, sitting up. "Let me roll you over first," he said, holding onto her naked hips. He turned her body until she was lying on her stomach and adjusted her head to face him. "Comfortable?" he asked, covering her petite butt with the nket, leaving only her bare, skinny back for him to work with.


    After receiving a confirmation, Aster ced his palms on her cold, pale skin, his thumbs gently pressing against her shoulder des. He slowly dragged his hands down her spine, going slightly under the nket to reach her tailbone. Then, he slid his hands to the sides, massaging her waist.


    Returning, Aster used his fingers to trace her spine up to the base of her neck, gently tracing her frail shoulders and working his way down her back again, trying to be extra careful not to use too much pressure. "You are too skinny, sis. You need to eat more," Aster mumbled, feeling the bones beneath her soft, delicate skin.


    A long, satisfied sigh escaped her lips as her brother pressed the right spot.


    ¡ª "I''ve got some nuts in my backpack. Do you want some?" Aster offered, massaging the area above her little butt. Her hips swayed left and right as he worked, causing the nket to slide down and reveal her buttocks, but Aster didn''t pay any attention to it.


    She blinked twice.


    ¡ª "Hang on, let me get it," Aster said, leaning towards the backpack near the bed. He rummaged through it, pulling out the nuts he had gathered earlier today. "Here," he whispered, sitting beside her again. He took one nut and brought it to her mouth, gently spreading her lips to push it inside. Her wet tongue brushed her brother''s finger as she took the nut. Aster returned his hands to her shoulders, continuing the massage.


    But the hard nut was too much for the little girl to handle, so after a few minutes of trying to chew it, she just pushed the spit-covered nut out of her mouth. Being so weak that she couldn''t even crack a nut made her eyes fill with tears.


    When Aster saw her tearful, frustrated expression, he stopped the massage and cupped her cheeks. "Hey, hey, it''s okay," Aster whispered, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears rolling down her cheeks. "It''s alright, sis. I''ll feed you," he said, lying down to put her head on his shoulder, touching her chin to make her look up. "Don''t cry, okay?" he whispered, gently stroking her long, silver hair.


    ¡ª "There you go," Aster smiled at her, picking up the wet nut from the bed. He ced it in his mouth and chewed it thoroughly, turning it into a soft mush. The taste of his sister''s saliva didn''t bother him at all. The teary smile she gave him in response as gratitude was more than worth the effort.


    Holding her head firmly with one hand, he leaned in and pressed his lips against his sister''s, their lips spreading open. His sister''s saliva blended with his as the boy pushed the chewed-up food into her mouth, her lips instinctively sucking on his tongue to get everything she could.


    The little girl swallowed the paste her brother had made for her, smiling when he pulled his lips away. "Good?" Aster asked, wiping her lips with his thumb and getting two slow blinks as a reply. Her teary eyes sparkled as she looked up at him. "Want another one?" he asked, his hand reaching for the nuts.


    She blinked twice, her golden eyes following his hand.


    Aster repeated the process, putting a few nuts into his mouth. After thoroughly chewing it, he leaned closer, pushing his lips against hers. Her mouth opened, weing her brother back inside. Her wet tongue started slowly twirling around his, catching everyst bit of chewed-up paste.


    It continued for a while, and just as Aster finished feeding her the rest of the nuts, he heard his mother''s footsteps approaching the bed. "Dinner is ready," Nivalis called out, bringing the two wooden tes of fried mushrooms. "Here you go, sweeties," she said, smiling softly at her kids cuddling together. Her breasts shook so gently as she ced the tes on the bed.


    ...


    After a tasty dinner, the sun finally set behind the horizon, leaving the fire as the only light source in the cave. All three of themy on the bed, covered by a single nket that hid their naked bodies. Silvia, this fragile little girl, was sandwiched between her mother and brother. She faced Aster, buried deep in his neck, breathing softly against his skin.


    "Honey, are you ready?" Nivalis whispered from behind Silvia, gently running her fingers through his hair.


    ¡ª "Y-yeah. Just a moment," Aster whispered, adjusting his throbbing penis that was hidden between his thighs, making sure it wouldn''t poke his sister. After a moment, he sighed softly, saying, "Okay, I''m ready," he mumbled, pulling the little girl closer and cing his palm on her t chest, feeling her soft, delicate nipple moving up and down as she breathed.


    Aster moved his head so his mouth was just near her ear. "I''ll start with the smallest amount of my mana. We don''t know how different it will be with you awake. If it starts to hurt too much, blow against my neck, and I''ll stop immediately, okay?" he exined, whispering.


    She blew two puffs of air against his skin, signaling she understood.


    The sound of the crackling fire filled the silence as Aster took a deep breath and closed his eyes. A warm feeling in his chest appeared as his heart started to produce ignited mana. Starting with just a single drop, he guided it toward his palm, imagining how it would leave him to warm her cold body and lick her insides.


    Aster was met with immediate resistance. Silvia''s icy mana quickly fought against his attempt, almost instantly freezing his warmth. It wasn''t unexpected, as Aster had anticipated such a response. After all, he started with a small amount over again to see if there was any difference with Silvia awake and to ensure that it wouldn''t hurt his sister. "Are you okay?" he whispered, his warm breathing blowing hot air into her ear.


    Two soft, quiet puffs against his neck.


    ¡ª "Did it hurt?" Aster asked, feeling three short puffs of air in response. "Alright, I''m going to try again. This time with twice the amount," he whispered, closing his eyes again. Once more, his mana traveled through his veins down to his palm. The moment it left his skin, his sister''s cold mana attacked it with an overwhelming force as if evaporating all warmth.


    After asking his sister again and confirming that she was alright, Aster increased the amount to four times the initial dose. However, a small gasp escaped her lips when his mana touched her skin, making Aster pull his hand away. "Did it hurt?" he asked worriedly, receiving two reluctant puffs against his skin. "Was it bad?" he asked, caressing her bare hip.


    Three slow puffs against his neck, signaling him to continue the spell.


    ¡ª "It''s... it''s not even close to the amount I''ve used when you were unconscious. If it hurts now, it''s only going to get-" Aster whispered but was cut off by feeling three quick, desperate puffs of air. "Are you sure you want to continue?" he asked, feeling her lips gently kissing his neck. "O-okay..." he sighed, closing his eyes.


    He focused on his mana, doubling the amount once more. The sh between their mana was slightly more noticeable this time, although it all ended in a fraction of a second. Silvia''s lips remained on her brother''s skin as she tried to endure the pain. "As I increase the amount, you will start to feel how our mana fights each other. Once you do, try to stop yours somehow, okay?" he exined, feeling her lips moving on his skin, kissing him twice.


    He took a deep breath, focusing on the feeling in his chest once again. The heat in his heart slowly ignited the raw mana in his veins, and once he had enough, he directed it all towards his palm, which was pressed tightly against his sister''s naked, t chest, cupping her pink nipple.


    This process continued for a while; Aster slowly and carefully increased the mana flowing into his sister''s body. The fight between ice and firested for over a second now, and this second was nothing but agony for the little girl. More than anything, Aster wanted to stop this torture, to think of any other solution, but Silvia refused to give up. She continued to kiss his neck, begging her brother to continue pushing inside her.


    Nivalis could not hold back the tears, silently rolling down her cheeks. Seeing her daughter suffer like this was heartbreaking.


    ¡ª "Alright... If you''re sure, I''ll try using the same amount I did that made you wake up... It''ll be a bit different than what we just did because I need to swirl my mana. That''s how I managed to get deeper through," Aster whispered into her ear. He felt the wetness of her tears on his neck, her lips trembling as they pressed against his skin.


    Two gentle kisses on his neck were the only answer he got.


    Taking a deep, calming breath, he focused on the burning sensation inside him. His heart fiercely pumped all the remains of his raw mana, filling his entire chest with unstable, ignited mana. Then, it all flowed down his arm and into his palm.


    The moment the warmth of her brother touched her skin, her ice mana violently fought back. The pain the little girl experienced was instant and unimaginable as if someone had poured boiling oil directly onto her skin. Her body began to tremble, her throat refusing to scream, only soft, raspy whimpers escaping her lips.


    Aster wanted to stop it all, to take his hand away, but he didn''t. Silvia could signal him to stop anytime, but she chose not to. So, Aster continued the spell, ignoring the painful moans his sister produced against his neck. Without wasting a second, he made his mana swirl against her chest, worsening the pain.


    However, the spell was much harder for Aster to handle this time. The control required to swirl his mana and fight the opposing force simultaneously was too tricky for him. For some reason, it wasn''t the case back then; he easily went through this step... But now? His mana already felt unstable. On top of it all, he needs to do the third and final step right after he gets through her mana, warming her insides. It felt impossible to do.


    Instead of continuing the already-lost fight, he decided to stop the spell. As soon as the flow of Aster''s mana was cut off, Silvia stopped shaking, and the pained moans turned into quiet, ragged breathing. ''How in the world did I manage to do this back then?'' he wondered, frowning.


    "Did it work?" Nivalis immediately asked with hope in her voice, wiping away her tears.


    ¡ª "No... Sorry," Aster sighed, stroking his sister''s hair and feeling her hot breath against his neck, tears flowing down his skin. "It... it was too difficult. I couldn''t keep everything under control. So I stopped the spell halfway through," he exined, lifting his sister''s head from his neck, her wet, golden eyes looking up at him. "I''m sorry, sis," he whispered, using his thumbs to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "Are you alright?"


    Tears kept rolling down her cheeks as she looked up at her brother, her lips trembling. Two weak, fluttering blinks were her answer.


    ¡ª "Shhh, don''t cry. It''s fine. You''ll get better soon," he assured her, pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her small, cold body, holding her tightly in his embrace. "It''s okay. It''s okay..." he whispered, feeling his mother hug them both, sandwiching the little girl tightly between them. "I just need a bit of practice, alright? If it worked once, it will work again. So don''t worry," he assured her, burying her face back into his neck.


    The only sounds in the room were the crackling of the fire and Silvia''s quiet, whimpering breaths as she sobbed, the asional hup escaping her trembling lips.

 Chapter 65: Surviving the night

    -------------------------------


    (7/27/2024) ¡ª Ipletely rewrote the first chapter of this novel, changing Aster''s backstory to give him more depth as a character and address a few issues that you, readers, kindly pointed out to me.


    If you have time, I highly rmend re-reading the first chapter. But it''s no big deal if you''re feeling a bitzy today; here''s a quick recap that includes everything you need to know. ??


    <strong><em>If you remember the first chapter having a grandfather,</em><em> t</em><em>hen</em><em> you are all good. Just skip it.</em></strong>


    ==== <strong>Important change 1 </strong>====


    - <strong><em>Previously</em></strong>


    Alex''s mother was portrayed as a loving, hardworking single parent who raised him and his brothers despite financial struggles. We didn''t even know their names, leaving little to no impact on the story.


    - <strong><em>Now</em></strong>


    Alex was raised by his grandfather, John Turner, a mailman. They lived in an old house on the hill outside Wellspring town and were poor. Alex had memories of his mother''s asional visits, but as he grew older, these visits became less frequent until she only sent money and cards.- <strong><em>Result</em></strong>


    This gives Alex (Aster) ack of a motherly figure in his life, thus making his rtionship with Nivalis more realistic.?M?o?m?m?y? ?i?s?s?u?e?s?,? ?y?o?u?''?r?e? ?w?e?l?c?o?m?e?.?


    ==== <strong>Important change 2 </strong>====


    - <strong><em>Previously</em></strong>


    Alex had two older brothers, attended school, andter on was homeschooled by his mother.


    <strong><em>- Now</em></strong>


    From the age of 10, he was homeschooled by his grandfather instead. Though the quality of this homeschooling is questionable:


    <em>"Grandpa tried homeschooling me, but let''s just say we weren''t exactly the brightest people around," the boy admitted, smiling.</em>


    At 14, Alex''s grandfather, the only person Alex was close with, had a stroke, leaving Alex alone in this world. His mother appeared with her new family, including two stepbrothers and a younger half-brother, Jason. Alex distanced himself from them,mitting himself to art and music.


    A few monthster, Alex was hospitalized, where he stayed until his passing at the age of 19.


    <strong><em>- Result</em></strong>


    While his illness exined his ignorance about certain adult topicster in the story, the previous version still felt unrealistic. Now it does. This also exins why Aster does not reflect much about his previous family throughout the story. They weren''t close, and he just moved on,mitting himself fully to Silvia and Nivalis.


    In addition, I added the following lines to Chapter 2 to give us an insight into his character, soter in the story, it''s not surprising why he is so innocent.


    <em>====</em>


    <em>"You are too kind, Alex. I don''t deserve it," Elysia replied, wiping her tears. "I don''t think I ever saw a soul so... pure and gentle as yours. And innocent. You have no idea how innocent you are, Alex. Maybe this is what kept me attracted to you..."</em>


    <em>====</em>


    <em>Elysia leaned in and pressed her lips gently against his. It was a soft, tender kiss full of warmth and sadness. The boy didn''t know how to kiss; his lips shook, but she didn''t seem to care. When they parted, she looked into his eyes and whispered, "No, Alex..." she paused, "This is a goodbye. Forever."</em>


    <em>Please feel free to ask any questions in thements.</em>


    -------------------------------


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The night sky was full of twinkling stars, beautifully shining over the endless sea of pine trees. Forest sounds were all around; insects sang in the summer heat, leaves and grass rustled in the gentle breeze, and a distant owl hooted from among the branches.


    The only thing disturbing the peaceful night was the young boy''s heavy breathing and the desperate thuds of his boots as he ran through the darkness, his disguise cloak fluttering behind him. The half-moon gave little light, barely enough to see a few steps ahead of him.


    Aster ran as fast as his legs would carry him, even though they felt like lead. The leather straps of his backpack, half-filled with food he had gathered before everything went wrong, dug painfully into his small shoulders. The spear in his sweaty hand threatened to slip away at any moment, its sharp stone tip glistening in the moonlight.


    He dared not look back, knowing all too well what was chasing him. He could hear them running as frantically as he was, panting heavily. There were at least two of those creatures, ugly, grey-skinned goblins, maybe even more.


    Sweat dripped from Aster''s forehead, stinging his golden eyes and blurring what little he could see in the darkness. The boy gasped for air, his lungs in pain, and the sound of blood pumping echoed in his ears. Yet he didn''t stop, couldn''t stop. His mind screamed, begging him to keep going, not look back, run faster, hide, and survive.


    However, running is a strong word to describe what he was doing. It was more like an exhausted, clumsy stumble through the dark, barely able to stay on his feet. Luckily, his pursuers were no better, struggling just as much to catch him.


    ¡ª "Just... a bit... faster," Aster gasped, rubbing his eyes. More than anything, he wanted to throw the backpack aside and sprint without the weight slowing him down. But he kept reminding himself that it wasn''t heavy. His tiredness was the real issue, not the little food he carried, his entire day of work he couldn''t afford to lose. Not to mention how valuable the leather backpack is for his family.


    So Aster continued to stumble through the dark. A faint warmth inside his chest appeared as he tried to ignite a few drops of mana. It was a process that required concentration, and it was the exact thing he didn''t have the luxury of. The monsters'' guttural growls echoed through the forest, getting closer with each new ignited mana drop within his chest.


    Aster''s heart raced, beating wildly, and the fear in his golden eyes intensified as they closed in. When they were only five steps away from Aster, he cast a spell to strengthen his trembling legs, evenly spreading the boiling mana between them.


    ¡ª "This has to work. Come on!" Aster muttered under his breath, fully aware of how little he managed to ignite. It was barely a third of his usual amount, but he had no choice but to make do with what he had.


    The whistling sound of a flying spear reached Aster''s half-elven ears, making him suddenly jump to the left, dodging the projectile just in time. "Eat the dust, you fuckers!" Aster yelled as he felt the effect of his spell finally kicking in; the boiling pain in his muscles appeared. A feeling he hated so much was now the best thing he had ever felt.


    His now mana-enhanced legs allowed him to run slightly faster, a barely noticeable difference under normal circumstances, but this "slightly" was all he needed to stay alive. He finally got an advantage.


    ¡ª "Faster, faster, faster," Aster whispered, repeating the words like a prayer. He jumped, dodged, and zigzagged between the trees, the sounds of the monsters growing distant again with each passing minute, encouraging him to push harder and run faster.


    Aster had no idea how much time had passed since this chase, this whole mess, began. It all started before sunset; now, who knew how long it had been? The day was undoubtedly one of the bad ones, that is for sure.


    For starters, finding food was incredibly difficult. It alone made the whole day just awful. Perhaps theck of rain had made the mushrooms and berries harder to find, or maybe just luck wasn''t on his side. Unfortunately, days like this have been moremontely, and Aster couldn''t help but worry that it''s just the start and that food will only be scarcer from here.


    But Aster has a family to care for, so he has no choice but to do his best. Returning empty-handed back to the girls is simply not an option. Throughout the scorching summer hours, Aster managed to forage a small amount of nuts and berries that barely filled half his backpack.


    When Aster was done for the day and on his way back home, he unexpectedly walked into a goblin, one of those grey-skinned fuckers, a situation he had desperately tried to avoid. He had been so preupied with his thoughts and making sure no one followed him that he forgot to do something as simple as looking forward, an incredibly foolish mistake.


    Aster didn''t notice the monster until it was just a few steps away, right in front of him.


    The creature was at least two heads taller than him, with sharp, yellow teeth and burning-red eyes. The muscles bulged beneath the gray skin, and the smelly, dirty clothes made from rotten furs barely covered its twisted, hunched body. By some miracle, this ugly beast recklessly walked through the forest and was just as surprised to see him, giving Aster a moment to react.


    In that split second, the image of his mother and sister shed in his mind, reminding Aster of how much he had to lose¡ªnever seeing his sister''s bright smile again, her mischievousughter as he tickles her sides, never kissing his mother''s warm lips or hearing her sweet, loving whispers, and so, so much more he couldn''t live without.


    As much as he wished to be a fearless guy who could casually beat dozens of those creatures, he was not. Not even close. The angry, bloodthirsty shriek the goblin made to call others convinced Aster that he was no hero.


    So, he did what any rational person would do. Feeling a suspicious warmth in his pants, Aster swiftly turned around and ran. The twigs attached to the bottom of his boots didn''t slow him down even a little; a soft cushion he made to hide his tracks just fell apart as he moved his legs.


    The thought of never seeing his family again fueled his survival instincts, making him run faster than ever before, a force that gave him the strength to run ever since. Away from his cave, getting these creatures as far away from the girls as he could. If he didn''t survive this night, at the very least, they would be safe.


    But now, because of the spell he managed to cast, Aster started believing he could get home in a single piece and see his girls again. For thest few minutes, he couldn''t hear the monsters'' tired panting, only his own. He quickly nced behind him to check and saw nothing but darkness. It was a good sign¡ªa great one, even.


    Just in case, he started randomly changing directions, hoping that if they were still chasing him, the unexpected turns would be confusing enough topletely lose him. Five minutes to the right, two to the left, then straight, then again to the right, and so on. At some point, he was sure he had made a circle at least once, picking the same direction too often. He did this until the effect of the spell wore off.


    ¡ª "Ugh..." Aster groaned, leaning against a tree, his hand pressed against his chest. His lungs were burning, terribly so, causing the boy to gasp for air, his head spinning and making him dizzy. "Damn... I need to train more," he coughed, sliding his back down the trunk, his shaking legs finally giving out.


    Aster nced around, looking into the darkness and trying to listen for any noises, but he heard nothing except the painful beating of his heart echoing in his half-elven ears. He tried to calm himself down by taking deep, slow breaths, but it did little to help; his sweaty palms clenched tightly around his spear, whichy on hisp.@@novelbin@@


    The smell of his sweaty body reached his nose, making him hurriedly grab a handful of dirt and start rubbing it on his skin ¨C his face, neck, armpits, everywhere. He even stuffed his pants with it, feeling it slide down his pale thighs, fall out, andnd on his boots.


    He quickly tore off a bunch of grass des and pine needles and repeated the process, hoping to hide his scentpletely. Aster paused every ten seconds, looking around and ensuring no one was approaching. His hands shook nervously every time the wind rustled the leaves of the nearby bushes.


    After five minutes of scrubbing himself with dirt and grass, Aster finally decided it was enough and stopped. Slowly, Aster pushed himself up from the ground, his trembling, aching legs almost giving up. Feeling a sting in his calves, Aster winced and cursed under his breath as he made a few steps towards the nearby young pine tree, perfect for his needs.


    The forest was deathly quiet; only his heavy breathing, gradually bing slower and steadier, broke the silence. ''I need to reattach branches to the bottom of my boots to hide my tracks,'' Aster thought, his hand trying to feel the tree in the darkness. ''Then, find a ce to hide until the morning mist. Yeah, sounds like a good n.''


    He quickly gathered a handful of the lower branches and tied them to the bottom of his boots, using a spare, thin rope from his backpack, the one the girls had made. The grass, leaves, and branches created a soft cushion for his steps, preventing traces from appearing on the forest ground. And even if they did, it wouldn''t be as obvious as if his steps were bare, making it much harder to follow him.


    Once finished, Aster sighed tiredly and looked around, unsure where to go. His golden eyes could not see much in this darkness, so he decided to go forward, hoping to find a safe spot. Every soft, crunching sound his feet made caused him to stop and hold his breath, fearing those creatures could hear him.


    Eventually, he found a big enough bush for himself to hide in. Poking it a few times with his spear, just in case, Aster quietly crawled inside and sat down, his knees pressed against his chest. He removed his backpack, hid it under his disguise cloak, and waited, trying not to breathe too loudly.


    The wind rustled the leaves around him, making it hard to hear anything beyond the bush. Aster tried his best, though, and listened as intently as possible. After all, his life depended on it.


    As time passed, the boy slowly rxed as much as the situation allowed. The adrenaline left his body, and exhaustion took its ce. Oh, how exhausted he was. He wanted nothing more than to take a short nap for no more than ten minutes. Just a tiny bit of sleep would make him feel so, so much better.


    And yet, no matter how exhausted Aster was, he did not dare close his eyes. It wasn''t safe, not here.


    ''I can''t sleep here... I most likely won''t ever wake up,'' Aster told himself, his knees pressed against his chest and his arms wrapped around them. He pinched his cheek every few minutes, trying to keep himself awake.


    Trying not to make a single sound, fearing that even the slightest movement or loud breathing would give him away, Aster patiently waited for the morning for the mist to appear so he could return home. Those creatures see much better in the dark than him, so walking at night is not an option.


    The strange sounds of the forest kept him on edge. Whenever he heard a thunderous rustle of leaves or a tree creaking that sounded much likeughter, his heart beat faster, and his mind raced, trying to decide whether to stay or run. Being alone at night in the woods is a horrible, horrible feeling.


    Aster started igniting his mana to feel slightly safer, repeatedly casting a spell to strengthen his legs to ensure he prepared to run. It wasn''t a rational decision to wastehis mana just like that, but the boy couldn''t help himself. He needed to do anything to keep himself from panicking, and it seemed like the right thing.


    The night passed painfully slowly. Aster had no idea how many hours had passed, not a single clue. Only the moon and the stars had moved across the sky, telling him that, at the very least, it had been several hours since he sat down and started waiting.


    He continued casting the spell on himself, feeling his mana reserves draining. ''One more time... Just to be safe, I must cast it again,'' Aster thought, ignoring the voice telling him how stupid it was to waste his mana in such a dangerous ce. ''Just a few drops of mana. It will be thest time,'' the boy sighed, closing his golden eyes, and repeated the process, sending ignited mana into his trembling legs.


    The same thoughts returned to his mind every time the warmth in his muscles disappeared, causing the cycle to continue, telling himself another variation of ''One more time... Just to be safe. What if I have to run?''


    At some point, he had no choice but to stop and sit in the darkness without his mana giving him the confidence he needed. What was left was enough for a few more weak spells or a single, a little bit stronger one. Alone, scared, and with the risk of dying at any moment, Aster''s mind raced, imagining all kinds of horrifying situations and trying to think of a n for each one.


    Maybe because of how nervous Aster was, making his imagination especially vivid, but in most cases, his ns somehow ended up with him dying. In the most painful ways possible. The images of him being gutted by the sharp ws of these creatures or torn to pieces, or worse, devoured alive, kepting back.


    Aster shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut, trying to chase the thoughts away. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t get the pictures out of his head, making him feel even worse. ''Maybe cast one more... Just one more...'' he repeated in his mind, fighting his exhaustion and anxiety. ''No... I can''t waste any more mana. I won''t have enough to run when the mist appears...''


    Aster was so deep in thought, trying desperately not to panic, that the twig breaking somewhere behind him took the little boy by surprise, his heart almost jumping out of his chest.


    In an instant, Aster pressed his hand against his mouth, holding his breath. He pulled his knees tighter to his chest, trying to make himself as small as possible. The boy immediately started igniting his mana, feeling a boiling sensation in his chest appearing as he prepared to strengthen his body with all his mana at once.


    There was another cracking sound, then the rustle of grass being trampled. Something was approaching his hiding spot. Aster could feel the cold sweat running down his back, his left hand gripping his spear shaft, which was slightly buried in the ground.


    Just when an idea to make a sudden attack popped up in his mind, a high-pitched voice grunted right next to the left of him. A second goblin made Aster reconsider instantly. "Gruhh," the creature uttered, making Aster''s heart skip a beat, his blood freezing despite the suffocating heat in his little body. Theck of oxygen caused his throat to constrict painfully, making him hold his breath even tighter, afraid to make a single sound.


    Sniffing sounds reached Aster''s ears, just near his bush. The spell was nowhere ready for him to cast, his body barely able to contain the pee. ''Maybe try to cast the fire instead, just like I identally did in our first cave?'' he panicked, his hands shaking slightly, the burning sensation in his chest intensifying as his mana reserves ignited. ''N-no... I won''t do much damage with what I have. And even if I did, the spell is damn hard to control. I can easily burn myself with it if I am not careful enough...''


    Aster''s eyes began to water, and his throat tightened even more, the pressure almost unbearable. The goblins sniffed, making strange, disgusting sounds, growling and grunting at each other. To his relief, they eventually continued on their way, getting away from his hiding spot. The moment the sounds of their steps disappeared, the boy made the biggest inhale of his life, his lungs greedily filling with air.


    But the pain in his chest stayed, all the mana he ignited now swirling and boiling inside him, demanding release. Aster pressed his hand against his chest, feeling the intense heat through the disguise cloak. The pain was unbearable, so much so that he had to bite his lip not to cry out, sweat dripping down his forehead once again.


    ''Ugh... what should I do? I need to use it when the mist appears, not now...'' Aster thought, clenching his jaw. He scooped a bit of dirt and smeared his face with it. ''Alright, I can hold it... Just calm down. Ignore the pain and maintain control over the mana,'' he mentally ordered, taking a deep breath, feeling how his chest seemed to explode at any moment. ''It''s not a big deal. It''s nothing. An hour or two and you will be back home.''


    He knew he had to change his position and go in the opposite direction. Goblins might return at any moment to recheck the spot. The smell of his sweaty body, which he so desperately tried to hide previously, was now emerging again and could give him away. But with this pain? It would be a miracle if he managed to stand up.


    No matter how much he tried not to move, his whole body trembled from the tension in his chest, the air in his lungs turning hotter and hotter no matter how quickly he breathed.


    To distract himself from the burning pain, Aster started digging a hole in the dirt¡ªa small one, just enough for his tiny body to curl inside. The bush''s roots made digging hard, but the boy still did his best, gasping for air more and more as he worked, feeling his lungs tightening from the pain his mana caused. Once finished, the boy crawled inside, covering himself with the dirt just enough so he could still breathe.


    The next few hours were a living hell. The mana inside his body swirled around, making his veins feel like they were on fire. The boiling sensation of his chest made it almost impossible to bear. Aster could feel his skin reddened from the heat, sweat dripping from every pore, making the dirt cling to him and form a muddy mess.


    It felt like being in an oven. At some point, Aster had no choice but to start using the mana to cast small, barely noticeable spells on his body, just enough to ease the pain once it became too much for him to endure. It helped a lot, giving him a chance to catch his breath and calm his racing heart, but the pain didn''tpletely go away.


    Aster couldn''t have been happier when the sky finally started turning purple, a sign of theing sunrise. ''Just a little longer. Wait for the fog to appear,'' he thought, lying inside his little grave, his eyes darting around. Half an hourter, the forest finally became brighter, the thick white mist enveloping everything.


    ''Now or never,'' Aster thought, using all the remaining mana he so desperately tried to hold onto all this time, enhancing his legs and torso with a spell. In an instant, the pain in his chest was gone, reced by the pain in his muscles. But at least this pain wasn''t as unbearable and gave him strength and energy.


    Aster carefully pushed the dirt above him aside, crawling out of the hole. The state of his skin¡ªincredible redness as if he had been boiled alive¡ªand the mud and dirt all over him made him look like a zombie crawling out of the grave. The tired golden eyes, glowing slightly in the dim morning light, only added to the impression.


    Aster''s knees were weak, his legs trembling. Even after all night doing nothing but hiding, he felt much more exhausted now than he had after running. His eyelids were heavy; theck of sleep made him want to crawl back into the hole and close his eyes for a few minutes.


    ''The moment I close my eyes, I am dead,'' Aster reminded himself, shaking his head and grabbing his backpack and spear. ''I was lucky enough to survive the night. Now, all I need is to return.''


    ¡ª "I''ming, Silvia. Mom," Aster whispered, holding the spear with both hands and using it as support to help himself walk toward where he believed the cave was. The rising sun on the horizon was enough to tell him the direction. "Just a bit longer."

 Chapter 66: Sharing whispers (1/2)

    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The sun finally showed up, shining through the trees and making the forest bright once again. The morning was warm, with a gentle wind rustling the leaves. Birds were singing, but the girls couldn''t hear them over their quiet sobs, sniffles, and the asional gentle whisper of Aster''s name.


    They sat by the cave entrance, their bodies trembling, their hearts hurting, and tears silently streaming down their faces.


    Silvia was on her mother''sp, her head resting on her soft chest, face turned to the entrance. Nivalis gently stroked her hair, fingersbing the messy silver strands of her daughter. "Mom..." the girl sobbed quietly, lifting her head to look at her mother, "Is Asty..." she trailed off, unable to say the word, her voice cracking.


    Nivalis looked down, her blue eyes meeting the girl''s tearful golden ones. Her heart ached; the fear of losing her son, her baby, made it hard to breathe. "He... he wille back, honey," Nivalis replied, trying to convince herself as much as Silvia. The lump in her throat stopped her from saying anything else.


    Silvia, whose expression remained sad, turned her face back to the entrance, tears streaming down her cheeks. She held onto her mother, with her trembling hands weakly gripping the fabric of her tunic.


    Suddenly, they heard a quiet crunching sound, barely louder than the birds singing, making their hearts skip a beat. Immediately, they froze, listening intently; hope returned to their tired faces. Their eyes darted around, trying to find the source of the sound, until they saw a figure in the distanceing towards them.


    ¡ª "Asty!" Silvia whispered, recognizing her brother''s silhouette. She let go of her mother and slid off herp, trying to crawl towards him. Her limp legs dangled uselessly behind her as she pushed herself forward, her arms shaking from the effort.


    Nivalis also jumped up, rushing to her son. The relief and joy she felt disappeared in an instant when she pushed the veins aside, seeing the terrible state her son was in.His body swayed from side to side, struggling to stay upright. "Mo...m, Silv-" Aster tried to reply, his eyes struggling to focus, his words barely understandable. He could only take one more step before copsing on the grass, the spear falling from his hand.


    Without a second thought, Nivalis rushed forward and knelt next to her son, lifting his head to make him look at her. "What happened? What is..." she asked worriedly, pausing as she pulled down the hood of his cloak, revealing his red skin.


    ¡ª "A-ast... Asty..." Silvia panted, trying to crawl as fast as her weak body allowed. Her delicate fingers dug into the ground, and dirt stuck to her pale legs. "What... what''s wrong with him?" she asked, finally reaching her little brother and seeing the weird state of his skin.


    "I... I don''t know, sweetie. He''s all red for some reason," Nivalis replied, carefully picking up the unconscious boy. "Let''s get him inside. Hold onto my neck, sweetie," she whispered, motioning for Silvia to grab her from behind.


    Silvia nodded and held onto her mother''s shoulders and neck. Her legs dangled as Nivalis slowly returned to the cave, carrying her children. Her quick footsteps and ragged breathing echoed in the dark tunnels.


    After a short while, Nivalis carefully ced the children on the bed."Why is he so red?" Silvia asked, sitting next to him and touching his forehead. The hot feeling made her quickly pull her hand away. "He''s burning up!" Silvia gasped, looking up at her mother with wide eyes.


    Nivalis didn''t say anything. She ced her hand on his chest and felt his racing heartbeat and the intense heat radiating from his body, even through all his clothing.@@novelbin@@


    "I think he did something with his magic; maybe he used too much of it. We need to cool him down," Nivalis whispered, quickly taking off her son''s boots, pants, disguise cloak, and tunic. She revealedhis skinny body, covered in sweat, dirt, and grass. The smell was terrible.


    Nivalis quickly stood up, rushing to the fire to grab a wooden bowl, then straight to the hot spring. "Honey, check his skin for any injuries," she said as she approached the water, her voice shaky; the bowl trembled terribly in her hands.


    Silvia nodded and immediately began feeling his arms, neck, chest, and tummy, searching for wounds or bruises as fast as she only could. "I don''t feel anything," Silvia answered, still running her fingers through his hair to check if he hit his head.


    The sudden coughing from Aster''s mouth startled them, causing Nivalis to rush over to him and spill half the water in the bowl. "Aster!" she eximed, kneeling beside him, lifting his head slightly.


    "Nnnn," Aster groaned, eyebrows furrowing in pain. His eyelids fluttered slightly. "I... I''m back?" he whispered, unsure, his throat dry.


    Silvia''s trembling lips turned into an awkward, sweet smile, yet the tears continued to spill. "Yes, you are home, Asty," she eximed, leaning over so he could see her as well. Seeing both his girls brought a smile to his lips.


    "Sweetie, do you remember what happened?" Nivalis asked as she ced her hand on the boy''s chest, right over his heart. She could feel the incredible heat; his heartbeat echoed in her palm.


    "Y-yes," Aster gasped, taking a shaky breath. "G-gobl..." he started to say, but his coughs interrupted him.


    Nivalis grabbed his shoulders and helped him sit up, hoping it would be easier for him to breathe this way. The coughs continued, making his body shake and his eyes squeezed shut. "Easy, honey, easy. Deep breaths," she whispered, patting his back.


    "As I... walked... back home," Aster managed to say once the coughs became less frequent. "I walked into... a goblin," he continued, pausing every few words to gasp for air as the heat in his heart grew stronger.


    Silvia and Nivalis froze, their eyes widening. "Quick, honey, check his back for any injuries. I''ll check his legs again," Nivalis said quickly, moving to his legs and running her fingers along his pale, naked thighs, looking for any wounds.


    "No... I''m fine. I ran as soon as I saw him," Aster said, taking a few deep breaths and coughing several times. "He called for others. I don''t know how many. I saw only... two. They chased me all night," he whispered, his eyelids getting heavy. "I tried to hide... in the bushes. Then..."


    ¡ª "Why are you so red?" Silvia interrupted, touching his shoulder and making him look at her worried face. "Did they find you?"


    Aster looked down and saw his red skin. "No... I just got scared being alone there at night. I started casting spells on myself to be prepared if something goes wrong," Aster exined, wincing in pain in his chest. "And used almost all of my mana because of this," he continued, taking deep breaths between each sentence, his eyes starting to water.


    "Then," Aster continued, taking a sharp breath and trying to swallow, but the throat was too dry. Nivalis gave him some water, which he drank eagerly. He nodded at her and continued, "I heard them walking around the bush where I was hiding. I started panicking and gathered thest of my mana... But they just walked away without realizing I was there."


    ¡ª "I don''t understand," Silvia said, frowning in confusion. "Is this because you cast too many spells on yourself?"


    Aster shook his head. "I tried to hold the mana I prepared for the spell, so I have it when the mist appears," he said, receiving a nasty flick on his forehead.


    ¡ª "Are you dumb? Mom, you have no idea how painful that is," Silvia said, turning to her mother and rubbing her reddened forefinger. "I can''t hold mine without using it for longer than a minute or two," she exined, looking back at her little brother and frowning.


    "How long?" Nivalis asked, staring angrily at him. Her blue eyes red daggers, making Aster gulp and lower his head. "How long, mister?" she repeated, her voice harsh and demanding an answer.


    "Maybe... a few hours," Aster mumbled, and Silvia, not sparing her finger in the slightest, flicked his forehead again and let out a loud "tsk." He rubbed his forehead, looking at them, his eyes pleading.


    "Aster!" Nivalis eximed, her voice trembling, echoing around the cave.


    "I know, I know... It was stupid of me. I should havee back without the spell on me. It just... I wanted to be ready for anything. To run away if they find me again," Aster mumbled, closing his eyes. "I thought the pain would just go away... And it did, at first. But then it returned even though I had nothing left, and it worsened with time," Aster sighed, leaning against Silvia''s body, feeling too weak to sit; she wrapped her arms around him, pressing against herself.


    ¡ª "Maybe I try to cool him down with my magic?" Silvia suggested, looking at her mother with worry in her golden eyes. "It might help," she added, gently caressing his chest with her hand, feeling the heat.


    "No," Nivalis immediately replied, shaking her head. "It''s been a while since you practiced your ice. You could identally harm him, sweetie. Let''s wet my tunic, and you try to freeze it a bit with your magic. It should help him cool down," she added, quickly removing her only piece of clothing and leaving herselfpletely naked.


    She hurried to the pool, dunked the tunic into the water, and got back to the kids, her breasts jiggling funny as she moved. "Don''t overdo it, just a bit," she added, handing her daughter the dripping fabric.


    ¡ª "Okay," Silvia whispered, taking the wet tunic and closing her eyes. Her hands shook slightly when a cold, familiar feeling appeared inside her chest. Her heart converted the raw mana into the freezing, icy one she casts her spells with, quickening the little girl''s breathing. It''s been a while, indeed.


    Her body felt numb as a chilling sensation spread throughout her chest and moved down her right arm. An ufortable feeling of something sliding inside her veins made her shiver. Soon enough, the cold mana reached her palm, making the damp cloth frost slightly.


    "That should be enough, honey. Stop now," Nivalis whispered, cing her hand on Silvia''s shoulder and noticing the subtle tremble of her body. "Thank you," she whispered, taking the tunic back.


    Silvia slowly opened her eyes and smiled weakly, watching her mother press the frozen tunic against Aster''s chest, making him sigh heavily in relief. Her head spun a bit, but she tried not to show any signs of it.


    ...


    The girls took their time cleaning their Aster, washing every strand of his silver hair, and helping him wipe away all the dirt and sweat from his body. Then, they started massaging him. They rubbed his skinny chest, smooth thighs, shoulders, and feet for over an hour, doing their best to ease his pain.


    And it worked. Aster''s head resting on his sister''s softestp, breathing in nothing but her sweet scent, made the boy rx like never before. Their gentle, careful touch was just enough to help him fall asleep despite the constant ache in his chest. Nivalis sat at his legs, staring at her baby boy with a worried expression.


    Although the coldpress helped his skin return to its usual paleness, his body temperature still made the girls nervous. His skin was unpleasantly hot to the touch, no matter how much they tried to cool him down. It just didn''t seem to go away. At some point, all their clothing ended up being soaked and wrapped around his body, leaving the girlspletely naked.


    The summer heat inside the cave wasn''t helping either, making the atmosphere humid and hard to breathe. The sun reached its peak in the sky, making Nivalis drenched in sweat, her skin glistening, and drops of liquid formed on her soft, pink nipples. But Silvia, despite the heat, looked much paler than usual and shivered asionally.


    Seeing this, Nivalis quietly moved closer and wrapped her arm around Silvia, pulling her against her soft chest. The goosebumps on Silvia''s skin and the shivers were all too familiar to Nivalis, a sign that her little girl had used too much magic. "How are you feeling, sweetie? You''re shaking," Nivalis whispered, her hand sliding down Silvia''s back.


    Silvia looked up at her mother and tried to smile, but her lower lip trembled too much. "Don''t worry, Mom. I''m okay," Silvia lied, leaning into her mother''s embrace. "Just a little tired, that''s all," she added, closing her eyes and focusing on the gentle hand moving up and down her back.


    "Hmm, you know that lying to me won''t work, sweetie," Nivalis whispered, kissing the top of her head. "Gods, you''re so cold," she mumbled, rubbing Silvia''s back faster to warm her up.


    ¡ª "Sorry," Silvia whispered, pressing her face against her mother''s warm, soft, and slippery breasts. The wetness of her skin didn''t bother Silvia at all. It was quite the opposite; the warmth of her mother''s body wasforting, helping the little girl feel better and letting her forget about all the dizziness and fatigue momentarily.


    Nivalis smiled gently, feeling Silvia''s soft breathing in between her breasts. She patted Silvia''s head, whispering, "Alright, you need to take a break, sweetie. Maybe try hugging him instead? He needs something cold, and you need something warm," she suggested, slowly removing all the damp clothing from Aster and setting it aside. "Here, it might help you both."


    ¡ª "Alright..." Silvia whispered, carefully sliding out of her mother''s arms and gently lifting Aster''s head off herp, careful not to wake him. Silvia crawled to the side and held onto his shoulders, pushing herself up to get on top of him. Nivalis helped adjust Silvia''s limp legs, spreading her naked, pale thighs apart so they straddled his.


    His soft member got pressed against her pelvic area, sliding against Silvia''s smooth skin as she settled on top of him. Their naked chests pressed against each other, and his hot skin almost scalded her trembling body.


    Silvia buried her face in his neck, taking a deep breath and inhaling her little brother''s scent. She could feel his rapid, unsteady heartbeat as her soft nipples rubbed against his, all of the same shade of pink.


    "Better?" Nivalis asked, tracing Silvia''s spine with her fingertips, causing her little butt to clench repeatedly from the sudden touch. Her brother''s soft member was squeezed between their pale bodies even harder because of it; his hairless, delicate balls had no space left, painfully ttened by his sister''s weight.


    ¡ª "Yeah," Silvia breathed out, wrapping her arms around her little brother''s skinny body and holding him as close as possible.


    "Take a nap, sweetie. You didn''t sleep at all. I''ll watch over him," Nivalis whispered, nting a gentle kiss on her naked shoulder. The little girl hummed in response, her golden eyes fluttering shut.


    Nivalis stood up, picked up her discarded clothing, and took it to the pool to wash. She needed to keep her mind busy and do everything that came to her mind¡ªclean around the cave, cook something nice, and maybe even knit.


    Otherwise, she would end up sitting beside her children, crying at the sight of her son in such a state, crying that she let her sick daughter use her magic again. She had done enough crying the night before.


    ...


    It was alreadyte evening; the sun had long disappeared behind the horizon. The birds sang theirst songs before sleep, and the crickets chirped their nightly tunes. However, Aster''s condition hadn''t improved at all. His skin was still burning to the touch, his breathing ragged, and his heartbeat unsteady. Nivalis, who had spent the whole day beside her kids after a sleepless night, felt exhausted.


    Her blue eyes were bloodshot from constant tears andck of sleep. Dark circles under her eyes made her look much older. Silvia, her little girl, had slept through the day and woke up only to eat and feed her little brother. She never once moved away from him, always lying on top of him as if afraid he would disappear if she let go.


    "Wake up, my love," Nivalis whispered, softly shaking Silvia''s bare shoulder and making her body sway against her brother''s.


    Silvia groaned and slowly opened her sleepy eyes, her eyelids heavy. "Mm?" she mumbled, looking up at her mother with concern. "Is something wrong with Asty?" Silvia asked quickly, raising her head to look at his flushed face, shiny with sweat. His forehead was covered with a damp cloth, hiding his eyes.


    "No... He''s still the same," Nivalis replied, pausing briefly to look at her son. "I just need a quick nap, sweetie. Can you watch him while I sleep?" she asked, looking back at Silvia and giving her a tired smile.


    ¡ª "Of course, Mom... I''m sorry I slept so long," Silvia rubbed her eyes, slowly pushing herself up and sitting on her brother''s pelvis, adjusting her legs on either side of his hips.


    "It''s okay, honey. Wake me up if something changes, alright?" Nivalis added, kissing her daughter''s cheek and lying down beside Aster. She didn''t bother to cover herself with a nket because she felt too hot, using it as a pillow instead. "And don''t forget to change thepress now and then," she added, looking up at the girl.


    Silvia took a moment to stretch her arms and arch her back before answering, "Mhm... Don''t worry," she whispered. Her soft bottom slid against her little brother''s sweaty skin as she leaned forward and took the damp cloth from his forehead to wipe his face. "Sleep well," she added, ncing back at her mother, who already had her eyes closed.


    Silvia gently wiped his flushed cheeks, cleaned his face and neck with the wet cloth, and then moved down his chest, removing all the sweat that had built up from her skin pressed against his for so long.


    Her chest, as t as her brother''s, shone in the cave''s dim light just as much. Noticing this, she began wiping herself while sitting on top of him. Her hips rocked up and down as she took her time to clean herself.


    After refreshing the wet cloth, Silvia ced it on his forehead again, leaving his eyes open, and gently held his burning-hot cheeks with her cold hands. She took a moment to admire his cute face, almost a copy of her own. The worry never left her eyes as her little thumbs caressed his soft, flushed skin.


    Silvia wished nothing but for him to get better, smile in a way only he could, and tell her some stupid joke or even tickle her. She wouldn''t even resist, letting him do anything he wanted. Her little Asty was everything to her. All her life, all her memories, he was always there, a constant in this dangerous, chaotic world.


    Her golden eyes looked down at him, watching his half-open mouth and the strands of his long hair stuck to his skin. She brushed the silver hairs away, tucking them behind his half-elven ears. Her fingers stayed there, gently rubbing his earlobes, their softness making her smile a little. ''He''d surely hate me doing it,'' she thought, imagining his reaction, a chuckle escaping her mouth.


    "Ugh..." Aster suddenly groaned, hands weakly grabbing her waist, his fingers dug into the smooth, delicate skin of his sister.


    Silvia gasped in surprise, noticing his eyelids trembling. She held her breath, not daring to make a sound, just watched his eyes open ever so slowly, struggling to focus on her.


    "S-Silvia?" Aster breathed out, his voice weak. Still sitting on his pelvis, her limp legs to the sides, she happily wiggled her hips in response, making his fingers slide down her hips to the sides of her soft butt.


    ¡ª "Yes, it''s me, Asty," Silvia whispered, quickly grabbing his shoulders to lower herself onto his chest. The way she had previously adjusted her legs made her little bottom rise into the air, her spine arching, showing off the small, smooth curves of her naked body.


    She pressed her lips against his, a tiny peck, their soft lips just briefly touched. "Are you okay? Do you need something?" she whispered after pulling away, staring into his shimmering golden eyes.


    Aster smiled, his eyes struggling to stay open. "Mhm, I''m... fine," he whispered weakly. He could feel how relieved she was to hear that, her whole body rxing. Still feeling sleepy, his grip on her little bottom loosened, and his hands began sliding down her outer thighs, dropping back onto the bed.


    ¡ª "Wait, wait, stay awake for a moment, Asty. How do you feel?" Silvia asked, grabbing his wrists and cing his hands back on her pale bottom. "Does it still hurt? Do you want something? Drink, food? Go to pee?" she repeated, gently wiggling her hip, making him instinctively squeeze the smooth, soft skin, feel the shape of her little butt. "I can bring the wooden bowl for you to pee in. You won''t even have to stand," she smiled sweetly.


    "Just stay here. Don''t go anywhere," Aster said, his eyelids slowly opening. His tired eyes looked into her beautiful, worried ones, their gold reflecting the fire''s dim light. "Honestly... My chest hurts a lot, and it doesn''t get better," he mumbled, his words barely understandable, his speech slurred.


    ¡ª "Oh," Silvia paused, her smile fading and reced by a look of concern. "Do you want me to wake Mom up? Should I call her?" she asked, ncing at their sleeping mother.


    "No, let her rest. She must be exhausted. Just... please, let''s just stay like this," Aster whispered, his lips forming a small smile though the pain was clear in his eyes. "It''s a bit easier with you on top."


    ¡ª "Of course, Asty," Silvia replied, her worried expression still there as she gently ran her hand through his silver hair. "Always," she added, feeling his heart beating against her t chest, their nipples brushing as they breathed against each other.


    Aster''s tired eyes slowly closed again. "How much mana did you use on me?" he whispered, his breathing uneven. "You''re shaking."


    ¡ª "I''m okay. Don''t worry," Silvia replied, her lips pressed into a thin line. She couldn''t help but start shivering when he mentioned it.


    "Liar," Aster chuckled, wincing in pain right after.


    ¡ª "Shh, don''tugh," Silvia whispered with a small smile. "I cooled thepresses for you. It helped with your redness, so it was worth it."


    "Thank you. And... I''m sorry. For everything," Aster mumbled, his eyes opening slightly to look into hers. "For noting back in time, for making you both worry so much," he sighed, pausing. "For being stupid. If I wasn''t so reckless, I could have avoided that goblin, and it wouldn''t have happened. Instead, I just kept panicking, making the situation much worse..." he added, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.


    ¡ª "Asty," Silvia replied, wiping away the tears before they could roll down his face. "I''m here. Mom is here. All you need to worry about is the uing spanking and lecturing from both of us. Oh, believe me, mister, we will make sure you won''t repeat the same mistake," Silvia smiled, gently kissing his lips and tasting their salty taste. "Alright?"


    Aster smiled back, nodding. His hands continued to caress her bottom and hips, gently patting and squeezing his sister''s smooth, round behind. It just felt wrong not to.


    The two siblingsy like this for a few minutes inplete silence, enjoying each other''spany. Silvia just let him y with her little butt, asionally giving it a yful spank, and she just kept petting his head, gently ying with his hair. It felt nice.


    ¡ª "Alright then," Silvia eventually whispered. "I''m sorry I woke you up. You can go back to sleep now. Maybe you''ll feel better in the morning," she added, feeling his palms squeeze her onest time, tighter than ever before, spreading her young, now rosy from his caresses, butt cheeks and exposing what was hidden inside.


    "Okay... Ugh-" Aster mumbled, his eyebrows suddenly furrowing. A sharp intake of air followed, his whole body trembling beneath her. "H-hot," Aster uttered through the pain.


    ¡ª "Should I wake Mom up?" Silvia asked again, worriedly watching his pained expression.


    "No," Aster breathed out, taking a moment to rx. The girl watched his expression slowly soften, and his trembling ceased. "I''m alright... Just a bit worse than usual, that''s all," he mumbled, his eyelids fluttering open, smiling warmly at his sister on top of him.


    "Mhm," Silvia whispered, letting out a sigh of relief as she felt him rx. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked, gently stroking his cheek.


    Aster hummed, his golden eyes staring at her for a moment. "We should try the mana thing when Mom wakes up," he suggested. "Just the other way around, you''ll try to break through my mana. Whatever is going on with my mana, your ice should help."


    ¡ª "Ugh, I don''t know... Mom said not to," Silvia replied, not liking the idea. "I''m out of practice, and she''s right. It could hurt you."


    "You won''t, I promise. We''ll start slowly, as I initially did, with the smallest possible amount of mana. Just a tiny drop," Aster whispered, watching her eyes dart around.


    ¡ª "A tiny drop?" Silvia asked, looking back at him.


    "A tiny drop," Aster repeated, nodding. "As slow as we possibly can. Your control should be much better than mine, and we''ll both be careful. If you feel something is wrong, we''ll stop right away," he added, watching her think, biting her lower lip.


    ¡ª "Okay... If you''re sure. I can try," the girl agreed, giving in. "I''ll help convince Mom."


    "Perfect. Thank you," Aster whispered, letting out a relieved sigh. "We can try a tiny bit right now if you want?" he suggested with a hint of hope in his golden eyes.


    ¡ª "Oh, hell no. Nope. She will kill us both if I do something like that without her permission," Silvia chuckled, shaking her head. "Nuh-uh. Let''s wait for Mom to wake up and talk with her. Alright?" she added, making Aster pout adorably.


    His expression shifted into one of understanding, "Yeah, she will kill us," Aster chuckled, frowning right after as the pain in his chest intensified.


    ¡ª "Sorry," Silvia whispered, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly, her face buried in his neck. "Let''s try not to move much. Maybe it will help you fall back asleep," she added.


    "Mhm," Aster replied, closing his eyes, feeling his sister''s weight and the softness of her body pressed against his. "Tell me a story. Your favorite," he mumbled, his hands moving up and down her naked back, feeling the shape of her petite, delicate body.


    ¡ª "Sure, but we need to be quieter. She''s right here," Silvia smiled, moving her soft lips closer to his ear, almost pressing them against it. "Once upon a time, there was a girl named Silvi... etta?" she started, hesitating.


    Aster moved his soft lips closer to her half-elven ear, tucking a strand of loose hair behind it, "Silvietta?" he asked, a small smile on his lips.


    ¡ª "Yeah, Silvietta," Silvia chuckled, her body slightly shaking. "Silvietta, a beauty unlike any other. Smart and kind, you know the deal. But she had a brother named Astoor, who always kept getting into trouble-" she giggled, unable to contain herself.


    "That''s terrible," he chuckled, coughing slightly. "This Astoor... at least he''s an older brother?" he asked, gently running his fingers along her ribs, tracing them and making her wiggle.


    ¡ª "Pfft, no. Of course not. He''s the little brother. And not just by a year or two, but five! Five!" Silvia snorted, squirming on top of him as he started to tickle her sides. "A-Ah, stop. I''ll scream if you keep tickling me," she whispered, her body shaking from her quietughter. "We should not move, remember?" the girl managed to say, taking a few deep breaths.


    "Alright, alright," Aster sighed, smiling brightly. His hands moved up to her bony shoulder des and rested there.


    ¡ª "Aaanyway," Silvia continued, bringing her wet, soft lips closer to his ear and brushing against it with her every word. Where were we?" she asked, her voice sweet, barely a whisper.


    "Astoor," Aster reminded her, chuckling. His hot breath blew over her ear in response, causing a barely noticeable twitch of her half-elven ear, the very tip of it.


    ¡ª "Right, right. Astoor. He was kinda meh, you know how it is..." Silvia began, whispering the tale quietly into his sensitive ear. She started the story of a clumsy, adventurous, mischievous boy and his caring, beautiful sister, who loved him dearly despite his endless antics and stupid ideas.


    Astoor''s sister always stood by his side, watching over him and helping him when he needed it, no matter what.


    The siblingsy there, wrapped in each other''s arms, sharing muffled whispers. As Silvia continued to spin the tale of Astoor and his stunning sister, Aster''s eyes slowly closed. The warmth of her breath, the softness of her body on top of his, and the gentle, barely noticeable swaying of her hips were enough for him to forget the burning pain in his chest.


    The sound of their soft giggles reached their mother, who slept nearby. A small smile yed on her lips as she listened to their sweet, childish voices.

 Chapter 67: Sharing whispers (2/2)

    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The morning arrived, bright light peeking over the horizon and shining through the dense pine trees, bathing everything in a beautiful golden glow. The forest woke up, birds chirping, the wind blowing gently, leaves rustling, and grass dancing.


    Inside the cave, embers crackled in the firece, throwing dancing shadows on rough walls as the family huddled together on their bed of nkets, dirty wooden bowls forgotten on the ground nearby. Silvia, the young girl, clung tightly to her little brother, their small, naked bodies pressed close, skin glistening with sweat and reflecting firelight. Their pale, delicate skin matched in hue perfectly, silver hair entwined.


    Nivalisy beside them, her hand on Silvia''s back, fingers tracing soothing circles. "Whenever you''re ready, sweetie," Nivalis whispered, kissing her silver locks softly. "Just be careful, okay?"


    Silvia hummed in response, ncing down at Aster, who looked up at her with flushed cheeks. "You must promise me you''ll say if it hurts too much. No lying and no trying to look tough," she said, wagging a finger threateningly right next to his nose. Her tiny finger looked especially threatening. "I''ll beat your butt if you do."


    Aster suppressed augh that ended in a wince of pain. "I promise," he gasped.


    ¡ª "Alright," Silvia muttered, pausing to gather her thoughts. "What do you imagine when you let your mana out?" she asked, holding his gaze. The gold of their irises shimmered in the fire''s light.


    "Hmm," Aster hummed, thinking for a few seconds, trying to find the right words. "I imagine... a warm tongue, but made from mana. How it slowly warms you and licks everything inside," he said, watching her frown. "I never, ever imagined it behaving like fire. Even when I tried to break through your mana, I always kept thinking it would be slow and gentle," he added, a weak smile on his lips.


    Silvia''s expression softened, a tiny smile forming. "Mhm," she whispered, nodding, a single strand of silver hair sliding down her shoulder. "That makes sense... Let me think this through," Silvia said, closing her eyes and visualizing her ice doing the same he described but cooling his body instead.Over and over, she imagined it, trying to remember every detail, control every thought and mental image, making it as perfect as possible. Fifteen minutester, when she felt ready, Silvia opened her eyes and met her little brother''s patient gaze. "I''m going to try now," she announced, feeling nervous. Nivalis, noticing this, patted her backfortingly.


    "Alright, don''t worry," Aster smiled. "It''ll be fine," he reassured, wrapping his hands around her and pressing her petite body tighter against his. Their chests rose and fell together, their pink, sensitive nipples rubbing. The skin between them was slick with sweat, their bodies sliding effortlessly against one another, all thanks to lying like this for the entire night.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Silvia hummed, closing her eyes and nuzzling her face against his shoulder. The familiar chill appeared inside her chest, but it wasn''t as strong as usual. As she exhaled, she concentrated on her ice, imagining how the cold mana, just a tiny drop, flowed from her chest into his. Her thoughts and mental images were about being as gentle and delicate as possible, licking her little brother with her mana.


    Slowly, the icy mana left her heart and moved towards the boy beneath her. Her whole body tingled, and her breathing grew heavier.


    Aster''s breathing quickened when he felt his sister''s mana meet his, and his arms around her waist tightened.


    ¡ª "A-Asty? How was it?" Silvia whispered, pulling her head away and looking down at him, her golden eyes filled with worry. "Did it hurt?"


    "No, it''s alright. It was just a bit of an unusual feeling, but I didn''t hurt," Aster smiled, rxing his grip on her. "Let''s try again, but a little stronger," he suggested, his eyes staring into hers.


    ¡ª "Alright," Silvia breathed out, relieved. She pressed her forehead against his cheek, took a deep breath, and focused back on the icy mana inside her heart, repeating the process with slightly more mana than before.


    ...


    It continued for an hour, with each try increasing the amount of her ice flowing into him. The overuse of her magic made her whole body tremble, her teeth chattering.


    The pain it caused for her brother intensified just as much with each try, but he never onceined, only encouraging her to continue. "You felt it, right?" Aster asked, his hands sliding up and down her trembling, cold back, feeling goosebumps all over her skin. "It was much stronger thanst time."


    ¡ª "Y-yeah. It''s like our mana is fighting each other," Silvia mumbled, her body shaking uncontrobly. The sweat that covered their bodies had turned cold, leaving the little girl shivering in his embrace.


    "We can take a break if you want," Aster offered, worriedly looking at his sister, noticing the rapid beating of her heart.


    ¡ª "N-no, I''m fine. Just let me catch my breath for a moment," Silvia replied, trying to rx. "I think I''m close. I almost got through."


    "You are?" Aster asked, surprised. "Are you sure? You didn''t use half of what I had, not to mention the whole swirling thing."


    ¡ª "Yeah, I can tell," Silvia smiled, lifting her head to look at him. "Don''t forget I''m five years older than you, little brother. It''s only natural that I''m stronger," she chuckled, poking his nose with her finger. "Boop."


    "Sure, sure," Aster rolled his eyes, a smile on his lips. "Alright, show me your best then, big sis. There is no way it is possible to break through with so little mana," he added, giving her little behind a light p. Her round, pale cheek jiggled slightly, her hips moving against his.


    ¡ª "Oh, I''ll show you," Silvia replied sweetly, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. As she calmed her racing heart, she focused on the icy mana inside her body, feeling how it slowly filled her chest.


    "Be careful, honey," Nivalis warned, watching the two. The sight of her daughter''s trembling body worried her.


    ¡ª "I know, Mom. Don''t worry," Silvia smiled, taking another deep breath. "I have enough mana. Let''s try it," she whispered. She opened her eyes and saw her brother nod, a full copy of her golden eyes staring back. Resting her forehead against his, their hot, ragged breaths mingling, Silvia closed her eyes.


    She took another deep breath, held it, and released the mana. Her body trembled, and the shivers spread throughout her whole body. The ice flowed from her chest into the boy beneath her. The coldness of her mana, the feeling of it pushing his own, made Aster wince.


    Silvia continued to push, feeling her brother''s mana resisting her. His arms tightened around her small waist, his nails digging into her smooth skin above her buttocks. She gritted her teeth and pushed harder, focusing all her coldness into a tiny spot in his mana, determined to break through.


    A sharp inhale and a gasp escaped Aster as his body stiffened, his back arching and hips pushing against her. Wave after wave of her mana hit him, his sister prating his small hole, meeting little resistance. Her manapletely dominated his, the warmth inside his chest suddenly gone, reced by the intense coldness.


    The sensation of her mana reaching ces deep inside him, the cold spreading throughout his body and wiggling around, sent shivers through him. The feeling of being licked all over by his sister,the pleasure that came with it, made him quietly moan in surprise, his toes curling.


    Silvia gasped, her heart beating so fast it almost jumped out of her chest. Her arms were weak, and her whole body shook, but she didn''t stop. She pushed more mana into him; unlike the amount her brother previously managed to get inside her, Silvia''s better control and power resulted in an enormous amount of her ice invading Aster''s body, cooling down the wildfire he identally made inside his chest.


    As she continued to pour her mana, slowly, in waves, something strange happened. Something hard and warm pressed against her pelvic area, making her little butt rise slightly. Luckily, Aster quickly moved his hand between their bodies, moving whatever it was away. It slid against her smooth, hairless skin, disappearing between his thighs, allowing her to focus on the spell.


    A minuteter, Silvia opened her eyes, her breathing ragged. "T-there," she mumbled, her body shaking violently. "H-how... was it?" she asked through her chattering teeth.


    "Wow, that... was... amazing... I don''t feel any pain!" Aster smiled, looking at her tired, golden eyes. "Oh, wait... you''re freezing," he said, worried. He rubbed her back and arms, trying to warm her.


    ¡ª "I-it''s okay, I''m... fine," Silvia stammered, forcing a smile. "Just a little... c-c-cold."


    "Let''s get you warmed, then. Like we always did," Aster whispered, carefully rolling her limp body to the side, closer to their mother.


    "Oh, gods, you''re cold, honey," Nivalis said, hugging her daughter and pulling her as close as possible. Aster joined them, pressing himself against his sister and letting his warm body help her. "Better?" Nivalis whispered, letting the little girl hide her face in between her breasts. She cupped Aster''s cheek, her worry evident. Aster just smiled, silently reassuring her he felt much better.


    ¡ª "Yeah..." Silvia sighed in relief, feeling the warmth of their bodies surrounding her. Nivalis took the nket and wrapped it around them, covering their bodies.


    "You did amazing, sweetie. Thank you for being careful. I am very proud of you," Nivalis whispered, gently patting her head and running her fingers through the silver hair strands. "Just rx, okay? We will warm you," she added, pressing her son closer to his sister.


    ¡ª "Alright, thanks," Silvia replied, her whole body trembling uncontrobly. "Are you sure you are feeling alright, Asty? You aren''t lying, are you?" the girl mumbled against her mother''s chest, her eyes closed.


    "I am good, Silvia. There is no pain anymore. You were incredible," Aster whispered, kissing her shoulder. His palm rested on her soft stomach, feeling the goosebumps on her skin. "Thank you," he added, gently stroking her belly.


    ¡ª "It was just... a tiny bit," Silvia mumbled, pressing her little behind against him. Strangely, she didn''t feel his limp member against her skin, no matter how much she wiggled her hips. Weird.


    "It was not," Aster whispered, gently massaging her tummy. "I have no idea how you managed to do it. So easily! The amount of mana you pushed through was enormous. I never got even near to what you did," he added, nting another kiss on her shoulder. "You were amazing, sis."


    ¡ª "Mhm... continue," Silvia smiled, humming and enjoying the gentle rubbing. "I want to hear all about how amazing your big sister is," she chuckled, happily wiggling her hips against his.


    "My big sister is so humble, so beautiful, so talented. Her ice is stronger than my fire could ever be," Asterughed, nting tiny kisses all over her exposed neck with each newpliment.


    "Pfft," Silvia snorted, a small giggle escaping her lips. "Go on," she whispered, feeling his finger trace around her belly button. A bright smile never left her face. Aster continued to whisperpliments and praises into her ear, his hands gently caressing her trembling body.


    After a while, Silvia started feeling sleepy, her eyelids getting heavier, and the exhaustion taking over. She snuggled tighter against her mother, enjoying the warmth and the softness of her breasts, listening to the soothing sound of her heartbeat in addition to her brother''s whispers, and soon fell asleep.


    ...


    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    An hourter, when Silvia was in deep slumber, Aster carefully pulled himself away from their embrace and sat up, stretching his arms and cracking his knuckles. His gaze fell upon his erect member, still throbbing painfully, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    ''It was close,'' Aster thought, the feeling of it poking his sister, the incredible smoothness of her skin, how it slid against her... all still fresh in his memory. ''Why did it have to happen now of all times? Ugh...'' Aster groaned internally, furrowing his eyebrows.


    ''Well, at least Silvia didn''t notice anything. Thest thing I want is to disgust or scare her with this.'' Aster nced at his sleeping sister and mother, Silvia still shivering asionally, her trembling body pressed against their mother''s side, head resting on the shoulder. ''Not to mention, I''ll have to tell her how mom and I are getting rid of it, and I promised not to,'' he added, sighing.


    ''Alright, let''s make this quick,'' Aster decided, getting on all fours and crawling around the bed. The sound of his hands and knees softly shuffling against the stone floor mixed with the crackling of the dying fire, its dancing mes reflected off his pale bottom.


    Aster stopped beside his mother, admiring her peaceful expression. Her puffy lips were slightly parted, and silver hair was scattered around the bed. Her big, soft breasts were parted to the sides, glistening in the warm light, too heavy to stay on top of her chest. The sight made Aster swallow hard, his eyes trailing down her t stomach, and his mother''s cute, small navel made the boy smile happily.


    He crawled closer to her face and gently kissed her cheek, just a tiny peck. Nivalis didn''t even stir. Aster kissed her again, his soft lips pressing against her moist skin. He continued to leave gentle kisses on her cheek, jaw, and chin until her blue, like the summer sky, eyes fluttered open, meeting the golden gaze of her son.


    "Honey? Is something wrong?" Nivalis whispered worriedly, her voice quiet. Her hand slowly raised and touched his bare hip, caressing him with her fingertips. "Are you feeling worse again?" she asked, noticing his flushed cheeks.


    ¡ª "No, everything is fine... I feel good," Aster replied, a sweet smile on his lips. "Better than ever. It''s not why I woke you," he added, leaning forward and moving his lips closer to her ear. "It''s big again... you know..." Aster mumbled, sitting back and looking at her. His tiny, pink penis peeked out from between his pale thighs, greeting his mother.


    "Oh, dear," Nivalis breathed, covering her eyes with her hand the moment she saw her son''s little, throbbing shaft. "Again? It''s your third time this week," she sighed, slowly lowering her hand and meeting his embarrassed gaze.


    ¡ª "Yeah..." Aster mumbled, averting his eyes and looking at the ceiling. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t control it... when Silvia pushed her mana inside, it just happened on its own," he apologized, smiling awkwardly as he looked down at her.


    Nivalis frowned, ncing at her daughter, sleeping peacefully beside her. "Did it happen when shey on top of you?" she asked, looking back at her son, the answer written all over his face. "Oh, gods," Nivalis whispered, covering her face again.


    ¡ª "Sorry," Aster mumbled.


    A minuteter, she continued, "You need to learn to control yourself, honey. I told you many times before that you can''t poke your sister with your... thingy. Not now, not ever. It''s wrong," Nivalis whispered, looking at her boy and shaking her head.


    ¡ª "I know, I''m sorry," Aster apologized again, lowering his head. "I moved it away in time... she didn''t notice a thing," he exined, looking up at her and trying to smile. "I think."


    "I should give you a good amount of spanking, you know?" Nivalis whispered, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Never mind. Just try not to touch her like that again, please," she sighed.


    ¡ª "I''ll be more careful next time," Aster promised, scooting closer and gently kissing her cheek.


    "I hope so," Nivalis replied with a tired smile. "Well, do your thing, mister, and try to be quick. It took you forever thest time," she added, closing her eyes and resting her head on the bed. It''s much easier to pretend to be asleep than to watch him do all these embarrassing things.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Alright, thank you, Mom," Aster whispered with a relieved smile and slowly crawled closer to her legs, carefully straddling the pale, naked thighs of his mother.


    His little butt wiggled against her skin as he got himselffortable, sitting right on top of her, his legs to the sides. Aster leaned forward, pressing his skinny chest against her pelvic area, hovering his face above his mother''s t belly, looking down at her cute, tiny navel.


    Nivalis felt her son''s penis pressed against her leg, throbbing and twitching uncontrobly, his hairless, delicate balls just resting on her skin. His little shaft felt incredibly warm, its shape unmistakable. Then, the boy wrapped his arms around her slim waist and moved his mouth closer to the belly button, parting his moist lips.


    Nivalis felt his hot, wet tongue slide inside her navel, making her hips jerk upwards involuntarily, pushing against him. "Is this really necessary?" she whispered, keeping her eyes closed. The sensation of his tongue wiggling deep inside her, hitting the very bottom of her navel, made her shudder, goosebumps appearing all over her skin.


    Without pulling out his tongue, Aster replied, or better say, tried to, "Yhhaah, ith mahch bettah zis way. Ith hewps me cawm dawn fahser," his words impossible to understand, his tongue busy licking and wiggling around inside her navel.


    "Okay, okay, whatever. Just hurry up," Nivalis sighed, biting her lower lip. She did not dare move too much, afraid to wake Silvia. The little girl was still sleeping beside her, unaware of what was happening; her face was pressed against her mother''s armpit, and her soft breathing tickled Nivalis a bit.


    Aster''s eyes fluttered shut as he explored her belly button, licking and slurping the salty taste. His tongue swirled in his mother''s small, wet hole, coating it thoroughly with his saliva. Each little movement inside her made her stomach clench, her hips asionally pushing against his skinny chest.


    The sensation sent shivers throughout Nivalis''s whole body, making her toes curl. She took a deep breath and tried to think about something else ¡ª anything but her son''s tongue swirling inside her.


    Aster pushed his tongue in and out a few times, slowly, then quickly, and finally, after a minute of exploring and licking, pulled his tongue out of her with a slippery sound. He opened his golden eyes and looked down, smiling from seeing the little hole was almost full of saliva. Just to be sure, he gathered more saliva in his mouth and drooled it all over her belly button until the whole tiny hole was filled.


    Carefully and very quietly, Aster pulled himself up, getting closer to her face, his little guy dragging across her skin. With Silvia so close, he had no choice but to press his lips against his mother''s sensitive elven ear, making it twitch as he whispered, "Ready?" His warm breath continued to blow against it as he moved his hips left and right to position his tip exactly where it needed to be, right over the incredibly tight, slippery entrance of his mother¡ªher navel.


    "As ready as I''ll ever be," Nivalis whispered, keeping her eyes closed, feeling the pink, pulsating head of her son''s penis slowly sliding inside, the throbbing shaft filling her tight hole. Her warm, slimy insides weed him back, hugging his sensitive flesh as her tummy clenched involuntarily, squeezing the intruder.


    Aster groaned in pleasure, the sound muffled, his mouth still pressed against her ear. He had to be as quiet as possible; his sister was right there, just beside him. The warmth, tightness, and incredible wetness of his mother''s hole made him stop momentarily to enjoy the feeling.


    A whole minute passed as hey motionless, just feeling it, his cock pulsating wildly inside her. Nivalis ced her hand on his little behind and started patting his pale asscheeks, the sound barely audible, encouraging him to continue.


    The boy got the message. His hot, humid breathing and quiet, muffled moans were all Nivalis could hear as Aster moved his hips slowly and carefully, trying not to make any noise, humping against her. His tiny, smooth butt moved rhythmically against her palm, the soft, round cheeks clenching and unclenching.


    Aster''s delicate, hairless, and incredibly fragile balls gently pped against her belly with each tiny thrust, bouncing slightly. His arms were wrapped around her neck, trying to press himself even closer to his mother, her soft, heavy breasts squished against the boy''s bony chest.


    In and out, in and out. Aster''s tiny shaft, his immature, virgin cock, pounded his mother''s tight, slippery hole. With every push, the head of his cock hit the very bottom, sending a pleasant, tingling feeling throughout his body, a sensation unlike any other.


    It continued like this for no longer than a minute. This entire time, Nivalis felt every little throb of her son''s shaft, each movement of his hips, and heard every little moan. She knew her boy''s body better than anyone, better than any mother should, and she could feel the orgasm building up in him.


    Aster''s little balls suddenly clenched, and the intense feeling of pleasure rushed through his entire body, making him tremble. With onest, deep, hard thrust, he buried his cock deep inside his mother''s navel, pushing it as far as possible, hitting the back wall of her tummy. He whispered straight into her ear, "Mommy... It''s happening," the wordsing out shaky.


    Nivalis felt his tiny cock spasming and jerking, the little balls twitching uncontrobly, desperately trying to spurt something that wasn''t there yet. Again and again, Aster''s cock throbbed and spasmed, the pink head expanding and shrinking, pumping nothing, until finally, it stopped.


    Aster remained still, his now soft penis still buried inside her, panting against her ear. Nivalis kept her eyes shut, caressing her son''s little behind, whispering gently, "You were much faster today. Good boy," she praised him, patting his asscheeksfortingly.


    The boy''s response came a minuteter, his voice weak, "Mhm," he mumbled, pressing his face against her cheek.


    Nivalis opened her blue eyes, staring at the ceiling above, her expression conflicted. She sighed heavily, feeling nothing but guilt eating her up. Luckily, there is a treatment for that. "You forgot something, honey. My reward," Nivalis said, turning her head to the side and kissing his silver locks, smelling the familiar scent.


    Aster paused, thinking, his breathing calming. "Of course," he whispered, lifting his head and looking into her eyes. Slowly, he pressed his soft lips against her cheek, peppering it with gentle, warm kisses, not bothering to pull out his limp member from her navel.


    Nivalis closed her eyes, enjoying her son''s sweet, loving kisses on her chin, nose, forehead, and mouth corners. Aster covered her with his moist, soft lips, gently brushing them against her skin. "Thank you for helping me. I love you, Mom," Aster whispered, patiently watching her eyelids fluttering open, her gaze meeting his golden one. His mother''s beautiful blue eyes glimmered in the dim light, making him smile.


    "I love you too, honey," Nivalis smiled back, seeing his face slowly getting closer. He gently pressed his lips against hers, tasting the familiar, sweet vor. The hot breaths of mother and son mixed, their soft lips moving slowly against each other. "Here, take my tunic and wipe yourself," Nivalis breathed a secondter, pulling her head away.


    ¡ª "Mhm, alright," Aster mumbled, lifting his hips and pulling out his still soft, sticky shaft. He sat back on his mother''s pelvis and took the piece of clothing from her hand, using it to wipe the saliva of hisid, pink penis. Nivalis watched how her little boy''s wet flesh glistened in the light of the fire as he cleaned it thoroughly, his small fingers holding it gently.


    Once satisfied, Aster decided to clean her navel as well, wrapping his finger in the material and gently pushing it inside, scraping the wet, sticky hole, getting every single drop out. Nivalis just watched him, patiently waiting until he was done, feeling every wiggle of his finger.


    When satisfied, Aster folded the tunic, put it aside, andy back on his mother. He rested his face on her corbone, her hand reaching his head and gently stroking his long, silver hair. Their naked bodies were pressed together. The silence continued for a few minutes, both lost in their thoughts.


    Aster broke the silence first, his voice a little hesitant. "Mom," he whispered without raising his head.


    "Yes, honey?" Nivalis whispered, continuing to move her hands up and down his back.


    ¡ª "I..." Aster paused, thinking about his words, then quietly said, "It''s really dangerous out there. I almost died," he swallowed hard.


    Her hand stopped on his back, pressing against his shoulder des. "I know, honey," Nivalis breathed, her expression turning sad. "I know."


    "We need to start thinking about leaving. It won''t get safer here," Aster whispered, running his finger along her corbone. "Not now, of course. After you and Silvia get better, maybe after the winter."


    Nivalis sighed heavily. "I know," she whispered, closing her eyes and resting her chin on his head. "I''ll think about it."


    Aster fell silent, listening to her heartbeat to calm his own.


    "I was thinking maybe I should go out with you. I am walking much better now," Nivalis whispered a minuteter, cing her hand on his head, her fingers in his silver hair.


    ¡ª "No," Aster immediately replied, hugging her tighter. "You will stay home," he stated firmly despite his childish voice.


    "Oh?" Nivalis smiled, patting his little behind, "Are you ordering me around now, young man?" she asked, amused.


    ¡ª "I am," Aster nodded, his lips forming a tiny smile. "You can spank me all you want for this, but you''re noting. Tomorrow, when I leave, you will stay home with Silvia," Aster repeated, his eyes closed.


    "What happened to my sweet, obedient, and well-mannered boy?" Nivalis chuckled, her fingers tracing his spine, slowly moving up and down.


    Aster didn''t respond. After a minute of silence, Nivalis sighed, closing her eyes momentarily, "You just said it yourself: you almost died. How can I let you go alone after this? I was so worried when you didn''te back. I thought I would never see you again," Nivalis breathed, her throat tightening and eyes moistening.


    ¡ª "I know," Aster whispered, lifting his head and kissing her cheek. "I am sorry I made you so worried. Please don''t cry, Mom," Aster whispered, wiping the tear that rolled down her cheek with his thumb.


    "I''m not crying," Nivalis replied, her voice shaky.


    ¡ª "You are," Aster smiled, his golden eyes darting between her shades of blue. Without saying a word, he leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers trembling ones. The kisssted much longer than usual, their lips mixing the salty taste, moving against each other.


    When he finally pulled away, a long string of saliva connected their mouths, glistening in the firelight. Aster watched as his mother smacked her lips, her eyelids slowly opening, her eyes meeting his. "It will be okay, Mom. I am not going anywhere. I am not going to leave you and Silvia. Never. I promise," Aster whispered, staring into her beautiful, glimmering eyes. "I will be ten times more careful. Like a ghost."


    "You better," Nivalis smiled weakly, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly. "Alright, honey. I will stay," she whispered, cupping his face, her thumb caressing his lower lip.


    ¡ª "Thank you," Aster replied, leaning forward and wrapping his hands around her neck. He whispered gently, "I will take care of you, Mom. Don''t worry," against her sensitive, elven ear, burying his face in her silver hair.


    "Mhm," Nivalis hummed, wrapping her arm around her son and pressing his skinny body tightly against hers. "Let''s get some sleep, my baby boy," she mumbled, closing her eyes and feeling him nodding.

 Chapter 68: Summer heat

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The bright summer sun crept over the horizon, painting the cloudless sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. The forest came alive with various sounds ¡ª birds singing sweet melodies, squirrels scampering up and down tree trunks, and insects chirping their tiny songs. A gentle breeze caressed thend, swaying the tall grass and rustling the leaves as it passed through the trees.


    It had been over a month since that ident with Aster''s mana when Silvia had helped him recover by breaking through his mana barrier. For this entire month, Aster tried to return the favor by doing the same for his sister. The two would cuddle together every evening after Aster returned from the forest; the boy did his best to push his mana through hers, slowly filling her petite, trembling body with his warmth. Although exhausting for him and painful for the little girl, during this time, Silvia''s health gradually improved.


    Inside their cave near the entrance, hidden behind a curtain of vines, Aster and Silvia were getting ready to go outside. Nivalis stood beside them, helping tie knots and adjust their clothes.


    ¡ª "Are you sure you''re ready toe with me?" Aster asked, his golden eyes meeting Silvia''s identical ones. "You can stay home with Mom. I don''t mind," he added, gently pinching her pale, cold cheek, giving it a bit of color.


    Silvia smiled, pulling up her face-covering cloth, leaving only her eyes visible. "Don''t worry, Asty. I''mpletely fine. I can even run now," she replied, her voice slightly muffled by the fabric. "And we need more food, don''t we?" she added, ncing at her mother.


    Nivalis sighed, adjusting the hood that covered her head. "That''s true," she admitted. "I wish you didn''t have to, though. Maybe I should go as well? My walking is much better these days," she mumbled, looking between her children.


    "No way," Silvia replied immediately, shaking her head. "We talked about this, Mom. You''re staying," she mumbled, picking up the spear from the floor.


    ¡ª "Yeah, not happening," Aster agreed, putting on his leather backpack and tightening the straps.Nivalis smiled at them, a touch of sadness in her blue eyes. "Alright, I guess..." she sighed, looking down. Noticing this, Aster came closer and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his head against her chest, the hood on his head sliding down.


    ¡ª "It will be fine, Mom. We''ll get back before you know it," Aster mumbled, feeling her hand caressing his hair. The boy looked up at her, smiling, and motioned her to bend forward because he was too short. I will protect her no matter what. I promise," Aster whispered into her ear, his mother''s arm wrapping around him in response.


    "I know you will, honey," Nivalis nodded and gave a soft, wet kiss on his forehead, adjusting the hood of his disguise cloak and pulling up the cloth to hide his face. "Be very careful out there, alright? Especially you, Silvia," she whispered, ncing at her daughter. "Listen to your brother, sweetie, and be ready to run if anything happens. Always keep track of the sun so you know where our cave is. And please, watch each other''s back, and don''t let your guard down."


    "Of course, don''t worry," Silvia smiled and hugged her mother when Aster stepped aside. "I''ll make sure Asty won''t do anything stupid," she whispered against her ear, kissing her gently.


    "Thank you, sweetie," Nivalis said, gently pping their little bottoms and sending them away.


    "Let''s go," Silvia whispered, taking her brother''s hand and squeezing it softly. Aster waved at their mother, and they stepped through the vines and exited the cave. Silvia and Aster carried their spears in their free hands, sharp stones glinting in the morning light as they walked away.


    ...


    ¡ª "Careful now," Aster whispered, his voice barely above a breath. He led his sister through the uneven, rocky terrain, their footsteps cushioned by the soft grass and twigs tied to their boots. While it was great for hiding their tracks, walking with them was challenging in ces like this.


    "Mhm," Silvia hummed, eyes on the ground to avoid tripping. After a while, when the rocks gave way to soft grass, she asked, "Where are we going, Asty?" her voice as quiet as his.


    ¡ª "Just somewhere I haven''t been in a while. There should be more food," Aster replied, eyes scanning their surroundings. His sharp gaze darted between the thick trunks, tall grass, and bushes, looking for any movement.


    "Okay," Silvia nodded, holding his hand tighter. "It''s a bit scary to walk around just like that," she admitted, ncing at her brother.


    Aster nodded in response, "It is."


    The sound of crunching and rustling under their feet filled the silence, the only sound breaking the peace. Silvia followed her brother''s lead, darting her eyes around and behind them to ensure nothing followed them. Her golden eyes narrowed as she spotted a familiar, barely noticeable bush with tiny, purple berries hanging from its branches.


    "Asty," Silvia whispered, pointing at the nt.


    Aster nced in that direction, his gazending on the delicious, juicy berries. "No way," he mumbled, gently squeezing her hand and leading her closer. "It''s so hard to find them. Great job, sis," he praised her.


    They crouched next to the bush. Aster took a sack from his backpack and ced it on the ground. The two children began gathering the food, one by one plucking the ripe, purple berries, cing them inside, and, of course, eating a good share of them.


    "I missed these," Silvia muttered, popping another into her mouth. When she smiled, her teeth stained purple.


    ¡ª "Me too," Aster chuckled, watching his sister enjoy the berries. He took another one and tossed it into his mouth, the sweetness spreading throughout his tongue, the juice sliding down his throat.


    After they had collected everything, Aster tied the sack and ced it back into his leather backpack.


    They walked on, fingers entwined, silent as the forest around them. Each unusual sound ¡ª a snapping twig, a bird taking flight ¡ª had them crouching, their ears straining. Sometimes, they even hid in the bushes, being extra cautious. Being so paranoid probably wasn''t necessary, but Aster was determined not to repeat his past mistake.


    A few hours passed in silence as the siblings gathered food around the forest. They found primarily berries and nuts, asionally mushrooms and herbs, filling only a third of Aster''s backpack, nowhere near the goal they nned to get by the end of the day. A lot of work stilly ahead, but luckily, they had time.


    The sun was now high above their heads, its blinding rays peeking through the leaves and bathing the entire forest. The heat was almost unbearable, and sweat dripped down the nape of their necks and backs, drenching their petite bodies under their disguise cloaks. Their body odor started to be noticeable.


    The siblings decided to take a break, finding arge, old tree surrounded by thick bushes. They sat down beneath it, leaning against the rough trunk."Ugh, it''s so hot," Silviained, pushing her hood back and using the cloth covering her mouth to wipe the sweat from her forehead.


    Aster ced his backpack next to him and turned to Silvia, whispering, "Yeah, could you-" He was about to ask if she could cool them down a little but stopped when he saw that she was already concentrating on her mana, her eyes closed. He lowered his hood, removed the cloth from his face, and sighed in relief as he breathed in the fresh air, patiently waiting for his sister to create ice.


    Silvia opened her eyes a few minutester, a small smile on her lips. She looked at her brother and held out a small, perfectly transparent ice ball about the size of his palm. "Here, this should help," she said, smiling.


    ¡ª "Thanks," Aster smiled back, taking the ice and cing it on the back of his neck. He let out a long sigh as the coolness spread. "Ah, much better," he mumbled, resting his head on the tree and closing his eyes. The melted water trickled down his skin, disappearing beneath his cloak.


    When he opened his eyes, he saw Silvia silently waiting for her turn, her eyes pleading like a puppy''s. Without a word, Aster leaned closer and ced the ice against her neck. Her long eyshes fluttered shut as she moaned quietly in satisfaction. "Yeah... this feels good," she breathed, enjoying the refreshing sensation.


    A minuteter, Aster suddenly asked, "Do I smell?" still moving the ice around her sweaty skin.


    Silvia opened her eyes and looked at him. She leaned in and took a sniff of her brother''s scent. "Um, a little, yeah. But not as much as I do," she said, smiling awkwardly. "Why do you ask?"


    ¡ª "We should clean ourselves or at least rub the skin with pine needles. It''s better to do both," Aster murmured, ncing around the bushes. "This spot''s perfect for it. Remember what Mom said about goblins?"


    Silvia nodded, her expression turning serious. "They have really sensitive noses..." she whispered, suddenly feeling uneasy. "Are we safe here?"


    Aster shrugged, scanning their surroundings again, and replied, "At least we''re hidden..." he whispered, looking at her. "We''ll be fine, don''t worry. Let''s just try to be quick," he reassured her, offering a weak smile.


    Silvia forced a smile back, nodding. "Okay," she replied, slowly pulling up her disguise cloak and revealing her wet tunic. The garment clung to her petite body, sticking to her t chest and belly.


    Aster put the slightly melted ice ball on the backpack and began helping his sister undress, carefully moving the tunic upwards. Silvia raised her arms, allowing him to pull it over her head. An unpleasant smell immediately hit Aster''s nose, but he didn''t react in any way. He continued to peel off the damp garment from her armpits, revealing his sister''s pink, pointy nipples shimmering in the sun.


    Then, Aster slipped his fingers into her pants and tugged them down. Silvia lifted her hips, letting her little brother slide the clothing off her pale thighs and legs. Her boots followed right after, her delicate toes wiggling once free. Her silver hair was damp with sweat, sticking to her pale,pletely hairless skin that glistened in the sunlight. Her t chest rose and fell rhythmically as her golden eyes stared back at him.


    The boy took a deep breath, scanning their surroundings and listening for any sounds. Satisfied that they were alone, he quickly removed his clothing while Silvia silently watched her little brother, her eyes following his every movement. Once done, Aster sat beside her, both of thempletely naked, their skinny, petite, and sweaty bodies exposed to the summer air.


    Aster picked up the ice ball from his backpack and pressed it against his sister''s t chest, seeing how the ice began to melt, tickling down to her trembling, pressed tightly together thighs, forming a small pool. "Ah," Silvia moaned softly, her back arching slightly. Goosebumps appeared on her milky-white skin, and her pink nipples hardened right before his eyes.


    ¡ª "How''s that?" Aster asked, moving the ice slowly around her chest, leaving a trail of water droplets behind.


    "C-cold," Silvia whispered, eyeing her brother''s fingers maneuver the ice across her body. "F-faster, p-please," she mumbled, her voice shaky.


    ¡ª "Okay," Aster whispered, feeling his sister''s chest rise and fall with each deep breath as he circled the ice around her skin. With his other hand, he began to rub her chest and soft belly, spreading the melted water all over.


    "Mmm," Silvia breathed, closing her eyes. "It feels good once you get used to it," she murmured, letting him do his thing. Aster smiled, slowly moving down to her thighs, gently squeezing and rubbing each, cleaning them thoroughly. Then, Aster knelt before her, moving the ice between her tiny, wiggling toes, getting her feet clean. Hearing her muffled giggles and squirms made him chuckle.


    It continued for no longer than two minutes; by the time the ice melted, Aster had thoroughly cleaned her shoulders, arms, back, and even her round, tiny behind, leaving no trace of sweat behind.


    Next, Aster took a handful of pine needles from a nearby tree and began scrubbinghis sister''s soft skin, the strong smell of pine clinging to her body. Once finished, Aster threw the needles aside, whispering, "All done," patting her smooth, pale thigh, leaning against the tree trunk with a satisfied sigh.


    "Thanks," Silvia smiled, stretching her arms before looking at him. Her skin glistened, slightly green and red from all the scrubbing. "Alright, my turn. Let me make another ice for you," she mumbled, closing her eyes and focusing on her mana.


    ...


    After cleaning themselves, Aster and Silvia sat naked on the soft grass for fifteen minutes, letting the sun warm their damp, skinny bodies. They listened to birds singing and leaves rustling, watched the light rays dancing, and felt the gentle breeze on their skin. Now and then, Aster''s golden eyes scanned the area to ensure they were safe.


    "Ready?" Silvia whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.


    Aster leaned his head against hers, his cheek touching her hair. "Yeah," he replied, taking a deep breath. Leaning towards their clothes, neatly folded right next to their leather backpack, Aster took his sister''s tunic and helped her dress. She put her arms through the sleeves, the garment hiding her smooth, white skin.


    She helped him, too. Together, they tied the knots and adjusted their clothes, hiding every part of their skin.


    ¡ª "Let''s go," Aster whispered, adjusting the backpack straps on his shoulders before picking up the spear and taking his sister''s hand. They walked out from their temporary shelter side by side. Silvia''s soft, slightly cold hand gently squeezed his warm one.


    As they walked, Aster suddenly heard a familiar, low buzzing noiseing from the right. He immediately stopped his sister and signaled for her to stay quiet, his sharp gaze looking around. The bright smile on his lips was not visible due to the cloth covering his face, but the tiny wrinkles on his eyes and the sparkle in them reassured Silvia that there was no threat.


    Aster gestured towards the tall, thick bush just a few steps away. The buzzing sound grew louder as the two children crept closer until finally, they spotted a tiny, yellow-and-ck striped insect fluttering its wings and hovering in the air.


    "Oh..." Silvia gasped, her golden eyes widening. She looked at her little brother and then back at the bee. "Oh!" the girl repeated, realizing what this meant. "Are we...?" she asked, tapping her brother''s hand andexcitedly pointing at the flying bug.


    ¡ª "Mhm. We need to follow it," Aster replied, staring at the little flying creature. "It''s not as easy as you think. Keep your eyes on it," he whispered, leading his sister after the bee.


    Aster and Silvia watched as the bee flew a few steps ahead, stopped briefly, and took off again, pping its tiny wings and flying further. The siblings followed the insect for more than an hour, going deeper and deeper into the forest, stopping whenever the bee would. Whenever one lost track of the insect, the other would point and tell them where it was. Having two pairs of eyes made the task so much simpler.


    After a long time, they finally arrived at their destination, a clearing surrounded by thick pine trees, the bright sun peeking through the leaves. Flowers of every color imaginable nketed the area, and bees buzzed around, gathering sweet nectar and creating a pleasant, gentle buzzing noise.


    Silvia gasped, her eyes sparkling as she took in the sight. "Woah..." she breathed, staring at the incredible sight before her. "It''s so beautiful," she whispered, stepping deeper into the clearing, never letting go of her brother''s hand.


    ¡ª "It is," Aster agreed, following after her. The two children slowly walked around, admiring the colorful, beautiful flowers, their heads turning in all directions. "There! The hive," Aster suddenly whispered, pointing to a tree in the middle of the clearing, a hollow hole visible in its trunk, high above the ground.


    "Oh..." Silvia breathed, her golden eyesnding on the hive. She watched the insects hover in the air before entering the home. "So high... How will we get the honey?" she asked, her eyes still fixed on the beehive. "Won''t they attack us?"


    ¡ª "No, don''t worry," Aster replied, shaking his head. "They don''t like smoke, so if we make a fire close to the hive, they should fly away. That''s what I did thest time. It worked great," he exined, ncing around. "We need a lot of pine needles, leaves... dry grass will do," he added, looking back at his sister.


    "Okay, got it," Silvia nodded, releasing his hand and turning around. Her petite, skinny body immediately dashed towards the pine trees, her cloak fluttering behind her. Aster followed right after, not wanting to get separated even for a second. Together, the siblings gathered anything they thought would burn and created a pile next to the tree, the leaves, small twigs, a bit of bark, and dry nts reaching their knees.


    ¡ª "It should be enough," Aster nodded, ncing at the pile. "Alright... we won''t make the big fire here on the ground because it will be visible from far away, and we don''t want that," he added, taking off his disguise cloak and backpack. "And with this wind, it won''t even reach the hive."


    "Makes sense," Silvia agreed, watching Aster ce his disguise cloak on the ground and move the pile of dry leaves and twigs onto it. "Then how are we going to do this?" she asked, her hands resting on her hips.


    Aster looked up at the hive high above them, then back at his sister. "Instead, I''ll climb the tree and start making smoke next to the hive with my magic. I''ll probably get stung a few times, but it''s okay," he exined, tying the corners of the cloth together to create a makeshift sack. He slung it over his shoulder and secured it around his neck. Turning to his sister, he continued, "Your job is to stay here and catch the honebs I drop down. Oh, and keep an eye on the falling leaves I ignite so that they won''t burn the entire forest."


    "Okay, Asty. I''ll watch the leaves, don''t worry." Silvia replied, pulling down the hood and cloth from her face. "Be careful."


    ¡ª "I will," Aster smiled, walking towards the tree. He nced back, adding, "There should be a lot of honey, and I mean A LOT. Use my backpack and all our sacks we took. And your cloak if you have to. And keep an eye out for goblins, alright?"" With that, he grabbed the first branch and started climbing. Silvia opened his leather backpack and pulled out an empty sack meant for berries and nuts. She then positioned herself beneath the tree, nervously looking around.


    Aster carefully climbed the tree, making sure not to make any noise. His eyes remained lockedon the beehive, its inhabitants asionally flying around and near his face. The bees'' buzzing sound grew louder as the boy got higher, and the higher he climbed, the more his palms grew damp with sweat.After a few minutes, he finally reached the branch nearest to the hive. He carefully stepped on it, his weight making the entire branch bend down.


    The bees were flying in his face, some even bumping into him, making him flinch. He took a deep breath, calming his nerves, and slowly lowered himself, wrapping his legs around the branch and shifting the makeshift sack from his back to his front. Then, he took a handful of pine needles from within, stretching his arm as close to the hive as he dared.


    Once near enough, Aster closed his eyes and concentrated, feeling the familiar heat appear in his chest, a process of his raw mana getting ignited. He didn''t need much; a tiny spark would do the trick.


    In the center of his palm, Aster created a small me, norger than a candle''s and brief as a single breath. But it was more than enough for pine needles to catch on fire, producing a thick cloud of smoke, the acrid scent reaching his nose. Aster leaned in, blowing gently towards the hive, coaxing more smoke from the smoldering needles.


    Immediately, the bees swarmed out of their hive, buzzing frantically, filling the air with their panicked hum. The cloud of smoke continued to rise, slowly drifting in the air. Aster added more pine needles and leaves to the fire, tossing away the old ones as they grew too hot to hold. From one hand to another, he kept the smoke going.


    More and more bees fled the hive, their wings creating a near-deafening roar. Fortunately, none attacked Aster, too busy with their natural instinct to save what little they carried from the uing fire.


    Aster nced down at Silvia, seeing her standing with the sacks open, ready to catch the honebs. Whenever a burning leaf or needle fell near her, she stomped it out quickly, her eyes scanning the ground for any sign of spreading mes.


    Aster turned his focus back to the hive. Once the number of bees thinned, he moved closer to the entrance. He blew smoke into the hole, hoping to drive out the remaining bees. The sack slowly but surely emptied as he continued this process.


    When the sack was finally empty, Aster paused, desperately catching his breath. He felt a bit dizzy from blowing the air for too long. He watched the hive entrance for any sign of movement or sound. There was nonoise, nothing. Now, he could start dropping the honebs to Silvia.@@novelbin@@


    Slowly and carefully, Aster stood, gripping the branch above him tightly. He leaned his face close to the hive entrance and peered inside. The amount of honey inside was unbelievable. Using his second hand, he reached into the hive, breaking off the pieces of it, his fingers sinking into the sticky, golden liquid.


    His forearm glistened with honey as Aster withdrew it from the hive, the golden liquid dripping onto the grass below the tree. Silvia immediately ran towards it, trying to save as much precious food as possible, catching every little drop with her sack. A sudden "watch out!" whisper came from above. Silvia raised her head, seeing her brother was about to drop a whole, massive honeb.


    Without hesitation, the girl raised her sack and positioned herself perfectly under the falling treasure, trying to catch it. But instead ofnding in the sack, the honeb sttered onto her surprised face. A loud "st" echoed, honey and sticky wax pieces flying in every direction, apanied by a surprised yelp from the little girl as she stumbled back andnded on her bottom in the soft grass.


    Aster immediately burst intoughter, nearly losing his bnce and shaking uncontrobly.


    "H-hey! Stopughing! I-i can''t..." Silvia managed to say, her words muffled by the honey as she frantically wiped it off to breathe. Aster keptughing as he climbed down the tree and ran towards her, his belly already aching.


    ¡ª "Here, let me help," Aster giggled, kneeling beside her. The girl tried to speak but only managed gibberish as she desperately tried to free herself from the sweet trap.


    "This isn''t funny!" Silvia managed to mumble as her little brother continuedughing, wiping honey off her face and dropping it into the sack. The annoyed, angry re she gave him only made himugh harder.


    ¡ª "Ah, I can''t... stop... my belly hurts so much..." Aster said, his voice shaky from all theughter.


    Silvia wrapped her arms around his neck in one sudden, swift movement and began rubbing her honey-covered face against his. And hair. Especially hair."H-hey! Ew, s-stop!" Aster whispered louder than intended, trying to squirm free. His muffledugh mixed with his sister''s suppressed "Hpmf!" or "Take it!" as they started rolling in the grass, covered in honey, wrestling and struggling.


    ¡ª "Stop, stop. Not here. We are not safe," Aster muttered, his words interrupted by his breathyugh. "Let''s finish this at home. We still have work to do," he managed to say.


    Silvia pulled away and looked down at her little brother, her golden eyes piercing his trembling soul, whispering, "You''re right," before sitting up; her little butt kept shifting from side to side as she sat on his stomach, her thighs and knees pressed against his sides. The girl licked the honey off her lips as she looked around, ensuring no one was there. Then, after a long, calming exhale, she added, "Let''s go... Next time, try not to be an ass and not throw the whole thing on my face, okay?" annoyance was evident in her voice.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster whispered as he got up. He took his cloak and began wiping her pouting, angry face. "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to. How about I give you a shoulder massage tonight? Will you forgive me?" he offered, smiling gently.


    Silvia''s golden eyes nced at his, her lips slowly turning up, a soft "Nuh-uh" escaping her. She then closed her eyes, letting him wipe her face.


    ¡ª "No, huh?" Aster chuckled, continuing the process; her right cheek moved up and down as he brushed the cloth against it. "Alright, how about..." he paused, thinking. "In addition to the shoulder massage, I''ll give your feet a rub. How does that sound?"


    "Better," Silvia mumbled, still not opening her eyes. "But not enough. You were really mean, brother," she added, a tiny pout visible on her lips.


    ¡ª "Full body massage?" Aster chuckled, wiping her nose, causing it to wrinkle cutely. "Until you fall asleep."


    Silvia''s expression immediately changed; her eyes fluttered open, and her yful smile returned. "Deal," she chirped, taking the cloak from his hand and finishing the job, wiping her messy face in one go. "Chop, chop, go climb the tree again. The sooner we finish, the sooner I get my massage," she ordered, taking the sack and collecting the scattered honeb pieces from the ground.


    ¡ª "Yes, ma''am," Aster grinned, quickly giving her a peck on her cheek before running back to the tree. His sticky, silver hair fluttered behind him.


    Psst! Did you know that there are 3 chapters avable on Patreon that haven''t been released to the public yet? And if you Google my nickname, you might just find them.


    Also, you know, this chapter has NSFW art. A juicy one.


    Just saying. No pressure.

 Chapter 69: A flame in your heart

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Aster''s golden eyes fluttered open, noticing a faint glow on the other side of their cave. The firece held a few dying embers, casting a soft orange light that reflected off his sister''s pale skin. She curled up against their mother, her head resting on the curve of her shoulder; asoft, almost inaudible snore escaped her pink lips.


    Aster stirred, feeling his mother''s bare chest beneath him, the rhythmic rise and fall of her ribcage, her heart beating a steady luby against his half-elven ear. He buried his face between two impossibly soft mounds, her breasts, pressing them together around his head with his tiny hands as he inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with his mother''s unique, sweetest scent.


    Six weeks have passed since they found the beehive in the forest, a time filled with gathering food from dawn to dusk. While the days were monotonous and boring, their mornings and evenings were anything but. The best part of his day always was and always will be waking up between his mother''s soft boobs, like now.


    ''What a life,'' Aster sighed contentedly, a small smile tugging at his lips. The morning light was still an hour or so away, judging by theck of illumination from the small hole in the cave ceiling. He wanted nothing more than to drift back into slumber but knew it would be impossible now that he was awake, his mind buzzing with the day ahead.


    Instead, he chose to stay like this, enjoying the warmth of his mother''s body, waiting patiently for dawn.


    His tiny hands continued to gently caress and squeeze her soft breasts, fingers sinking into the plush flesh. asionally, Aster shook them a little, watching in fascination as small waves rippled across her pale skin. But nothingpared to circling his finger around one of her pink nipples, mesmerized by how it slowly hardened under his touch, leaving goosebumps all around it.


    Focusing on the small pink nipple that rose and fell with each breath his mother took, Aster reached out with two of his tiny fingers, gently pinching the bud between them, holding it steady as her breast continued to move beneath his touch. ''Hmm, maybe I woke up early because I''m hungry,'' he mused, releasing her nipple and watching it bounce back into ce.


    Careful not to disturb his mother or sister, Aster wriggled out from under the nkets, his naked body sliding onto the cool stone floor. He stood up, stretching his arms high above his head, a yawn escaping him as he arched his back. His long, silvery hair cascaded down his back, reaching all the way to the base of his spine. ''I should make them a breakfast. It''s been a while since I did that,'' he decided with a smile.The boy shivered slightly as the cold of the stone floor seeped into his bare feet. ''It''s much colder than usual,'' Aster thought, ncing at the firece. He walked towards it, feeling the temperature rise with each step until the warmth of the hot spring embraced him. Kneeling before the fire, Aster gathered some twigs and branches, cing them gently onto the embers. Leaning forward, he blew softly, coaxing the mes back to life.


    As the fire crackled and grew, Aster realized he could have simply used his magic to reignite it instead of getting his head spinning. He chuckled silently at his forgetfulness, pping his cheeks lightly to shake off the remaining sleepiness.


    Grabbing a handful of heating stones, he tossed them into the mes before settling down to watch the dancing mes for a moment and enjoy their heat; the flickering orange light danced on his skinny, naked, andpletely hairless body.


    A few momentster, Aster stood up, taking their biggest wooden bowl. He turned towards the hot spring, eager to prepare a warm and tasty breakfast for his family, almost jumping with every step. The water reflected the growing firelight, shimmering beautifully as the steam rosezily from its surface.


    ...


    The water in the wooden bowl bubbled and hissed as Aster stirred the contents with a worn, hand-carved spoon, asionallyswapping out heating stones to maintain the boil. The smell of mushrooms and herbs filled the cave, teasing his nostrils and making his mouth water. He had been seated here for about an hour, yet the sun still had not risen.


    ''I''m going to be sleepy all day...'' Aster sighed, scooping a steaming spoonful of stew towards his lips. He blew gently on it, creating little ripples in the liquid as he tried to cool it down enough for a taste. But just as the spoon reached his mouth, a soft pair of hands gently wrapped around his chest, and a tender kiss was ced on his left shoulder.


    Aster jumped slightly, barely managing to keep the soup in the spoon from spilling. "Morning, sweetie," Nivalis''s sleepy voice whispered into his ear. Her warm breath tickled his skin as her arms tightened around him, and herrge, soft breasts pressed against his back.


    ¡ª "Good morning, Mom," Aster smiled, tilting his head to the side and offering her the spoonful of food instead of tasting it himself.


    Nivalis hummed eagerly, wrapping her soft, puffy lips around the wooden utensil. She closed her eyes as she savored the meal, her cheeks slightly puffing up before she swallowed. "Mmm... that''s quite good, honey. But maybe a little more herbs?" she suggested, smacking her lips next to the boy''s ear.


    Her hips swayed from side to side as she pressed herself against him, being on all fours right behind him. The curve of her back arched gracefully, making her milky-pale, smooth buttcheeks rise slightly up. Her long, silver hair fell down her slender shoulders and back. Herrge, soft, and perfectly shaped breasts hung below her chest, swaying softly in rhythm with her movements, brushing against the skinny back of her son.


    "Alright," Aster nodded, pinching some additional dried herbs into the bowl and stirring them in thoroughly with the spoon before scooping up another bite for her. He blew on it gently before lifting it to her lips. Nivalis eagerly parted them and swallowed the steaming stew, her delicate throat moving up and down. "Delicious, my little chef," she whispered, kissing his cheek softly.


    ¡ª "It''s a bit cold this morning, isn''t it?" Aster murmured, his golden irises reflecting the dancing mes.


    "Mmmhmm," Nivalis hummed, her chin resting on his bony shoulder. Her delicate hands slid up and down his torso, tracing his ribcage lightly. "Why so early, darling? You''ll be tired all day," she whispered, her silver locks blending with her son''s identical onesas they cascaded down their shoulders.


    ¡ª "I wanted to make you breakfast in bed," Aster confessed, slightly turning his head to look at her. His nose gently brushed against her cheek.


    Nivalis chuckled softly, her blue eyes sparkling in the firelight. "Is that so? What a sweet boy I have," she cooed, hugging him tighter than ever and squishing her breasts against him. "I can go back and pretend I''m still asleep so you can surprise me. Would you like that?"


    Aster smiled sweetly, nodding his head. "Yeah," he whispered.


    "Alrighty. I''ll be waiting in bed," Nivalis replied, about to kiss her son''s cheek again. But Aster turned his head at thest moment, and their lips met instead, just a tiny peck between mother and son. Aster mischievously grinned as they pulled apart, his eyes glinting yfully. "Naughty boy," Nivalis smiled, gently pinching his belly, making him giggle and squirm in her arms.


    ...


    "It was delicious, Asty," Silvia whispered, looking at Aster sitting beside her on the bed, her lips glistening with remnants of mushroom stew. It made her mother lean forward, lick her finger, and gently wipe her girl''s lips. "It''s still dark outside, though. Did you get any sleep?" Silvia mumbled as she got cleaned up, her face scrunching with every little movement of her mother''s finger.


    Aster smiled back at them, setting down the wooden bowl they had all eaten from. "Yeah, I did. I''m not tired at all," he assured, standing up from the bed, his soft, little member pping his pale thigh lightly, making the girls smile at each other. "But I''ve gotta pee like crazy now," he admitted, reaching for his pants.


    "Alright, let''s go outside then," Silvia replied, stretching her arms and yawning widely. She stood up from the bed, her skinny body shivering slightly in the cool morning air as she dressed. "Mom?" she asked, bncing on one foot while trying to slip the other into her pants.


    "Yes, I''ming too," Nivalis replied, holding a hand toward Aster. "Sweetie, could you pass me my pants?"


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster hummed, picking up her clothing from the ground. But instead of simply handing them over, Aster knelt before his mother and gently slipped each of her feet into the pant legs, slowly pulling them up over her smooth thighs, his tiny hands brushing against her soft, hairless skin as he went. When he reached her hips, Nivalis leaned forward and pressed a quick, warm kiss to his lips. "Thank you, my little gentleman," she smiled.


    Aster grinned back at her, and in return, Nivalis helped him into his tunic, her warm hands smoothing the fabric over his skinny frame.


    Once fully clothed, the family walked through the dark cave together until they reached the vine-covered entrance. As they stepped out, the bright sunlight hit them squarely in the face, making all three squint and shield their eyes with their hands.


    ¡ª "Whoa..." Aster whispered as his vision finally adjusted to the harsh brightness. In just one night, the once familiar green forest had fully transformed, a thickyer of snow covering everything around, making the branches of trees droop. Aster looked down, watching snowkes dance around him, feeling the cold wind biting his cheeks and nose, turning them pink.


    They all stood there momentarily, their eyes darting around, unsure how to react to this sudden change. Trees creaked and swayed with the wind. The sound of crunching beneath their boots filled the silence, the snow so thick that their feet sank into it, reaching their ankles. Nivalis broke the silence, her voice barely above the whisper as she said, "Early this year."


    Nivalis pulled both children closer to her, wrapping them in her embrace. Aster and Silvia shivered against her warmth, seekingfort from their mother''s touch. "We talked it through. If we stick to our n, everything will be okay," Nivalis whispered, looking down at them.


    Silvia looked up, her eyes filled with worry. "One meal a day, right?" she asked quietly. "So... we already ate today''s one?" her eyes darted between her little brother and mother.


    "I''m afraid so," Nivalis answered, squeezing the two closer, feeling their petite bodies trembling against hers. "And the portions will be smaller, too," she added, rubbing their backs gently to warm them up.


    Aster nodded, looking at the ground, seeing gentle puffs of steam escaping his lips with each breath; his golden eyes reflected the white snow around them. He was silent for a moment before replying, "Okay."


    The family huddled together for a moment longer, their bodies pressed close for warmth as they watched the thick snowkes whirl around them. The sun was high in the sky, and Aster realized it must be well past noon already. No wonder they had slept through the morning; the heavy snowfall must have blocked the hole in the ceiling.


    "It''s okay, my angels. We''ll manage," Nivalis said softly, smiling at her children despite the situation, her hands still rubbing their backs to keep them warm. "We were preparing for this very moment. Let''s not be sad," she reassured them. Aster and Silvia nodded, their faces still pressed against their mother''s sides.


    Nivalis leaned and kissed their foreheads before releasing them from the embrace. "Who wants to go first?" she asked, their silver hair dancing in the wind.


    "I will," Silvia said quickly, taking a few steps forward. Her brother and mother followed close behind, the snow crunching beneath their boots. The girl stopped beside the nearest tree, turning around to face them. Without saying a word, she started to untie the strings holding her pants in ce, her tiny fingers struggling with the knots in the cold.


    Aster moved closer, taking the strings from her hands. "Here, let me," he whispered, kneeling before her. Silvia nodded, watching her little brother''s nimble fingers untie her pants. A few momentster, Aster pulled them down slowly until they fell around her ankles, revealing her thin, hairless thighs, almost as pale as the snow around her.


    "Stay like this. I''ll be quick," Silvia chirped, gripping her little brother''s shoulders for support as she lowered herself. However, she did so too quickly; her bare bottom identally touched the freezing snow. A gasp escaped her parted pink lips, her petite body shuddering and springing from the sudden cold.


    ¡ª "Why am I doing this? Remind me," Aster mumbled, feeling her fingers digging into his shoulders, his breath forming tiny white clouds. "You can pee by yourself, you know," he grumbled, watching his sister''s annoyed expression as she frantically tried to brush the snow off her little behind with her hand. He could hear a soft chuckle from their mother behind him but chose to ignore it.


    Silvia sighed once she cleaned her behind, tucking a strand of silver hair behind her ear. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, matching his. Silvia''s golden eyes locked onto her brother. She gave him an expression that said, "Don''tin." It''s truly impressivehow she canmunicate so many things with just her facial features.


    When she saw that he was about to say something, she silenced him, "Shh... shh..." while closing her eyes and trying to pee. But she clearly struggled to start, and the more she struggled, the more her cheeks puffed, her face contorting with effort.


    After a long, ufortable moment, Aster finally heard the soft trickle of her warm urine hitting the snow. Her body visibly rxed, and she let out a sigh of relief. "Finally," she whispered, a small smile ying on her lips.


    Aster nced down, watching the tiny stream flow from between his sister''s trembling thighs, disappearing into the thick nket of white. The scent of her piss filled their nostrils, slightly sweet and warm amidst the cold air.


    Silvia flicked his forehead almost immediately, squinting her eyes at him. His golden gaze lingered on her exposed, hairless parts for a moment longer before he looked into her eyes, unsure of what he had done wrong.


    "Don''t stare," she muttered, even as the trickle continued to flow from her. Aster shook his head slightly, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. He patiently waited for her to finish, his eyes darting around their snow-covered surroundings until thest drop fell.


    Aster silently watched as she took some snow in her tiny hand and gently wiped herself before pulling up her pants. Aster tied the strings back for her, making a cute bow to secure them around her skinny waist.


    ¡ª "Alright, finally! My turn," he muttered, quickly getting to his feet. He untied the strings of his pants and pulled them down in one swift motion, startling Silvia enough that she barely managed to step out of the way from his sudden stream of urine, making her yelp in surprise. "Ohh..." Aster sighed in relief, closing his eyes as the snow continued to hiss.


    ...


    ¡ª "Sooo, what are we going to do all day?" Aster asked, stretching out on the bed, his golden eyes fixed on the ceiling above. His sister''s bare feet pressed against his face, her tiny toes poking at him yfully now and then, asionally brushing against his lips or nose. But he didn''t react in any way, feeling toozy to bother.


    "Dunno," Silvia replied, mirroring her brother''s way of lying on the bed. Her long silver hair cascading down over her chest hid her pink nipples, and the warm glow of the fire nearby bathed her pale, smooth skin.


    They had to drag their bed closer to the heat to keep themselves warm as the cold crept into their cave home; their clothesy forgotten all around it. "We can practice spears if you want," she offered, wiggling her toes again, trying to pinch his nose with them.


    ¡ª "Hmm..." Aster hummed, ignoring his sister''s yful toes on his face, every little pad brushing against his cheek or nose as they moved, sliding up and down. His forehead scrunched slightly in thought.


    Nivalis sat nearby, her hands busy knitting with a wooden hook, the threads almost flying through her skilled fingers. Her blue eyes were focused intently on her work, and her lips moved asionally, silently repeating the lyrics of a song she was singing in her mind.


    She stopped when her mind finally caught up with her daughter''s words, making her raise her head. Her voice was soft as she said, "You''ll get hungry if you do that, sweetie. Maybe think of something less... physical, hmm?" Her gaze flickered between her children momentarily before returning to her work.


    "Oh yeah, you''re right," Silvia replied before the silence returned, filled with nothing but the sound of the crackling fire. The girl continued to yfully poke at Aster''s face with her toes for a while longer, asionally letting them brush against his lips, trying to make him react in any way, but he didn''t.


    One little toe found its way into Aster''s mouth, parting his soft lips as it slid between them. Aster let it explore the inside of his warm mouth for a moment before gently biting down on it, giving her a yful warning. Silvia giggled and pulled her foot back, her little toe glistening with his saliva. She went back to poking at Aster''s cheek instead, rubbing the wetness away, making him sigh softly.


    "How about I teach you how to knit, honey?" Nivalis suddenly said, ncing at Aster. Her soft, plump breasts slightly jiggled as she moved her hands, drawing the boy''s attention to them briefly before he looked up into her blue eyes. "You''ve been so busy gathering food for us that you never had a chance to learn. Would you like that?" she asked, her delicate fingers working with the threads effortlessly.


    Aster nodded, his golden irises reflecting the warmth of the fire. "Sure, Mom," he agreed.


    Nivalis''s face lit up with a soft smile. "Alright, sweetie. Come here, I''ll show you how it works," she said, patting the space on their bed beside her.


    Aster tickled his sister''s feet, earning a surprised yelp from the girl, causing her legs to jerk away from him. She pressed her legs against her chest, ring down at Aster with a pout as he chuckled softly. Then, the boy rolled onto his stomach and crawled towards his mother.


    But instead of sitting beside her as Nivalis suggested, Aster parted her legs and slipped between them, resting his back against her belly. His head was now perfectly positioned right between herrge, soft breasts, the warmth enveloping him as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close against her chest.


    "Are you evenfortable like this?" Nivalis giggled, affectionately patting his head. Her gentle heartbeat and breathing filled his ears.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster whispered, tilting his head up to look at her from between her breasts, only to getrewarded with a tender smile from his mother. Her silver locks fell over her shoulders and chest, some strands cascading down onto him as she held him close, her unique, sweet smell filling his nostrils.


    "Okay, watch closely now," Nivalis breathed, unwrapping her arms from around her son to hold the thread and hook in front of him. She began to knit, her fingers expertly handling the thread, twisting and knotting them around the wooden hook to create a new piece of clothing.


    Aster''s golden eyes squinted as he tried to follow his mother''s hands, but his mother''srge, soft breasts kept getting in the way, pressing against his face from both sides, sliding up and down with each movement of her arms. It felt like he got into a pillow fight.


    To get a better view, he had no choice but to part them with his slender arms, but they kept pressing together around him, causing Nivalis to giggle and Aster to sigh in frustration. ''Alright, maybe I picked a bad ce to sit,'' he thought.


    Determined not to give up, Aster lifted each of his mother''s plump, soft breasts with his hands, holding them gently. The tender flesh sank between his fingers, and he could feel their warmth radiating against his palms. "Why are they so heavy?" he muttered, tilting his head back to see his mother''s blue eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "That''s just how they are, honey," Nivalis chuckled, continuing to knit, her son''s fingers sinking deeper into her pale, soft breastflesh, struggling to hold them. "It actually feels nice on my back when you hold them like this. Keep going," she encouraged, smiling down at her boy.


    ¡ª "Show me that thing you do with your finger in the end. I didn''t see it," Aster asked, his eyes finally able to follow the movements of her hands. His golden eyes squinted as he tried to understand how it all worked. His arms began to shake, the weight of her breasts bing a bit too much for his strength.


    "This?" Nivalis whispered, showing him how she twisted thest thread around the hook, tying a knot. "You have to move the hook down and through the loop," she exined, repeating the same motion. "Then, pull it tight. See? It forms a row."


    ¡ª "Oh, okay," Aster nodded. His mother''s breasts bounced slightly as the boy adjusted his grip. "How do you go on to the next line?..."


    Mother and son spent the next fifteen minutes together, with Aster doing his best to learn the basics of knitting while sitting between her legs, her thighs hugging his sides. During this time, no matter how hard it was for him to hold his mother''s breasts, Aster didn''t once let them fall. It was simply a matter of honor for the young boy. A man must never abandon a boob in need.


    Finally, when Aster had seen enough and decided it was time for him to try, Nivalis lifted her little boy onto herp, turning him sideways so he could sit without the weight of her breasts on his arms. The moment he let go of them, a sigh of relief escaped his lips.


    ¡ª "Ohh... my back hurts," Aster sighed, his muscles protesting from holding the heavy mounds for so long. His little bottom sank into her tender thigs, wiggling around slightly before settling down.


    Nivalis chuckled softly when his back cracked a few times, making Aster wince. "Poor thing," she cooed, leaning closer and kissing his cheek.


    The proud expression on Aster''s face, as if he had just aplished something incredible, made Silvia roll her golden eyes. Lying on her belly nearby, she silently watched as her brother carefully grabbed the thread and hook, beginning to work under their mother''s gentle guidance, her fingers helping his. It was a slow, clumsy process, with the wooden hook asionally tangling and creating a mess.


    As he worked, Nivalis began humming a melody, her chest vibrating with each note, her sweet voice filling his ears.


    It wasn''t exactly the same, but the humming reminded Aster of a song he knew fromback on Earth. He joined in, changing the humming slightly to match the song in his head. There were not many things he missed from his previous life, but that old vinyl collectionwas one of them, that''s for sure.


    Aster closed his eyes, feeling his mother''s hand gently patting his head as they hummed together. He tried to remember and trante the lyrics into this world''snguage while keeping the meaning and rhymes intact. The thread and wooden hook stopped moving in his hands; his focus was now entirely on the words trying to form in his mind.


    It was not easy, given the fundamental structural differences between the twonguages. It didn''t help that Aster had not spoken a single word of English since his death. But somehow, the right words came to him before he realized he needed them, almost as if someone were giving him hints.


    After a few minutes of silence, Aster''s soft, high-pitched voice echoed throughout the cave, recing his humming with actual lyrics, the words tumbling out of him without any hesitation or stuttering. "I don''t want to set the world... on... fi-i-ire," Aster began, making Silvia exchange a confused look with her mother. "I just want... to start a me in your heart."


    The two girls exchanged confused nces once again, silently mouthing questions at each other while Aster continued to sing, his eyes remaining closed. "In my heart, I have but one... desi-i-ire," he sang softly, "And that one is you... No other will do."


    Aster didn''t continue with the song because he simply couldn''t remember the rest of it. He was satisfied with what he had managed to recall and trante, so he returned to knitting, his tiny fingers struggling with the thread and hook again. Every time he blinked, his sister''s curious face kept moving closer in his peripheral vision, as if from some horror movie, until her nose finally touched his, her golden eyes squinting at him.


    ¡ª "W-what?" Aster stammered, stopping knitting mid-movement.


    Silvia remained silent for a moment, her eyes scanning his face. Aster nced up at their mother, seeking help, but she also stared at him with a just as surprised look, though she grinned from ear to ear. He looked back at Silvia, smiling awkwardly and whispering, "Um... hi."


    "What was that?" Silvia whispered, not pulling away, her nose still touching his.


    ¡ª "Erm... what was what?" Aster mumbled, scratching his chin. "Oh, the song? Mom hummed something, and I liked it, so I changed it slightly and added words, that''s all."


    "That''s all, huh?" Silvia breathed, repeating his words. She blinked a few times, her long eyshes fluttering, golden eyes darting between his.


    Nivalis finally broke the silence, her soft voice filled with wonder. "That was... beautiful, honey. I''ve never heard anything like this before."@@novelbin@@


    "EXACTLY," Silvia agreed, her sudden loud voice causing Aster to flinch. "You can''t just drop the most romantic lines I''ve ever heard and then act like nothing happened," she added, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him.


    ¡ª "It was?" Aster asked, his head moving back and forth.


    "Duh! me in your... butt! Tell me. How did you do it? Tell me," Silvia demanded, continuing to shake her brother.


    Aster raised his arms, surrendering, a helpless smile on his face. Nivalis chuckled and hugged them, pressing their cheeks against each other''s and making them squirm in her embrace. She whispered a happy "My babies are so talented!" and repeatedly kissed the top of their heads, rocking them both from side to side.


    Meanwhile, Silvia was not ready to let this go without answers, so she had no choice but to tickle Aster''s sides, causing him to squirm andugh even more.

 Chapter 71: Starving

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    In the early morning, the sun struggled to break through the thick cloud cover, and its weak rays couldn''t reach the forest floor below. A bitterly cold wind swept through the pine trees, causing them to sway and creak under the weight of the snow covering their branches.


    Behind the snow-blocked entrance, down the dark and winding tunnely a chamber the Silverfrost family called their home. It was filled with sulfuric air from the hot spring bubbling nearby, the only thing keeping the cave from freezing entirely during the harsh winter months.


    Nivalis and Silvia were huddled under their nkets, sharing body heat to keep warm as they slept. Their chests rose and fell slowly with each shallow breath, their bodies nearly motionless. Their long, silver locks intervened, sprawling across the bed. Aster was sitting nearby, desperately trying to feed his mother with what little food they had left.


    The fire nearby burned low, casting long shadows around the room that danced on the rocky walls. Aster''s golden-bleak eyes reflected the flickering mes, his soft features barely illuminated by the light.


    The boy had dark circles under his eyes, and his once plump cheeks now looked hollow, making him resemble a walking skeleton more than anything else. His skin had taken on an unhealthy gray hue, and he wore a loose-fitting tunic knitted by Nivalis and a scarf given to him by Silvia for his birthday. His tiny round butt peeked from under the tunic, chilled by the cold air in the cave.


    But inparison to his mother and sister, Aster was doing fine. Nivalis, like any loving mother, had made sure that her children ate first before herself. As a result, she was in the worst shape of all three. Her skinny body was now nothing but bones and protruding ribs, her hips sticking out of her pelvis. Her skin, of the same sickly-looking shade as his, moved over her bones as she breathed. She looked incredibly frail; even the slightest gust of wind could blow her away if one suddenly appeared.


    Silvia was not much better off. She, too, had a gaunt, skeletal appearance, though slightly better than her mother''s. The girl spent most of her time sleeping, feeling too weak and exhausted to do anything else.


    ¡ª "Please, Mom, eat," Aster said, his voice hoarse, barely above a whisper, holding a spoonful of honey in his thin, trembling hands."I-it''s fi-ine, swe-eetie. You''re hungry. Ea-at i-it," Nivalis replied weakly, her half-lidded blue eyes looking at him.


    Aster shook his head, tears welling up in his golden eyes. "You and Silvia need it more than I do."


    Nivalis forced a smile, her lips dry and cracked. "I-I''m not... hu-ungry, my love. Eat," she repeated, her hand weakly moving the spoon away he held out to her.The way she looked at him broke his heart. "G-give it to... S-silvia."


    ¡ª "I will eat it with Silvia after you have it," Aster insisted, trying hard to hold back his tears and decided to munch the food for her. In one motion, the boy lifted the spoon, took the crystalized honey into his mouth, and began chewing it thoughtfully, his small jaw struggling with the tough piece.


    Nivalis sighed weakly, her eyes fluttering shut, too exhausted to argue with him.


    Tucking a strand of silver hair behind his ear, Aster leaned closer to his mother, gently pressing his lips against her cracked ones. His tiny, slippery tongue slid past her lips, forcing them open and pushing the mix of his saliva and chewed-up honey inside. The taste of her son''s mouth was just as sweet as the honey he tried to feed her, making Nivalis hum softly.


    Her tongue moved slowly and weakly, swirling around his tiny one, feeling the soft flesh of her son shyly glide over hers, their saliva mixing. After a few seconds, she finally swallowed all the chewed-up honey his little mouth had, feeling it slide down her throat and enter her belly.


    Aster broke the kiss, looking into her blue as the summer sky eyes, his golden ones reflecting the dancing mes of the firece, darted between hers. He gently wiped the corners of her mouth with his fingers, a soft blush on his cheeks and a warm smile gracing his face.


    "Happy now?" Nivalis whispered, her pale lips curling up slightly into a weak smile, her voice barely above a whisper.


    The boy nodded enthusiastically, scooping another spoonful of honey, putting it in his mouth, and chewing it thoroughly, leaving no crumb behind. His golden eyes remained fixed on hers until he leaned over again to feed her the delicious treat. Their soft lips met in a gentle, innocent kiss, the one only a mother and son could share.


    Her thin arms rose and wrapped around his skinny torso, pulling the boy closer. The hem of his tunic rode up, exposing his tiny, pale asscheeks, trembling from the cold. Nivalis parted her lips, allowing his tongue to invade her mouth once again. The hunger she had been trying so hard to hide from her children finally surfaced, making her lips begin to suck on his tiny, slippery tongue, eager to take every drop of sweetness it was coated in.


    Aster''s little hands gently caressed her cheekbones, holding her face still. Even if Nivalis wanted to pull away, he wouldn''t let her. When it was time for the third spoon, Nivalis suddenly whispered the moment he started scooping the honey, "Darling... please don''t. You saw how little we have left. I''ll be okay."


    The boy ignored her, shoved the spoon into his mouth, and diligently chewed the honey. His golden eyes red at her stubbornly.


    Nivalis sighed, looking at the boy above her. "The winter isn''t over, my love," she whispered, taking a deep breath. "I know I''m not looking good, and it''s hard for you to see me like this, but... if you keep this up, none of us will survive it," she exined, her blue eyes filled with tears threatening to spill down her sunken cheeks. "Please save the food for yourself and your sister..."


    Aster''s eyes darted between hers, frowning at her for saying something like that. Then, without a word, he leaned down and pressed his soft, small lips against hers once again, pushing his tiny tongue inside her mouth for her to suck on. Her eyelids fluttered shut as she let out a quiet moan, her arms tightening around him. Her lips began to move up and down his slippery flesh, licking every tiny droplet of sticky liquid off it.


    "I won''t let you starve," Aster murmured against her lips, his little hands caressing her neck, feeling how she swallowed the honey he fed her. "Trust me, Mom. I have a n, a super smart one. Just eat as much as you can, and don''t worry about the rest," he added, licking the corners of her mouth clean.


    Her blue eyes stared at him with both love and worry. She knew that expression on his face; it was always there whenever he did or was about to do something she didn''t like. Nivalis patiently waited for him to reveal his idea, but the boy remained silent after each new kiss full of food he gave her.


    After the seventh spoonful of honey, Nivalis'' stomach couldn''t fit anymore, getting bloated and painful from all the sudden food intake. Aster made her a cup of tea to help calm her stomach down, and after she finished it, she whispered a simple, "Tell me."


    Aster''s little hands gently massaged her belly, his thin fingers tracing circles around her tummy, hoping to ease some of her difort. "You won''t like it," he whispered, a weak smile ying on his pale lips.


    "Tell me," Nivalis repeated, her blue eyes fixed on him, showing no emotion.


    Aster sighed, closed his eyes briefly, and nodded. "I''ll go outside and get food," he breathed, his hands caressing her hip bones.


    Nivalis didn''t reply immediately; she stared at him nkly for a moment, expecting him to tell her it was a joke. When he didn''t, she shook her head. "Absolutely not. You''ll freeze to death out there. And what will you find there? More snow?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡ª "I''ll go to the river-" Aster tried to protest, but his mother wouldn''t have it.


    "If you''re lucky not to get lost, it will take you half a day to get there," Nivalis interrupted him. "Have you seen the amount of snow out there? You''re not going anywhere, my sweet. It''s suicide. Not to mention you have no idea how to catch fish-" Her words were cut off by Aster''s lips suddenly pressing against hers.


    He kissed her softly, shutting her up with a soft peck before pulling away. Nivalis looked at him, about to say something else, when he did it again, interrupting her in the most gentle way possible.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "Mom, trust me, please," the boy whispered, his tiny hands cupping her cheeks, trying to press them together. "Remember that dangerously stupid thing I did with my mana? The one that turned my skin all red and made me faint just outside the entrance?" he asked, squinting one eye at her, already imagining her reaction.


    "Oh gods... No," Nivalis mumbled, covering her eyes with her trembling hand. "Don''t tell me you want to do that again," she breathed, unable to hide the worry in her voice.


    Aster gave her a shy, apologetic smile. "I mean, yeah. But not exactly the same. It doesn''t have to be as extreme," he exined, his thumb gently brushing over her cracked lower lip, making her look at him.


    After one silent moment, he continued, "I just need to figure out how to make my body as warm as possible with my magic. Then, I can easily walk through the snow, no matter how thick and no matter for how long. I will be able to get us as much food as we need," he added, his childish voice filled with determination.


    Nivalis remained silent, her blue eyes filled with concern, darting between his. After a moment, she sighed and mumbled, "This is dangerous. And stupid. What if you-"


    ¡ª "Mhm. It is," Aster cut her off, nodding, smiling weakly. "But I''ve promised my Mom to always protect and care for her, and I''ll keep my word. I won''t let you starve yourself, like it or not. I''ll get you so much food you won''t know what to do with it, and it''s a promise," he said, leaning down and kissing her cheek softly. "So instead of worrying, trust me and my fire magic and try to take another spoon," he whispered, grabbing the worn spoon again and scraping off some more honey from the wooden bowl.


    Nivalis chuckled weakly, rolling her blue eyes at him. "I don''t think I can, sweetie," she breathed, shaking her head slightly. "My stomach is so full, I might puke."


    ¡ª "Half a spoon, then. And I''ll massage your tummy more," Aster grinned at her, bringing the spoon to his lips, not letting her argue. Nivalis sighed, watching her son chew the honey, waiting for his sweet kiss.


    ...


    Aster sat beside Nivalis for over an hour, gently rubbing her sunken stomach with his tiny hands. He helped soothe the difort of the seven-and-a-half spoonfuls of honey she managed to eat and help her fall asleep. Her belly gurgled, growled, and made all kinds of strange noises as the honey slowly moved through her digestive system; his tiny fingers felt every little movement of her insides.


    As her eyelids slowly fluttered shut and her breathing turned steady, the boy stopped massaging her and gently pulled the nket up to her neck. Aster kissed her forehead softly, tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear, and quietly got up, stretching his bony arms above his head.


    All the muscles he tried to work on, however small they might have been before, disappeared entirely, leaving his limbs looking like sticks with some skin on them.


    With the wooden bowl containing the rest of the honey in hand, Aster approached his sleeping sister. Silviay on her side, the nkets slipped off her shoulders, revealing her knees pressed tightly against her bare chest. Her silver hair sprawled across her face, hiding most of her features; only her chin was visible, a trickle of drool staining her mother''s arm below.


    Aster sighed and gently wiped his sister''s lips with his sleeve before tucking her hair behind her pointed ears. "Wake up, sleepyhead," he whispered, cing his palm on her shoulder and giving her a gentle shake. The girl stirred slightly but didn''t wake up immediately. Aster waved the wooden bowl before her face, trying to tempt her awake with the sweet scent of honey.


    Silvia licked her lips, swallowing reflexively, and repeated, "Honey?". Her nose twitched as the sweet smell hit her, causing her long eyshes to flutter open. Her tired, golden eyes widened, focusing on the bowl her brother held, then looked up at him.


    ¡ª "Here, eat it," Aster said, smiling, offering her the spoon.


    "We can''t, Asty... We can''t," Silvia replied, pulling the nket up to hide her face from the sweet smell, trying to resist the temptation. "Please take it away. I already ate it... two days ago. I''m not hungry," her voice muffled by the nket.


    Aster fell silent momentarily, staring at the glistening honey in the bowl. He so desperately wanted to eat it himself. The smell of it alone made his head dizzy. Every single minute of him holding it, not eating it, was torture. But he knew his mother and sister needed it more than he did. "Come on, sis, eat," the boy breathed, scooping a spoonful and gently tugging the nket down. "Mom has already eaten. You should, too."


    The girl''s cute nose appeared first, sniffing the air. "Really?" she asked, her eyes peeking from underneath the covers, then her mouth, whispering a surprised, "She has? Why? It''s not time for our next meal."


    ¡ª "I made her eat it," Aster nodded. "Now, open up. It''s not going to eat itself."


    "I don''t wa-A!" Silvia''s voice turned into a surprised squeal. Her lips closed around the spoon as her brother shoved it into her mouth, causing her almost to choke. Her golden eyes red at him angrily, but she obediently chewed and swallowed the honey, licking the wooden spoon clean.


    Aster watched her lick her pink, puffy lips, enjoying thest traces of sweetness. "Now eat the rest. I have to do something, and I need you to watch over me, just in case," he whispered, handing her the bowl.


    "Watch over you?" Silvia asked, confused, taking the offered bowl and immediately began scooping up the honey.


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster hummed, taking off his tunic and scarfand gettingfortable beside her, only the orange glow of the firece covering his naked, sickly-looking body. "That thing I did that made my skin red, remember? I want to experiment with it to see if it can help me be outside without freezing my butt off."


    "But... but it''s dangerous," Silvia frowned, the spoon hovering above the bowl, her golden eyes looking at him worriedly. "And painful..."


    ¡ª "A bit, yeah," Aster shrugged, smiling at her. "But if I make it work, I''ll be able to bring food for Mom to get better. And maybe it could even get us through the rest of the winter," he exined, lying on his back, his palms resting on his chest. "You just stay here and enjoy your honey. If I faint or do something unusual, use that mana thingy you didst time, okay?"


    "O-okay... Be careful, please," the girl whispered, her golden eyes filled with worry, wandering over his naked body. She crawled closer to him, still clutching the bowl of honey like it was the greatest treasure, getting her head on his bare thighs, her hair sprawling across his skin. "Is this fine?" she mumbled, taking a spoonful of honey and bringing it to her mouth.


    ¡ª "Yeah," Aster nodded, touching her silver head and ruffling her silky hair. His soft, little member was almost directly in front of her face, but she didn''t seem to pay much attention to it. She was just happy to have her belly filled once again, making her smack her lips and hum from the sweetness.


    Aster took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began focusing on his heartbeat, rxing his mind and body. ''Alright, I just need to ignite my mana and hold it without casting any spells,'' he thought, biting his lower lip, his hands on his chest moving intact with his ribs. ''Ugh... It''s going to hurt.''


    ''It''s okay, you can do it,'' the boy thought, feeling the warmth spread through his chest, his heart beating faster. His palms began to sweat, and his breath quickened. One minute turned into five, and the dull pain inside his chest slowly increased, spreading.


    "Are you okay?" Silvia asked, gently tapping his thigh with her fingers.


    ¡ª "Mmm... Yeah. I... ignited one-third of... what I did back then," Aster replied, gritting his teeth and swallowing. Sweat covered his forehead, his silver hair clinging to his skin. "I want to get used to it... T-then try to walk with it a b-bit."


    "I''m here if you need anything," Silvia whispered, her voice sounding distant in his ears.


    ¡ª "I-I kno-ow... Thanks," Aster groaned, his back arching slightly, his legs tensing, toes curling. "I forgot how bad it hurt," he whispered, his palms sliding along his ribs, the sweat causing them to glide smoothly.


    "Just be careful... Don''t push yourself," Silvia replied, starting to massage his thigh with her free hand, her little fingers tracing circles on his glistening skin, up to his hips, and then back down. Her voice was nothing but a gentle whisper; her warm, humid breaths brushed against his little shaft and tiny, hairless balls, causing them to twitch faintly.


    The boy clenched his jaw and nodded, his chest heaving up and down as he struggled to hold the mana inside. Every breath hurt. Each heartbeat sent a wave of pain through his body. But with each passing minute, it was getting easier, if only a bit.


    ¡ª "H-how''s the honey?" he managed to ask, trying to take his mind off the pain. A small smile appeared on his pale, sweaty face, eyes still closed.


    Silvia looked up at him, her lips smacking around the wooden spoon. A tiny drop of honey fell from her lips,nding on his thigh, right beside his soft, pink little member. "Good... oh, one moment," the girl mumbled, noticing the sticky drop. Without thinking and with the belief that no food should go to waste, she bent her head, her hot, wet tongue slid out of her mouth, andpped the sweet liquid from his skin, just next to his tiny,id penis.


    One little movement to the side, and she would have tasted her little brother in a way no sister should. The smell of his sweaty balls filled her nostrils, making her pull away, her nose wrinkling cutely.


    Meanwhile, Aster remained silent, the pain in his chest so great that he didn''t even notice the faint movement of her tongue. "Everything alright?" he asked.


    Lying her head back down and licking the honey off her lips, the girl continued, "Mhm. I haven''t eaten this much in a while," she whispered with a satisfied smile.


    ¡ª "I''m d. Try to finish the bowl," Aster whispered with a slight tremble in his voice, his stomach making a quiet growl. Hearing it, Silvia got on all fours and crawled closer to his face without saying a single word. Curious about what she was up to, the boy slightly opened his golden eyes only to see her bulging cheeks stained with honeying closer.


    Silvia leaned down, waiting for her little brother to part his lips. When he did, she let the thick, thoughtfully chewed honey drip into his open mouth. A long, golden string, a mix of her saliva and honey, stretched from her lips to his, glistening in the fire''s light. Aster closed his eyes, swallowing the sweet treat, feeling the thick liquid move down his throat, entering his empty stomach.


    "Want more?" Silvia whispered, licking her lips and wiping the corners of her mouth with her palm.


    ¡ª "Nah," Aster replied, smacking his lips together. "I''m good. I''ve already eaten when I fed Mom," he lied, not wanting to take more food from her.


    Silvia hummed in response and lowered herself to his chest. Her ear was right above his heart, listening to the steady, strong beat. His bony chest radiated incredible heat, making her feel warm and cozy as she pressed her cheek against it. Her head moved up and down with each breath he took, a worried golden gaze fixed on his sweaty face.


    Her legs curled against her chest when Aster''s fingers found their way into her silver hair, gently caressing and scratching her scalp.


    ...


    From one wall to the other, Aster slowly walked around their cavern. His heavy breathing filled the otherwise silent room. His bare feet shuffled against the stone floor, his legs trembling, struggling to keep him upright. With every breath, a sharp, piercing pain spread through his entire body, making him wince and whimper quietly. Yet, he continued for his mother and sister; he knew he had to do it, no matter what. He already promised to.


    Silvia initially walked beside him, making sure he wouldn''t fall. But as he got used to the pain, Aster made her return to bed and finish the bowl of honey. She sat near their sleeping mother, hugging her knees, with her golden eyes closely watching his every step. "It doesn''t look good," the girl whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Aster nodded. "Not even a little," he admitted, turning and walking to the other side of the room, repeating his slow walk back and forth. His body swayed from side to side as he walked, each step taking more effort than usual. After over three hours of holding his mana inside his chest, his skin began to take on a faint shade of red.


    "But I''m getting better, slowly, but I do," the boy breathed, wincing from the pain. Sweat dripped from his chin and onto the ground. "Let''s go to the entrance. I want to check if I can get cold," he whispered, turning towards her.


    Silvia sighed, got up, and stretched her arms, her bones popping and cracking. She walked over to him without putting on any clothes, taking his sweaty, trembling hand in hers. The natural coldness in her limb felt heavenly against his burning, feverish skin. "Alright," she whispered, intecing their tiny fingers together as they headed towards the cave entrance.


    Aster and Silvia slowly walked through the dark, winding tunnel, their bare feet echoing against the rocky walls. Without any light to guide them, the kids knew every step they had to take.


    "I haven''t been outside since forever," Silvia whispered as her shoulder gently bumped into her brother''s. "Uggh... It''s so cold here. I should have put on some clothes," she breathed, goosebumps forming on her petite body.


    ¡ª "Is it?" Aster replied softly, barely feeling any cold himself. It was a good sign.


    "Mhm," Silvia hummed, a shiver running through her body. "Let''s hurry," she said, quickening her pace.


    When they finally reached the entrance, it didn''t get any brighter; not a single ray of light came through the snow that blocked it. Only the muffled sound of the howling wind reached them from outside. Aster felt his sister trembling heavily against him, her fingers shaking in his hand. He released her hand and stepped closer to the pile of snow, scooping up a handful.


    ¡ª "I barely feel it," the boy said happily, his fingers closing around the snow, then tossing it away.


    "N-not f-fair," Silvia mumbled, her teeth chattering loudly.


    ¡ª "This is incredible," Aster whispered, stepping onto the snow barefoot. It was cold but not as terrible as it should be. He began climbing the pile, getting his feet to sink deeper into the snow with each new step, only to dig a narrow hole to peek outside. As soon as his eyes met the bright, blinding light of the outside world, he had to immediately turn his head, his hand shooting up to cover his face.


    The fresh airing through the small hole felt incredible on his hot skin, like a gentle breeze on a summer evening. However, Silvia seemed to disagree, hissing away her entire vocabry of swear words behind him. A chuckle escaped his lips as he watched her pale, clenched buttcheeks rushing away from the entrance, disappearing back into the darkness of the tunnel.


    With the brightest of smiles, Aster turned his gaze toward the light again, squinting as he nced through the narrow hole in the snow. He had seen the surroundings countless times, but they were now almost unrecognizable; white covered the forest, and no green spot was in sight. He took a few more deep breaths, feeling the snowkes whirl inside and touch his hot skin, only to melt away instantly.


    "Hurry up, you doofus!" Silvia''s soft voice chirped from the tunnel. "I can''t feel my fingers anymore!"


    ¡ª "Alright, alright. Let''s get you warmed up," Aster chuckled, his naked body sliding down the pile of snow. The miserably looking Silvia reached for him the moment he was within her reach, and they both hurried down the tunnel.


    "You better save that mana for me, mister," Silvia whispered, leading her slightly red brother towards the bed.


    ¡ª "Yes, ma''am," Aster replied, giving her a weak, tired smile.

 Chapter 75: Worst fears

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    With the arrival of spring, the snow that had brought hunger and suffering to the Silverfrost family finally melted away, revealing the forest''s beauty again. For the first time in many months, they could breathe freely, see the sun that would warm their skin, and feel the gentle caress of the wind on their faces. It was the best feeling in the world.


    Thanks to Aster''s efforts and determination, the family no longer had to worry about their bellies growling in pain or the horrible headaches caused by constant starvation. Every three days, the boy would go out with his two spears and a to catch as many fish as possible and return home to feed his girls, who awaited his safe return.


    Silvia and Nivalis looked much better now, no longer as gaunt and sickly as they used to be. Their pale skin no longer had that greyish hue, and their bones no longer protruded from under their skin like before. Aster couldn''t feel happier when the rosy color returned to their faces, making it worth all the effort.


    Aster also began recovering, though a bit slower than the two, still being a bit on the skinny side. After all, his trips outside the cave were exhausting beyond what he thought possible. But at least he didn''t see those strange, nt-like creatures he witnessed on his first trip outside anymore. Aster tried his best to avoid the northern parts of the river, so maybe this is why.


    However, even though the snow was gone and it became so much easier for them to find food and survive, dangers they never forgot about were lurking in the shadows ¡ª goblins. Although the silver-haired family had not spotted any goblin tracks around their cave yet, they knew it was just a matter of time before these vile creatures would find them.


    The ce Aster spent all his life in became too dangerous for them to stay longer. After countless discussions and careful nning, the family finally decided that this was the time to leave ¡ª to find a new, much safer ce to call home.


    ...


    The sun still hadn''t peeked over the horizon, hours away from it; the gentle wind yed with the branches and leaves, creating a calming rustle that filled the otherwise peaceful and quiet forest, only sometimes interrupted by the distant hoots of owls. The grass below the trees glistened with dew, each de a tiny mirror reflecting the cold moonlight.The early morning felt typical and ordinary, much like any other before this day. But today was different... Today was the day they had nned for the past few months. They spent their final hours huddled together in their cozy cave, nestled within a warm embrace of nkets beside the ever-bubbling hot spring. Those nkets were worn from years of extensive use, yet they always provided a feeling of safety and coziness. They felt like home.


    "Hey, Asty?" Silvia whispered, her soft lips barely moving against Aster''s neck as shey right on top of him. Their naked, petite bodies were pressed together like two fitting puzzles, like two spoons in a drawer. Their silver hair tangled together, covering their shoulders and making it impossible to tell where his ended and hers began. The flickering mes of the nearby fire cast shadows that danced across their skin of the same pale hue.


    Aster hummed in response, his sleepy eyes fluttering open slightly. "Yes?" he breathed out, his fingers gently caressing the curve of her spine, slowly tracing up and down, stopping just above the little roundness of her buttocks.


    Silvia shifted, lifting her chin to look down at her brother, her pointy nose brushing against his cheek. She smiled and pecked his soft, slightly parted lips, tasting the remnants of their breakfast on them. "Mmm," Silvia hummed, smacking her lips together. "Are you nervous?" she whispered, her golden eyes locking with his.


    ¡ª "Terribly," Aster admitted, brushing a strand of her hair behind her pointy ear. "Are you?" he asked in return, his fingers gently tugging at her delicate earlobe, which the girlpletely ignored.


    "Mhm," Silvia nodded, leaning down to nuzzle into the crook of his neck again, her voice muffled by his skin. "What if something goes wrong? We don''t know what could be there. Anything could happen," she sighed, wrapping her arms tightly around his chest, squeezing him as hard as her tiny muscles allowed. Her little toes wiggled nervously, getting intertwined with his.


    ¡ª "We''ve been preparing for this day for months. We practiced our magic. We have a lot of supplies. We''ll be fine," the boy reassured her, trying to keep his voice steady and confident despite the butterflies fluttering in his stomach this entire morning. "Once we get into the dark forest, all we need to do is stay quiet until we find a way out," Aster added, gently massaging the back of her delicate neck.


    "Okay," Silvia nodded again, turning her head at the nearby fire, only to notice their packed leather backpack and two smaller, handmade, ugly-looking ones beside it. A long sigh escaped her lips as she felt a sudden wave of anxiety wash over her. "You''re right. We''ll be fine," she mumbled, trying to fight the feeling.


    ¡ª "Exactly," Aster smiled, kissing her silver hair gently, bringing a smile to her pink lips.


    "What''s my little lovebirds chirping about?" Nivalis chuckled at her own words, turning to face her children. Shey on her side, her head propped up on her palm, her long silver hair cascading over her bare chest, which seemedrger now that she had regained some weight. A soft smile yed on her lips as she gently caressed their young faces.


    "Just being anxious," Silvia admitted, smiling weakly at her mother. "And Asty wasforting me."


    "Oh, sweetie," Nivalis breathed, wiggling closer to her children and cing her hand on the girl''s little buttcheeks, giving her aforting pat. "It''s perfectly normal, my love. I feel the same way, too," she admitted, looking at both her babies, at their soft, youthful faces, noticing how incredibly simr they looked together, to the point where they could pass as twins. Even their height matched perfectly. "Everything will be alright, I promise. Just remember... no matter what happens, we must not separate, alright? Ever."


    Aster and Silvia nodded. "Yes, Mom," they replied, in perfect sync.@@novelbin@@


    Nivalis''s blue eyes softened, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Good. Now let''s catch a bit more sleep, alright? There''s still time," she whispered, covering them with the nket and earning some more nodding from them.


    After a few minutes of silence, a mischievous grin appeared on Aster''s face. He moved his lips closer to Silvia''s ear, barely moving them, his voice nothing more than a breathy whisper: "I have an idea. Asilly one, but you will like it."


    Silvia hummed in response, her head tilting slightly to look up at him, her long eyshes brushing against his cheek. "Tell me," she breathed, a soft smile on her puffy lips that looked just like the smaller version of her mother''s.


    ¡ª "Remember, uh... how we used to drink mom''s milk all the time?" Aster whispered, his cheeks flushing a soft pink, his golden eyes flicking to his mother''s chest. Her breastsy there, big, plump, and milky-white, with nipples that looked irresistibly inviting right now. "What if we pretend she still has milk?" he asked shyly.


    Silvia giggled, her body squirming against him, a yful spark in her golden eyes. "This is so stupid, Asty. I like it," she whispered back with a chuckle, then paused, considering the idea. "How should we do it?"


    ¡ª "Just... act like she still has milk. You know how much she loved it when we were little. If we pretend to drink it, maybe she''ll y along," Aster suggested, his hand moving to give Silvia''s butt a soft, yful p, making her giggle even more. Aster could tell she loved an idea.


    "Hehe, okay, follow my lead," Silvia agreed, pushing the nket that covered them both. She carefully got on all fours, her little pale butt wiggling in the air happily as she crawled around their mother to get to her left side. Her golden eyes locked onto the big, soft breasts resting on the sides of her chest, nipples begging to be sucked.


    Silvia''s t torso lowered, and her tiny hands reached out to cup her mother''s breast, feeling its weight and warmth. The girl''s pink tongue darted out to wet her lips as she leaned in closer, her heart pounding with excitement. She took the delicate nipple between her even more delicate lips, slowly coating it with saliva. A soft hum escaped Silvia''s mouth as she sucked gently, rolling her mother''s nipple around on her tongue.


    "Hmm?" Nivalis mumbled sleepily, stirring from her slumber as something soft and wet enveloped one of her sensitive nipples. A gentle tug sent a jolt through her body, making her moan softly. Her blue eyes fluttered open to find Silvia, her sweet daughter, on her side, snuggled close to her and suckling her breast like she used to when she was younger, back when Nivalis still had milk.


    A surprised, amused gasp escaped Nivalis''s throat as she ran her fingers through Silvia''s hair. "Honey, what are you doing?" she chuckled, her voice still heavy with sleep. But the girl ignored her, continuing her little game, her delicate lips tugging gently at her mother''s nipple, making wet, slurping sounds.


    Silvia ignored the question. Her body wiggled and squirmed as she suckled, her spine arching beautifully, pushing her little pale butt into the air. Her eyes were closed, a look of pure contentment on her face. Nivalis couldn''t help but smile at her daughter, enjoying seeing this baby side of her.


    Then, much to Nivalis''s surprise, a soft, shy voice spoke up from her other side. "Mommy? Can I have some milk, too?" Aster, her precious baby boy, asked, his big golden eyes looking up at her with an innocence that made her heart flutter. However, a yful expression on his face that appeared a secondter hinted that it was all just some game.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but giggle at the question. "Asty, what''s gotten into you two this morning?" sheughed, watching her son move closer to her left breast, his little fingers touching it gently. He lowered himself just like Silvia did, his soft lips wrapping around her nipple.


    Her children suckled together now, their gentle pulling sending a tingling sensation down Nivalis''s spine. The sight of them was so innocent and sweet that she felt her heart melting in her ribcage. She missed these moments so much, the closeness, the intimacy, the pure love between them all. Her fingers ran through both children''s silky silver hair as they suckled on her swollen nipples, their wet lips tugging gently at the sensitive flesh.


    Nivalis hugged them closer, feeling their warm, petite bodies pressed against hers. She could feel every little curve as they squirmed and wiggled, their breaths hot on her skin. "Oh, my little loves. You two are so silly," she whispered, a soft smile ying on her plump lips.


    "Hmm," Silvia hummed, looking up at her mother with a yful glint in her golden eyes. She pulled her head back, letting the nipple slide from her mouth with a soft ''pop,'' giggling right after. Her cheeks flushed pink as she whispered, "We decided to pretend you have milk again. I missed it."


    Nivalis couldn''t help but chuckle warmly at her daughter''s words. She gently caressed the girl''s rosy cheek with her thumbs, feeling its softness. "Well, if that''s what my two babies want," she cooed softly. Nivalis then looked down at Aster, who was still suckling hungrily on her other nipple, his big eyes closed in pure contentment.


    "Be a good boy, okay?" Nivalis whispered, lightly pinching Aster''s cheek to get his attention. "Don''t suck too hard or bite like you usually do," she added with a loving smile, knowing all too well how enthusiastic her son could be when it came to nursing.


    Aster pulled his mouth away from her nipple and looked up at her, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Okay, Mom," he whispered, his voice soft and sheepish. He returned his lips to her swollen, pink nipple, his eyes fluttering closed as he savored his mother''s taste. Aster gently massaged the sensitive nub with his mouth, feeling it harden with each gentle flick of his wet tongue.


    Nivalis hummed in satisfaction, her head restingfortably on the soft bedding. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of being suckled by her two babies. Their gentle pulling and tugging at her nipples felt incredible, sending waves of pleasure through her body. She wished they could stay like this in their cozy little cave, just the three of them, and forget that the outside world existed.


    But as much as she wanted to, Nivalis knew they couldn''t stay here any longer. The sun would rise soon, and it was time for them to leave their home behind and venture into the unknown. So, she took a deep breath, letting the siblings nurse on her for a little longer before facing whatevery ahead.


    ...


    ¡ª "If you ever feel scared, just take my hand, alright?" Aster whispered, adjusting the handmade backpack on Silvia''s delicate shoulders. He watched as she nodded shyly in response, her golden eyes flicking up to meet his before quickly darting away again.


    The girls made the backpack while Aster was out fishing, a small project they spent a lot of time together on. Though it looked somewhat flimsy at first nce, it is surprisingly durable. It is a perfect solution for carrying their belongings instead of holding everything in their hands or making a sled.


    The backpack was mostly filled with food ¡ª all the fish Aster had managed to catch and store over the past few months. Just enough room was left for essential items like cooking utensils and spare clothing they had knitted themselves. Aster had the same one, only slightly heavier.


    Noticing the haphazardly tied knot at Silvia''s waist that held her pants up, Aster couldn''t help but quietly chuckle. "How about your mana? Does it hurt a lot?" he asked, crouching before her. He reached out and gently untied the knot, his fingers working deftly to create a cute little bow from the two straps.


    Silvia looked down at Aster''s fingers, her golden eyes watering slightly as her lower lip trembled. "N-no, it''s okay," she whispered, trying to hide the pain of having mana inside her, unused, simr to how Aster did it. The pain of having her mana inside her was terrible, and the thought of walking through the forest full of those creatures was horrifying. She was incredibly scared, more than she wanted to admit.


    Aster gently touched her knees, causing her to look up at him, her long eyshes glittering with tears. "Liar," he whispered, standing up and carefully wiping a tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb. "If it gets too bad, tell me, alright? We can do our thing," he added, helping her get into her disguise cloak simr to the one he already wore.


    Silvia weakly nodded and offered a faint smile before he gently covered her with a cloth to hide the paleness of her skin. "Okay," she sniffed, and after a moment of hesitation, she took his hand and interlocked their fingers tightly, just like he asked her to do if she ever felt scared. Aster didn''t utter a word. He reassuringly squeezed Silvia''s soft hand, feeling her cold skin against his own.


    Over the past two months, Silvia had been practicing holding her mana without using it, a technique that helped Aster get food in the freezing winter months. But the best part was not the warmth it gave but that it allowed you to cast your first spell much faster, almost instantly.


    It could be their saving line in case of ambush or sudden danger, so they spent countless hours practicing it together and getting used to the pain it caused.


    It required a lot of mana invasion going back and forth, a process when one sibling prates the mana of the other. Sometimes, they had to do it twice daily to fight her body''s trembling or Aster''s sweating and redness, as this technique caused a lot of it. It made Aster and Silviapletely dependent on each other, though they didn''t mind. Truthfully, they grow to like this strange connection of their mana, of his fire and her ice, as if it''s how it was always meant to be.


    Nivalis stood at the entrance of their cave, her blue eyes scanning the world outside through the veil of vines. Her bow was clutched tightly in her hands, arrows sticking out from the leather backpack on her back. "Alright, everything seems quiet outside," she whispered, facing her two children."Are we ready?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    "Y-yes, Mom," Silvia replied, her voice cracking slightly as she squeezed her little brother''s hand tighter.


    ¡ª "Yep. Let''s do this," Aster said, forcing a reassuring smile onto his face before covering his face with a cloth.


    "Great. Then let''s go," Nivalis said, pushing aside the vines and stepping out into the morning forest. Her children were close behind, and both carried spears of the same height.


    As soon as they left the safety of their cave, a strong gust of wind whipped against their cloaks, causing them to wave and rustle. Without exchanging a word, the mother and her kids began moving south, trying their best to be as quiet as possible. Their boots had a soft cushion of twigs and leaves attached to the bottom, allowing them to walk almost silently and leave little to no tracks behind.


    The forest around them was alive; birds chirped, squirrels darted up and down the trees, and the fresh spring grass swayed gently in the sunlight, glistening with dew. The breeze carried the sweet scent of wildflowers, tickling their noses as they walked.


    Despite the beauty surrounding them, the trio couldn''t shake off the constant dread that gripped their hearts, making them beat wildly against their ribcages. Their stomachs churned in knots, and their mouths felt parched with fear. They knew all too well that goblins could lurk anywhere, hidden in the shadows, ready to ambush them at any moment. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made them freeze, their heads whipping around as they searched for whatever caused the sound.


    Aster kept stealing nces at his mother, her blue eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, searching for any sign of movement. He could see the tension in her shoulders, how nervous and worried she was, and how tightly she gripped her bow, making her knuckles turn white. Even though the wound on her leg had healed during the winter, a small limp was still noticeable whenever she put weight on her left foot.


    Silvia clung to Aster''s side like a frightened kitten, not wanting to let go even for a second. Every sudden noise made her whole body tremble like a leaf in the wind. She would squeeze his hand tightly, her breathing in rapid gasps, her golden eyes darting everywhere in fear.


    Though Aster wasn''t that different, he tried his best not to show it, knowing it would only make his sister feel even worse. ''Just another small trip to the river. You did this many times before,'' he thought, his fingers gripping the spear''s handle tighter. But the moment he told himself so, his thoughts soon got interrupted by a sudden, terrifying scream from behind. ''Oh, fuck-''


    "WAAAH!" a high-pitched shriek pierced the calm morning air, making every hair on their bodies stand up. ''Why it has to happen now? WHY?! This damn forest...'' Aster cursed, looking at his mother.


    Nivalis was the first to react, nocking an arrow onto her bowstring and waiting patiently for the creature to appear. "Be ready, my loves," she whispered, her voice barely audible yet firm, trying to hide the nervousness that shook her hands slightly.


    Silvia and Aster froze in ce, their bodies stiffening in shock. The girl''s eyes widened, and her breath hitched as she pointed at a nearby tree with her spear. "There!" she whimpered. A small grey creature stumbled from behind the tree, its red eyes locked onto them. Its sharp teeth were bared in an open, grinning mouth, and a dark drool dripped to the ground.


    An arrow flew through the air almost immediately with a sharp whistle, piercing the goblin''s throat and making the grin disappear. It let out a pained gurgle as it fell to the ground with a loud thud, its limbs iling wildly. Blood poured from the wound, staining the fresh spring grass red. "Grlgh! Gurg!"


    As the goblin released its final gurgle, more screams echoed through the forest,ing from all directions. Branches snapped, twigs crunched underfoot, and leaves rustled as if the woods themselves were about to chase them down.


    "Run! Run now!" Nivalis cried out, her voice shaking as she nocked another arrow onto her bowstring. "I''ll be right behind you," she promised, eyes wide and nervously darting around.


    When Aster heard her words, his legs began to move as if on their own, dragging Silvia along with him, his heart pounding like a drum. He heard the twang of another arrow loosed from his mother''s bow, followed by another goblin''s scream. "Mom!" he yelled, ncing back.


    "I''m okay! Keep running!" Nivalis shouted, her voice strained as she began running as well. The pain in her leg shot through her entire body, but she tried not to show any of it, not in front of her children. Soon enough, she managed to catch up but struggled to keep up with their pace.


    As they ran deeper into the forest, the goblins'' screams and cries grew louder and closer. Aster felt like someone shoved a molten rod into his chest; the pain from having his mana ignited was almost unbearable. However, the fear of them getting caught by those creatures was much stronger, driving him to move forward despite how much it hurt.


    Silvia, however, was in even more pain than her brother. While she had a lot of practice holding the freezing mana inside her, Aster simply had grown more to the pain during his fishing trips. Her entire body uncontrobly trembled as they ran, her legs struggling to carry her. "I-I c-can''t..." she whimpered, tears welling in her golden eyes.


    Nivalis scooped up the girl without breaking stride and threw her over her shoulder. "Hold tight, sweetie. I got you," she panted, sprinting behind Aster. Well, "sprinting" might be too generous a term for how she ran, but she did her best.


    Time seemed to blur as they jogged; it felt like they were making a three-hour trip in twenty minutes. Aster continuously checked behind him to ensure his mother and sister were keeping up, and they did. The boy cast one spell after another on himself, strengthening his body and lessening the pain in his chest simultaneously, and damn it was a good feeling. At some point, he heard Silvia using her magic as well,unching icicles at the goblins behind them, the spell making an impressive amount of noise.


    Aster nced back again, only to see her little butt moving up and down on Nivalis'' shoulder, trembling visibly from using her magic way too much. She must have used all the ignited mana and began casting spells normally. Her thighs were wrapped tightly by their mother''s hands, ensuring she wouldn''t fall off.


    Soon enough, Aster could see the river glistening in the distance through the gaps in the trees, and relief washed over him like a warm nket on a cold winter night. A tired smile appeared on his face as he nced behind, "Look! We''re almost there!" he yelled, sprinting faster, his heart pounding wildly.


    The forest opened up, revealing the wide river. Without hesitation, Aster grabbed his mother''s hand, and they dove into the ice-cold water with a loud ssh, submerging themselvespletely. The horrible feeling of cold pierced his skin, and not even his mana could help much. He held his breath and swam underwater, kicking his feet frantically; his small hand never let go of his Nivalis'' as she swam alongside him, still carrying Silvia.


    Their n to quietly build a raft to cross the river was nothing now but a distant memory.


    The strong current carried the trio swiftly along, struggling to poke their heads out for air even for a second. The sounds of the screaming goblins quickly disappeared, reced by the sounds of the roaring water. Aster lost his spear somewhere in the chaos, but that hardly mattered anymore. He couldn''t tell how long they spent swimming, but his lungs screamed in agony when his feet finally hit the muddy bottom of the opposite shore.


    With a final burst of energy, Aster gasped for air, his fingers digging into the muddy bank as he dragged himself out of the freezing river, only now releasing his mother''s hand. Panting heavily, he crawled onto the soft grass, copsing onto his back. The clear blue sky above him was a beautiful sight after all that had happened.


    But when he turned his head to the side, expecting to see his mother smiling back at him, he witnessed something far worse than any goblin or monster could ever be. Nivalis was crying on top of Silvia, holding her tight, her body shaking with sobs. The girl did not move; her lips were blue, and her skin was pale as snow.


    Aster''s heart skipped a beat before pounding faster than ever before in his life. "S-Silvia?" he whispered, crawling towards them, his voice barely audible over the sound of the river.

 Chapter 77: In between

    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The sun shone brightly overhead, casting its warm rays upon the little girl lying naked on the soft grass, green des of spring grass tickling her pale skin. It had been less than half an hour since Aster''s thingy calmed down and stopped twitching and throbbing so much between her buttcheeks. Shortly after that, he moved his hips away from her little behind but not breaking their cuddle, still lying behind her.


    The siblingsy together in awkward silence, watching the mes dance before their eyes and enjoying each other''s warmth. But their thoughts were far away, upied by what had happened earlier. Neither could stop thinking about it, reying their sensations repeatedly in their heads.


    Silvia couldn''t shake the feeling of her brother''s stiff, warm member twitching against her little hole, how it poked against it tenderly with each throb. ''Did his... thing... try to release his seed inside me? Is this why it twitched so much?'' she wondered, her heart pounding against her ribcage. The thought alone made her face flush crimson.


    ''He wouldn''t do such a thing... right?'' the girl questioned herself, biting her lower lip anxiously as she nced at Aster. His eyes, the same golden color as hers, flicked back at her, and a tiny, slightly awkward smile graced his lips.


    ¡ª "Hey, Asty..." Silvia called out quietly, not wanting their mother to overhear them talking. Nivalis was still drying their belongings, neatlyying all their clothing around the crackling fire. She had even made an improvised drying rack using sticks and rope and was about to hang their pants.


    Aster''s golden eyes flicked again to his sister at the sound of her voice. "Hm?" he hummed, looking down at her.


    ¡ª "Uh... n-nothing," Silvia stuttered, quickly averting her gaze as if afraid of what she wanted to ask. She swallowed hard and looked back at the fire, trying to gather courage. After a few seconds of silence, Silvia finally spoke up again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why... why did your thingy throb so much?" she whispered, feeling her face heat up just from remembering it.


    "Well... um, it was because of your butt," Aster mumbled sheepishly, averting his gaze again. "It felt really good down there. Like, super-good. It started twitching because of that," he admitted, forcing himself to look back at her after a moment. "I''m sorry, Silvia. Honestly, I don''t know what got into me, and I didn''t mean for it to happen. I promise it will never happen again," the boy said earnestly, looking guilty.He took a deep breath before continuing, "Could you forgive me? Please? I''ll do anything you ask," Aster looked at his sister with hopeful eyes, silently praying she wouldn''t be too angry with him. She meant everything to him.


    Silvia looked at her little brother, her expression softening slightly. "It tried to... put its seed into me, right?" she asked, her voice barely audible. It sounded almost like an usation, making Aster gulp nervously.


    "Y-yes, but-" he began, only for his sister to interrupt him.


    ¡ª "No, it''s okay," Silvia said reassuringly, giving him a shy smile. She reached out and gently cupped his cheek, caressing the smooth skin. "I''m not mad or anything, Asty. Just a little... well, surprised. I never expected something like this to happen, you know?" she added, pinching his cheek lightly. "Boop."


    Aster nodded slightly, looking apologetic as she kept ying with his face.


    Silvia soon continued, "You couldn''t control it, correct?" she asked, watching him nod in response. "Alright... how about this? You will owe me a good massage, a long one, until I tell you to stop. Then I forget it ever happened. Sound good?"


    "O-okay," Aster agreed, nodding shyly. He pecked her cheek softly, mumbling a soft "Thank you" against her flushed skin. "I''ll make sure it''s the best massage of your life. You''ll love it. The moment we find a safe spot for it, of course."


    ¡ª "We''ll see," Silvia giggled, enjoying his gentle kisses on her face. Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked up at him through hershes. "So, did it feel good? When it throbbed a lot, I mean," she asked curiously. Her voice carried no trace of nervousness anymore; she sounded genuinely interested.


    "Mhm," Aster confirmed, his lips curling into a tiny smile.


    ¡ª "Really? It seemed quite painful," Silviamented, pausing momentarily, trying to decide whether to ask the next question. Eventually, curiosity won out over hesitation. "Did it release any seed? I didn''t feel anything," she asked, her voice getting even quieter than before. Her lower lip caught between her teeth as she waited for his answer.


    Aster was embarrassed to talk about such things with Silvia, of all people. But she had been so kind and understanding despite how wrong it was that he couldn''t bring himself to refuse her. "No... there was nothing. I don''t have anything in there yet," he replied honestly, hoping she wouldn''t ask him to exin more.


    ¡ª "I see... So weird," Silvia giggled, smiling up at him before whispering another question. "How... how often does it grow like that? When did it happenst time?" she asked, golden eyes wide and curious as they locked onto his.


    Aster smiled awkwardly back, considering whether he should tell her the truth. But again, he didn''t want to lie. "Like... every time you do the mana invasion thing," he honestly answered with a deep sigh. "It grows when your mana touches mine."


    ¡ª "E-every time?" Silvia eximed in disbelief, a bit too loud. She quickly nced at Nivalis to ensure she didn''t hear before lowering her voice to a whisper again. "Are you serious?"


    Aster simply nodded, smiling weakly.


    Silvia breathed a soft "Oh," her brows furrowing as she pondered over his words. ''All this time? I never noticed,'' she thought, but their mother''s sweet voice came from the fire before she could question him more.


    "Alright, I''m done here. I have some time to cuddle my angels while everything gets dried," Nivalis whispered. She carefully got behind her little boy and lowered herself to the ground, spooning him from behind. Her arms wrapped around both children, hugging them tightly against her chest.


    A soft sigh escaped her lips as she rested her chin on Aster''s head, breathing in his scent. "Oh, Asty... I don''t know what I would do without you. I didn''t even know it was possible to save someone from drowning the way you did. Thank you, my love," Nivalis whispered, gently kissing her boy''s hair.


    "I-it was nothing, Mom. Just... did what I could," Aster mumbled, enjoying his mother''s embrace.


    ¡ª "What did you do? I thought I just woke up on my own, no?" Silvia asked curiously, ncing back at the boy who had a proud grin on his face.


    Nivalis answered instead, "You didn''t. He kept breathing air into you and pressing on your chest until you started coughing," she exined, gently caressing her daughter''s silver hair. "You nearly died, sweetie."


    ¡ª "I didn''t know..." the girl mouthed, her eyes wide with shock. Her golden gaze darted between her brother and mother before she turned around to hug him tightly with all her strength. "Just forget about massage, alright? You don''t owe me anything, Asty," Silvia whispered into his pointy ear, her soft voice cracking slightly. "Thank you for saving my life."


    "I''ll do it anyway. Don''t worry about it," Aster mumbled, lovingly running his fingers through her silver hair.


    ...


    They spent the next two hours rxing by the fire, enjoying each other''s warmth andpany infortable silence. Eventually, their clothes and belongings driedpletely, and it was time to leave this small shore behind. At least the dark forest seemed quiet inside, not a single sound to be heard.


    "How are you feeling, my love?" Nivalis asked gently, crouching before her daughter, who had just relieved herself. A tiny trickle of urine dripped from between her pale thighs, but Nivalis quickly wiped it away with a leave, making sure her hairless slit was clean before pulling up the girl''s pants. "Maybe you''re still hungry? I can give you some dried fish to munch on," she offered.


    ¡ª "No, I''m good, Mom. Thanks," Silvia replied, smiling up at her mother. "And I can do it myself, you know," she added, reaching for the strings of her pants. But Nivalis pped her hands away yfully.


    "Just let me," Nivalis chuckled, finishing tying a cute bow and getting to her feet. "Everyone ready? Asty?" she whispered, ncing at her son, who sat on a rock nearby and was busy making two spears. It was nothing fancy, just sharpened wooden sticks. Better than nothing.


    Aster looked up from his work, "Yep," he said, handing one spear to Silvia and keeping the other for himself. "Let''s go," the boy added, taking her tiny hand and ncing at the dark, ominous woods ahead, fear evident in his eyes.


    Nivalis gripped her bow, an arrow already knocked, and stepped into the eerie forest; her children followed closely behind her. They walked quietly and cautiously, careful not to step on twigs or rustle leaves. These woods seemed strangely peaceful, almost too quiet.


    The air smelled different here; it was thicker, with a hint of decay. The grass covering the ground was dull green, and the ancient trees were covered in ck moss and dead vines. Very little sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above them, making everything feel gloomy and cold. Not a single bird chirping or wind rustling could be heard, only silence.


    Nivalis kept casting anxious nces over her shoulder as they walked deeper into the dark woods, making sure her children were still following closely. The siblings, clearly frightened and uneasy, tightly grasped each other''s hands, their heads turning left and right as they scanned the strange surroundings. Their palms grew sweaty, but neither released the other''s hand.


    All three wore disguise cloaks made from nkets with leaves and twigs attached. These cloaks did a great job covering their pale skin and silver hair and breaking up their silhouettes against the dark forest.


    They walked for an hour in silence, filled only with the sounds of their breathing, footsteps, and racing hearts. The dense forest grew thicker and darker around them with each passing minute. Memories of this ce from when Silvia was five kept flooding her mind ¡ª the tears shed, the fears experienced back then, the spider-like beast that had trashed their sled, and how it chased them through these very woods.


    Trembling, she gripped Aster''s hand tighter as if her life depended on it. How much she wished to be somewhere else, far away from this terrible ce, was immeasurable. She silently prayed to all the gods she knew for their safety to allow them to find that little house she dreamed of thest few months, a ce they could call home. To have a small garden, maybe even a dog.


    But those dreams were shattered when a loud crack of a branch snapping echoed throughout the forest, making Silvia''s young heart skip a beat. Everyone froze instantly and crouched down, muscles tensing in fear. The girl narrowed her eyes, looking around the dark woods with terror evident in her golden orbs. The sharpened stick ¡ª a spear ¡ª she gripped gave her little confidence that they would stand the slightest chance if something did appear and attack them.


    ''Maybe it was just a branch falling somewhere nearby?'' the little girl hoped desperately, praying even harder for their safety even as the air grew heavier around them, unnatural.


    Every hair on Nivalis''s neck stood on end as she quietly motioned towards the nearby tree, urging her children to follow. The siblings exchanged worried nces, nodded in agreement, and crouched behind their mother.


    Therge roots of an old, massive tree, its bark as dark as night, created a cave-like shelter big enough for the Silverfrost family to squeeze inside, albeit with some difort. They quickly crawled in and hid among the mighty roots, not daring to utter a single word.


    Silviay in the middle, pressed between her brother and mother, which made breathing slightly difficult, but she didn''tin. ''At least it''s warm and cozy,'' sheforted herself, feeling their soothing heartbeats against her. A silent prayer echoed in her mind: ''Please, don''t let the monsters find us.''


    They stayed hidden, waiting for something to happen but hoping nothing would. A minute stretched into five, then ten, then thirty. Nothing was heard except for their quiet breathing and fast-paced hearts beating against their ribcages. After an hour, they began to rx slightly but didn''t dare to say anything yet, afraid that even the slightest sound could give away their location.


    Meanwhile, the sun seemed to begin to set as the forest became darker and darker, almost pitch ck. It was too early for sunset; there should have been hours of daylight left. ''Is nighttime approaching faster than normal in here?'' Silvia wondered, trying to remember if it was this way back when she was five, but she couldn''t be sure. She was so young then and scared to notice such details, but it made sense that the giant trees could block most of the evening sunlight.


    Soon, the temperature began to drop quickly, and their breaths came out in visible puffs, the cold ground beneath them seeping into their bones. "We''re staying here for the night, right?" Aster whispered as quietly as he could, receiving an even quieter hum of confirmation from Nivalis. He didn''t need to mention making a fire; they all knew it would be suicide as it would attract all kinds of creatures that inhabit this area.


    Still lying on the cold ground, Nivalis quietly opened their backpacks and took all the nkets out. "Undress and put your clothing beneath you on the ground," she instructed, whispering into her daughter''s pointy ear before proceeding to whisper the same thing to her son.@@novelbin@@


    It was pitch ck inside their little cave-like shelter among the massive tree roots. There was no room toy on their backs, forced to lie on their sides, bodies pressed tightly together. But despite how close they were, Silvia couldn''t even see Aster''s and her mother''s faces; she could only feel their gentle breathing against her.


    The young girl trembled as she removed her cloak, pants, and tunic, carefully folding everything beneath her to ensure her bare, goosebumps-covered skin wouldn''t touch the cold ground directly. She felt Asty and her mother doing the same beside her, moving slowly and quietly to avoid making any sound except their soft breathing.


    Once they were done, Nivalis unfolded two warm nkets and ced them over herself and her children, tucking them in snugly. Even their faces were covered to prevent any cold air from slipping under the covers. It felt like it would be a chilly night ahead.


    Silviay motionless, her petite body trembling as she was snuggled in between her mother''s breasts, inhaling her familiar scent. Her soft and round butt pressed tightly for warmth against her little brother''s hips. Strangely, she didn''t feel his tiny member poking her there at all now that she paid much more attention to it.


    "If you feel too cold during the night, just wake me up. I can make myself warmer for you," Aster whispered into his sister''s ear, his warm breath tickling her skin. Then, he repeated the same whisper to his mother, receiving a slight hum from each.


    Another hour slipped by in silence, and throughout that time, Silvia could sense Aster''s heart pounding against her back, only getting faster with each passing minute. Her heart raced just as much as the fear of something finding them kept creeping into her mind. It was too quiet outside. Any forest shouldn''t be this silent.


    A few minutester, Silvia turned her head slightly and pressed her soft lips against her little brother''s ear. "We forgot to do the mana invasion for you," she quietly whispered, her warm breath tickling his skin. "I bet you''re all red right now and in pain. Press against me tighter so I can break through."


    Aster hesitated, his hands resting on her small hips, gripping them gently. He eventually nodded and obeyed, slowly wrapping his arms around her t chest from behind. The boy pulled her tiny body closer to him with all his strength, almost pushing all air out of her lungs and whispering a gentle "Thanks" into her pointy ear.


    Silvia didn''t answer, only smiled. She closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and started gathering mana. The familiar freezing sensation spread throughout her chest, tingling her skin and making her teeth chatter slightly. It was usually not a problem, but it is now when even the slightest sounds meant danger.


    The girl put her thumb into her mouth to bite down on it lightly, keeping herself quiet as she focused solely on cooling her mana. ''How will I even sleep like this? With a finger in my mouth?'' Silvia wondered briefly before pushing the thought away. She''ll figure something outter; her little brother needed her help.


    It only took a few moments for the girl to gather enough mana for the invasion. The moment it was ready, she sent it straight into Aster''s body, piercing his barrier in just a few seconds without much struggle due to their age difference and her stronger mana. It made the process almost painless for him.


    Aster''s quiet moans against her half-elven ear soon followed. He tried to muffle himself by pressing his lips against it. The way his body writhed behind her made it clear how much he enjoyed the feeling of her mana inside him, just like she always enjoyed him getting into her. A satisfied smile graced her young face as Silvia kept pushing more mana into his chest, making him breathe faster and harder into her ear.


    ¡ª "You good?" Silvia whispered after a moment, feeling Aster''s heartbeat pounding wildly against her back, his body still trembling slightly from the intense pleasure. Her wet finger slipped out of her mouth with a soft pop.


    Aster nodded, his breathing gradually calming down. "Y-yeah. Thanks," he mumbled, gently pecking her cheek as she returned the finger to her mouth to prevent her teeth from ttering uncontrobly again.


    Silvia nodded, mumbling a barely understandable "You''re wee" response. She felt Aster''s warmth against her petite body and how he buried his face into her silver hair, slowly breathing in her scent. His heartbeat finally slowed.


    The girl tried to fall asleep for over half an hour, but it was damn hard with her finger still in her mouth. It kept slipping out, making her teeth tter uncontrobly. She tried using the index finger instead, but that was even worse. ''Ugh... it will take me a few hours to get warm enough to stop this. Stupid mana...'' she sighed internally.


    ''Wait... Aster said before his thing grows every time my mana touches his. But I don''t feel anything...'' Silvia thought, opening her golden eyes again. She pressed her hips tighter against her little brother, rubbing her soft, delicate butt against his groin area, trying to feel if anything strange was going on down there. ''Nothing... Did he lie to me?'' she wondered.


    Now curious and with sleep nowhere in sight, the girl decided to check if Aster was telling her the truth. She pulled away her hips slightly and slowly reached between them with her hand, gently searching for any sign of his thing being big or hard. Her index and thumb fingers were coated heavily with saliva as she felt around. To her surprise, she couldn''t even find it at all.


    "Silvia? What are you doing?" Aster finally asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Mom just fell asleep. You''ll wake her up," he added, softly grabbing her wrist and stopping the girl''s movements around his hairless groin.


    ¡ª "I... was just checking if you were lying to me. You said your thingy gets bigger every time my mana enters your body. So... I was checking," Silvia replied, feeling her cheeks grow warmer from embarrassment. "You did lie to me, right? There''s nothing."


    A long sigh escaped Aster''s lips, his grip on her wrist loosening. "No, I didn''t lie. I usually hide it between my thighs so it doesn''t bother you," he whispered into her ear. The boy pressed tighter against her, leaving no space for her hand to move. "Now, try to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."


    After a moment of silence, the girl''s quiet voice broke the silence again. "Doesn''t it hurt to tuck it that way?" she asked, turning her head slightly. Her expression was concerned and worried, but the darkness prevented Aster from seeing it.


    "It''s fine. I already got used to it," he replied, kissing her cheek gently before adding a soft "Don''t worry."


    Silvia fell silent for a while, thinking over his words. "Why did you even hide it from me? You kept sleeping like this, all ufortable," she eventually asked, her voice barely audible.


    "Because... I-it''s weird, and..." Aster trailed off, sighing quietly before continuing. "I promised Mom to keep it away from you when it getsrge."


    ¡ª "Oh," the girl mumbled, feeling bad for him. ''He kept sleeping like this, tucking it between his thighs for hours so it doesn''t bother me... I should have noticed,'' she thought, frowning. "I won''t tell her, don''t worry," Silvia whispered after a short pause, her hand reaching to pat his naked hip gently. "You saved my life today, Asty. Come on, take it out and let it breathe. I''ll pretend it''s not there. Please?"


    Aster stayed silent, unsure of what to do. The idea was tempting; sleeping like this was anything but pleasant. His tiny shaft felt stiff, cramped, and ached badly. The boy hoped to wake up his motherter that night to make it go away, but considering how tight and cold the cave was, he doubted it would be possible.


    Silvia continued, "Don''t make yourself suffer, please," she whispered again, but Aster kept quiet, not wanting to give in, afraid that what happened at the beach would repeat. "We''ll be fine if you don''t do what you did back then... Putting it between my butt, I mean," she rified, hoping it would make him less hesitant, but to no avail. Aster''s lips remained sealed. "Asty?"


    After a long moment of silence, Silvia sighed quietly and reached for Aster''s hip again. "I''ll do it for you so you don''t feel guilty about it, alright?" she whispered, her soft hand slipping between their bodies in search of his thingy. This time, however, she knew exactly where to look.


    Her tiny, wet fingers found their way between his thighs. Aster reluctantly parted them for her but not too much, still feeling hesitant and guilty about the idea of having his erect boyhood pressed against her butt. He already felt bad enough about what happened near the river. Luckily for him, his sister was determined to do something about it and didn''t care if it was wrong.


    Aster gasped quietly when Silvia''s fingers found their way to his shaft, her index and thumb fingers wrapping around it. Trying not to think of how wrong this was, she began pulling it outside from between his thighs. ''How did he even manage to tuck it there?'' the girl wondered as her fingers stretched out his foreskin until her brother''s penis jumped from between his legs.


    The moment Aster''s tip pressed against Silvia''s soft, round butt, his breathing grewbored and heavy against her pale neck. The boy tried to muffle himself by pressing his lips harder into her skin.


    Silvia touched the base of his hot shaft hesitantly, not finding his little balls in there. They were still stuck between his thighs. A quiet sigh escaped her slightly parted lips as she pushed aside embarrassment or shame. ''No big deal. I am his big sister. It''s my job to take care of him,'' she told herself.


    Her hand slipped between his thighs again, and this time, Aster lifted them slightly to give her more room. Silvia gently touched his wrinkly sack, feeling how incredibly soft and delicate his testicles were in her palm. ''So soft,'' she thought, enjoying the sensation of his warm balls. It felt amazing... but also wrong.


    Pulling out one testicle at a time, she asked quietly, "Better?" giving his sensitive sack an encouraging squeeze before letting go. She wasn''t sure why she did it, but somehow, it felt right, and he seemed to enjoy it.


    "Y-yeah... thanks," Aster whispered back, his voice slightly shaky as his heart pounded rapidly against her back. His sensitive tip pressed firmly against her soft buttcheek, throbbing and twitching uncontrobly against the delicate flesh, enjoying the softness of his sister''s behind. It felt like heaven, without a doubt.


    The brief feeling of her hand on his boyhood still lingered there even though she had long let go. Aster''s breathing grew heavier as he tried to muffle himself by pressing his lips harder into her neck, hoping their mother wouldn''t wake up from the sounds he made.


    ¡ª "Have a good night," Silvia whispered, giving him another reassuring pat on his hip before returning her thumb to her mouth to stop the chattering of her teeth. With her mind at ease, knowing that her brother could finally get a good night''s rest, the girl closed her eyes.


    She tried to ignore the throbbing thing pressed against her soft butt, instead focusing on falling asleep. A strange taste lingered on her pink lips, but she couldn''t exactly tell what it was. ''It must be the forest air,'' she thought as her slippery tongue covered her thumb with fresh saliva.

 Chapter 78: Sleepless boy

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The thick canopy overhead blocked most of the sunlight, barely enough to see twenty steps ahead. Countless ancient trees stood tall and mighty around them, toorge for daylight to prate their branches and leaves and reveal what time of day it was ¡ª or even if they were walking in the right direction. Was it morning orte afternoon? It was hard to tell without a clear view of the sky. And the forest looked the same no matter where Aster nced.


    It had been three long days since their family entered this godforsaken ce, the most terrifying one the boy had ever experienced. The eerie silence, the fear, the dark, the cold... Everything about it was horrible. But at least no beasts appeared to eat them, not yet, likely thanks to their cautious approach of traveling through these woods.


    Every time a twig snapped or a leaf rustled too loudly in the distance, they quickly hid among the roots of a nearby tree, barely daring to breathe, and simply waited for the danger to pass. And waited. And waited some more. Until a new day came, and they were sure it was safe enough to continue. Was it overly cautious? Perhaps. But considering where they were and what might be lurking around, it was better to be safe than sorry. They had enough food tost a few weeks, so they could afford to spend extra time hiding.


    The silver-haired family walked for an hour on the second day before they had to hide among the ancient roots again. Today seemed to be much better, however, as they had already been walking for around three hours without incident. ''Maybe we are closer to the edge of the forest?'' Aster hoped, ncing around at the dark woods that looked the same in every direction. Still, he clung to that tiny spark of hope.


    At least the girls had plenty of time to sleep at such a slow pace of travel, but the same couldn''t be said for Aster. The poor boy hadn''t been able to catch a single wink of sleep for the past three days due to one tiny problem ¡ª his member in his pants.


    His hairless, small penis never went soft unless it was being taken care of by his mother like they usually did during the nights. But considering how ufortably tight their sleeping ces were and how close Silvia slept, there was no chance it would happen anytime soon. ''Maybe I can use her butt instead, like back then?'' Aster thought, feeling guilty about the idea even crossing his mind. ''No, no... I can''t do that. It''s wrong. It''s so wrong!'' he scolded himself internally, but the pain in his groin cared little about that.


    His golden eyes nced at Silvia walking beside him. Theck of sleep was taking its toll on his young body, making it hard for him to stay focused. He felt exhausted beyond words, wanting a warm bed to rest on. But the sad thing was that even if he had one, he still couldn''t sleep. ''Just a few more days, and we should be out of here, right?'' Aster thought desperately, a yawn escaping his mouth as he rubbed his tired eyes, struggling to keep them open.


    A sudden realization hit him like a bucket of cold water. ''Wait... what if we are stuck here for weeks?'' the thought made his heart skip a beat in anxiety. ''Damn it... I need to think of something today. It can''t continue like this. I have to be focused to protect us,'' Aster decided, shaking his head slightly.A loud crack of a branch snapping echoed around them, making everyone freeze in ce. Nivalis and Silvia quickly crouched down, crawling towards the nearby tree roots for cover. But Aster took a second longer to process what was happening before following suit, squeezing into the tight space beside his sister, his mind still foggy from exhaustion. ''Looks like we are stopping here for tonight...''


    Theyy motionless, listening to their rapid heartbeats pounding loudly in their ears over the eerie silence of the forest. The boy wrapped his arms around Silvia''s petite chest, trying to warm her up as she shivered nonstop against him from the cold ground and chilly air. It was his responsibility to take care of her, of his big sister, and so he did despite how exhausted he felt.


    After an hour or so, when it was clear that nothing dangerous lurked near their tree, Aster quietly began undressing his sister in the darkness, helping her trembling hands remove her clothing andy it on the cold ground beneath them for warmth. They did it as silently as possible, not wanting to make even the slightest rustle that could attract something lurking nearby in the darkness. As a result, it took almost half an hour for them to get settled and wrapped up warmly.


    When they were finally done, all three felt much safer and more at ease despite how cold and dark it was between the roots. Aster could feel his mother''s gentle hand massaging his shoulder and back in the darkness, and even though he couldn''t see her face, he knew that tiny, reassuring smile would be on her beautiful face right now. The boy felt a weak, tired smile tug at his pink lips as he rested his head against the trembling shoulder of his sister, too exhausted to keep his eyes open any longer and too horny actually to fall asleep.


    Aster snuggled tighter against his sister''s skinny body, sharing his warmth with her. His chest pressed firmly against her back as his hips pushed into the soft flesh of her round butt. The boy''s thingy, as she called it, throbbed hard and needily against her soft behind as usual, but they both pretended it wasn''t even there.


    For the first time in many hours, Aster whispered. Gently so, right next to her sensitive, pointy ear. "Are you okay?" his voice barely audible over their pounding hearts.


    "Y-yeah... thanks," Silvia replied, still shivering from the cold despite being wrapped in nkets and hugged from both sides. Her teeth ttered uncontrobly against each other as she felt her brother''s thing poking insistently at her buttcheeks. "C-can we do our m-thing? I''m freezing right now," she asked after a brief silence, her voice shaky.


    ¡ª "Of course," Aster replied, keeping his voice low enough that even their mother probably couldn''t hear it. "Let me gather more mana. I still have some left from when we walked, but a bit more wouldn''t hurt," he added, closing his golden eyes to focus.


    "I love you, Asty. Thank you," Silvia whispered, pressing her hips tighter against him, feeling his throbbing member poking into her round, underdeveloped buttcheeks. Since that night, siblings acted as if it wasn''t even there, pretending his thing didn''t exist. She never mentioned it or tried to touch it again. Aster also stopped tucking it away between his thighs like before; he simply let it rest free against her, letting it throb in her softness.


    And truthfully, Silvia didn''t know why, but feeling him like this gave her a strange sense offort and security; it felt like her little brother was hugging her extra close, keeping her safe with that little poking thing of his.


    ¡ª "I love you too," Aster mumbled, feeling his face grow warmer from feeling her down there. ''I need to focus,'' he reminded himself, igniting mana inside his chest. He breathed heavily as he gathered more, letting it burn painfully in his lungs until he felt like coughing before starting to push it into her.


    The process was slower and more painful than when she did it to him, simply because her mana was stronger due to the age difference. Eventually, Aster broke through the icy barrier of Silvia''s mana, causing her to sigh happily as the warm tingling spread throughout her petite body, slowly thawing her always-freezing muscles and bones. Nothing couldpare to this incredible connection of their mana; it felt like her little brother was inside every part of her, hugging her from within.


    A soft moan escaped her pink, delicate lips as she enjoyed the intense pleasure of her little brother''s warmth filling her up, caressing away the cold that had seeped into her bones and muscles for hours. Silvia couldn''t help but press her hips back harder against him, trying to get closer even though they were already as physically possible.@@novelbin@@


    Aster didn''t say anything, only panted heavily into her ear as he poured all his mana into her trembling body, feeling how she writhed in his arms. Her soft, round butt kept pressing and rubbing against his throbbing penis, but he tried to ignore it, focusing solely on giving her warmth. He loved seeing her enjoy his mana and how it made her feel good.


    When Aster finished pouring all his mana into her, a tired girl eventually asked, "Want me to help you too?" her whisper mixed with soft panting.


    ¡ª "N-no," Aster replied, shaking his head. "I''m alright. Besides, it will be warmer for you during the night."


    "It will hurt, though? How will you sleep?" Silvia asked, her voice showed concern.


    ''I wish I knew. I have no idea,'' Aster thought with a deep sigh. "I barely feel it, don''t worry. You''ll help me after we wake up, alright?" he answered, gently kissing her bare shoulder.


    Albeit worried, Silvia nodded and pecked his cheek in return. "Alright. Have a good night, Asty."


    "You too," Aster mumbled back, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist and feeling the softness of her tummy against his palms as she snuggled into him one more time.


    ...


    Another hour passed, but Aster still couldn''t fall asleep, his erect penis twitching insistently against Silvia''s soft buttcheeks, making the boy''s mind rey that incident from the river over and over again. Or how she held it with her hand briefly, wrapping her fingers around the shaft and even felt his ballsack.


    Despite his tiredness, Aster''s golden eyes fluttered open every time his little thing twitched. He wanted to rub it a little against her soft butt but knew he shouldn''t. ''No... I promised I would never do that again. It''s wrong,'' Aster kept telling himself, even as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes from exhaustion and need.


    ''I just want to sleep...'' he thought desperately, wanting a break, a pause, anything to relieve this aching hardness. This couldn''t go on any longer. ''Maybe try with my hand?'' Aster wondered, hesitantly reaching for his throbbing shaft that was pressed against Silvia''s pale cheeks, pushing his hips slightly away to give himself room.


    The boy wrapped his delicate fingers around the small, hairless member and started moving his hand up and down its length. The sensitive tip aimed at her soft buttcheeks as he stroked himself, almost brushing her with it.


    Unfortunately, Aster felt barely any pleasure, only the usual pain he felt back then when he tried it in front of his mother. His foreskin slid back and forth his small shaft, and despite how gentle he tried to be, the skin still stretched ufortably, aching as if it was going to tear apart at any moment.


    ''Doesn''t work. Ugh...'' Aster groaned, his breathing quickening as his hand moved faster, trying to achieve the release. Due to the tight space, his tip sometimes identally touched his sister''s behind, and every time it happened, he internally cursed and moved his hips further away. Or at least tried to.


    After twenty minutes of struggling in vain, the exhausted boy finally gave up with a long, defeated sigh. Tears of frustration began to roll down his flushed cheeks as he pressed his forehead against Silvia''s tiny shoulder, feeling utterly hopeless. ''It''s no use. I can''t do it alone,'' Aster thought miserably, releasing his grip on his member.


    Just then, Nivalis softly whispered into his ear, surprising the boy. "Is something wrong, honey?" her voice was gentle and quiet, a bit hoarse from sleep.


    ¡ª "Um... yeah," Aster whispered back, taking his mother''s hand by the wrist and guiding it to his aching shaft. He felt her delicate fingers brush briefly against it before they quickly moved away as if afraid of touching it. The boy didn''t say anything, nor did she. Theyy in awkward silence, not daring to utter a single word.


    "We can''t do it here, sweetie," Nivalis eventually whispered apologetically, breaking the tense silence.


    ¡ª "I know... That''s why I didn''t say anything about it until now," Aster sighed quietly, his voice shaking slightly from exhaustion and frustration. "It''s just... I-I can''t fall asleep ever since we entered this forest because of how badly it hurts," he admitted quietly into his mother''s ear, not wanting to wake his sister.


    "Have you tried doing it yourself?" Nivalis whispered gently, feeling Aster''s warm tears against her fingertips as she stroked his soft cheek.


    ¡ª "Yes, but it doesn''t work. It doesn''t feel good," the boy mumbled, pressing his face into his mother''s palm, not borating further.


    A tired sigh escaped her lips. Deep in thought, Nivalis remained silent for the next few minutes, troubled by her son''s words. Of course, she wanted to help her son, but how she could do it mattered just as much, if not more. Thest time she "massaged" him down there was nerve-wracking, to say the absolute least. Back then, she cried her eyes dry, regretting what she did and fearing Aster would hate her forever.


    But a lot has changed since then. For months now, Aster often woke her up in the middle of the night to help him get rid of his erections. She didn''t participate much, just lying there and letting him hump against her navel until he calmed down.


    However, if, at first, she needed to do it once a week or so, the frequency increased over time to the point where they did the same thing almost every single night until now. It became just another routine for Nivalis, merely taking care of her son''s needs without much thought, nothing more.


    She should have thought of some solution when they nned this whole thing; after all, Aster''s magic depends on how calm it is inside his pants, despite how weird it sounds. What if something attacked them, and he couldn''t use his fire magic? Stress andck of sleep won''t do anything good to help them survive.


    Still, Nivalis didn''t feelfortable touching her son''s boyhood again, but what choice did she have? The space between these roots was too tight to do their usual routine, not to mention that Silvia was right here. That aloneplicated everything even more.


    Reluctantly and very slowly, Nivalis''s hand moved from Aster''s cheek, sliding against his neck and corbones. Then lower, her fingers brushed his t chest and soft belly and finally rested on his hairless groin just above his little member. Her index and thumb took hold of his throbbing penis, as it was too small for the entire hand to wrap around, feeling it twitch between them.


    "Just try to keep your voice down, honey," Nivalis whispered, starting to move her hand up and down his tiny, delicate shaft, sensing his foreskin sliding against it as her fingers moved. Aster held his breath, golden eyes fluttering as he felt his mother''s gentle strokes along his sensitive length. He tried to give her more room by pressing his hips back away from his sister, not wanting to wake her. The boy released a shaky sigh of relief as the pleasure washed his small body.


    "Honey, please never tell anyone we did this, alright?" Nivalis whispered against his ear, her soft lips brushing it. Feeling her son''s shaft throb needily in her grip and how hard it was despite its size, she continued stroking him slowly, adding, "We will be in a lot of trouble if you do."


    ¡ª "Y-yeah, of course," Aster whispered back, enjoying her warm lips against his ear. She breathed heavily as she worked his shaft, and it sent shivers down his spine and caused goosebumps to appear across his pale skin.


    A quiet moan escaped Aster''s lips when his mother''s thumb pressed against his tip, slowly moving in circles, slowly but surely getting under his tight foreskin to rub that sensitive little mushroom. But the digit was too big for that small space, causing his skin to stretch around her thumb as she continued.


    At some point, it became slippery, much to Aster''s surprise; he felt it make her glide more easily over his delicate tip. "What is that?" the boy asked, his breathing getting heavier.


    "Pre-cum," Nivalis replied, feeling the slick liquid coat her thumb as she kept rubbing his little nub. "I guess you are growing..." she whispered, trailing off.


    ¡ª "Wh-what is that?" Aster asked again, trying to see her face in this darkness but failing since it was too dark. "It''s normal, right?"


    "Mhm, it is... It''s just a liquid that makes your thingy slippery so you can push it into... you know, the woman parts I showed you once," Nivalis answered, keeping the same rhythm. "Well, not into mine, of course. You have to find yourself a wife for that..." she added quickly, her voice slightly panicky.


    ¡ª "O-oh..." Aster hummed as the image of his mother''s tight hole contracting around her finger appeared in his mind, a memory he would never, ever forget. A happy, a bit even stupid smile spread across his young face at the thought, and he turned his head to kiss her soft lips gently. He simply felt... grateful. And maybe he just wanted to taste her while she stroked him. But mostly grateful.


    A long sigh escaped Nivalis'' nostrils before she pulled away her mouth, whispering, "Honey, please. I love you, but no kisses when we do this."


    ¡ª "I-I''m sorry, Mom," Aster whispered, turning his head away immediately as a deep blush spread across his cheeks. ''Why did I do that?'' he wondered, biting his lower lip.


    Nivalis didn''t reply, focused solely on her movements. Her slick fingers slid up and down his tiny shaft much more easily now that her fingers were coated in the boy''s natural lubricant. She felt every bump and vein of his shaft, its heat, how it throbbed and pulsed wildly in her grip.


    The wet sounds of her stroking her son echoed lewdly between the roots, making the mother worry that something might hear them or that it might wake up Silvia, so she decided to slow down, trying to reduce the noise.


    Nivalis hesitantly moved her wet fingers down to her son''s tiny, delicate ballsack, feeling how incredibly soft and vulnerable they were, not a single hair on them. She was beyond careful when she gently rolled the testicles in her palm, massaging them with utmost care, hoping it would help Aster finish soon.


    Aster shivered and gasped sharply; his body writhed as his mother yed with his balls, making his heart pound rapidly against his ribcage, so strong that it echoed in his ears. Aster forgot how incredible her hand felt. He decided to try his luck again and kiss his mother on the lips, but Nivalis moved her head away, refusing him again, much to his disappointment¡ªthis time without a single word.


    When her fingers returned to his small shaft, it didn''t take long for Aster to feel his orgasm approaching, his mother''s two fingers doing wonders with his penis. He bucked his hips up, pushing himself harder into her grip as his breathing grewbored and erratic. "Mom, I''m close," the boy moaned quietly.


    "It''s okay, honey. Just let it out," Nivalis whispered reassuringly against his ear, her soft lips moving against it. The moment she whispered those words, Aster''s body began convulsing slightly as an intense pleasure overtook himpletely. She felt how his little balls contracted desperately, trying to push something out but failing miserably since his little sack didn''t have anything in there yet.


    "Good boy," Nivalis cooed softly, feeling her son''s shaft twitch and throb wildly against her fingers as she made tiny milking motions with her hand to intensify his orgasm. "Just like that," she added, listening to him pant heavily.


    Aster''s toes curled as waves of intense pleasure crashed over him. He did his best not to move too much, afraid it would wake Silvia, who was just beside him. His golden eyes fluttered shut as a long, satisfied sigh escaped his parted lips, enjoying the amazing sensation of being milked by his mother''s delicate hand.


    He loved this sensation, loved everything about it. He loved her and how much she cared about him, even ready to do intimate things to help her son. ''Oh... this was so good,'' Aster thought dizzily as the orgasm slowly ebbed down.


    Nivalis kept stroking his little shaft for another minute to make sure he finishedpletely before removing her hand. A gentle whisper reached the boy''s ears, sounding distant... "All done," she said softly, realizing Aster was already fast asleep, breathing deeply and quietly. Her hand was still coated in his slippery liquid as she gently patted his naked hip.


    Nivalis smiled tenderly and leaned closer, softly kissing her son''s sweaty forehead. "Good night, honey," she whispered before closing her eyes, snuggling against her children to getfortable.

 Chapter 79: Trapped

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The Silverfrost family emerged from the gnarled, ancient roots of the tree they had slept beneath, stepping out into the eerie darkness that hung heavily over the silent forest. Yet another day had begun, but the sun''s feeble rays struggled to prate the dense branches above, leaving everything in an ominous, suffocating shadow.


    The cold, damp air pressed down on them as they cautiously made their way forward, the ground uneven and treacherous underfoot. Moss squelched beneath their boots, and rotting leaves crunched with each careful step. Soft breaths clouded in front of their faces before dissipating into the gloom.


    Aster walked beside his sister, holding her small hand in his. The boy feltpletely refreshed for the first time in four long days. All traces of his previous exhaustion had vanished overnight, and now he felt ready to face any challenge the dark forest might throw at him. His golden eyes scanned the area around them with renewed alertness and focus. ''No more sleeping problems, hehe,'' Aster grinned happily, gently squeezing Silvia''s hand. She returned the gesture, her tiny fingers intertwining with his.


    Nivalis led the way, with Silvia and Aster following close behind her. All three wore disguise cloaks, the twigs and leaves attached to the fabric rustling softly with each step. Their faces were mostly hidden; a thin cloth covered everything except their colorful eyes. They walked slowly, deliberately, trying to keep their footsteps as silent as possible on the damp forest floor.


    Like always, Aster had mana ignited inside his chest in case he needed to protect himself and the girls. The pain it caused was unbearable ¡ª every breath, every heartbeat, and every move of his young body felt excruciatingly painful. But the boy had gotten used to it over time, probably thanks to his winter fishing trips when he kept himself warm using mana, even if it hurt like hell. It was his only way to not freeze to death out there in the cold, and with repetition, the pain became more bearable, if still unpleasant.


    However, Silvia was still getting used to the intense difort of having mana in her body all the time, as Aster often saw her golden eyes welling with tears. To her credit, though, the girl never onceined about it, staying strong and enduring it for their family''s sake as they made their way through the dark forest. She, too, wanted to protect them.


    This method of storing mana within themselves also had its advantages, luckily, and not merely because it allowed them to cast their first few spells almost instantly without spending time converting mana for a spell. The best part was that they had to do a mana invasion thing to each other.


    Feeling each other inside their bodies and connecting in such an intimate way was amazing, indeed. Aster loved every second of it, especially how Silvia reacted to his mana invading her petite body. Her cute little moans, the way her hips would writhe against him, and how her breathing would quicken never failed to give him a deep sense of satisfaction.He was no better, though; every time her icy mana invaded his young body in return, Aster would get painfully hard, his small cock throbbing almost unbearably. Like how it is right now, since just before they got out from the roots of that massive tree, Silvia did her mana invasion to him, filling him with her chilling mana, which meant he had to endure this boner for the entire day.


    But at least Aster knew he wouldn''t have any trouble sleeping today. Thanks to his mother''s special ''massage''st night, he fell into a deep slumber right after she finished with him. The mere thought of what she did caused a faint blush to spread across his young face; a stupid smile graced his pink lips that, luckily, nobody saw, thanks to the cloth covering it. ''Thanks, Mom,'' Aster thought, ncing at her back as she walked before them, her bow always in hands, ready to protect her children.


    The only thing he was concerned about was that an erection made spell-casting harder due to the focus it required. However, Aster hoped it wouldn''t be a big problem today. ''It''s not that bad. I will be fine,'' he reassured himself, trying to push away those naughty thoughts about what his mother didst night. ''If only I could ask Mom to massage it away in the morning, after our mana-thing with Silvia... That would be great,'' Aster sighed quietly, knowing she''d refuse because Silvia would see everything.


    ...


    The day dragged on slowly as they did nothing but walk through the godforsaken forest that seemed to stretch forever, trying desperately to find a way out. But no matter how many hours passed, the forest still looked the same in every direction, silent and dark.


    Aster''s young legs began to ache from walking for so long without rest. Silvia shivered badly and was most likely exhausted, too, but they kept pushing through exhaustion and difort. The faster they found a way out, the better.


    ''At least we made a lot of progress today. Maybe we are closer to the edge now?'' Aster thought hopefully, his golden gaze flicking around. Unfortunately, nothing indicated such a thing ¡ª just more of the same oppressive forest in every direction.


    A sudden noise, a way too familiar clicking sound, broke the silence. Nivalis and Silvia looked around anxiously, but Aster was terrified to hear this sound again. That nt-like creature he had seen during his first fishing trip, that creepy thing with its jaw moving weirdly and making an awful clicking noise, was here now, nearby.


    The boy could already feel his heart pounding hard in his chest, blood pumping loudly in his ears. "Oh gods, it''s the same creature I saw near the river... we need to hide, quick," Aster whispered frantically, pulling his sister towards the tree with rootsrge enough for them to fit into. "Mom, hurry," he quietly urged right after Silvia crawled inside, gesturing for their mother to follow. She quickly nodded and climbed in behind her daughter; Aster was thest to enter.


    The space between these roots was narrower than any other they had found before, but luckily, they managed to squeeze themselves inside just fine. It took some wiggling and squirming to settlefortably, but eventually, they all found a position that worked well enough to wait until the danger passed. Their silver heads faced the entry, so it would be easier to get outside.


    The clicking noise grew closer with each passing second until Aster heard something heavy approaching and started walking around. Loud,bored breathing followed those heavy steps. ''Oh shit... please go away. Go away,'' Aster pleaded frantically in his mind, his heart wildly racing as he held Silvia tightly in his arms.


    Using the mana she had walked with for so many hours, Silvia put her arm as high above her head as she could and focused on a spell blocking the entrance, much like she did when goblins attacked their old home, but smaller since this entrance was much smaller, too.


    She concentrated hard, her golden eyes locked onto the opening. A momentter, ice began to form at the edges, slowly creeping upward until it sealed the entrance shut with a thick, icy wall, leaving a tight gap in the corner for air to get inside. The entire process was almost silent, with only the asional faint crack of ice being created. She created the ice halfway through the entry to make the ice not too visible from the outside.


    ''Good job, Silvia,'' Aster praised his sister in his mind, giving her tiny shoulders an encouraging squeeze and feeling her body tremble. He was genuinely proud of her. Nivalis, meanwhile, held both their spears in her hands, ready to attack if that thing found them. The clicking noise grew even closer, and the heavy footsteps continued, echoing off the surrounding trees.


    He pressed his ear tightly against the rough bark of the root, listening carefully to the sounds outside their hiding spot. He could hear the creature moving around and sniffing the air, its footsteps thudding against the forest floor as it walked. His golden eyes were wide with fear as he looked up at the entrance, silently praying that the monster would simply move on and leave them alone.


    But it didn''t. The creature seemed to be searching for something, and it wasn''t hard to guess what. ''Come on... only try to break through it,'' Aster frowned angrily, mimicking his sister, and moved his hand above his head towards the icy wall. He began igniting more mana inside his body, feeling the heat growing within him, enoughto unleash the roaring fire the moment it dared to get inside their shelter.


    It wasn''t a spell that Aster was particrly good at, and he knew it would likely burn his hand in the process ¡ª an erged, harder-to-control version of the one he used to make a fire near the river. But right now, that was hardly a concern. He was ready to do whatever it took without hesitation if it meant saving the girls. He was theirst line of defense if things went wrong.


    The creature let out a low, threatening growl as the creature drew closer to a hiding spot. Its heavy footsteps crunched the dead leaves and twigs on the forest floor. The beast was so close now that they could smell its foul, rotten scent through the small gap in the icy barrier, almost making him gag. By some miracle, Aster could hold back his vomit, as did Silvia and Nivalis.


    The creature came to a halt right next to their hiding spot, sniffing the air loudly, causing them to shake like leaves from fear. Then, there was nothing but silence. It simply stood outside their entrance, not moving or making any sound.


    Suddenly, the creature let out another deafening click with its jaw, making Silvia flinch in her little brother''s arms. A painful ringing filled Aster''s ears, but it wasn''t nearly as painful as the heat inside his chest as he continued to ignite more and more mana. If the creature dared to attack, Aster would st it with all he had.


    A minute passed, then another, but the beast remained motionless outside their hiding spot. ''Fuck... please just go away,'' Aster pleaded internally, his sweaty palm trembling above his head. The burning heat of mana was making him feel like his whole body was on fire. It hurt like hell to gather so much, and Aster could barely endure something as simple as breathing. But he had no choice; he had to protect the girls at all costs.


    ''What do we do now?'' Aster thought desperately, biting down hard on his lower lip from the pain until it bled slightly. ''I have way too much mana,'' he realized with growing panic, struggling to keep it under control.


    Ten long minutes dragged by, but still, the creature didn''t move or make a sound. It just stood there, right by the entrance, leaving them trapped. They could only wait anxiously, hoping it would eventually lose interest and leave. ''Can it smell us? Or... sense our mana?'' Aster worried, but there was no way to tell for sure. The boy could barely think straight through the pain in his chest.


    Another twenty agonizing minutes passed with no change in their situation. The boy was drenched in sweat, silver hair clinging wetly to his flushed face. His breathing grew ragged andbored as he struggled to keep his mana in check. ''I-I can''t... I have to do something,'' Aster thought desperately, his head spinning from the pain. He felt like coughing up a lung but knew he couldn''t make the slightest noise, so he just held it in. The girls, on the other hand, trembled from the cold of the ice wall, trying to snuggle closer to him to get some warmth.


    After another moment of sheer torture, the creature finally let out a quiet clicking sound and moved away from their hiding spot. Its heavy breathing grew slightly distant as it walked over to stand near one of the nearby trees. When it happened, Aster immediately cast his strengthening spell on himself, desperately wanting to get rid of some of that boiling mana inside him. Every muscle in his underdeveloped body ached from the boiling-hot mana, his skin almost steaming from the immense heat.


    It was by far the most he had ever used for this particr spell, and it caused Aster''s body to tremble violently as if he were convulsing. Silvia quickly wrapped her soft hands around him, trying to keep him still so he wouldn''t make too much noise, but it did little to help. His golden eyes glowed in the darkness, the emitted light illuminating his sister''s scared face. She was horrified to see her brother in such a state.


    Nivalis soon wrapped her hands around the boy, and she had enough strength to keep Aster still, holding him tightly against herself. The pressure from her grip pressed Silvia so tightly between them that she could barely breathe, forcing her to lower herself for some space. It wasn''tfortable, but thanks to her age, Silvia was flexible enough to fit just fine down there. The girl held Aster''s legs, helping her mother keep him still.


    The only downside, though, is that her face ended upnding right in Aster''s crotch, and it was the only thing she could breathe on. Even through his pants and cloak, Aster felt her warm breath against his painfully hard member. Not that he cared much; his mind was far from worrying about such things as his tiny body continued to convulse from the powerful spell coursing through him. He did his best not to yell from the pain.


    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The family remained motionless for two long hours; they couldn''t hear the creature anymore but didn''t know whether it had indeed left or was simply waiting for them toe out of hiding. Meanwhile, Aster continued trembling and convulsing in their arms, his petite body drenched in sweat.


    Silvia held onto his legs as best she could throughout this time, trying to keep him still, feeling how his muscles twitched beneath her fingers. Gradually, the shaking subsided, indicating that he was slowly getting better. The girl even used the remains of her mana to make her palms colder, then simply pressed them against his skin, so maybe that also helped.


    Nivalis tapped her shoulder gently to get her attention, and once she was sure she got it, she quietly whispered, "Honey, do your mana thing to him. He needs it right now," her voice barely louder than a soft exhale.


    But before Silvia could agree, Aster mumbled weakly in the same hushed tone, "No... it''s probably sensing our mana. Or at least while we were outside. Don''t. I''m okay."


    The girls had to strain their ears to make out what he was saying, but they nodded in understanding once they did. "You could be right. Let''s not, then," Nivalis replied quietly, tenderly caressing his flushed cheek. "Sweetie, help me undress him," she whispered to her daughter after a moment of silence, adding, "And we should, too."


    Nivalis began carefully removing Aster''s sweat-drenched cloak and tunic, moving deliberately slow to ensure no unnecessary noise was made. Silvia mirrored her mother''s actions, her small hands working to undress the boy. She untied theces on his boots, wiggling them slightly to pull them off, and set them aside.


    Next were his pants. Silvia untied and began sliding them down his pale thighs just as carefully. The boy''s erection sprang free from his clothes, pping her soft cheek with a quiet, wet smack. She flinched at the sudden contact, feeling the warm, hard thing throb against her face, and immediately pushed it away with her hand, but it just sprang back with another wet smack. "Ew... What the...?"


    "Be quieter," Nivalis quickly reminded her in a hushed whisper, gently patting her daughter on the shoulder.


    Silvia nodded in acknowledgment and tried to focus on her task rather than her brother''s penis resting on her face. Her cute little nose found itself buried in his hairless sack that was just as sweaty as the rest of his body as she pulled his pants off his legs, careful not to make a sound, and put it beneath him. The warmth and asional throbbing against her face were hard to ignore, but she tried.


    ''It''s just his thingy, no big deal...'' she told herself, inhaling his intense musk, but it wasn''t unpleasant. It was tolerablepared to that rotten one from earlier that almost made her puke. Besides, it smelled... like her little brother. She could bear it.


    Next, Nivalis and Silvia undressed themselves, and it wasn''t easy since their cramped hiding spot left little room for movement. But eventually, all three family members werepletely naked. The boy''s petite body radiated intense heat like a furnace as he panted heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    Nivalis covered them all with a nket to muffle the sounds of their breathing. Silvia remained sandwiched between her brother''s and mother''s lower parts; Aster''s erection pulsated steadily against her young face. ''Gods, it''s so ufortable in here,'' she thought, her breathingbored as it was stuffy beneath the nket, not to mention she had to curl up tightly to fit in there.


    Then they just waited anxiously, too afraid to fall asleep lest they miss any signs of danger. The only thing Silvia could hear was Aster''s heavy breathing... well, and his heartbeat that she felt thudding against her cheek with each painful throbbing of his member. ''I should try moving it away again,'' she decided after a moment.


    The girl took her little brother''s erection between two fingers and pushed it away from her face, but the thingy stubbornly found its way back to her as if it wanted to stay there. Some strange, slippery liquid kept leaking from his tip, smearing against her cheek with each pulsation. ''W-what is that?'' Silvia frowned in the dark.


    Curious, she moved her index finger to her cheek and scooped some warm fluid before bringing her hand closer to sniff it. But it barely had any noticeable scent. ''Strange... It''s kind of slimy,'' she thought, rubbing the liquid between her thumb and forefinger before wiping them clean against her chest.


    The throbbing thing kept pulsing and pushing insistently against her cheek as if it had a mind of its own. Silvia sighed in the darkness, unsure what to do about this situation. Her warm breath against his little balls caused them to contract slightly, making Aster''s hips push his erection further against her face, almost like he was enjoying it. It poked her in the eye, but luckily, she closed her eyelids quickly.


    ''Alright, little guy. How about this,'' Silvia thought, cing both her soft palms on Aster''s pale thighs and gently pushing his hips away to get some space. But there wasn''t enough room in their cramped hiding spot to move him even slightly. Then she tried moving her head away instead, but the only way was towards the ground, which smelled like mud and moss, not at all pleasant.


    After a minute of trying different positions, the girl gave up and returned her face to her little brother''s warm thing. But when she did so, for a fleeting moment, her soft pink lips identally brushed against his tip, smearing that strange, gooey substance all over them. ''Ew...'' she grimaced silently. Not wanting it anywhere on her face, Silvia''s small tongue darted to lick away the liquid, cleaning her lips. She realized that she should have wiped it off only when she did so. ''I''m stupid...'' she thought.


    The taste was a bit salty, but not bad at all. It''s been years since Silvia ate something salty, only back in the vige when she was five. ''Oh... It tastes kinda good,'' the girl''s golden eyes widened in surprise as she smacked her lips quietly beneath the nket. It was a strange, new taste she couldn''t describe. ''No, bad. It tastes bad,'' she scolded herself internally, shaking her head. ''This is my brother''s... thing. I shouldn''t have done that...'' Silvia thought, ashamed of herself.


    Instead, she just focused on trying not to think about how it felt to have his warm shaft resting against her face. Or how she breathed against those soft, delicate balls of his, inhaling their sweaty, intoxicating scent. ''It''s getting hard to breathe...'' she thought, her chest moving up and down as she took slow, measured breaths.@@novelbin@@


    Each breath Silvia took made her brother''s balls contract slightly, and his penis pulse with need against her soft cheek. ''When will it finally go small and soft?'' she wondered, feeling the constant throbbing of his shaft. ''Maybe I should pinch it?'' the girl pondered and, after a moment, squeezed his sensitive tip between her thumb and index finger.


    It caused him to jerk and grunt in pain way too loudly, making Silvia instantly regret what she had just done. ''Sorry...'' she mouthed silently in the darkness, not letting out a single whisper. Aster''s hips moved as if he still felt the pain of her pinch, his erection sliding across her young face. ''I''m sorry. Please be quieter...''


    Remembering how their mother used to kiss away their bruises to make the pain go away, Silvia decided to do the same for her little brother. She reluctantly brought his throbbing penis closer to her mouth and gently pressed her lips against the slippery tip in a tender kiss, tasting that salty, gooey liquid again. ''There, better?'' she wondered, looking up with her golden eyes as if expecting him to yell quietly at her, but Aster remained surprisingly silent.


    For the entire second, his little tip kept throbbing against his sister''s pink, glistening lips, coating them with his warm, slimy fluid. The girl felt his wrinkled foreskin slide over them. ''At least he''s quiet and stopped moving his hips,'' she sighed quietly in relief, moving her mouth away from it, a string of saliva connecting the tip to her lower lip for a moment.


    But when she did so, Aster resumed writhing, his hips moving and rubbing his erection against her face again like before. ''Alright, you little troublemaker. You want more?'' Silvia thought, kissing his penis head once more to make the pain go away¡ªlittle pecks, just like their mother used to do when she kissed their bruises. Her soft lips made barely noticeable wet sounds every time they touched his sensitive skin.


    She didn''t know why, but the girl liked her little brother''s taste. It was something new and exciting for her receptors. ''Just stay calm, okay?'' she pleaded in her mind, smooching his slick tip repeatedly. And that seemed to do the trick. As long as she kept kissing it gently, Aster''s hips stayed still, not rubbing his erection against her face anymore; not a single groan escaped his mouth.


    After kissing her little brother''s mushroom for a few minutes, Silvia decided it was enough. But when she tried to move away from it, Aster groaned in displeasure and started squirming again, much to her annoyance. ''No, no, stay still. I don''t have much space here for you to move like this,'' the girl huffed quietly, bringing his penis head back between her delicate lips. But instead of kissing it this time, she wrapped her soft lips around the little tip and held it there, hoping it would work too. And it did.


    Aster''s member throbbed rhythmically in between her lips in the minutes that followed. More of that warm, gooey stuff leaked into her mouth, forcing Silvia to swallow it quietly, a gulp here and there. ''Why is this so tasty?'' she wondered, feeling how much he pulsated and how much warmth it radiated.


    Curiously, the girl''s tiny, slippery tongue flicked against the head of his penis, tasting more of his warm, gooey stuff. Just a gentle lick, barely touching the little tip of his penis. Aster groaned at that touch, and Nivalis quickly shushed him, but Silvia could swear he didn''t sound like it hurt. It was simr to when her mana filled him, a feeling she knew he enjoyed. ''He likes it?'' she wondered, slightly confused.


    Her pink tongue darted out again, giving the head another lick, this time lingering on his tip as she tasted the salty, gooey fluid that coated it, feeling how soft and velvety his penis felt. Another quiet groan escaped her brother, and this time, there was no doubt. He liked what she was doing.


    ''Huh...'' Silvia thought, her face blushing heavily in the darkness at this realization. ''Well... he trembles a lot less right now, so... if it helps him, I guess,'' she wondered hesitantly, opening her mouth a little wider and sliding his tip inside. The warm fluid continued leaking onto her tongue as she wrapped her young lips around the tiny shaft just beneath the head.


    Silvia''s hands continued to hold Aster''s thighs firmly while his penis rested between her lips. asionally, her tongue moved slowly over his tip, savoring his taste. She felt the heat radiating from it and how it throbbed in rhythm within her mouth. ''This is... not a big deal, right? I''m just helping him,'' she reassured herself internally.


    Then, barely noticeable movements of Aster''s hips appeared; he started rocking them back and forth gently, pushing his penis deeper into Silvia''s mouth before pulling back; the thing slid against his sister''s tongue inside her mouth.


    ''Don''t move, you idiot. Mom will notice...'' Silvia thought, gently grabbing Aster''s soft, delicate balls and tugging them down to make him stop his movements, her fingers squeezing the tender flesh gently but firmly. The girl felt two round shapes in her palm, each testicle moving slightly when she touched them.


    He stopped thrusting, but for as long as her hand remained on his sack. As soon as she released it, Aster''s hips started rocking back and forth again, seeking more of that pleasurable sensation from between her lips. ''Alright, I will just keep holding them,'' Silvia sighed, keeping her fingers wrapped around his balls to prevent him from moving.


    She continued swirling her tongue slowly over the shape and texture of her brother''s penis, exploring it thoroughly while tasting the salty, gooey, warm substance that kept leaking onto her tongue. Every few minutes, she swallowed the liquid that built up in her mouth, actually enjoying how it tasted.


    The girl could feel his shaft growing harder by the second, the veins bulging and pulsing beneath her lips as she suckled gently on his member. His testicles seemed to tighten in her palm, drawing closer to his body. ''What is happening?'' Silvia wondered, feeling Aster''s hand move into her silver hair, gently stroking her head as if encouraging her to keep going.


    And like a good sister, she obeyed, licking and suckling gently on his throbbing shaft, her tongue swirling around the tip and tracing the veins on the sides. She felt him twitch in her mouth and heard his quiet grunts that he tried to silence.


    Then Aster''s entire body tensed, and his penis began twitching violently in Silvia''s mouth, much to her surprise. The girl could feel his hairless balls draw up tightly against his body as they contracted desperately in her palm. She started massaging them gently, unsure if it hurt or not.


    It felt incredibly strange and pleasurable for the girl to cup and caress Aster''s soft testicles like this, marveling at how delicate they were beneath her fingers. ''Is it trying to release his seed?'' Silvia wondered, remembering a simr throbbing from back near the river. It felt... weird, intense, and wrong in many ways, but... it was also a little... fun. Simply because she knew he liked what she did. ''Good thing he doesn''t have any seed yet,'' she thought, feeling a tiny bit proud that her mouth could make him feel this way.


    A hint of a smile spread across her pink, glistening lips, and her golden eyes fluttered shut as the girl enjoyed the strange sensation in her mouth. After a few moments of Aster''s penis twitching and convulsing against her tongue, it began to soften between her lips slowly. ''I guess that''s it?'' she wondered, feeling his tip rest on her tongue.


    Aster''s hand remained in her silver hair, gently patting her head. ''You''re wee, silly,'' Silvia smiled in the darkness, enjoying how he caressed her head. She kept holding his softening member between her lips, her tonguezily swirling around the wrinkled foreskin and tasting the remnants of that warm, gooey, and slightly salty fluid.


    The girl had no idea for how long they stayed like this. She just felt herself dozing off with her little brother''s penis resting between her parted lips. And her teeth didn''t chatter this time, which she was grateful for.

 Chapter 82: How many more?

    <strong>[Wayne]</strong>


    A young man sat near a crackling campfire somewhere deep in the pine woods, his handsome, youthful face illuminated by the flickering mes. The orange glow set off his chiseled jawline and dark brown hair as he stared intently at a map spread out before him.


    Wayne was tall and well-built, with broad shoulders and muscr arms that resulted from years of hard work on his family''s farm. Born into humble means, working thend alongside his parents and siblings was all he had known, but a restless spirit had driven him to join the adventurer''s guild despite his family''s objections. A twinge of guilt panged in his chest at the memory of their tearful farewells, but the siren song of adventure had proven too strong to resist.


    Unfortunately, Wayne had been born without a trace of magical affinity. Nature refused to bless him with even the weakest of talents. But that was quitemon, he knew. If one child per generation in the vige gains even the dullest, most pathetic sliver of affinity, it was considered an immense luck. It almost surely secured them afortable life for the rest of their days. Whether it was military, church, or guild, all wanted them, and the stronger one, the better the payment. And if one with strong affinity also gets a blessing stone... well, they can be a force to be reckoned with.


    The blessing stones were the next best option for someone like Wayne, who had no affinity whatsoever. It is a special, extremely rare gem that monsters sometimes have in their bodies. Though it is such a rare urrence, you can spend decades fighting the nastiest creatures this world has to offer without finding one.


    Those who managed to acquire one could absorb it into their body, granting themselves a part of the creature''s abilities depending on which monster it hade from. Some monsters were more valuable than others, like a dragon or any other ancient beast, though good luck to even see one, not to mention kill it. But even the weakest one, such as a goblin, was worth more than the average human would make in a lifetime. So many, if not most,moners who found them often sold them for that money instead of absorbing them, securing themselves and their families financially for the rest of their lives¡ªa good way to retire early.


    There are also things such as purities of stones,patibility with affinities, and who knows what else. But Wayne cared little for that since he didn''t n to use it. Even the lowest of them would make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. The young adventurer was determined to prove his father''s words that hard work and grit could take a man just as far as magic.


    Besides, his dream of seeing the world beyond his small vige had finallye true, though the reality was proving to be far harsher than he had imagined. Wearing his father''s leather armor and a short sword at his side, he looked more like a farmer ying dress-up than anything formidable. Wayne ran a hand through his brown hair, sighing deeply as he examined the map. His deep green eyes looked up from the map to meet the gazes of his travelingpanions, a confused look on his face.


    ¡ª "Let me see if I got it right," Wayne said, pointing to the map. "We''re heading to the middle of nowhere to plug a fucking hole in the ground?" he asked, looking at the leader of their small group, a tall, muscr man with shoulder-length ck hair and brown eyes named Valther. A man was d in heavy iron armor that tended to clink annoyingly from the slightest movements, with a few cracks and dents here and there. Underneath, he wore a thick, padded gambeson, which looked worn but sturdy. Arge, two-handed sword leaned against the tree behind him."Yep, pretty much," Valther nodded in confirmation, leaning back against a log near the fire. "It''s called a breach, and we''ve been tasked with closing it and clearing whatever has crawled out of it. Heard about what happenedst year in Lisse?" he asked, his voice deep and gruff.


    ¡ª "Uhh... yeah..." Wayne replied grimly, memories of the gruesome tales he heard in taverns shing through his mind. "Heard about that. A bunch of monsters came out from somewhere near that vige and attacked it. Was a mess, from what I''ve been told."


    "Indeed," Linnea, a woman with long auburn hair tied back in a loose ponytail and deep blue eyes, added. She had a calm, intelligent demeanor about her. "This whole area is filled with underground caverns with who knows what inside. But this one ranked as lesser and is quite small, fortunately. It''s more like a hole than a breach, so I doubt we''ll meet anything dangerous out there," she added, adjusting her clothing. She wore no armor, only simple but well-made clothes that seemedfortable for long travels ¡ª warm woolen pants, a long-sleeved linen shirt, and a brown cloak wrapped around her shoulders. "It will be my fourth such quest already. Though, never anything as remote as this one."


    ¡ª "It will be my first one," Wayne admitted with a shrug. His deep green eyes glinted in the firelight as he looked at Linnea curiously. "Have you ever even been inside?" he asked.


    "Gods, no," Linneaughed, waving her hand dismissively. The firelight flickered against her fair skin, casting dancing shadows across her delicate features. "That ce is a deathtrap. Only fools or desperate for money who think you could find something valuable go inside those holes."


    "Yeah. Not many are stupid enough to enter it. Even less made it out alive," H, a petite woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes, added, shaking her head. Her voice was soft yet firm as she spoke. She was wearing a simr leather armor to Wayne''s, though much better quality. Two daggers were strapped at her sides, and a bow rested against the nearby tree trunk. "Those who do... be... different," she added with a spooky tone, wiggling her fingers at Wayne before bursting intoughter.


    "Don''t scare him, H," Valther chuckled, his deep voice warm and reassuring despite the eerie atmosphere of the dark woods surrounding their camp. "It''s just a hole I must close with my Earth magic. Nothing fancy, nothing dangerous. The hardest part of this quest is how damn far from the city it is. Though, the payment is quite good."


    "Easy for you to say, Mr. Stone mage," H teased, rolling her eyes at him. "My reward barely covers the expenses for this quest. I''m hoping to find something valuable along the way to earn a living."


    "Ah, yes..." Valther mumbled back, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. He keeps forgetting how hard it is to earn a coin for them. "Well, if you find nothing like that, I''ll share some of my payment for you two, then... How about you, Linnea? I''m sure someone from church-" he began, only to be cut off by said girl.


    "No way," Linnea pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. The shape of her pointy nipples became visible beneath her tunic as she did so; the clothing she wore underneath did little to hide her figure. "I already have to pay a cut to the church and the orphanage I grew up in. There''s no way I''m giving even more."


    "Umm... alright, just me, then," Valther shrugged, though the corner of his lips turned upwards slightly. He always liked to see Linnea''s cute pouting. However, Wayne enjoyed the sight of her chest and shapely hips more than anything else. Trying to change the topic from money to something else, Valther cleared his throat and spoke, looking at Wayne, "Anyway, it''s going to be pretty easy. We''ll get there and close that hole, all while fighting some slightly overgrown critters and bugs that came out of there. Not a big deal at all. Besides, it''s not the hole you need to worry about but that forest," he pointed a finger at the map on the ground next to Wayne.


    The breach was close to the ancient forest, which was stupid just to consider venturing into. Even with earth mage and light mage in a group, Linnea, it would be suicide. Usually, the guild gathers a little army of adventurers, at least 40, to deal with such tasks. "I heard some crazy stories about that ce," Wayne murmured, shivering at the thought.


    "If only half of them is true... yeah, better stay away from there," Valther nodded back, poking at the fire with a stick. "We were paid nowhere near enough to go there."


    "Good thing it''s not our job," Linnea hummed back, leaning against a tree behind her; her chest jiggled slightly from the movement. "It''s full of dryads, trolls, nasty beasts of all kinds... even giants. However, those are further north, not here. But still, not a pleasant ce to be in, let''s say that."


    ¡ª "What is the most dangerous monster you have ever encountered?" Wayne asked curiously, looking at Linnea and Valther. His green eyes shined brightly in the dim light, and the dancing mes reflected off his youthful face. The night grew darker around them as the conversation continued.


    Linnea hummed, tilting her head slightly to the side as she pondered his question. Her lips pursed thoughtfully. "I had the displeasure of meeting a troll once," she replied after a brief pause. "It wasn''t that big, but gods, he regenerated so fast. Luckily, we had a fire mage, which made things much easier."


    ¡ª "Damn... trolls. I''m d we have no such things near my vige. Though we had our fair share of bandits," Wayne chuckled, looking at Valther. "What about you, big man?"


    "Orcs," Valther said simply, his expression darkening as if reliving an unpleasant memory. "You never want to see one, trust me. I''d rather fight a bear than ever encounter another one."@@novelbin@@


    Wayne raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Where have you seen them?" he asked curiously. In the north, it wasn''t often you''d see them.


    "Southern mountains, near the dwarven strongholds. It was a mess," Valther shook his head, sighing heavily as he looked into the mes. Trying to change the topic, he turned to H, a quiet ranger who had been silent for a while now. "What about you?"


    H looked up from staring into the flickering mes; her pale features, for a moment, seemed even paler in the dim light. "Well, if anythinges to my mind, it is... spiders," she admitted after some silence. "The kind that the guild often issues for neers to see whether or not it will scare them off. I know they are considered weak creatures, but gods... those things give me the chills every time¡ªbig, ugly spiders with hairy legs and beady little eyes. Ugh!" she shivered at the thought. "It was my first quest to help one farmer who asked me to check why his chickens were disappearing. It was bigger than my head. Had nightmares for weeks after that. Good thing they are not poisonous."


    Valther chuckled at her response. "Spiders, eh? I see. Well, they can get nasty, too, especially paralyzing ones. Often makes me envy fire mages for burning them all so easily," he said with a half-smile before looking into the mes again.


    ¡ª "Nah, your magic is awesome, man," Wayne replied, unbuckling his short sword from his hip and cing it nearby. "The way you move the earth with just a flick of your hand... damn."


    "Thanks," Valther whispered back, scratching the stubble growing on his chin as his scratched iron armor glinted in the light of the flickering campfire. "Though, it is not as easy as it looks. It took me years to do at least something dangerous-looking, and I still have lots to learn. And my speed a bit sucks."


    Wayne, noticing how quiet Linnea was, turned his attention to her. She seemed deep in thought, staring intently at the fire crackling before them. Her long auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her beautiful features. "Linnea''s light affinity is also pretty cool," Wayne added shyly, smiling at the woman. "Healing wounds sounds like a miracle."


    Linnea looked up from the mes and met his gaze, a soft smile ying across her full lips. "Thank you, Wayne," she said quietly. "But it is not as awesome as you may think. It''s not nearly as fast or shy as many tend to think about light affinity. It takes time to heal even the simplest injury and a lot of knowledge about the human body not to make things worse. You better not rely too much on it in battle because it''s far from a miracle. Best case, I''ll stop the bleeding, so you don''t die immediately," she chuckled, shrugging her delicate shoulders.


    ¡ª "Still, it''s a lot," Wayne replied, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Ever since they started traveling together, he wanted to ask her something... something childish and silly, yet it was a thing he wanted to see ever since he was a kid. "C-can..." he stammered, his voice barely audible over the campfire crackling. He swallowed nervously before continuing, "Can you make a light orb? Or maybe a glowing animal figure..."


    Valther and He chuckled at Wayne''s question while Linnea simply raised an eyebrow in surprise. Wayne''s cheeks burned with embarrassment as he felt all eyes on him. "What? I know it''s a trick to impress kids, but it''s cool! Everyone in my vige dreamed of seeing it."


    "Alright... sure, I can do that," Linneaughed gently, her blue eyes twinkling at him. She held out her palm and began whispering under her breath, concentrating on each ancient word of the spell. Wayne tried to listen to what she was saying, but to his ears, it all sounded like a bunch of nonsense words. Soon, a sphere of light materialized above her soft palm, slowly growing brighter and bigger until it was about the size of a grape and shone brighter than the fire nearby. "I don''t know how to do animals or anything fancy. It''s just a spell to light the way in dark areas or make enemies temporarily blind if I put more mana..." Linnea sighed, looking at it before moving her palm toward Wayne. The soft light cast a gentle glow on his handsome face, highlighting his expression of awe and delight. "Well, how does it look? Happy?"


    Wayne couldn''t contain his excitement, grinning broadly as he watched the orb float before his green eyes. The light gave no warmth whatsoever, and yet his heart felt like a cozy firece in his chest. He reached out tentatively toward the floating ball of pure energy before hesitating. "Can I touch it?" he asked cautiously.


    "Sure," Linnea nodded, her smile widening at Wayne''s childlike wonder. "It will disappear. But go on, try it anyway."


    Without hesitation, Wayne carefully reached out and tried to touch the orb. As soon as his finger made contact with its luminous surface, the sphere flickered and dissipated into thin air with a faint whispering sound as if it was never there. He didn''t even feel a tingle when touching it. "It was... beautiful. Thank you," he breathed out softly, looking at her. "Is it true that the light affinity is the rarest?"


    Linnea simply smiled in return before answering Wayne''s question. "If not include mutated affinities, like ice or magma, then yeah. They way rarer than mine," she exined, her fingers ying idly with her long hair as she spoke. "The light is the mostmon among orphans, for whatever reason. Though I would dly give away my affinity to get my parents back."


    ¡ª "Sorry..." Wayne muttered, his gaze dropping as he nervously fiddled with a twig.


    "It''s alright," Linnea shrugged dismissively, gettingfortable against the tree behind her. "Anyone knows how to sing? I would love to listen to something before bed," she asked, trying to change the topic.


    Valther and H looked at each other, shaking their heads at the question. The campfire crackled and danced between them as silence fell over the group again, broken only by crickets chirping.


    Wayne cleared his throat and hummed softly, to everyone''s surprise. Sitting together under the vast, starry sky, they all exchanged curious nces, not saying a word as the farmer boy sang gently.


    Clearing his throat, Wayne shyly began humming softly, surprising hispanions. Sitting together beneath the vast, starry sky, they all looked at him curiously, not uttering a single word as the farmer boy sang gently, surprising them with how good his voice was. It was not at all what you would expect from someone like him. It soon became clear that the song he picked was a truly poor choice for singing in the woods.


    <strong><em>When the sun begins to set,</em></strong>


    <strong><em>And the day is almost done...</em></strong>


    <strong><em>In the woods, you best forget,</em></strong>


    <em><strong>To walk alone when night''s begun.</strong></em>


    <strong><em>Looks as pale as the moon,</em></strong>


    <strong><em>Eyes blue like summer sky...</em></strong>


    <strong><em>Her children two, just like her soon,</em></strong>


    <strong><em>Their hungry, golden stare </em></strong><strong><em>will make you cry!</em></strong>


    <strong><em>How many more?</em></strong>


    <strong><em>To understand must wander in?</em></strong>


    <strong><em>How many more?</em></strong>


    <strong><em>Must disappear?</em></strong>

 Chapter 84: Our little swamp

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    The girls kept walking forward, barely making any stops. Their heavy breathing filled the air as they struggled to put one foot ahead of the other in this endless, damp forest. The sun from earlier had long hidden behind dark clouds once more, leaving them with gloomy shadows all around once more.


    Nivalis''s muscles ached from exhaustion from carrying Aster for so long in her arms. Silvia stumbled beside her, holding onto her forearm. Her small feet dragged through the muddy, mushy ground, and a loud, ragged pant came after each step. Mud caked on their skin, clothes, and hair.


    But they didn''t stop. No matter how tired they felt, how much their legs hurt, or how much their lungs burned, they pushed forward, holding onto hope that they were nearing the edge of this suffocating forest. Nearing a ce where they could finally rest without fear of attack from those monstrous nts or whatever else lurked in shadows around them.


    Nivalis looked down at Silvia. Her daughter was a mess of mud, sweat, and tangled silver hair, which clung to her dirty cheeks under the girl''s hood. Only golden eyes remained unchanged, looking back at Nivalis with such exhaustion and desperation that it hurt to see. "Climb on my back," Nivalis said breathlessly. She knelt beside Silvia and removed the leather backpack from one shoulder so she could climb up; her bow was attached to its side. "Come on, hop on," she repeated tiredly.


    "I-I''m okay..." Silvia whispered in response, but it didn''t sound convincing at all. The girl was trembling from cold and exhaustion, her tiny frame barely able to hold herself upright anymore. She had clearly already pushed herself beyond any limits her petite body could handle. Ever since she awakened her affinity many years ago, she hadn''t grown even a little, and now more than ever, it showed. Usually, it''s not a problem, but in this dire situation, where they have to cover long distances through terrain like this... It was a huge issue.


    ¡ª "Please, honey," Nivalis pleaded quietly while kneeling. "Just for a few minutes so you could rest a bit, alright?" she asked, strained and tired but still full of motherly care.


    Wiping her forehead on her dirty sleeve, Silvia reluctantly nodded in response to her words. She climbed weakly onto her mother''s back and wrapped her skinny arms around the soft neck, putting her legs over the woman''s forearms so they dangled limply. "T-thank you," she whispered before letting out a sigh of relief as all tension left her muscles. Her body instantly slumped against Nivalis''s as exhaustion washed over her like a tidal wave, and her eyelids grew heavy.


    With a grunt of effort, Nivalis rose again, Silvia hanging off her back, and Aster cradled in her arms. It was a lot to carry ¡ª two backpacks that the girl carried, her own being the heaviest, and two kids: son in her arms, daughter clung to her back. ''Just a bit more...'' she thought, feeling her legs tremble with each step. ''Just a little bit further...''But what a mother wouldn''t do for her children? Nivalis was ready to carry them both for the entire day if that''s what it takes.


    ...


    Nivalis didn''t know how long she walked like that. Silvia fell asleep almost instantly when Nivalis picked her up. The poor child couldn''t keep her eyes open anymore. The girl''s soft, rhythmic breathing warmed the back of her neck as the elven woman kept walking.


    When the surroundings began darkening once more, signaling the arrival of another night, Nivalis felt her heart sink at the thought of spending another dreadful night in this horrible ce. She hoped today would be thest day here, but everything hinted that it wasn''t.


    Aster''s moans grew louder and more frequent with each passing hour, his body burning with fever. ''How long will hest like this?'' was a question that haunted Nivalis every minute, reminding her why she kept moving forward no matter how much her whole body hurt or how tired she felt. She clung to hope that it was not an infection that caused his fewer but just the overuse of his fire magic. However, after each nce at his palms, she found herself doubting.


    But just as Nivalis was about to start looking for a ce for the night, the forest around them began changing slowly, much to her surprise. Her boots pounded against mud with renewed vigor, squelching and squashing beneath her steps, propelling her faster and farther than she thought possible as the ancient forest thinned little by little. The massive trees became less frequent, reced instead by bushes and grass. "P-please..." Nivalis whispered desperately under her breath, hope blooming in her chest again. ''Please let this be the edge of it... Please.''


    After some time more, the faint light of sunset greeted Nivalis'' exhausted face. The pinky-orange sky above, which felt like she hadn''t seen for years now, made tears of relief well in her blue eyes. "It''s over," she whispered, barely believing what she saw before her. The wind lovingly caressed her dirty cheeks as she stood there, staring at the vast, unobstructed horizon ahead of them, watching the sun slowly dip below the distant hills. It was a sight that left her breathless, the most beautiful sunset she had ever seen.


    They finally made it out. That thought made Nivalis smile like she had never smiled before. "We are out..." she breathed out.


    "Ugh," Silvia moaned behind her back, her soft hands tightening around her mother''s neck as she stirred, still half asleep, the warm sunlight caressed her pale, youthful face. It took her a moment for her brain to register the change, but when it did, her golden eyes snapped open and blinked rapidly before widening. "Woah..." The girl whispered, resting her chin on her mother''s shoulder, her golden irises reflecting the warm rays of sunshine. "Mom... are we..."


    ¡ª "Mhm," Nivalis hummed quietly in response, her tired feet squashing loudly through the mushy ground as she slowly walked forward, finally leaving this terrible ce behind them. The girls simply turned their heads around, watching in awe how familiar green pines and spruces had reced those massive dark trees. The smell of dirt, mud, moss, and rotten leaves was slowly reced by pine and freshness. "We need to find a ce for the night. But let''s walk a bit further away, alright? Just in case." Nivalis said quietly.


    Silvia nodded against her shoulder, yawning widely. "I can walk," she mumbled, half-asleep still.


    ¡ª "Don''t worry about it. Rest while you can, alright? I got you," Nivalis whispered back, adjusting her children before continuing to walk. Somehow, they now didn''t feel like a burden anymore, even though she had been carrying them for so long. It felt like she could do it forever without a single sweat.


    A tiny peck soon followed against the side of the woman''s cheek. "I''ll give you the best massage once we set up camp..." Silvia mumbled, snuggling closer to her mother as her heavy eyelids slowly closed again, slipping back into thend of dreams.


    ...


    Hard to tell how long Nivalis walked around looking for a decent spot for the night. She just wanted to ensure it was far from that godsforsaken ce, and only when the sun disappearedpletely did she finally find one.


    It was a small clearing surrounded by thick bushes and tall trees. At its center was a small swampy pond, likely just a remnant of yesterday''s rain. It wasn''t veryrge, just a few steps of water and shallow enough to barely reach her ankles. Toads and other critters swam inside it while cicadas and crickets started their nightly serenade all around it. It wasn''t the best spot she had ever camped in, but right now, even this felt like paradisepared to that ce.


    Her legs and arms ached with exhaustion, and her back screamed in pain; every single muscle in her body felt sore. She slowly lowered herself onto her knees and gentlyid Aster''s unconscious form down beside her on his back. The poor boy was still burning up with fever, moaning quietly in pain. "Shh," Nivalis softly whispered, brushing some dirty hair strands from his sweaty forehead.


    Silvia groaned weakly, still holding onto her mother from behind. Her golden eyes fluttered open and blinked a couple of times before focusing on their surroundings. "Morning..." she mumbled quietly, yawning widely as she loosened her grip and climbed down,nding on all fours with a slight thud. She stretched her petite frame like an oversized and incredibly dirty kitten. "Mmmh... I''m so tired," the girl whispered, rubbing her eyes.


    Nivalis chuckled softly at that, reaching up to gently ruffle Silvia''s silver hair. "It''s not morning. The night only started, my love. I''m not sure how far away I got us, so no magic, alright? Who knows what other things still could be nearby?" she said quietly, slowly rising back onto her feet while trying to ignore the throbbing pain all over her body; every single muscle screamed in protest at even that small movement. "Ugh," Nivalis groaned through gritted teeth, stretching her sore back and shoulders. It didn''t help much; if anything, it only made things worse. "I think we are safe to remove our cloaks in here. It''s a nice spot I found," she added, looking at the surrounding trees and bushes with a smile.


    Silvia simply nodded at her mother''s words, still rubbing her tired eyes. "Mhm..." she mumbled, slowly removing her muddy cloak and revealing her equally dirty tunic and pants. Nivalis did the same, the only difference being that she was topless underneath, so her heavy breasts felt the gentle breeze of the night. Both daughter and mother were dirty beyond measure, with barely a hint of their natural paleness left on their skin.


    Then Silvia crawled to Aster''s side, gently touching his sweaty forehead with her dirty palm. "How is he?" she asked quietly, looking up at Nivalis with concern in her golden eyes.


    ¡ª "Same... but he will be better once we get the fire going," Nivalis sighed, ncing down at their son''s pale face. He didn''t look well; his breathing was quick and shallow, sweat covering his forehead as fever ravaged his tiny body. The smell of pus seeped through the cloth wrapped around his hands. "Could you help me gather wood? Just don''t wander off too far. I need to see you at all times," she said while rummaging through their backpacks in search of their old flint to start a fire.


    "Of course. I''ve got this," Silvia whispered, gently kissing Aster''s sweaty forehead before getting up and looking for branches for the campfire. Nivalis watched as her daughter walked among familiar green trees again and how unusual it was for her to breathe in fresh pine-scented air again after all those days stuck inside that horrible ce. This made her smile a little.


    ''Oh, here is our flint. Alright, let''s start the fire,'' Nivalis nodded when she found what she was looking for among their stuff. She knelt next to Aster when Silvia brought the first batch of twigs for her to use. As much as she wished it only took a few minutes to get the fire going, she would be lying through her teeth if she said that. Every single arm muscle screamed in protest, feeling like they were about to fall off when a small me finally appeared after some time. ''Years of experience, my ass,'' Nivalis thought tiredly to herself before adding more twigs and branches onto it until an actual roaring fire warmed up their camp with its bright orange glow.


    Silvia never stopped bringing in more branches and even some pine needles for Aster''s wounds during that entire time, not once stopping orining about anything. "Thank you, honey," Nivalis mumbled tiredly once Silvia sat beside her little brother, resting her hands on his heaving chest.


    "Don''t mention it..." the girl whispered back quietly, looking down at Aster with concern in her golden eyes as they reflected the warm glow of the campfire. The soft crackling of burning wood and chirping crickets filled the silence.


    ¡ª "Let''s see..." Nivalis said softly, carefully removing her dirty tunic from around his neck, revealing his delicate skin covered in dried blood and green paste from before. "Alright... Now we need to boil the water," she continued, retrieving all three wooden bowls from their backpack and setting the smallest one on the ground. With a tired sigh, Nivalis stood up and walked to the small pond nearby, filling two bowls with cold, muddy water before returning.


    As the moon rose higher in the night sky, the girls kept themselves busy crushing pine needles in the third bowl, waiting for the rocks they had gathered earlier to heat up in the mes. Nivalis even took a moment to rinse her tunic in the pond, nning to use it as a ragter. She didn''t dare wash the rest as it would take hours, and she was too exhausted after all that had happened.


    When the rocks were hot enough, Nivalis started heating the water with sticks to swap them around once they cooled down. It didn''t take long for the water to boil; as soon as it did, Nivalis poured their crushed pine needles into one, keeping another bowl with clean water to wash wounds. The hissing sound could be heard all around the small clearing.


    ¡ª "Could you tend the paste while I clean him?" Nivalis asked quietly, receiving a simple nod in response as her daughter took the sticks from her hands. With that, Nivalis carefully brought the bowl with clean water closer to Aster''s unconscious form and began undressing him. She removed his dirty clothes one by one until he waspletely exposed under the warm glow of the campfire nearby. Her eyes briefly stopped on his limp member, wrinkled and as small as half of her pinky, hanging limply above his smooth testicles. She quickly looked away and got to work.


    Firstly, Nivalis cleaned Aster''s dirty neck using her tunic as a rag. She gently wiped away all the old mush and dried blood from around the five rtively long but not deep w marks spread across his delicate skin. Once clean, they didn''t look nearly as bad as she imagined.


    After that, she moved down to Aster''s hands, unwrapping them with a frown. The smelling off them made her stomach turn; even though she expected it, she couldn''t help but gag quietly at the sight of open wounds on his raw, tender flesh. Pus oozed from the blisters that covered his palms, a sight she wished she could erase from her memory forever. She carefully cleaned all the disgusting yellowish-green substance off using almost all the boiled water they had prepared before refilling it again with water from their nearby pond. It wasn''t the cleanest water in the world, but it should be alright if she''s careful not to get any of it into his wounds.


    "How long do we need to boil it?" Silvia asked quietly while lowering a hot stone into the green mush, which immediately started bubbling. With each new stone added, the mush became thicker and more intense in smell.


    ¡ª "Twenty minutes should be enough..." Nivalis replied distractedly, focusing on Aster''s feverish body. She used her tunic to wipe away all traces of mud, sweat, and grime, starting with his shoulders down to his skinny chest and then onto his tummy and legs. When she finished with his face, hair, and back, it was time for his private parts. Thest thing they needed right now was some kind of infection to happen down there simply because she was not thorough enough while cleaning him.


    Putting her now dirty again tunic aside, Nivalis took her little boy''s tiny penis in between her thumb and forefinger as gently as she could. His soft skin felt delicate to the touch. As carefully as possible, she started cleaning him with her fingers. She pulled down his foreskin that was attached to the tip, revealing a pink head no bigger than a pea underneath, a sight so cute that it almost made Nivalis chuckle.


    Silvia''s golden, curious eyes followed her mother''s every move, watching how she cleaned her little brother. Doing such things in front of her daughter made Nivalis feel weird and nervous, but not that she had much choice now. Who knows what that mud was filled with?


    But it wasn''t just that. What made Nivalis even more nervous was when Aster started to... grow... right between her fingers. ''Great... Just great...'' Nivalis thought, feeling how this tiny thing twitched while his heavy breathing became louder and faster. It felt so incredibly awkward. And her daughter''s gaze didn''t help either.


    After a moment of hesitation, she decided to continue as if nothing happened. She gently wiped his cute little balls next, barelyrger than two cherries each. Theyy in her palm as she cleaned them, rolling them between her fingers delicately, being careful not to hurt him. His member kept throbbing this whole time. It made Nivalis remember all those nights when this little guy humped her navel.


    "I think the mush is done..." Silvia whispered after some time, her eyes glued onto her mother''s hands holding her little brother''s thingy.


    Nivalis almost jumped at the sound of her daughter''s voice. "Yes. Please put it aside to cool down..." she mumbled in response, letting go of Aster''s sack and moving onto his butt. She lifted his legs gently and spread him open with one hand while cleaning him with the other using her tunic.


    He looked much better once fully cleaned, although his face still twisted ufortably with pain. Or were those moans from her touch? It was damn hard to tell now. And Nivalis didn''t want to know either, not really. "Alright... that should be enough..." Nivalis said softly, gently lowering his legs again. His tiny penis stood proudly for them both to witness, twitching every few seconds as if begging to be touched.


    "Let''s go wash ourselves real quick while the paste cools off," Nivalis sighed, covering his shame with her dirty tunic and getting up with another tired groan.


    "O-okay..." Silvia mumbled in response, slowly getting up and following her mother to the pond nearby. At the shore, Nivalis removed the few pieces of clothing she had left on her body before helping Silvia do the same. She then took her small hand into hers, and the girls stepped into the cold, murky water. It was filled with mud, small nts, and all kinds of things that tickled their feet, but they were willing to tolerate it if only for a chance to get clean again after so long.


    They crouched down, their naked bodies shivering from the chill of the water. Goosebumps formed on their smooth skin as nipples hardened from the cold breeze blowing against them. Taking Silvia''s tunic from the shore, Nivalis carefully washed her daughter''s body, watching how dirt immediately started falling off her pale skin and disappearing into the muddy water surrounding them.


    Nivalis started from her face, working down her neck, shoulders, chest, and stomach before moving onto her butt, legs, and feet. Silvia remained quiet during this time, only shivering a little from the coldness of the water while asionally gasping softly at her mother''s tender touch upon her delicate skin.@@novelbin@@


    After finishing working on her petite body, Nivalis started to clean herself next; however, Silvia didn''t let her. The girl simply took the brown tunic from between her hands and began scrubbing as hard as she could against every part of her mother''s pale body, trying to remove all grime covering it. "So dirty..." Silvia quietly whispered every few minutes as she worked while Nivalis just sat there, her hands resting between her soft thighs to keep them warm in this coldness. Not a single word was spoken between them.


    Once they had cleaned each other, they rinsed their long silver hair until no more dirt could be seen. Their bodies trembled from the cold when it was finally over. "L-let''s get b-back to the fire..." Nivalis stuttered out through chattering teeth before quickly getting out of the water, holding her small daughter''s hand tightly in hers; their bare feet squished loudly against the muddy ground beneath them with each step back towards their campfire.


    Once there, Nivalis sat on the ground next to her son and the fire a soft thud of her perfectly-shaped butt against the ground. She then softly patted her thighs, signaling the girl to sit on herp instead, and Silvia did so without any hesitation. Her little butt pressed against one of her mother''s thighs as she wrapped both arms around Nivalis'' waist tightly for warmth, resting her head upon the softness of her breasts.


    Nivalis embraced her daughter in return, letting out a long, satisfied sigh as she felt the warmth from the nearby fire. "There, better..." she whispered down at Silvia with a tired but content smile, feeling her tiny body trembling heavily in her embrace. "We did it, honey... we made it..." she added, running her fingers through the silver locks of her little girl.

 Chapter 86: Staring at the flames

    <strong>[Silvia]</strong>


    The flickering orange glow of their campfire illuminated the small clearing where a family of three was resting after an incredibly gruesome journey. Two girls, a daughter sitting on her mother''sp, stared into the dancing mes for the past hour without uttering a single word. Their distant gazes were lost somewhere in the mesmerizing dance of the fire. The third, a young boy who slept beside them, had the best dreams of his life; a silly smile graced his youthful face. He was naked, just like the girls, save for only the dirty tunic that covered his little, nowpletely limp thingy.


    The air was filled with chirping crickets, rustling leaves, and the soft crackle of burning wood. The beautiful night sky stretched above them, countless stars twinkling brightly against the inky darkness while the moon hung overhead in all its glory, casting its silvery light down upon their small campsite. A strong smell of burnt pine needles permeated the air they breathed, tickling their nostrils with each deep inhale.@@novelbin@@


    Silvia, the little girl whose chin was still drenched with saliva, shifted slightly on her mother''s softp, hugging her knees closer to her chest as if trying to curl herself into a tiny ball. If shame and embarrassment could be given a face, it would have been hers without a single doubt. Tears welled in her golden eyes as she stared into those dancing mes, listening to her mother''s soft breathing behind her back.


    Nivalis'' arms remained wrapped tightly around her daughter''s waist, keeping the girl close to her warm body while her mind still tried to process everything that had just happened an hour ago. Her little boy had just... finished... inside her daughter''s mouth.


    It wasn''t something that a mother would ever expect from their children. The way he throbbed inside her little girl''s mouth... Those squelching and sucking noises she heard... she wished with all her heart not to remember it. Nivalis looked tired beyond her mind; deep bags had formed under her blue eyes, and her beautiful face was pale and gaunt.


    She opened her mouth a few times to ask something, only for words to die before leaving her soft, pink lips. Nivalis had no idea what to say or how to start this conversation. Nor knew Silvia, who kept sitting still like a statue in her mother''s arms.


    Honestly, the little girl expected a severe spanking after all that happened. A spanking so brutal that she would be screaming at the top of her lungs until morning. And maybe a few hours after that as well. To make sure she would be afraid to even look at Aster''s thingy.


    But no such thing ever came. Instead, they were just sitting together and staring at the mes.''Maybe... Maybe she just waits for me to bend over by myself?'' thought the girl as she nced down at the soft, pale thighs beneath her, then up at her mother''s distant gaze. ''Let''s try...'' Silvia sniffled softly before shifting her petite, naked body until she was lying on her tummy across Nivalis''p. A tiny shiver traveled through her body while her golden eyes shut and her little bottom lifted slightly upward, presenting it to her mother.


    And yet, still, nothing came; her hands didn''t move, resting on the girl''s waist. No words or ps graced the girl''s tender cheeks as Silvia waited patiently for her mother to raise her palm and begin spanking her butt as hard as possible. The girl knew she deserved it after what she had done with Aster. Silvia was ready to bear it without a single tear and cry, not even a squeak or whimper. But nothing happened at all. Nivalis simply sat there with her child lying over herp,pletely silent.


    The girl grew desperate after more than ten minutes of waiting like this, expecting a harsh spanking that never came. Silvia quietly grabbed her mother''s soft hand by the wrist, guiding it toward her petite bottom. She did so almost as if to show what needed to be done, a soft smacknding on one of her tender butt cheeks when Nivalis'' limp hand connected with it. Those rosy cheeks were offered up to her like amb to ughter, presented so submissively to her mother''s mercy.


    But instead of pping the girl, Nivalis began massaging the tiny bottom, caressing and squeezing her daughter''s buttocks and thighs gently while staring into the fire, deep in thought.


    Silvia didn''t know how to react. It was probably thest thing the girl expected to happen. She kept lying over her mother''sp with her little butt being gently kneaded for who knows how long, all while she was trying to figure out what she should do next. ''How do I make her spank me? Or should I just apologize?'' she thought, wiggling her naked bottom on her mother''sp as if begging to start hitting her, only for more squishing and spreading to follow.


    The silence was deafening; somehow, this was way worse than spanking could ever be. Nivalis still wasn''t saying anything. Her mind seemed upied with other things entirely; the only sounding from her was slow breathing while she continued to squeeze and caress her daughter''s soft, little butt cheeks absentmindedly.


    Meanwhile, Silvia was trying to keep herself together. She felt confused, guilty, ashamed, sad, and embarrassed, and most of all, she felt like she had betrayed her mother. She nced up at Nivalis behind her hair-covered shoulder. "A-aren''t you g-gonna do it...?" she whispered with a sniffle, feeling more tears well up in her golden eyes, making everything look blurry.


    Nivalis simply sighed loudly before looking down at her daughter''s smooth butt and giving it a soft, barely noticeable p with no force whatsoever behind it. The girl''s pale skin barely jiggled from the impact. It made Silvia whimper pathetically. That''s not how it was supposed to go. She deserved so much worse than this.


    ¡ª "Mom... please..." Silvia sobbed softly again, closing her eyes and trying to push her bottom against her mother''s palm, hoping this would make her start punishing her... but she didn''t. Her hand remained still, resting gently on her child''s soft butt.


    Silvia took a deep breath and opened her mouth again, "I..." her voice cracking heavily, broken by an asional sob. "I... I''m s-sorry... I just..." she said, her high-pitched voice trailing off before more words coulde from her lips. A loud sniffle followed as she squirmed her petite body, sitting back on her mother''s softp. Her big arms almost immediately locked around the girl''s petite waist again, holding her daughter like before.


    Silvia looked up with wide, full of tears, golden eyes, gently wrapping her tiny hands around her mother''s neck and pulling herself up; their pale, naked bodies pressed together had the exact shade of skin. Their long, silver hair that covered her shoulders and chest tangled together, making it impossible to tell where one began and the other ended. "I didn''t want t-to upset y-you... I''m so sorry..." she whimpered, gently kissing the soft cheek. Her lips trembled against the woman''s skin. Then, another equally soft peck followed. And then another one. And more...


    Nivalis closed her eyes, letting her daughter kiss her worries away. The only response was when her hands began rubbing up and down Silvia''s back from the base of her neck down to the soft swell of her butt cheeks. "I..." Nivalis started but didn''t continue for a few long moments. "I... just don''t know what to say, my love..." she quietly whispered, no louder than the crackling of their fire.


    Silvia continued peppering her mother''s face with gentle, loving kisses, tasting salty tears on her skin. "I-it was t-to h-help him... with p-pain..." she mumbled in between those kisses. Doing so made her remember when they did that weird tongue massage back in the cave. As weird as it was, they both liked it. It felt nice and fun... And an idea of trying again shed through the girl''s young mind. ''Maybe that would calm Mom down?'' she thought, her lips reluctantly pressing against her mother''s. The woman didn''t respond; she simply let her daughter do whatever she wanted.


    The little girl kept kissing those soft lips, gently nipping and pulling on her lower lip before covering it with smooches. She even took a moment to kiss her chin, jaw, forehead, and nose. She wanted her mother to feel loved and cherished. But how she looked back at her was almost heartbreaking; her blue eyes filled with nothing but sadness.


    Silvia''s knees trembled as she held onto her mother''s shoulders for support, desperately trying to kiss the woman into feeling better. ''Well... here I go...'' she thought before gently parting her mouth and slowly pushing her little tongue past her mother''s soft lips.


    Nivalis felt the familiar taste of her daughter''s saliva mixed with... something else. A faint, slightly bitter, and salty taste surprised her taste buds. Only a momentter did she realize what it was ¡ª the taste of her little boy, causing her to pull away with a frown of disgust. A chill ran down her spine at the thought of what she had just tasted. "Enough... stop, please," Nivalis said in a hoarse voice, gently pushing the girl''s silver head away.


    Silvia simply nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes with trembling hands. "Sorry..." she replied sadly before pressing her face against her mother''s big breasts and listening to her quick heartbeat, trying to hide her burning shame there.


    Soon enough, another tired sigh escaped Nivalis'' lips as her arms wrapped protectively around the tiny form of her daughter, holding her close against her warm chest. "Let''s go to sleep... I''m too exhausted to think clearly..." she suggested quietly before running her fingers through Silvia''s silky hair. "Who knows... maybe it is just a bad dream of mine..."


    The little girl sniffled softly in response, slowly nodding her head against the softness of those big breasts. Nivalis lowered herself onto the ground and grabbed the damp nket to cover them all with, even Aster. The girly on top of her mother''s body, still feeling those strong arms around her, making her more than ever feel like she did not deserve it after what had happened earlier, but she did not dare say anything. She simply buried her burning face even deeper.


    Nivalis gulped loudly, trying to get rid of the lingering taste of her son in her mouth.


    ...


    The sun gradually rose over the horizon, casting its warm glow on everything it touched while birds serenaded the morning with cheerful songs. The tall pines and stately spruces swayed gently in a soft breeze as the sky was painted in delicate shades of orange and pink, dotted with fluffy clouds driftingzily above.


    Silvia walked alongside her mother, holding onto her forearm with one hand. But the beautiful scenery around her went unnoticed as the girl stared at the ground the whole time, dragging her thin legs to keep up with Nivalis, who carried Aster in her arms. The boy rested his head against her chest, eyes shut while sweat rolled down his forehead, hair stered over it.


    It was hard to tell if he was getting better; the pain on his face was gone, reced by a calm, almost peaceful look. Though whimpers still left his lips now and then between heavy breaths that made both girls'' hearts ache.


    All three wore their disguise cloaks with nothing but boots underneath. Walking around like this was slightly chilly, especially when a gust of wind blew inside and caressed the girl''s hairless privates, making her shiver. But it was still much better than wearing their filthy clothes; she could get used to it.


    ¡ª "Should..." Silvia finally broke the silence after walking the whole morning without saying a single word. She looked up at Nivalis nervously before asking in a quiet, shy voice, "Should I do the mana thing to him? When we stop, I mean," the girl spoke up, tugging on her mother''s sleeve. "Do you think it would be alright?"


    Nivalis nced down at her little son''s face, which rested against her chest. She thought about it momentarily before responding with a tired sigh, "I don''t know... Maybe..." she said quietly while gently shifting Aster in her arms. She had almost no sleepst night; she was too shocked and worried after what happened. Every time she closed her eyes, an image of her sweet daughter with a pink, twitching penis of her little brother between those soft lips would sh before them. "B-but let''s first walk further from that forest before doing any magic... I don''t like how close we still are," Nivalis sighed heavily.


    ¡ª "Mhm..." Silvia quietly hummed, nodding. She looked down again and returned to being lost in thought. Her mind was still trying to figure out how to apologize properly. The little girl tried kissing her mother this morning before starting to walk, but she got pushed away just like yesterday. Her mother never pushed her away before... Never! She always let Silvia kiss her whenever and however she wanted. It made the girl''s heart sink even lower than it already did. ''Should I try again when we stop?'' she wondered with a deep frown on her innocent, youthful face.


    The sun climbed higher in the sky as they walked through the grassynd, surrounded by lush forests stretching endlessly in every direction. Wildflowers bloomed around them, adding sshes of color to an otherwise greenndscape. The scent of flowers hung heavy as they walked, tickling their noses with each new step while chirping birds and insects filled the air.


    After a few more hours of walking, the girls finally stopped at the top of a small hill covered in wildflowers. "It''s nice here," Nivalismented quietly before sitting on the soft grass beside her little boy. Lying among the flowers, he looked so peaceful, so innocent that Nivalis couldn''t help but stroke his long, silver hair with her hand while her blue eyes stared into the distance, tired and worried.


    ¡ª "You should sleep for a bit," Silvia whispered after watching her mother''s eyelids droop from exhaustion. She sat beside her, removing the hood of her cloak and letting her hair spill down her shoulders before stretching her legs, revealing her pale, skinny thighs underneath; only boots were on them. "Come... lie down..." the girl patted her smallp.


    Nivalis looked at Silvia for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "Yeah... maybe an hour wouldn''t hurt..." she replied with a tired sigh before slowly lowering herself onto the grass to rest her head in her daughter''sp. The soft breeze gently swayed through nearby flowers and grass while birds continued their sweet serenade.


    Silvia could see that Nivalis'' eyes were still open as shey in herp, staring into the distance with an unreadable expression. The girl startedbing her mother''s silky hair with her small fingers, hoping it would help her rx.


    "Why did you do it?" Nivalis suddenly asked after a long silence. Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried so much emotion within it. "What made you think it was okay to do?"


    Silvia''s hand froze the moment she heard those words. She felt her heart drop into her stomach as she gulped loudly. After a long pause, the girl took a deep breath and quietly said, "I-I... didn''t want him to feel any pain. I thought he had enough of it already. So I just..." Silvia''s voice cracked as she sniffled loudly, and her golden eyes started to water again.


    Nivalis didn''t reply; only a tired sigh escaped her lips before her hand came up and wiped away her daughter''s tears. "Did he ever ask you for anything simr when I wasn''t around? Or forced you somehow to do it?" she asked in such a way as if afraid to receive an answer, slowly looking up into the girl''s golden eyes, looking there for any hints of a lie.


    Silvia looked down at her mother through blurry vision and shook her head. "No... never," she replied quietly with a sniffle. "You know him, Mom... he would never..." the girl whispered through the sobs, letting tears fall onto her mother''s hand on her cheek. "I promise you, he did not..."


    "I know... I just needed to be sure," Nivalis said gently, her fingers brushing away more of her daughter''s tears from those soft, rosy cheeks. "Thank gods..." she breathed out in relief. She imagined so many things in her head, and this scenario was the worst. A few silent minutes passed before she added in a tired voice, "But honey... what you did..."


    ¡ª "Mhm... I know," Silvia whimpered with a trembling voice full of sorrow and shame, her eyes looking away. She didn''t dare look down now, afraid to see disappointment on her mother''s face. "I''m sorry, Mom... I-I won''t do it ever again..." she finished in barely a whisper.


    The silence stretched between them once again as Silvia quietly sobbed and stroked her mother''s long hair. Seeing her child like this made Nivalis'' heart tighten painfully, like someone had squeezed it tightly. "Can I get a few of those kisses from yesterday?" Nivalis quietly said, hoping it would lighten her mood. It didn''t mean their conversation was over, far from it; they would talk about it much longer, but it could wait for now. It just pained her to see her daughter crying.


    ¡ª "Really? You''d want to?" Silvia replied immediately with a slight stutter; her cheeks glistened brightly in the sunlight, covered in fresh tears.


    "I would love to, honey... Come here," Nivalis responded, smiling warmly at the girl, happy to see such excitement twinkling behind those tears. She moved her head onto the soft grass and motioned the girl to get on top of her by opening her arms. Silvia shifted herself and crawled on top until their faces were so close together that they could feel each other''s breath. The girl gently cupped Nivalis'' face in tiny hands before peppering it with sweet, loving kisses¡ªfirst the forehead, then the nose, followed by those soft, big lips. Both started giggling quietly as they moved their mouths against each other, sharing a gentle kiss that only a mother and daughter could share. The taste of salty tears lingered in their mouths, mixing with the sweet vor of their saliva.


    ¡ª "Would you like to do that tongue massage?" Silvia asked eagerly after breaking away from her mother''s lips with a grin so wide it could rival the sunrise itself.


    Nivalis sighed softly and smiled up at the little girl. "You really like it, don''t you? Fine, but..." she began, only to feel those soft lips pressing against hers again in a sloppy kiss before she could finish her sentence. She let out a tiny sigh as that slippery tongue tried forcing its way past her lips once more. In response, Nivalis parted them slightly and allowed Silvia in with a soft moan.


    Silvia eagerly pushed inside immediately, sliding her small tongue around every corner of her mother''s mouth, feeling how her big arms wrapped tightly around her waist, holding the girl close against her chest; Silvia''s cloak slid up, revealing more of her soft, pale skin to the morning sun.


    Silvia let her mother suck on her little tongue up until the tingling sensation started traveling through it. Her eyes immediately shot open as she broke the kiss, giggling when Nivalis'' lips chased after hers. "Hehe... my turn," the girl chirped, waiting for her mother to stick her tongue out. When she did, Silvia slowly brought her lips down to its tip and started sucking and licking it eagerly, making wet sounds with each slurp.


    ''It''s even bigger than Aster''s thingy...'' Silvia thought before frowning slightly at that memory. ''Ugh... why did I remember that now?'' she sighed, trying to push that image out of her head as her little head started bobbing up and down her mother''s wet tongue.


    A few minutester, Nivalis interrupted their fun by gently pushing her daughter away from her face with both hands on the girl''s shoulders to free her tongue. "I think this is enough," she said, breathing heavily through her nose. Her eyes were half-lidded as she stared back up at Silvia, trying to catch her breath.


    ¡ª "Aw... alright..." the little girl replied in a slightly disappointed voice before sitting back beside her mother and looking down at her with bright, hopeful golden eyes. "Can we do it again this evening? It feels nice," Silvia asked, patting herp again and motioning for Nivalis to lie back down.


    A tired sigh left Nivalis'' lips as she rested her head on her daughter''sp again. "Yes... yes..." she mumbled, closing her eyes instantly, hoping to get some well-needed rest. "I''m going to sleep now, okay? Wake me up in an hour... or two," she murmured, snuggling closer against the girl''s soft tummy. "I''ll give you some spanking right after..." Nivalis mumbled into her cloak with a tiny chuckle.


    Silvia''s golden eyes immediately widened, darting down to her mother''s face. She grinned from ear to ear at that promise of a real, good spanking. "Really? You promise?" the girl asked excitedly, her legs wiggling in anticipation.


    A tired giggle left the woman''s lips as she nodded slightly against Silvia''s belly. "Mhm..." she replied quietly, the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves almost drowning out her voice.


    ¡ª "Yay!" the girl beamed with happiness, hugging her mother''s head closer to her soft tummy. The grin never left her face as she stared into the horizon and listened to the sounds of nature. It was a perfect ce for a little rest, a quiet hill covered in wildflowers, surrounded by lush forests stretching endlessly.


    However, after a few minutes, Silvia''s golden eyes widened as she spotted something far in the distance, partially concealed by tall trees. "Is that... ake?" she asked quietly, ncing down at her mother, only to find she was already fast asleep.


    ''It''s totally ake!'' Silvia smiled even wider, caressing her mother''s long hair gently as she stared into the distance. Who knows, maybe they''ll finally get a real wash instead of cleaning themselves in swampy water. A proper spanking that she deserved, now this... It will be such a nice day today.

 Chapter 88: Those thighs

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The gentle sound of waterpping against a rocky shore echoed through the quiet forest air, apanied by chirping birds in nearby trees. The rustling grass filled with little insects added to the peaceful morning ambiance for the siblings who sat together by their campfire on a soft nest of nkets. A warm sun bathed their naked bodies in its gentle glow as it rose above distant hills, casting long shadows across the ground.


    Lying on his sister''s legs, Aster looked vulnerable and weak. His face was covered in sweat, and his cheeks were flushed red from fever. The boy''s pale chest rose and fell erratically as he kept panting heavily through his nose. His eyes, as golden as his sister''s, remained wide open. He gazed into hers with a gentle smile on his chapped lips.


    Since Aster woke up yesterday evening after two long days of feverish slumber, he couldn''t stop smiling. Back there, when he faced that creature, he really thought it was over. That he''d never see them again. But now, lying here, he felt so damn happy and grateful to be alive¡ªeven if it hurt like hell. He was just so damn happy to see them both alive and well, safe and sound, far away from that horrible ce. It felt like now, their lives could finally return to normal. All they need is to find a quiet vige in which to live, as simple as that. A dream they had been chasing was now closer than ever.


    Speaking of pain... it never subsided. Not even for a little. His hands felt as if they were still burning, every single second of every minute. He could almost hear that bubbling, hissing sound whenever his eyes closed. Also, his neck... a dull throbbing that never went away, making it almost impossible to move his head without tears welling up in his eyes. But Aster didn''tin. Not once.


    He kept quiet and just smiled up at his cute sister, her silver hair cascading down her delicate shoulders as she sat with her legs beneath her butt, providing her little brother with the softest pillow this world has ever seen¡ªher pale, naked thighs. Silvia''s petite figure basked in the warm light of the morning sun above, peeking in between her locks that kept swaying slightly from the gentle breeze. Her t chest rose and fell ever so slightly as she breathed quietly.


    "Say... ah..." Silvia giggled adorably while holding a piece of freshly cooked fish between her forefinger and thumb above her little brother''s mouth. His lips glistened from all the leftover juice from thatst bite she fed him just a moment before.


    ¡ª "Ah," Aster replied weakly before epting the little bite of food into his mouth, chewing slowly with some effort. Just like her, he was also naked, save for only a nket covering his hips to hide his privates. His hands rested atop his chest, wrapped tightly in handmade bandages Nivalis made from his tunic. An overwhelming smell of that green pine paste came from them and his neck, but the boy tried to ignore it. "Mmm," he hummed in pleasure after struggling to swallow it. "It''s nice to eat a normal meal again. It''s been... quite some time," Aster mumbled, giving his chapped lips a gentle lick.


    "Yeah, it''s nice," Silvia nodded with a small smile. "Mom caught quite a few already. We will smoke what we can''t eatter today, so you better eat as much as you can. Somehow, you''re even skinnier than me..." she whispered, feeding him another piece of juicy fish, gently cing it inside his open mouth with her tiny fingers. His lips wrapped around them for a moment to suck the leftover juices off before letting them go with a soft pop. "You sure you are feeling alright?" She asked, caressing Aster''s damp forehead with the back of her other hand, feeling the intense heat emanating from his skin.Aster nodded in response, his eyes momentarily closing as he concentrated on chewing. It took him quite some time to finally swallow and open them again. "I just feel weirdly tired... that''s all," he mumbled quietly. "Well, I used ALL my mana back then. Maybe this is why..." A weak smile appeared on his chapped lips. "I was quite the badass back there, huh?" he chuckled softly.


    However, for Silvia, it wasn''t aughing matter at all... her worried golden gaze never left his eyes as she whispered, "Thank you... for what you did." Her glistening fingers broke off another small piece of fish and guided it into Aster''s mouth. "It was cool and all... but don''t do something like that ever again. You have no idea how scared we were, seeing you lying still next to that creature..." she sighed quietly, watching as he struggled to chew the tiny piece of food in his mouth.


    After some effort, a loud gulp escaped Aster''s throat, his face wincing briefly at the pain in his neck, but disappeared just as quickly. "You are wee," he replied with a weak smile, adorably staring back into her golden, beautiful eyes. "I''d do it again in a heartbeat, though. It''s my job to protect you and Mom."


    "Stoopid little brother..." Silvia mumbled quietly, still gently caressing his damp forehead. Her golden eyes shifted to their mother in the distance; crouched on a nearby boulder by the water''s edge, Nivalis tried to catch more fish with her bow in one hand and an arrow with a string attached to it in the other. Unlike the siblings, she wore her usual tunic and pants.


    Aster followed his sister''s gaze¡ªor tried to, as it hurt to turn his neck even a little bit¡ªand noticed what she was looking at. Nivalis, with her silver hair tied back into a loose bun, held an unstrung bow over the crystal-clear water. Her blue eyes darted from side to side as she tried to spot any movement beneath that quiet surface.


    ¡ª "Mom... She''s a bit quiet, don''t you think?" Aster asked hesitantly a momentter. "You think she''s mad at me for what I did? Risking myself, I mean..."


    Silvia shifted her gaze to him again, visibly unsure how to respond to that question. "Umm... No, I don''t think so. She''s mad at me for... reasons I won''t say," she mumbled quietly after a brief pause, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "It was nothing serious, though. Don''t worry about it," the girl added quickly.


    Raising his eyebrow in response, Aster squinted his eyes at her. "Huh. What did you do?"


    "It''s... ehm... private, between me and Mom..." Silvia said, tapping his little nose with her finger and letting out a quiet boop sound. "You wouldn''t understand even if I told you. It''s girl stuff," she added, offering him another piece of cooked fish.


    Aster pouted cutely at that answer. "Fine. I''ll ask Mom," he huffed, opening his mouth to take the food.


    "I-I''m quite sure she won''t tell you either..." Silvia replied with an awkward smile, giving him her fingers to suck on to make them clean again. As an obedient little brother, Aster wrapped his soft lips around them and gave them a little suck, his wet tongue gently cleaning off any leftover juices.


    With a soft, barely audible pop sound, Aster released Silvia''s fingers from his mouth and smirked at her. "Oooh, something serious then. I see... I see..." he chuckled, his eyes darting between her golden orbs. "Now I''m even more curious. I''ll give you an hour-long massage if you tell me."


    "It''s tempting, but no." Silvia shook her head, looking at his bandaged hands resting on his chest, "Besides, how would you even do that with... you know?" she quietly added. Her little hand gently caressed Aster''s damp hair, brushing it to the side, sticky from his constant sweating. "How badly do they hurt right now?" the girl asked with a worried frown.


    Aster''s smile faded somewhat as he nced at his hands; they still pulsated with that horrible, almost unbearable pain. He wanted to writhe in agony from it but tried his hardest to hide it. "It looks worse than it feels," he lied, not wanting to worry her. His fever was also pretty bad, but he hoped it would pass with a few more days of rest. Was it an overuse of magic that caused this, or did some nasty infection slip through the wound... he wasn''t sure. All Aster could do was wait for his body to fight it, whatever it was.


    "Hmm... Alright. Here, take one more bite," Silvia whispered, breaking off a little piece of fish and cing it into her brother''s mouth. "I can chew it for you if you want."


    Struggling with swallowing again, Aster took a few long moments to clear his throat. "Sure, that would be... nice, actually," he said weakly with a tired, sweet smile, looking up at his sister from between her pale thighs. There was no better ce for a brother to rest his head than on the soft thighs of his loving, cute sister.


    The silver-haired girl returned the sweet smile, taking a big piece of tasty, warm meat into her mouth. Sweet juices filled Silvia''s mouth with each chomp, making her cheeks puff out slightly. She moved the food around inside her mouth with her tongue, checking for any bones or big chunks that could cause trouble. There were none.


    Silvia gently cupped Aster''s cheeks, motioning for him to open his mouth, hovering above him. When he did, she started spitting the fish into his waiting mouth, watching how the mix of her spit and mushy meat slid down the boy''s tongue. A long strand of saliva stretched between their lips before breaking only when his mouth got full. He closed his mouth and started swallowing little by little, careful not to cause any pain to his neck. "More?" she asked, to which Aster simply nodded.


    She repeated this process until Aster had eaten almost half a fish before dering that he couldn''t stomach any more. After that, she started eating it herself, filling her belly to the brim while humming in pleasure with each bite until nothing but bones and head were left. Aster, meanwhile, just rested on his sister''s thighs, enjoying the softness of her warm skin against his cheek.@@novelbin@@


    As Silvia swallowed herst bite and wiped the corners of her lips with her finger, she whispered, "Be right back. Need to wash my hands," before carefully lifting Aster''s head off her thighs and lowering him onto a soft nket beneath them.


    When she turned around, Aster noticed bruises covering almost her entire little butt. Deep purple imprints of a palm littered her delicate, round cheeks, wiggling slightly as the girl tiptoed to the shoreline. "Seriously, what did you do?" he asked, staring at the bruised butt of his sister with a concerned look on his face.


    "Nothin''," she called back, ncing at him over her shoulder as she kneeled by the water''s edge. Her long silver hair cascaded down her shoulders and back, shimmering in the sunlight. She dipped her hands into the water and sshed some onto her face. "I deserved that, so don''t worry about it," Silvia added quietly before rising to her feet and returning to Aster with water dripping from her chin and hands. She wiped her face with her forearm and sat beside him again.


    Right when Aster was about to say something, Silvia wiped her wet hands all over his face and tummy, causing him to yelp and writhe on their makeshift bed of nkets. The girl giggled adorably as she tickled the boy, her fingers moving all over his sides, chest, and armpits. "Stop asking me about this. I won''t tell you," she whispered between Aster''sughter-filled pleas.


    Both cold and ticklish, it was too much for Aster. "O-Okay, okay! You... you win!" the boy begged after a minute of relentless tickling, hisughter filling the forest around them as he squirmed under her small hands. Even though it hurt to move his neck fromughing so hard, he said nothing. It was just too much fun.


    "Good!" Silvia replied victoriously before finally stopping with an innocent smile on her cute face. The boyy panting heavily on their soft bed, his chest heaving with each gasping breath. She gently grabbed Aster''s head and ced it back on her warm thighs, moving his disheveled hair behind his pointy ears.


    ¡ª "You''re evil..." Aster muttered tiredly, nuzzling one of his cheeks against her skin, breathing against it, inhaling her natural scent with each ragged breath. "But, seriously... Everything is good between you two?" he asked quietly, looking at the girl''s face from under longshes.


    "Yeah, don''t worry," Silvia whispered, gently caressing Aster''s damp forehead, the heat almost burning her delicate fingertips.


    Aster''s golden eyes closed as he enjoyed her gentle touches. "It''s hard not to when she barely looks into my eyes. Did you notice it?" he asked worriedly after a few moments of silence.


    The girl said nothing for a while, quietly looking at their mother fishing in the distance. "Yeah... I know why," she finally replied, her gaze lowering to Aster resting on her thighs again.


    "Why?" the boy asked, concern evident in his high-pitched, slightly girlish voice. "Seriously. You can tickle me all you want, but I need to know."


    Another long silence followed; Silvia just looked at Aster with a slight frown before finally opening her mouth again. "Ugh... I won''t tell you what exactly happened and why I got spanked. Nope. Nuh-uh," she said, shaking her head firmly. Even though they did weird stuff before¡ªones they agreed to forget about¡ªit was still too embarrassing for her to exin. "It''s what happened after the spanking she''s feeling guilty about..."


    ¡ª "What do you mean?" he asked quietly.


    Silvia sighed, avoiding his gaze by looking at their mother in the distance instead. "I-It... it identally slipped out of me that I... umm..." She trailed off, only to continue awkwardly after a short pause. "She knows that you told me about the whole... humping business between you two at night. That''s what she''s feeling bad about... I''m sorry, Asty."


    For a long, quiet moment, Aster stared into his sister''s eyes inplete silence, processing what she had just said. Questions formed in his head just as quickly as they disappeared, leaving him confused and... sad. His golden eyes lowered to stare at his hands resting on his chest, unsure what to say. He wasn''t even mad; if anything, Aster was the one who broke the promise of not telling anyone about their nightly activities. "She shouldn''t feel guilty about anything," he mumbled quietly, "It''s my fault we started doing it... she just wanted to help me, that''s all..."


    "I know. And she knows. But it still makes her feel bad because of it..." she sighed, her fingers absentmindedly sliding through his long hair. "How about we go to her and check how she''s doing? I''ll try helping her fish while you sit beside us on the shore. Just show her we love her and all, you know?" Silvia whispered, offering him a small smile. "Oh, and maybe you could sing something for us? It should cheer her up a little."


    ¡ª "Ugh..." Aster grunted, looking at her with his golden, incredibly tired gaze. He felt awful beyond terrible... The mere thought of moving made his stomach twist in pain... And he wasn''t even sure if he could walk that far.


    "I promised Mom not to leave you alone, so it''s either we both stay here or we both go to her," Silvia tried to persuade her little brother, her finger poking into his nose. "Come on, Asty."


    Aster huffed in defeat after thinking about it for a few moments. It wasn''t a hard choice to make. "Alright, alright... Let''s go then," he groaned, shifting slightly in ce, trying to get up but immediately giving up as he felt his head spin from the fever.


    His facended right between his sister''s thighs, closer to her tummy, inhaling the sweet scent no brother should inhale. It reminded him of her taste, from when he had to help her with... not peeing herself. For some reason, it made his mouth water at the memory, the texture of her warm, hairless pussy almost appearing on his tongue again.


    Silvia squealed cutely, "Dork, I''ll help you," she giggled, carefully grabbing Aster under his armpits like a puppy. With a bit of grunting, she slowly lifted the boy, letting his feet rest on the ground before embracing him around his waist. "Can you stand? I need to grab your cloak and boots."


    Aster wobbled from side to side like a leaf in a strong wind, his knees almost giving out under his weight, but somehow he managed to keep himself upright. "I-I think I can manage... thanks," he said weakly.


    The girl nodded with an encouraging smile and let him go, making sure he wouldn''t fall over before moving away to fetch him his clothing, quickly returning with it. She put on his disguise cloak so the wind wouldn''t freeze off those little dingle-dangle parts and then started putting on his boots, one after the other.


    As she tied theces around his feet, Aster spoke softly. "You know... All these secrets we have recently. I don''t like it," he started before clearing his throat. "We should always tell each other the truth about everything from now on, no matter how weird it is..."


    "I''m not telling you what I did to deserve a spanking," Silvia replied firmly, looking up at him with narrowed golden eyes. She was still kneeling before him, withces between her fingers. "End of discussion, young man."


    Aster rolled his eyes at that. "Darn it. It was a good try," he chuckled, only to receive a tiny pinch from her on the thigh, making him flinch slightly. "I will get to know one day," heughed.


    "Not from me, that''s for sure," Silvia said, giving onest tug on the shoce before getting up and quickly putting on her things. She didn''t feel like wearing a tunic and pants, so she just wore her cloak and boots in the same manner as Aster, hiding her well-beaten butt from his view. "Here, grab onto me," she whispered, embracing him around his waist again. "Let''s go, my little doofus of a brother."


    ¡ª "Mhm," Aster answered with an idiot-like smile stered on his face. They started walking into the woods, with him leaning against her, holding her shoulder for support. Their hoods were down, so their hair fluttered freely in the gentle morning breeze.


    Even though his head was spinning like crazy with each step, and the pain that throbbed dully in his hands and neck made Aster bite on his lower lip to hide how much it hurt, he still tried his best not to show any of it, keeping that big dumb smile on his face. However, there were things in this world that even he, the man of the family, couldn''t endure for too long. "Umm... I need to pee," he admitted quietly, giving her an apologetic look. "I''ve been holding it since yesterday..."


    Silvia stopped in her tracks and sighed deeply, looking at him with a frown. "Can''t you hold it for a little bit? So Mom can help you instead?" They barely made one-third of the way to their mother''s location, so it might take at least ten minutes more before they got there.


    Aster shook his head, giving her puppy eyes again. "Nope... I can''t," he said, wincing at how tight his dder was getting by the second. "I''m about to burst. Sorry."


    "Ugh, fine... Let''s go into those bushes over there," Silvia huffed and motioned toward a dense thicket of shrubbery nearby with her chin, to which Aster simply nodded. With her hands wrapped around his body, they slowly moved through the thick underbrush together.


    ...


    <strong>[Valther]</strong>


    ¡ª "You''re fucking with us, Wayne. Just admit it," Valther, the ck-haired man, mumbled as he looked at Wayne with an annoyed frown creasing his forehead. d in iron armor from head to toe, he carried arge two-handed sword behind his back.


    "I''m not," Wayne replied, ncing over his shoulder at Valther and others. "I told you already. When I was looking for our nextndmark, I saw them. I swear I saw them¡ªan elven woman and two kids, just like in those songs. Eyes and hair, everything matches. I almost soiled myself when I did. Thought they would eat me if I made a sound..." he exined again, nervously clutching his sword.


    Valther rolled his eyes and shook his head before looking at Linnea and H. "What do you girls think?"


    "Well, if there''s even a hint of them being there, it''s definitely worth checking out," Linnea said, slightly panting as they followed the young man through the dense forest. She wore simple but well-made traveling clothes that did not restrict her movements, nor did they protect her much. Her long auburn hair was tied back into a loose ponytail that swayed with each step she took. Deep blue eyes carefully looked around them for possible threats hidden in these woods. "And theke is ourstndmark, meaning the Breach is close... quite a coincidence, don''t you think? They might havee from it, just like any monster," Linnea added.


    H sighed quietly, clutching her bow tightly as she walked behind them. "I don''t know..." she frowned, her blonde hair barely reaching her shoulders. Leather armor covered most of her petite body except her face and hands. "Have you heard what the songs are about? They hunt and eat people! Who knows what kind of beasts they can be and what they''re capable of? We might be walking into a death trap..." she said nervously.


    ¡ª "Shh... we are near. Worst case, we just run away," Wayne whispered, slowly crouching between the trees and bushes, his de shaking; the group followed his example. Everyone tried to be utterly quiet as they sneaked through the undergrowth.


    A gentle sshing sound of water filled their ears, getting louder as they approached theke. Valther peeked from behind arge tree, his eyes going wide with disbelief. "Holy fucking shit," he muttered quietly. A pale, elven woman sat by the shore on a boulder, strands of her silver hair fluttering in the gentle breeze while the rest were tied into a loose bun. She wore ragged clothes¡ªstraps and pieces of fabric barely holding together to resemble a tunic and pants. Her blue gaze was fixed upon a spot in the water where ripples spread across its calm surface.


    Valther swallowed loudly as he watched her, his heart beating faster with each passing second. This woman looked exactly like the ones from the stories¡ªbeautiful and dangerous at once. "It''s her... Just like in those damn songs..." he whispered back to Wayne. "I thought those were just to scare the younglings away from the woods..."


    "See?" Wayne whispered back, looking at him with an I-told-you-so look.


    "Where are the kids? I don''t see them," H spoke up from behind herpanions.


    "They are not visible from here but will once we get closer to the shore. On the other side of theke, a bit to the left," Wayne replied quietly, pointing in that direction. "Believe it or not... they were both naked. I think they were... doing it," he grimaced.


    Everyone winced at those words, even Linnea. "Ew. Brother and sister... gross..."


    "Yeah," Wayne agreed, shaking his head before adding, "But they are separated. It''s a good opportunity. We can deal with her, the most dangerous one, while the kids are... busy. We might catch them all off guard if we are quiet enough."


    Valther ran his hand through his long, dark hair before saying, "Alright... I think we should try. It''s damn risky, but the reward is more than worth it. Maybe the guild will give us a blessing stone for this... who knows," he grinned slightly. "Linnea, can you blind her? If we do everything smoothly, maybe we could even catch her alive. The kids would surrender if she''s our hostage."


    Linnea let out a long, shaky breath. "Yeah, I-I can try," she whispered back.

 Chapter 90: Just a wish

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Heavy breathing filled Nivalis'' ears as she sprinted through the dense pine forest with her children clutched tightly against her chest. Their petite bodies jumped up and down with each of her heavy steps, their legs dangling around her hips. The sun shone through the leaves, blinding her asionally, but that was probably thest thing on her mind now. ''Faster... just a little bit faster,'' she repeated countless times, but no matter how hard she pushed herself forward, it felt like one of those dreams where you can''t run away from something.


    She could hear them shouting and cursing behind them, getting closer with each passing second. Her heart thumped wildly against her ribcage, her eyes darting around like a cornered rabbit''s in search of a safe space to hide as the sound of those humans'' voices rang out louder than before. "There! Over there, she turned left!" a deep male voice yelled, making Nivalis'' legs move faster all on their own.


    The pain on her face slowly but surely faded away as the pain of exhaustion took its ce. But she couldn''t slow down, not even for a moment. Not when her children''s lives were in danger. They were still too close.


    Her thoughts were a mess, and she could notprehend how things had gone so wrong so quickly. They had barely survived goblins, endured harsh winter with little to eat, and nearly met their end in that dark forest where only gods knew what monsters lurked within its depths... but now? Humans hunted them like mere animals, and she had no idea for what reason. Why couldn''t everyone just leave them alone? Was that too much to ask?


    All Nivalis wanted was a quiet ce for them to call home, somewhere deep in the woods where no one would ever find them. She would give everything for a little cave like the one they had before goblins, no mansions or fancy rooms... just a damn cave to forget about all the bad this world had to offer, somewhere she could raise her babies in peace and safety, far away from anyone who might harm or take them away...


    Her blue eyes nced at her son, feeling his little buttocks in her right palm as she kept pressing him against her chest, noticing that fiery golden gaze locked on the woods behind her. He looked exhausted and sick... as if he could faint at any moment. His pale skin was drenched with sweat, strands of messy silver hair sticking to his forehead. The heat radiated from his chest was so strong that she could feel it through her tunic. ''Stay strong, my little brave boy,'' Nivalis merely moved her lips, too exhausted to even whisper the words out.


    Then, her gaze shifted to the left, and she saw the girl clinging to her desperately. Silvia looked terrified; her golden eyes darted around, wide open and full of fear, as they scanned the woods for any sign of danger or some safe ce they could hide in.


    Every yell from behind made her flinch and whimper quietly against Nivalis'' shoulder. Shivering heavily, her tiny arms were wrapped tightly around her mother''s neck, skin cold to the touch. Goosebumps covered every little corner of her pale body as she struggled to keep up with that intense chill filling her small frame.Adjusting them in her arms every few seconds, Nivalis kept running, her breaths growing morebored the more she did. Sweat dripped down her forehead and neck, stinging her eyes and making it even harder to see anything around her. She pushed herself beyond her limits; adrenaline pumped through her veins like never before. ''Please... please, someone, protect us... We need a shelter. A ce to hide... anything!'' Nivalis silently begged the gods as her legs carried them through bushes and over tree roots. Every time she blinked, the world grew blurrier from tears that streamed down her bruised face as desperation began to overwhelm her.


    Fatigue quickly began taking hold; every step became a struggle as Nivalis pushed herself beyond her limits. Her legs ached with each movement, muscles burning under the strain she put them through. Yet, even as exhaustion threatened to make her copse, she refused to give up. ''Just a bit longer,'' she told herself desperately while trying to lose those humans in the forest by weaving between trees and bushes, hoping they wouldn''t find their tracks on the muddy ground below.


    But it was useless, she knew. With every passing second, they were gaining on them, and soon enough, they would catch up. "Look for where... we can... hide," Nivalis choked out between heavy breaths, hoping her prayers were heard and they would find where to hide before those humans caught up to them.


    "O-okay," Silvia softly whispered into her ear while Aster merely hummed in response, clearly feeling sick from all the bouncing against her chest. They began to shift in Nivalis'' tight embrace, their golden eyes scanning their surroundings for anything to help them. Their high-pitched voices threw out ideas like "What about those bushes?" or "Maybe we can climb that tree?" but Nivalis swiftly dismissed each suggestion. Any of those ces would be their end, without a single doubt. Whoever those humans were, they are good when ites to tracking.


    Nivalis didn''t even want to imagine what would happen if they caught them... Whatever those humans had nned... she had to keep her children from it at all costs. The thought of what could happen made bile rise in the back of her throat.


    As the minutes dragged on without a sign of a hiding spot or a way to escape, Nivalis felt a growing sense of dread. Her legs grew weaker and weaker; she knew there was no way she could outrun them while carrying her children. Panic started to creep in like a snake slithering around her heart, making it race faster to the point she thought it might burst out of her chest at any moment.


    A terrible thought suddenly visited Nivalis'' mind just then... what if she left them somewhere? Hide Aster and Silvia in the bushes and run the other way to lead those humans away from her babies. It was a choice no mother should ever have to consider, nor did she want to; her heart broke at just thinking about letting go of her little ones like this, especially knowing that there was a high chance she would never see them again... They were all she had left in this cruel world.


    She couldn''t do that to them, not now, not ever. But as more time passed without finding any way out of this mess, Nivalis felt she had no choice. ''At least they would survive,'' her mind whispered, making her gulp hard. Tears streamed down her face even more at just the thought alone.


    Just as she was about to do the unthinkable¡ªhide her children somewhere and lead those humans away from them, both Aster and Silvia suddenly turned their heads toward the left in perfect unison, noticing something she could not. "What... is it?" she breathed out tiredly, a frown creasing Nivalis'' brows as she tried to see whatever caught their attention. Her first thought was humans, so she immediately turned slightly right, just in case.


    But the siblings were not scared... if anything, they looked confused. They exchanged a look between themselves before Aster spoke up, his golden eyes looking back at Nivalis. "I-I... don''t know. It''s just a strange feeling from over there..." He pointed in one direction with his wrapped hand, where nothing but more forest waited ahead of them. "Like..." he tried to find words for that feeling, but it seemed he didn''t understand it himself.


    Silvia nodded, seemingly understanding what her brother meant. "I feel it too... " she muttered softly, shivering visibly as she looked in that same direction. At those words, Nivalis stopped in her tracks, her blue eyes ncing toward wherever their strange feelings came from. ''Could it be a sign?'' she thought desperately, hope shining brightly within those sky-blue eyes. She didn''t have the luxury of thinking longer about this, for they quickly lost ground to their pursuers. Her grip around the children tightened as she sprinted in that direction, praying it wasn''t just their imagination.


    "A bit to the left," Aster quietly said, ncing at Silvia for confirmation. The girl nodded at him, pointing her tiny finger at where she felt the strange sensation emanating. They kept giving Nivalis directions that way while she sprinted as fast as she could, her legs burning with pain with each step, especially the one wounded before winter by a goblin spear. Gritting her teeth tightly, she tried to ignore it and focus on getting them to whatever this was.


    A small, unremarkable opening in the side of a rocky hill eventually came into view; one would not see it if they didn''t look carefully enough. It was big enough to squeeze through for her children and barely for her. For a brief moment, Nivalis stood before the opening, panting heavily as she stared into the dark tunnel that led somewhere beneath the hill. Sweat dripped down her forehead from exhaustion, causing strands of silver hair to cling messily to her face. This could be it¡ªa safe ce for them to hide, the one she prayed so desperately for. In the worst case, it would be much easier to defend against those humans in there with theirst bit of strength. If she fits through, that is.


    ¡ª "Gods truly listen," Nivalis murmured in relief, shifting her blue gaze back to where they came from. The shouts of those humans had fallen silent, but it was hard to tell why. Maybe they had lost the trail, or maybe they had just chosen to be quieter for once to get closer without revealing their presence. ''Quick, let''s hide there,'' she whispered, carefully putting her children on the ground.@@novelbin@@


    Aster wobbled a bit and almost fell onto his side, feeling incredibly dizzy; Nivalis quickly grabbed him by his shoulder and steadied the boy, helping him regain bnce. "I''ll go first, you two behind me," she added before ncing at that dark hole. The smell wasn''t too pleasant, but they didn''t have the luxury of being picky.


    But the boy stopped her with his wrapped hand before she could kneel. "No, Mom. I''ll go first. I will light the way," Aster muttered confidently, even though he sounded incredibly tired.


    Nivalis let out a shaky exhale, wanting to argue but knowing they didn''t have time. "Alright... just be careful," she whispered, helping Aster get onto his hands and knees before guiding him into the opening in the stone as quickly as possible, almost pushing inside to hurry him along. He whimpered when his palms touched the ground, his wound ring up at just that contact, but he didn''t stop moving until his legs disappeared into the dark tunnel. His golden eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, illuminating his surroundings as he cautiously crawled deeper.


    She then turned to her daughter, looking into those frightened eyes of the same color as her brother''s. "Sweetie, you go right after me with your feet in front of you, alright?" Nivalis instructed softly, not wanting to scare Silvia even more than she already was. "If you hear anything strange outside, just block the entrance with ice like you did with goblins. Remember that thing you did when our door broke?"


    "Mhm, okay..." Silvia nodded and whispered back, trembling heavily from both coldness filling her tiny frame and fear. She quietly watched how her mother crawled into the hole after her brother before following them inside, doing just as instructed with her legs first. The coldness of stones against her skin made her gasp quietly.


    It was a tight fit for Nivalis. She could barely move forward, her shoulders brushing against both sides of the opening, scraping her skin through her ragged clothes. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she struggled to breathe in such a cramped space, her heartbeat pounding rapidly in her ears. Herrge breasts squished against the hard stone below her, making it even more ufortable. The sensitive nipples scraped painfully against the rough rock with each push of her body deeper into that tunnel.


    Nivalis felt her daughter''s feet bumping into her own now and then as they squeezed further inside. The light of the outside world began to fade behind her; only Aster''s faintly glowing eyes gave off some light for them to see by, but it wasn''t enough. The walls seemed to close in on Nivalis as she moved forward, pressing down on her shoulders and back, making her breathing even harder. ''Don''t panic,'' she told herself over and over again, ustrophobia she never knew she had starting to creep up on her.


    "I''m not sure if this was a good idea..." Aster mumbled, looking over his shoulder at his mother, who struggled to push herrge breasts past another bend in that dark tunnel; her heavy breathing echoed against those narrow stone walls.


    Nivalis gently patted the boy on his little behind, pushing him forward. "Me... either... Just... go..." Nivalis replied between heavy pants, feeling her tunic catching on the rough rock below her and rip slightly, exposing her pale cleavage. A quiet moan escaped her lips the moment she felt the cold stone directly with her sensitive, pink nipple; her skin glistened with sweat, even more so than Aster''s with his mana ignited.


    Nivalis was worried about Silvia, too, especially since she couldn''t see her; all she could sense were the little shoes brushing against her legs. "Are you alright... sweetie?" She tried to nce back but couldn''t due to how tight it was.


    "Mhm, I am. Don''t worry," Silvia''s high-pitched voice came from behind, sounding nervous despite those words. "I still don''t hear their voices. Should we just stay like this and wait for them to walk away?"


    Before Nivalis could respond, Aster chimed in. "Just a little bit further. There''s a wider space down there," he whispered while looking back at his mother with glowing golden eyes, like two tiny suns peeking from the darkness. Something about this ce made him feel uneasy; it smelled strange, unlike any cavern they had been in.


    Aster''s disguise cloak kept getting caught beneath his knees, so he had to lift it above his waist, revealing those pale buttocks to his mother''s gaze; his hips swayed from side to side in rhythm with his every movement. When he finally wiggled through another bend, the narrow passage opened into a wider chamber, just big enough for them to sit side by side. On the other side, the tunnel continued, narrowing back down.


    The boy turned around and tried to help Nivalis, who struggled to pull herself in with her arms due to thoserge breasts getting in the way again. With a final groan of effort, she grabbed onto his forearms tightly and pulled herself out of that narrow gap, finally able to breathe normally without that pressure on her chest. Her tunic was all torn from the sharp rocks, barely covering anything beneath it.


    Nivalis turned around and reached back into the dark tunnel to help Silvia. She gently pulled her petite body inside, making sure she wouldn''t bump her head or scratch her skin. A shaky breath of relief escaped Nivalis'' lips once they were all in that small chamber together, sitting side by side with barely any space for them to move around. "Are you alright? Both of you?" Her worried blue eyes looked at them in the faint glow of her son''s golden irises.


    "Yeah," Silvia nodded, snuggling closer against her mother''s side. Her teeth chattered softly as the cold mana still filled her tiny frame.


    "Just a bit tired," Aster added, feeling his mother''s arm wrapping around his sweaty body, pulling him close until his face touched the side of her breast. "Are you okay, Mom? You are all bruised and... bloody..." He whispered, looking up at her with wide golden eyes.


    Taking a deep breath, Nivalis forced a small smile onto her face despite pain radiating everywhere. "I''ll be fine, my sweet boy," she cooed softly before gently kissing his forehead. Her lower lip stung like hell when she touched his skin with it, but the sight of him calming down was worth the trouble.


    Silence fell between them for a moment until Aster spoke again, this time quieter than ever, barely audible. "Why did they attack us?" he asked, burying his face back into the side of her boob, inhaling that sweet scent that was uniquely hers. His hands absentmindedly fiddled with the hem of her tunic while he waited for an answer.


    ¡ª "I don''t know," Nivalis sighed heavily, running her fingers through his disheveled hair, trying to soothe him as much as possible. "I was fishing when they jumped on me from behind. One of them used light magic to blind me. I still see spots in my vision..." She touched her bruised cheek tenderly before adding, "Then, they tied my hands and feet with ropes. I-I barely escaped..." Her voice trembled at the end. Without a single word, both of them tightened their embrace around her waist.


    Silvia remained quiet momentarily before speaking up so quietly that Nivalis could barely hear it. "Could it be because we are elves?" she asked without looking up, her finger tracing invisible patterns on her mother''s skin. "Maybe a war broke out somewhere with elves, and now they hate us?"


    Pressing her palm against her forehead, Nivalis sighed heavily before whispering back. "It could be... I don''t know..." If that was true, she had no idea where to go next. They wouldn''t make it very far if every human would attack them on sight. "Let''s just be quiet for now and listen," she said, her breathing calming down, finally.


    Carefully lowering herself onto the cold, rocky ground, Nivalis pulled her babies down as well; there was not enough room for her legs to stretch, so she kept them bent, knees almost touching her chest. "Try to keep your mana ignited for a while longer, just to be safe," she whispered.


    Humming quietly, Aster and Silvia did their best to make themselvesfortable in the small space. They curled against their mother''s soft body, their heads resting on her shoulders, golden eyes staring into the darkness. The cold stones beneath dug ufortably into their backs, but none uttered a singleint about it.


    Minutes passed without any sound reaching their ears except for quiet breathing and the asional rustle of their clothing as they kept shifting positions in search offort. Aster''s eyes eventually stopped glowing once that spell ran out, leaving them inplete darkness. No one spoke; all three strained their hearing to catch even the faintest noise that could indicate those humans were nearby.


    ...


    Indistinct voices started drifting in from outside, causing Nivalis'' heart to pound against her ribcage as fear and panic crept into her chest again; the sound of blood rushing through her veins filled her long ears. Her hand instinctively tightened around the wooden handle of her bloody knife, careful not to poke anyone with it due to how cramped this space was. Their voices slowly became louder until she could make out words.


    "Fuck! We arete... They got away," a deep male voice cursed in irritation, panting heavily from running, his heavy armor nking loudly with each step.


    "A-are you sure this is the ce? Doesn''t look like much to me," another male voice asked, followed by the sound of leaves and twigs crunching beneath their feet as they walked around the entrance to the cave. Nivalis recognized that voice; it belonged to that man in leather armor and with a sword, the one she managed to make run away back near theke. She gulped loudly, her blue eyes staring into the darkness where the entrance was supposed to be.


    "Shut your mouth, Wayne!" a man in armor yelled in annoyance, his voice much closer now to their dark hole in the rocks; it sounded like he kneeled at the entrance. "I don''t want to hear a thing from you. It''s all your fault! Linnea would be alive if you just did what I fucking told you¡ª"


    "Stop yelling, idiot," a female voice interrupted in a whisper. It wasn''t familiar, but Nivalis remembered seeing the girl with a bow among the four who attacked, so it must be her. "Why do you think we couldn''t catch on them? They heard us from hundreds of steps away. Better tell us what to do next, Valther. Are we going in after them into this... thing?"


    "Dammit..." Valther grunted, going silent after a few moments. "Of course, we''re not... Just give me a few minutes to prepare the spell, and let''s just get out of here. This whole idea was such a mistake," he muttered, sighing loudly in frustration as his heavy armor scraped against the rocks when he sat down somewhere near the entrance.


    Wayne''s nervously soon asked, "Maybe try to smoke them out?" But after a moment of silence, he added, with a sigh of his own, "Alright, I''ll be quiet. No need to look at me like that."


    When Nivalis heard about the spell that man was preparing outside, she tensed up like never before. It didn''t sound good, not one bit. "Let''s move deeper into the tunnel..." she whispered into her children''s ears, shifting in ce while trying not to hit her head against the low ceiling. "We need to hurry," Nivalis added urgently, bending down to Aster and pushing him forward with a gentle p on his butt. By coincidence, his golden eyes began glowing the moment she did so.


    Then, Nivalis did the same for Silvia before squeezing herself into that narrow passage after them. Her breath echoed against those stone walls as she struggled to crawl forward, rough rock scraping her delicate skin with each movement. ''Please... don''t be a dead end,'' she mouthed in prayer, ignoring all pain and pushing onward desperately.


    But what happened next terrified Nivalis to her very core. The tunnel shook violently around them, causing dirt and small pebbles to fall from the ceiling and walls. Nivalis tried her best to keep calm and not panic while her children''s terrified cries filled her ears. Then, the stones began to groan as if something pushed them against each other. ''An earth mage!'' she realized fearfully, pulling herself forward with all strength left in her arms just to get away from those awful sounds of rocks grinding against each other behind her, getting louder and closer way too fast.

 Chapter 91: Deeper!

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The shaking intensified by the second. Walls vibrated, and pebbles rained down on Aster''s head and shoulders... luckily, not big enough to cause any real harm. His sister''s panicking cries rang loudly from behind, and he kept crawling deeper into this dark tunnel as fast as his weak body allowed, ignoring the pain in his knees and especially his palms. He tried to use his forearms and wrists more than his hands, but even so, every little rock that pressed against his wrapped hand stung like hell.


    To make things worse, the narrow passage suddenly split in two directions, making Aster stop momentarily to decide which one was better. The tunnels were identical¡ªno hints as to where either led or which was safer. Before he could even start thinking about where to go, he felt Silvia bumping into him from behind.


    "Come on, faster!" she shrieked, pushing him forward urgently.


    Aster''s glowing eyes darted anxiously between the two passages, trying to pick one. But stress and time pressure made it impossible for him to focus. "I-I don''t know which one! Left or right?" he yelled back in panic over the deafening roar of rocks grinding against each other.


    "Left! Go left!" Silvia shouted back, pushing him into that tunnel without giving Aster a chance to argue. A hiss escaped his lips when his palms touched the ground, pain ring up for a moment before fading away as they kept crawling forward. The sound behind them grew louder and louder until it seemed like walls were falling apart around them; dust filled their mouths and noses.


    Aster tried calling his mother, "Mom! Are you okay?" but couldn''t hear his voice over the noise. Thoughts of her getting stuck and being buried alive filled him with dread. He managed to steal a nce back, seeing a glimpse of her silver hair in the faint glow of his eyes before it disappeared behind Silvia''s petite frame. But it could''ve just been a trick of light, something he wanted to see and simply convinced himself that he did. He wasn''t sure for certain.


    Only when her muffled voice came from somewhere among all that grinding and scraping of stones, "I am... don''t w-worry, sweetie," did Aster breathe out in relief. He turned his head back to see whether or not she needed any help, but his palm suddenly found nothing beneath it as he moved forward.


    ¡ª "Ack!" A sharp cry escaped Aster''s lips when he tumbled forward into darkness... only tond on his butt on a hard surface a mere momentter. A loud yelp of pain followed after hitting his little tailbone; the sudden impact made him arch his back in agony while holding onto his sore behind. He wanted nothing more than to let loose a colorful stream of curses, but he knew he had no time for that. His girls were still there.Aster scrambled back up to his feet with trembling hands and legs, ignoring the throbbing ache in his rear as best as possible. In one swift motion, he grabbed Silvia by putting his forearms under her armpits before pulling her towards himself, into wherever this was. His weak body trembled beneath her weight, but somehow, Aster managed. He turned around and looked at the opening in the rocky wall, waiting for their mother to appear.


    A second, two. Still nothing... Dark stones stared back at him in a wordless mockery of his worst fears; she wasn''ting out.


    ¡ª "Mom!" he yelled desperately, but no reply came from that narrow hole besides the deafening noise of rocks grinding against each other. As more seconds passed by without any sign of his beautiful, loving mother, he couldn''t help but start freaking out that she was about to be buried there alive. ''No! No!'' Aster''s mind screamed at him. He had to do something.


    Just when the boy was about to crawl back into that tunnel after her, her silver hair suddenly appeared amidst the shadows, letting out a faint reply barely audible over all that shaking noise. "I-I''m here..." Nivalis said between heavy pants for air as stones shifted dangerously around her, threatening to crush her soft body. "Just... a bit more..." she added before tossing the dagger out of the hole as it kept getting in the way. A soft nk of a de against the ground reached Aster''s ears, but he paid it no mind.


    Exhausted and bruised, Nivalis struggled to push herself forward, but the final stretch of the narrow tunnel proved too tight for her wide hips. Again and again, she tried to pull herself towards her little angels but simply couldn''t. Her movements grew increasingly frantic as she failed each attempt, her nails scratching at the stone floor in panic.


    Aster and Silvia rushed towards her without hesitation, reaching inside that narrow tunnel for their mother''s shaking hands. Nivalis was desperate enough to grab onto them immediately, almost pulling them both inside with how strongly she tugged at their arms. With his feet against the wall, he leaned back as hard as that little body could muster, grunting from effort while gritting his teeth in pain. Her nails dug into his wrist painfully, but he didn''t care; all that mattered now was getting her out of there.


    By now, the sound of rocks grinding against each other was so loud it made Aster''s eardrums ring. Dust filled the air as small stones fell all over them from above, making breathing hard. He nced to his right and saw Silvia doing the same, her tiny digits wrapped around their mother''s arm. "Pull! Harder!" her girlish voice rang through all that noise, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.


    Nivalis cried out in pain as those jagged stone walls scraped her skin, leaving long red marks along her sides and hips. Her sky-blue eyes looked up at Aster in such a way it felt like she was already epting her fate of dying in there, epting that these were thest few seconds that she could see her sweet babies. She mouthed something he didn''t understand, perhaps ast goodbye, but Aster wasn''t having it.


    ''I won''t let you go to that weird ce full of flying corpses,'' he thought before casting the strengthening spell on himself, even though his old one was still in effect. Silvia''s voice grew more hysterical as time passed without any sess getting her through; she was almost screaming at him now.


    His golden eyes began glowing even brighter than before. The heat inside him intensified, sweat pouring down in rivers from every part of his small frame. Every muscle inside him burned like the very hell itself gave him the strength to make a difference. "Come on!" Aster shouted, pulling with everything he had in him. Veins on his pale skin pulsed dangerously as blood rushed through them at high speeds.


    With one final yank, Nivalis suddenly slipped forward, popping out of the narrow tunnel like a cork from a bottle with an almostical grace, and tumbled onto her children in a tangle of limbs. All three fell backward with a scream that echoed through the darkness briefly beforeughter of relief reced it.


    Theughter was short-lived as the cave''s shaking intensified violently around them. Nivalis'' blue eyes widened in fear; she threw herself over her babies to shield them from falling debris, her heart pounding rapidly against their chests. The loud rumble filled their ears, some rocks copsing around them before silence fell just as abruptly.


    Astery on the ground beneath his mother''s body, panting heavily against her soft breasts that pressed into his face, his chest rising and falling quickly beneath her tight embrace.


    "Are you two alright? Does anything hurt?" Nivalis asked breathlessly after a moment, rolling off them onto her knees; herlong silver hair obscured part of her face, sticking to the tears on her cheeks and sweat on her forehead. She immediately slipped her shaking hands beneath their cloaks, searching for any signs of injury. Their petite bodies wiggled against her hands as she did so, pale skin covered in dirt and dust.


    ¡ª "Yeah, I am..." Aster mumbled shyly, moving her hand away from between his thighs. He pushed himself into a sitting position with a low groan, grimacing at the pain in his sore buttocks. When they all fell to the ground, his poor behind took another hit. Other than that... he was okay.


    Silvia nodded beside him, letting her mother do her thing under her cloak. "I think so," she whispered hoarsely, wiping away tears with a sleeve of her cloak before giving Aster a tiny smile, only to get worried once again when she saw scratches on their mother''s pale skin through the torn fabric of her clothing. "Are you okay, Mom?" the girl asked with a sniffle.


    "I''m fine, sweetie..." Nivalis pulled away from the girl and looked down at herself, noticing how her tunic barely clung onto her body in rags, torn apart from all that scraping against the rocks, now revealing scratched, dirt-covered skin beneath it. Her soft breasts were exposed partially, moving up and down heavily with eachbored breath she took, her pink nipples stiff as the cold air caressed them. A few trickles of blood were visible, but nothing too concerning. "Just a few scratches, nothing to worry about," she added, turning her blue eyes back to her daughter and son.


    In one swift motion, Nivalis pulled both into a tight hug against her chest, pressing her heads to the sides of her breasts. Her eyes closed as she sighed shakily, feeling their hearts beating strongly beneath her embrace. The best sensation in this whole wide world for her... "Oh gods, I was so scared..." she whispered, about to lower herself to kiss their foreheads but stopping at thest second. Instead, her attention shifted towards the tunnel. Or better say...ck of it. Now, it was just another rocky wall among those surrounding them. Not a single seam or crack could be seen on its surface, not even a hint.


    For a few heartbeats, no one moved or said anything. The silver-haired trio just sat there, staring at where the narrow hole used to be... until Aster spoke up. "Where... are we?" he asked in a hushed tone, looking around with his faintly glowing golden eyes that barely illuminated their surroundings. Yet another tunnel, as vast as it was tall, just enough for Nivalis to stand properly. It stretched far into the darkness ahead, bare rocky walls on both sides.


    They all slowly got up on their shaky feet; dust and small pebbles fell off their bodies in clouds when they did so. Aster felt Silvia''s fingers wrapping around his forearm tightly as she pressed against him, her cold digits digging painfully into his sweaty skin. He didn''t mind it, though, not one bit. Her touch wasforting.


    "I don''t know..." Nivalis whispered back after a moment, touching the wall where they hade from to ensure it was real before her gaze followed the long passage stretching away into nothingness ahead. Silence filled the air, not a single gust of wind reaching their skin. Only then did they all realize what a dire situation they were in. It was an absolute disaster, truly.


    Aster could see on their faces that they all were thinking about the same thing, even if barely illuminated by his golden eyes. Their backpacks, food he had been collecting the entire winter, nkets¡ªeverything¡ªwere gone. They were left with only the clothes they were wearing now... and that was it. He and Silvia wore just cloaks with nothing but boots beneath them, and their mother wasn''t in a better state either, torn up as she was. And the worst? Most likely buried alive with no exit out of here.


    The silence was broken only by their breathing and beating chests, pounding like drums against their ribcages. ''Damn it all to hell,'' Aster thought bitterly before leaning against the wall behind him, feeling dizzy and nauseated from all those emotions swirling around inside him¡ªfear, worry, sadness... Or maybe it was something else?


    That feeling, one that had led him and Silvia to this cave, was still there. It was hard to put into words... as if his heart sensed something was wrong about this ce, as strange as it sounded. ''Maybe just air has more mana than usual?'' he tried to rationalize it in his mind, standing up straight again. Whatever it was, he tried to ignore the feeling and focus on protecting his mother and sister. His girls were all that mattered now.


    Just as Aster opened his mouth to suggest they search for another way out of here, Nivalis spoke first instead. "Let''s look around. There must be another way out of here," she whispered hoarsely, picking up the knife from the ground near her feet and taking onest nce at the wall behind them. Right at the spot where the narrow hole had been before, she carved a small cross onto it with the de''s tip, scratching against the stone until white lines appeared on its surface.


    The sound loudly echoed through the tunnel, making Aster wince ufortably as he watched his mother do that. "In case we start walking in circles..." Nivalis added, looking down at her children with a small smile that did not quite reach her eyes. It was forced and brief, disappearing from her lips as quickly as it had appeared.


    Aster nodded, hiding his worry behind a forced smile of his own. "We have been through worse... we''ll be fine," he said softly, trying to sound confident and reassuring, even though fear gripped him tightly deep inside. His eyes darted toward the dark passage stretching out ahead, where their faint glow illuminated little other than rocky walls on both sides. An idea came into his mind then; he voiced it aloud without hesitation. "Let''s always stick to the right wall. This way, we won''t get lost," Aster suggested, ncing back at Nivalis and Silvia. "So if we ever need to return here, all we have to do is follow that same wall back."


    "Good idea, honey," Nivalis replied, nodding approvingly before adding in a hushed tone. "One more thing. Let''s only whisper from now on. Who knows what could be living in these tunnels... Better be safe than sorry." Her blue irises nced at the darkness before them warily. "And have your mana ready."


    "O-okay. I still have plenty left," Silvia said, nodding to her mother''s suggestion. With her hand still holding Aster''s wrist tightly, she reached out and took their mom''s palm. Nivalis'' warm fingers intertwined with her daughter''s before giving a gentle, recurring squeeze. "We''ll be fine... we''ll be fine. There has to be a way out of here..." Silvia muttered under her breath, repeating those words like a prayer, each time getting quieter than before.


    ¡ª "Just give me a moment. I need to gather more," Aster whispered to them, taking a deep breath as he concentrated on igniting more mana within himself. It took only a minute to replenish what he had spent earlier to free Nivalis from that trap. "Okay," he exhaled slowly once it was finished, giving himself a moment to adjust to the burning sensation beneath his skin.


    "Let''s go, then..." Nivalis breathed out, puffs of air visible before her lips as she started walking down the dark tunnel with her children close behind her.


    They walked through the darkness with only Aster''s faintly glowing golden eyes lighting the way ahead. No one said anything as they followed the cold stone wall beside them, asionally stumbling over loose stones or cracks in the ground despite their efforts to be cautious.


    Being so deep underground meant it was damn cold, as if it waste autumn all of a sudden; each breath came out in puffs of white mist before their faces, only to disappear into nothingness soon after leaving their mouths. They listened closely for any sign of life in these dark tunnels but heard only the echoes of their boots shuffling against the uneven floor beneath them.


    The ce felt lifeless. Nothing stirred in the darkness around them¡ªnot even a single insect or critter. After living so long in the forest, this ce was unnerving and felt incredibly wrong. "Don''t blink so often, please," Silvia suddenly whispered against his ear, her lips brushing ever so slightly against Aster''s pointed earlobe.


    When she moved her face away, he noticed how nervous she looked, her big golden eyes full of fear. Letting a sigh escape his lips, Aster nodded in understanding. "I''ll try," he whispered back, blinking just one eye at a time. It was quite ufortable, but if it helped calm down his sister even for the slightest bit, then so be it. Her hand squeezed his wrist in quiet thanks, those tiny fingers trembling against his sweaty skin.


    A few minutester, the tunnel split into two paths. There were no differences between them; both disappeared intoplete darkness ahead of them. Silently, they went to the right one, following the same wall as before, just like Aster had suggested earlier.@@novelbin@@


    And then the same thing happened again. And again... and again. In between the sixth and seventh turns, Aster''s eyes dimmed noticeably, his spell finally running its course after so much use. Without the strengthening spell, he felt like he would faint any second; his legs became heavy and sluggish beneath him, each step more difficult than thest.


    Having no choice, he cast the spell anew. He didn''t want to burden Nivalis by carrying him, not yet, at least. The pain of casting such magic was nothingpared to what she had endured today. And he still had plenty of raw mana coursing through his veins, ready to be ignited whenever needed. ''Soon we''ll get out... soon,'' he told himself firmly, feeling the pain all over his body again as his eyes glowed brighter once more. ''I swear, I''ll sleep for two days straight when this ends.''


    Aster nced behind, checking if they were being followed by something or someone, but there was nothing butplete darkness. "How long do you think we have been walking?" he asked quietly against his sister''s ear, his warm breath tickling her skin.


    Silvia shrugged slightly. "Maybe two hours? This ce is huge..." she replied just as softly, looking at him briefly before returning her attention forward again. She did her best to ignore the cave''s cold air, which kept biting at her underdeveloped naked body beneath the thin fabric of her cloak, causing goosebumps to cover every part of her pale skin.


    ''I thought at least six. This is insane,'' Aster thought with a frown creasing his brows as he eyed the walls around, wondering how far these tunnels stretched beneath the ground. And what could be living here?


    ...


    The winding tunnel stretched endlessly ahead of them, twisting and turning in ways that made it hard to keep track of direction. Each stone seemed identical to the one before, and each passage looked like any other. There were so many dead ends... so many turns that Aster lost count after a while.


    Exhaustion settled over them, their bodies growing heavy from hours upon hours spent trudging through these dark, rocky tunnels. Their ankles hurt, feet sore inside boots, muscles screaming for rest... yet they kept pushing forward. Every time the tunnel went slightly higher than before, they couldn''t help but hope for it to lead out into the open air atst, only to have those dreams crushed when it dipped again. ''Just a little bit more,'' or ''maybe just a tiny bit further,'' they kept telling themselves with every turn. But nothing awaited them but more endless darkness after each turn.


    "Alright... let''s rest for a bit," Nivalis finally whispered in a tired voice, sighing as she looked around one final time before helping Aster get off her back, where he had been carried for the past half an hour or so; she insisted on it, leaving him no choice but to obey. "This ce looks safe... enough," she mumbled while leaning against the wall and lowering herself down until her buttnded on the cold stone beneath them. The small chamber they stumbled upon seemed as good of a ce as any other.


    Nivalis patted her thighs invitingly, motioning for her children to sit. They quietly approached her but found it hard to findfortable positions among the three. After several minutes of shifting and trying different things, they ended up with Silvia sitting on top of Aster, leaning against him back to chest, while he sat on their mother''sp. It was simply warmer this way, with the boy between them.


    Silvia rxed against her brother''s chest, suddenly whispering, "I''m a little bit scared, to be honest..." Her golden eyes darted around the dimly lit chamber while Aster''s bandaged hands rested on her thighs. And cold, too," she added, a visible shiver running through her petite body.


    "I''m sorry, my love..." Nivalis sighed sadly, rubbing her daughter''s sides to warm her up. "We''ll find a way out of here soon, okay? Don''t worry," the woman tried to reassure the girl, despite her fears being just as strong.


    Aster tightened his arms around Silvia''s waist as he tried to share his warmth with her, but the cloaks were in the way for him to do it properly. "I can help with coldness. Let me..." he mumbled, pulling out a part of his cloak from beneath her butt and draping it over her skinny frame, making sure she was fully covered. She wiggled a bit under until her head emerged through the hole in the cor, right next to Aster''s face. "You can use away your mana. If something happens, I''ll use what''s left of mine," he whispered into her silver hair.


    "No, I feel safer with it inside. I''d rather be cold..." Silvia answered back, moving her hands around her back and lifting the fabric of her cloak all the way up to her shoulders, exposing her entire backpletely naked against him; her petite butt squished against Aster''s groin as she pressed herself as close as possible into his body heat. "Thanks," she mumbled softly and kissed his cheek before rxing fully into him, resting her head on his shoulder while staring at the wall ahead.


    The heavy silence fell between the three of them again until Silvia broke it again, her whisper barely audible, "I still can''t believe it... everything happened so fast. We just got out of that scary forest," she admitted, finally voicing something they all thought but didn''t say aloud. "I thought we would find a nice quiet vige to live in, get a cat or something... not this. It''s not fair," she added sadly.


    "It is not..." Nivalis sighed, looking up at the ceiling with worry in her blue eyes. "We just need to figure out a way out of here, and everything will be fine once again," she said softly, resting her cheek against Aster''s head momentarily before looking down at the girl. Besides, we are all still together. It''s not that scary when we have each other, right? This ce is just... empty."


    Aster''s eyes began to dim as his spell finally ran out; he didn''t cast another one this time, letting the darkness engulf them. Feeling Silvia tense up against him, he tightened his embrace and pressed his lips against her pointy ear, whispering gently, "I''ll protect you. And warm you. Don''t be afraid."


    The girl shifted her hips slightly, adjusting her position on top of him before nuzzling into Aster''s neck, hiding from the darkness with her face buried between his shoulder and jawline. He felt her breathe in soft puffs against his corbone while her cold butt kept moving around ever so slightly until she found afortable spot for herself. By tragical coincidence, it was directly over hisid shaft, which nowy nestled snugly between the cheeks of her petite behind. She must not have noticed it, as his member shrank quite a bit from the cold...


    ''Don''t get hard. It''s not the time... do not,'' Aster scolded himself, closing his eyes momentarily. He focused on his breathing, slow and deep, trying not to think about that cute behind pressing against his penis and how soft her behind felt. Also, his mother''s breasts were pressed against his back. He tried not to think about them, too.


    But for some reason, the harder he tried to push such thoughts away... the more they kept creeping into his head. And the more they crept in there, the more he felt his shaft swell and lengthen between his sister''s pale butt cheeks, a ce so forbidden yet pleasurable. The boy bit down on his lower lip harshly, ''No. Just no,'' Aster pleaded with himself, gulping loudly as that familiar warmth spread throughout his little boyhood.


    A surprised gasp left Silvia''s lips when she felt Aster''s hardness pressing into the ce no brother should ever touch; Aster winced in embarrassment. "Sorry," he mumbled so quietly that even he couldn''t hear himself, feeling how much he throbbed between her tender buttcheeks.


    Silvia gasped in surprise against his neck when she felt Aster''s hardness pressing into the ce no brother should ever touch, making him wince in embarrassment. "Sorry," he mumbled so quietly that even he couldn''t hear himself, feeling how much he throbbed between her tender buttcheeks.


    "Ugh..." the girl groaned back, shifting her hips to the left so his erection would press against the right side of her behind instead of being in between. Aster felt how his balls were being crushed between them but dared notin about it. Only as Silvia settled down again, finding afortable spot for herself, did she rx again into him, nuzzling back into his neck. "Now, if you could stop tickling my leg, that would be perfect," she whispered, leaving a tiny kiss on his sweaty skin.


    "I''m not?" Aster muttered in confusion, tilting his head to the side as he raised his bandaged hand into the air and used a bit of mana to make a tiny me appear above his index finger... only to see something absolutely disgusting wriggling along the side of Silvia''s leg on top of the cloak. The flickering me of his spell revealed something he wished immediately to forget. A sickening mix of leech and centipede, the creature so vile that even his mind refused at first to process what it was looking at. There were way too many legs than any animal should have, each as long as Aster''s fingers but no thicker than needles. Its slimy, dark-red body was filled with tiny little holes that pulsated rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat.


    The way Aster screamed can only bepared to that of a five-year-old girl whose parents just got killed in front of her.

 Chapter 92: Gentle slaps

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    A nervous gulp ran down Aster''s throat as his golden eyes darted around the dimly lit cave chamber, trying to spot where that ugly, terrifying creature was. It seemed to have vanished into the shadows without a trace. "Do you see it anywhere?!" he asked in a half-whisper, half-scream, his heart pounding so loudly against his ribcage that even Nivalis, standing close by, could hear it over theirbored breaths.


    The flickering me above Aster''s bandaged hand provided just enough light to reveal their rocky surroundings, casting elongated shadows that danced along the walls. Silvia stood right behind her brother, equally terrified as she peeked from behind him, not wanting to leave his side even for a moment.


    Back then, on the ground, it was quite a mess when all three of them freaked out in panic after Aster''s scream; they were tangled up in cloaks and limbs, making it harder than needed. In a rush to get up and away from whatever that creature was, Silvia pulled Aster''s cloak with her as it was draped over her back when she sat on him earlier, leaving the boypletely naked, safe for his boots.


    Now, the cold air caressed his hairless balls and throbbing shaft, entirely forgotten by him in that moment of fear and panic. But not by his mother, Nivalis, her blue gaze lingering a bit longer on those parts of her son. For her, it was an equally terrifying monster to deal with. ''Hard? In a moment like this? Seriously?'' she thought in disbelief, shaking her head slightly before forcing herself to look around the rocky chamber again. The ce was empty, just as they had found it, nothing moving in sight.


    ''Must be from having Silvia sitting on top... Damn it. From his own sister,'' the woman sighed heavily, mentally noting that she needed to be even more careful with those two in the future. Who could have guessed that despite being wounded, weak, with a fever, and under a lot of stress, Aster''s libido was still as high as ever? If she were to show him to some priest, she wouldn''t be surprised to hear that he was kissed by the gods themselves or something... because the amount of trouble his little boyhood brought them was nothing short of divine.


    ¡ª "I-I can''t see it," Nivalis whispered back, ignoring, for now, his little problem as they had more pressing matters to deal with. She looked around warily instead, gripping the dagger so tightly in her fist that her knuckles turned white; its tip pointed toward where she thought the creature could be hiding, ready to stab should something crawl towards. Then, a sudden realization hit her like a wave... that creature looked like it could be poisonous. "Did you get bitten? Did anyone get bitten?!" Nivalis asked worriedly, blue eyes going from Aster to Silvia and back again, their pale faces illuminated by the flickering me hovering above her son''s hand.


    Thankfully, they both shook their heads ''no,'' with Silvia even lifting the hem of her two cloaks to reveal her pale legs, showing her mother that she was unharmed. "It was just crawling on top of the cloth, not biting me or anything..." she mumbled before pulling it all down, shivering at the memory. "What the heck was that?" Silvia added in a whisper, continuing to look around nervously for any signs of movement between the rocks. Above her palm, a small icicle floated, ready to beunched at a moment''s notice.Visibly relieved that none got hurt, Nivalis let out a quiet sigh before shaking her head slowly, "I have no idea... Never seen any creature like that. I think it''s afraid of light... or loud noises, perhaps both," she whispered as she moved closer to her children, to help Aster to get back into his cloak. "We need to go. Put as much distance between us and this ce as possible. In case something heard us," she muttered, removing one cloak from her daughter''s trembling body only to put it over Aster''s slender shoulders.


    His little shaft prevented the hem of his garment from reaching below his waist; it got caught by that stubborn thing, so Nivalis had to adjust it a bit. A barely noticeable bulge remained visible between Aster''s thighs after she tied the knot around his neck. "There we go. Now, we really should start moving. We were way too loud," she muttered with a grunt of effort as she grabbed him by his waist and lifted the boy into her arms, ignoring his quietints of ''I can walk myself'' or something along those lines. The sooner they put as much distance between themselves and this ce in case that creature had any friends lurking nearby, the better.


    Nivalis pressed Aster''s skinny body against her chest, one hand holding him by his butt while another gripped a dagger, ready to stab anything should it dare to jump at them from the darkness. "Just hold onto me tightly, okay? Focus on the light," she whispered in his ear, giving him a light squeeze on his tender behind. He pouted a bit but obeyed her wordlessly.


    She then motioned for Silvia to grab onto her arm, which the girl did immediately with those tiny fingers digging into her soft skin. "Okay... Let''s go," the girl said in a shaky voice, grabbing that tiny icicle with the sleeve of her cloak so it wouldn''t melt in her hand. Her eyes darted to the ground every few seconds, watching for any signs of that horrible thing beneath their feet.


    Silence fell between them as they hurried away from their small cave, following the right wall again. Aster''s body bounced up and down against Nivalis'' chest with every step she made, feeling that angry erection of his rubbing against her abdomen, not even softening a little despite all this danger and fear surrounding them. The little shaft felt as hard as steel between their bodies while they moved through the darkness.


    Nivalis, however, couldn''t care less about it now; her thoughts were only about getting her sweet angels somewhere safer. But between these rocky walls, she doubted there was such a ce.


    ...@@novelbin@@


    It was difficult to tell how long they kept moving through those tunnels, passing dark stone walls, each looking the same as the one before. Nivalis'' and her daughter''s boots shuffled against the uneven ground beneath them, the only sounds in their ears besides heavy breaths and heartbeats. Even the slightest noise echoed loudly between all those narrow spaces. A tiny pebble beneath their feet sounded like a rumble of thunder.


    Their ankles hurt from all this walking, their muscles screaming for rest. It truly felt like a few more hours had passed, but honestly, who knew? Time seemed to lose all meaning here, deep underground, where no sunlight could reach. How much Nivalis wished to see that warm, golden ray again...


    Honestly, it was hard to believe they were still alive after all they''d been through¡ªgoblins, hunger, strange nt creatures, humans, and now this cave... way too much for a small family of three to handle. Yet, somehow, they were still kicking. ''''Why is the world so cruel? What did I do to deserve it?'' Nivalis couldn''t help but wonder in frustration.


    As time dragged on without even a hint of an exit, Nivalis found it increasingly difficult to simply put one foot in front of the other, let alone carry her son in her arms. Words couldn''t describe how badly she wanted to rest, how tired and worn out she felt down into her very bones. The only thing that gave her strength was Aster''s sweet, weary eyes looking up at her, dizziness written all over his reddened face, illuminated only by the faint flickering me above his bandaged palm.


    Silvia was no better off, trembling like a leaf in the wind. The cold air caressed her pale skin beneath that thin cloak, and the mana swirling within her chest did little to stop the shivering. Puffs of white mist escaped her pink lips as she trudged behind her mother, struggling to keep pace. Her underdeveloped body was just too weak and small for such long treks. Despite how much Silvia wished otherwise, she hadn''t grown a bit since discovering her affinity.


    They desperately needed rest... but how could they rx in a ce like this? Aster''s light was probably the only thing that kept them from being eaten by whatever lurked here. The long shadows more and more made Nivalis feel as though unseen eyes watched her every step, making her skin crawl beneath those torn clothes.


    "Let''s stop here. I''ll keep watch while you both sleep," Aster suggested quietly, looking up at his mother''s tired face from his ce against her chest. "I''ll be fine..." he added, offering a weak but genuine smile to reassure her while still having his little shaft poking into her belly with every step she made, covered with a thin cloak. Up and down, up and down, it went along the soft skin of her abdomen, his foreskin sliding back and forth over that swollen tip... but Nivalis somehow simply got used to the feeling. Or maybe she was just too tired to care.


    The boy''s words caught his mother by surprise; she furrowed her brows in response right before she stepped over some rocks, trying not to trip on her shaky legs. Nivalis opened her mouth but soon closed it back, as she couldn''te up with any better idea herself. She felt awful even considering asking him to stay awake alone to guard them while they slept. But continuing to wander through these dark tunnels in their state was simply not an option, she knew. They needed rest, desperately so.


    Before Nivalis could respond, though, Silvia spoke up in a hesitant whisper. "How about we crawl in there, and I''ll create an ice barrier to protect us?" The girl pointed toward a hole in the rocks ahead, hidden between the stones. Though quite small, it seemed justrge enough for all three of them to squeeze inside if they tried hard enough.


    "This way, we won''t need any light and can sleep without worries. If anything tries to scratch at it, we''ll hear it," she added with a small, hopeful smile.


    Aster raised his me higher into the air, illuminating that tiny hole in the stone wall. "Good idea," he mumbled thoughtfully, ncing over at his mother to hear what she had to say about it.They could actually get some well-needed rest if she agrees to it instead of continuing to look for an exit.He wouldn''t need to stay awake alone the whole time, even though he was ready to do so. A little break sounded heavenly right now.


    Nivalis nodded a momentter after carefully considering it. "I agree. It''s probably the safest way to sleep for us," she said, gently stroking her daughter''s soft cheek, her fingers brushing against the girl''s pointy ear briefly. "Good thinking, sweetie," Nivalis added with an appreciative look at Silvia, making those golden eyes sparkle happily.


    After quickly checking that it was empty and safe, they all crawled into the tight gap one by one through a small crack until they found themselves in a tiny pocket, pressed tightly against each other between the sharp rocks. No matter how much they tried to shift their position, there was nofortable spot, something always digging painfully into their backs or shoulders. "Everyone okay?" Nivalis asked quietly after a few moments of difort.


    "Yeah..." Aster mumbled in response, feeling how his mother''s soft breasts pressed against his face, her ragged tunic barely covering them. Silvia hummed behind him, her chest rising and heavily falling as she focused on casting the spell, her hands above her head, pressed against the cold rock.


    A few quiet momentster, ayer of ice started to form along the crack''s edges, the crystals growing right before their eyes, slowly but surely sealing them inside this rocky tomb. The cold surface reflected their faint light from within, creating an odd mirror-like effect. Their dirty faces looked tiredly back at them from the other side, distorted by tiny cracks here and there.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but touch her bruised cheekbone; the swelling was still quite noticeable. Her busted lower lip stung as she licked it. "Good job, my sweet. I wasn''t even thinking about it," she whispered, noticing tiny holes between rock and ice that allowed air to enter so they wouldn''t suffocate, a little detail that could''ve cost them everything.


    A gentle kissnded on the crown of the girl''s head in praise. The girl beamed up proudly at that simple gesture, happy that her ice affinity, for once, brought some good into their lives instead of only trouble. "You''re wee," she replied sweetly before nuzzling against Aster''s back.


    Aster''s golden eyes darted from the icy wall to the small me dancing above his bandaged hand, norger than a mere ember. With a weary sigh, he shut his eyes and let the magic fade into nothingness. Instantly, darkness enveloped their little cave, where only their soft breathing echoed within that tiny pocket between the rocks.


    For the first time since they got here, Nivalis felt her heart begin to calm down somewhat, no longer pounding wildly against her ribcage. ''The day was such a mess,'' she thought tiredly, trembling from all the coldness radiating off the rocky walls.


    The ice barrier above their heads made it twice as cold inside their tiny den, causing both girls to curl tightly around Aster for warmth. Even though Nivalis was worried about his fever getting only worse, right now, she found herself d that her little boy''s body radiated heat like a small oven. The strong smell of his sweaty, hairless skin filled her nostrils, but it didn''t bother her even a bit. It was her precious baby boy, after all.


    A loud growling of her stomach interrupted the silence between them. "Mom?" Aster whispered hesitantly into the dark. "Have you eaten anything... before all this happened?" he asked, receiving no reply for a long while. When Nivalis finally answered, it was not what he wished to hear.


    ¡ª "I... no, I haven''t," she whispered reluctantly, taking a deep breath. She should have eaten something before going fishing today but did not, wanting instead to get more work done. Now she could feel it, the gnawing emptiness in her guts. "Don''t worry, honey. I''m fine," Nivalis added reassuringly, gently caressing his messy silver hair with her hand. "Have you two eaten the fish I cooked?"


    Silvia''s voice joined in before Aster could answer, "Yeah, we ate it all. The whole thing. I made sure he ate plenty." With that, she slipped her hands under his cloak, pressing her palms against the softness of his belly, causing him to gasp softly in surprise at how cold her fingers felt.


    "That''s good," Nivalis murmured back, releasing a quiet, sad sigh before closing her eyes. Once again, her stomach loudly protested theck of food in it, but she didn''t pay any attention to it. "Now let''s get undressed and put our clothing under ourselves so it doesn''t hurt so much..." she added, shifting ufortably as rocks beneath poked her pale skin painfully. Hums of agreement could be heard from both children, followed by rustling fabric.


    Nivalis quietly helped her son with the knot on his cor, as he couldn''t do it himself because of the bandages covering his hands. With a quick tug, she undid it before Aster took off his cloak and stuffed it underneath their bodies. His boots were next; she gently pushed them off with her foot, feeling his toes curl against her ankles a momentter. "There you go," Nivalis whispered, patting his naked chest affectionately, feeling those protruding ribs move with each breath.


    She then started to work on removing her ragged clothing, too. Unlike their petite frames, she had to struggle quite a bit more to slip out of it without identally elbowing someone in the face by mistake. Twisting and turning awkwardly, Nivalis could feel her son''s stiff shaft poke into her hip as she moved around, reminding her of his little problem.


    ''Oh, dear gods,'' she thought tiredly, realizing she would need to take care of it... again. She simply had no other choice. Not only did she not want him to feel any additional pain than he already was in, but also because she knew how distracting and ufortable it could get for him if left unattended. In a situation where his magic was vital to their survival? Her wants and whims do not matter one bit. Tonight, she will squeeze all the life out of her son''s little balls...


    However, she couldn''t help but wonder how she would do that with Silvia so close. ''Maybe I could do it while she is asleep?'' Nivalis asked herself mentally, her milky-pale breasts hanging right above Aster''s face as she adjusted the fabric beneath them, making sure no cold stone would touch their skins. Oncefortable enough, or at least as much as they could be in there, Nivalis pulled both of her babies into a warm embrace against her chest, feeling their naked bodies rx in her soft hold.


    Despite all the sharp rocks digging into them from all sides, it felt heavenly to finally rx a little bit. A gentle smile graced woman''s lips as she released a long sigh of relief, happy that this day was finally over. "My poor darlings..." Nivalis cooed, gently running her fingers through their long silver hair, feeling the tangled strands beneath her fingertips.


    Silvia''s quiet voice reached Nivalis'' long ears, making them twitch ever so slightly at the sudden sound in this deathly silence around them. "Should I do our mana thing to him? He''s all red," she asked her mother, referring to their little trick of pushing mana into each other to help deal with the mana overuse. "...I was supposed to do it in the evening anyway, to help with the fewer," the girl added, cing her head on her little brother''s. Their pointy ears of the exact same shape pressed together as she finished speaking.


    After considering it for a moment, Nivalis hummed in approval. "Sure, sweetie... but only you to him, not the other way around. He needs to save his mana as much as possible," she replied, reaching into the darkness until her palm found her daughter''s naked shoulder. "Would you be alright without it?"


    Silvia touched her mother''s hand briefly before replying, "Yeah, don''t worry, Mom. It would be nice, but I''ll be fine without it for some time." The chattering of her teeth could be heard amidst the silence that followed, making her words sound less convincing. However, there was nothing that Nivalis could do about it in their current situation. They desperately needed Aster to light the way out of this ce and couldn''t afford to spend so much of his mana on such things.


    "Alright," Nivalis murmured back before helping her son roll over so he would face his sister instead. Just as he was about to pull the girl into his arms, though... "Wait, honey. One more thing," she suddenly interrupted him, slipping her hand between their naked bodies until it reached his little shaft, much to his surprise. Her soft hand got right against that throbbing hardness, cupping its whole length and delicate balls. The mother heavily sighed as she felt just how swollen he was down there; the heat of his little shaft almost burned her palm.


    "Um... Mom?" Aster asked softly, ncing over his shoulder as he felt her warm hand on him. Her fingertips dug into the soft skin beneath that little boyhood, the sides of her palm covering him entirely while his tip poked against the base of her thumb. "W-what are you doing?"


    ¡ª "I should''ve started doing it long ago. You two are getting older, sweetie. Some... ideas... might start appearing in your minds," Nivalis whispered to the boy, feeling his heartbeat with her palm. "We can''t let any idents happen between you two... understand? From now on, I want you to face me when you sleep. And during those mana things of yours, my hand will be there. Just like this," she tried to exin, gently squeezing her son''s soft, hairless testicles, feeling two small nuts within them. "Okay?"


    Taking a deep breath, Aster nodded his head even though she couldn''t see it and whispered, "O-okay... I-I guess I understand." He shifted around awkwardly at the strange sensation of her warm hand holding him down there. One wrong movement could cause an incredible amount of pain, but he trusted his mother to be gentle.


    "Can I still hug him from behind when we sleep?" Silvia asked hesitantly, wrapping her arms around Aster''s waist and pulling him closer to her bare body. Their nipples of the same color and size pressed against each other''s, slightly rubbing as she shifted around a bit before settling downfortably.


    Nivalis closed her blue eyes at the thought. "Of course, my love. It should be fine," she replied after considering it momentarily. "You understand better than anyone why I do this, don''t you?"


    "Mhm... yeah," Silvia hummed quietly in agreement, resting her cheek on Aster''s head. The boy hummed in confusion, unsure what she was referring to. "I''m starting now..." the girl added with a deep breath as she concentrated on the mana inside herself.


    Soon enough, a quiet moan escaped Aster''s mouth when his sister''s mana rushed into his body through their touching chests. His hips began to wiggle around involuntarily at the overwhelming sensation of it, her cold reaching and caressing ces so deep within him that it made his mind all fuzzy and hazy. His erection slowly rubbed itself against his mother''s palm, the sensitive pink tip peeking out of the foreskin every other second, leaving wet, slimy trails on her soft skin.


    All the meanwhile, Silvia''s public bone, just as hairless as her brother''s, rubbed against the back of Nivalis'' hand. It only confirmed that her decision was correct; no matter how ufortable she felt, it was a much better alternative than having yet another little Silverfrost running around. ''Nope. Not happening,'' Nivalis thought to herself while listening closely to Silvia''s heavy breathing and Aster''s quiet moans. ''I''d rather have my hand there all day and night than deal with that.''


    Nivalis closed her eyes, trying to ignore the slick, slippery mess her son made on her palm as he rubbed against it like a dog in heat. A gentle p against his soft little testicles was enough to put an end to his wiggling for about twenty seconds just before he started again to rub himself against her hand. "Is he always like this?" Nivalis asked in a whisper, giving another soft p to those sensitive balls with her fingers, making her baby boy yelp ever so cutely.


    A few seconds of silence followed as Silvia maintained focus on the spell. "Well... not like this, no," she answered quietly before panting directly into Aster''s ear. "But a little bit, yeah. I''ve got used to it."


    ¡ª "Dear heavens... you should have told me earlier," Nivalis muttered quietly back, sighing heavily when he again started to grind himself against her palm. She closed her tired blue eyes and rxed slightly, gently squeezing those delicate balls in her hand to make him stop, feeling each nut grind against each other under her fingers.


    She did so every time Aster tried to move his hips again, leaving him whimpering quietly from the sensation. Despite this, with each furious throb, his pink tip leaked more of that clear, slippery pre-cum that Nivalis thought that, at some point, he had peed himself a little by ident. It was just everywhere... her palm was soaking wet in it. Some even dripped down through her fingers onto his pale thigh.


    After a while, Silvia finished her spell, leaving her little brother panting for air from all those overwhelming feelings coursing through his petite body. "Sorry, Mom... I don''t know why I kept doing it," were Aster''s first words once he regained control, suddenly feeling embarrassed. Her hand still held onto him down there, not moving away.


    "You just liked her hand on your thing too much, didn''t you?" Silvia teased him quietly, giggling against his shoulder. Her teeth biting at his pale skin lightly, leaving tiny red marks.


    "I guess..." the boy replied shyly in a hushed whisper, earning himself a few delicate ps against his testicles from his mother. She didn''t like hearing such words from her children''s mouths. "Ouch... Mom!" Aster protested in a hurt tone; each time, her fingers connected with his round little balls made him flinch and squirm involuntarily. There was not a single hair to protect him from those ps.


    Nivalis gently kissed the back of his head, a smirk dancing on her lips. "You''ve deserved those, sweetie," she whispered, her voice sounding softer than ever before asking, "Now... are we done?" She received hums of confirmation from them both. Removing her drenched hand from her son''s little boyhood, Nivalis helped him roll back towards herself so his back faced Silvia instead. "Let''s sleep then," she exhaled, feeling his shaft poking against her hip once more, throbbing into her skin... so desperately hard.


    The girls wrapped their hands around him simultaneously while snuggling closer to his skinny frame, pressing their naked bodies against his pale skin. However, a few minutester, Silvia broke the silence. "You''re going to do the humping business right after I fall asleep, aren''t you?" she asked in a hushed whisper, causing Nivalis to choke on her breath for a second there.


    It was exactly what she had nned to do.

 Chapter 93: Letting her

    <strong>[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    Silvia whispered again after a long silence, her mother not responding for some reason. "You know, when he... puts his thingy into your navel and... well, you know what I mean? Are you two going to do it?"


    "We will?" Aster hopefully asked his mother in a hushed whisper, only to be patted on the head by her, a silent and gentle way of telling him to be quiet.


    A long sigh escaped the woman''s lips as she wondered how to exin it to her daughter without sounding too weird. "I-I... yeah, that was my n. It needs to be taken care of," Nivalis replied honestly, not wanting to lie. She hoped her daughter was old enough to understand such matters. "He''s already in a lot of pain, and I don''t want him to feel any more difort than necessary. It also helps him with his magic, and we need it right more than ever," she exined, feeling how red her face was from just discussing it. "So yeah..." she added quietly.


    Aster gulped loudly at those words, remaining silent. Silvia hummed softly in thought, only to mumble a quiet "I see..." a few secondster. "I-I know I shouldn''t, but... can I stay awake while you do it? Please?" the girl asked shyly after a brief pause, making her mother''s heart skip a beat. "I won''t be able to see much anyway. I''m just curious how you two are doing it," she quickly added in a whisper.


    ¡ª "I don''t think that''s a good idea..." Nivalis began, furrowing her brows at her words.


    Silvia''s pleading voice immediately interrupted her mother. "Please! I''ll be quiet. If you want, I can pretend to be asleep." she mumbled quietly.


    A heavy exhale escaped Nivalis'' mouth as she rubbed her face with her hand. The very same one she was holding onto her son''s privates just a few minutes ago, all drenched in his precum. ''Oh, not this. Damn it,'' she cursed to herself, feeling that sticky mess all over her face now. Her son''s scent invaded her nostrils, reminding Nivalis of how she tasted it once from her daughter''s lips.Wincing, she wiped it off with her forearm before taking a deep breath, trying to get rid of that smell that made her head spin, but it just refused to leave her nose. ''Don''t focus on it, and it will go away,'' Nivalis told herself, closing her tired eyes to calm down. Not that it made any difference, as it was utterly dark in there. "Honey..." Nivalis opened her mouth, about to say no.


    But before she could do so, Aster peeked out from between his mother''s soft breasts to whisper a hesitant, "Mom..." Nivalis could feel his lips moving against her corbone as he wanted to say something but struggled to find words.@@novelbin@@


    ¡ª "What is it, honey?" the woman asked in return, cupping his pale cheek with her slender fingers. She gently stroked him, feeling his soft skin beneath her touch.


    "I think what Silvia is trying to say is that she doesn''t like us having secrets behind her back..." Aster continued after a brief pause. "Am I right?" he added, earning a soft hum of agreement from the girl and a gentle pat on his shoulder as a silent thank you. "It''s just us... No one will ever know. I promise," the boy murmured, his soft lips brushing softly against her chin. "Wouldn''t it be better for us not to hide anything?"


    Nivalis didn''t say anything at first, simply stroking Aster''s cheek with her fingers. His words made sense... but a part of her was still hesitant about doing something like this in front of her daughter. "I-I don''t know... It feels so wrong," she finally admitted, closing her eyes as she sighed quietly.


    "Come on, Mom," Aster whispered again, gently smooching at her delicate corbone, making her chuckle softly at the sensation. "What''s so wrong with us being honest about everything?"


    "Please?" Silvia begged from behind the boy, sounding like a little puppy.


    Nivalis groaned softly, feeling defeated already. "Yeah, good point..." she muttered reluctantly, moving her hand towards her daughter to stroke her long silver hair in aforting gesture. "I guess... you''re right. Okay," Nivalis agreed with a quiet sigh. "But please, behave yourself, sweetie, okay? No giggling or anything weird. No touching him while we do it either, got it?" she warned the girl sternly.


    "Mhm!" An excited squeal left Silvia''s mouth at those words. "I promise."


    The woman sighed once more before focusing back on her son. "Alright then...e here, honey," Nivalis whispered, getting on her back and grabbing Aster by his slim waist to put him on top of herself between her breasts. His naked body pressed against hers as she held him tightly in ce. "Comfy?" she asked, receiving a quiet "yeah" from the boy.


    Silvia hurried closer to snuggle against her mother, feeling warm stones beneath her, warmed by Aster''s body heat. She pressed herself against Nivalis'' hip and rested her head on her shoulder. The woman wrapped her hand around the girl, feeling goosebumps all over her naked body. "My sweet... you''re so cold. Get closer," she mumbled, pressing her petite body against herself even more.


    Once they settled downfortably, Nivalis ran her slender fingers along the curve of Aster''s skinny back, feeling his hard shaft poking into her t belly. "It''s been a while since we''ve done it like this," she whispered, adjusting herself beneath her son so her navel lined up with his little erection better.


    "Umm... wait. Let me wet it a bit. It will be easier this way," Aster whispered shyly, straddling her wide hips and wiggling himself down her body until his lips were directly above the woman''s navel; his little wiener brushed against her soft skin as he did so.


    Nivalis let out a soft gasp when she felt Aster''s warm lips press against her belly button, followed by his little pink tongue slipping inside it. An instinctive giggle escaped her mouth at the ticklish sensation when he started to swirl his tongue around, leaving a wet and slimy feeling in its wake. "I-I forgot about this part... it''s very ticklish," she whispered, gently patting her son''s silver head as he licked her tiny hole. Her hips moved slightly against him from his movements.


    Meanwhile, Silvia quietly listened to her brother''s wet slurping sounds, trying to imagine everything happening in the dark. Her cheeks turned pink from all those naughty images that popped into her young mind.


    Soon after, Aster''s warm tongue emerged out of his mother''s navel, only to lick her soft skin around it to ensure this area was slick enough for what was about toe next. Once finished, he moved up again until their faces met; they could feel each other''s warm breath against their lips.


    ¡ª "Ready?" Nivalis asked in a hushed whisper, feeling how her baby boy aimed his hard, throbbing tip against her navel. He hummed quietly in response.


    Then, slowly, Aster pushed his slim hips forward as far as he could, slipping his entire length into the woman''s belly button. A long moan escaped the boy''s mouth the moment he hit the bottom, making her muscles tighten around him and squeeze his throbbing member, enveloping itpletely inside its warm embrace. For a long moment, he stayed there just like that, enjoying the tightness of his mother.


    Feeling her son''s entire length, Nivalis whispered a quiet "Oh-mm..." in surprise. He snuggled his face into her hair as he began to grind his hips back and forth slowly against her belly, making quiet pping sounds with each thrust. The slimy mess inside her navel squelched loudly as he moved in and out of her.


    ''Just let it happen... don''t think about how wrong this is. He needs it,'' Nivalis kept repeating in her mind, feeling his heartbeat deep inside her. Every throb of his little shaft echoed throughout her entire body like thunder; she could feel each bump and vein on his shaft moving against the walls of her navel.


    "Mommy..." he whispered, moving his lips closer to her long elven ear only to start panting heavily into it as he gently slid himself in and out of his mother again and again. Those little balls of his pped against her skin with a soft sound every time he entered, making Nivalis feel each individual nut inside them.


    Nivalis put her hand on his little butt, patting his soft roundness as it moved up and down. "Remember how fast you used to finish, sweetie?" she whispered, caressing his smooth skin. Every time they did these things together back in the hot spring cave, Nivalis used to... train... him cum faster, to make things easier for her. She asked him to finish a little quicker than the night before and rewarded him with praises and kisses for every second shaved from his previous record, to the point where he could do it in under a minute, sometimes even less. It felt less wrong this way to do such things with her own child.


    Aster let out a quiet moan into her ear after what she continued. "Try to be fast, honey. Good boys finish in no more than half a minute," Nivalis cooed gently, squeezing his little buttcheeks with her palm to encourage him to move faster. Half a minute was her goal for him to reach one day.


    "O-okay, I''ll try... I-I just feel a bit tired right now," Aster whispered back, wrapping his bandaged hands around her neck as he increased the pace of his thrusting, panting heavily against the shell of her ear. His weakened body struggled to keep up with those rapid movements, yet like the good boy he was, Aster tried his best.


    Nivalis simply waited patiently beneath him, letting her son pound her tiny hole over and over again, hitting the very bottom of it each time with a squelching sound. ps of their bodies echoed off the rocky walls as Aster moved in and out of her, faster than before but still not enough to cum. "Be a good boy for Mommy..." she whispered into his silver hair.


    Still pressed to her mother''s side, Silvia listened quietly, barely breathing. For whatever reason, a strange sensation filled her in the most private area from the mere thought of what her brother was doing to their mother; her pale thighs rubbed together as if trying to get rid of that feeling, but it didn''t help at all...


    Seeing how much the boy struggled, Nivalis sighed. "Alright, let me help you a bit," she whispered, moving her other arm from around the girl to his little butt. She gently cupped those round cheeks of her son with both hands, her fingers digging into his soft skin as she slightly spread them apart, letting cold air caress what was hidden between them.


    Nivalis then started to move his hips back and forth for him, increasing the pace at which he slid himself in and out of her. Aster moaned desperately into her ear from that sensation, making her long, elven ear twitch involuntarily with his every breath. For some reason, he always clings to her ear whenever they do these naughty things together; if once she always tried to move her head away not to hear any of it, now she just epted this part as a routine she had to endure to ease the pain of her son.


    ¡ª "Mmm... are you close, sweetie?" Nivalis asked in a hushed whisper, feeling how his little toes curled against her legs each time he hit the bottom of her tiny hole with his throbbing tip. The slimy mess inside it squelched loudly whenever he entered or left it. In response, Aster mumbled something into her ear, but Nivalis couldn''t understand him properly from all those desperate moans. Only when his grip tightened around her neck did she realize that the boy was about to finish any moment now.


    A soft smile graced her lips as she increased their pace even more, her fingers squeezing his little butt harder. Her one finger was dangerously close to his tiny butthole, norger than a pea, threatening to slip inside it... but Nivalis was careful not to let that happen. She couldn''t even imagine the level of drama it would cause if she did so by ident.


    ¡ª "Do it for your mommy, sweetie... Let it all out," Nivalis cooed softly into his ear, encouraging her baby boy to cum. Their naked bodies moved together in a steady rhythm as she helped him fuck her tiny hole over and over again, with their hips colliding loudly against each other. His petite body started to tremble in her arms, letting out quiet, girlish moans between heavy, panting breaths.


    "Mommy... I-I''m~" Aster managed to say before goingpletely silent and stiff on top of her soft body. His back arched slightly as his hairless balls began pumping furiously deep into his mother, contracting rapidly in a futile attempt to release the seed he just didn''t have yet.


    Feeling him throbbing against the tight walls of her navel, Nivalis continued to whisper sweet words into his ear. "Mmm... good boy. Like that," she cooed, patting Aster''s back gently,forting him throughout this orgasm. Every empty spurt of his tiny shaft made him whimper desperately into her neck.


    To help him a bit, Nivalis slipped her hand between the boy''s naked thighs and found those delicate balls. They almost melted in her fingers, how soft they were. She started to massage him gently down there, rolling each testicle between her fingertips to ease that built-up tension within them as they tried to squeeze everything out of themselves.


    When she felt Aster rx on top of her, Nivalis gave him onest tug on those sensitive little balls before letting them rest on her skin. "Better?" the woman asked in a gentle whisper, stroking his silver hair with her slender fingers. His little shaft was still half-hard inside her belly button but slowly losing its firmness as he calmed down.


    Silvia''s breathing sounded a bit ragged next to them for whatever reason, but the two were too focused on each other to pay it any mind. Nivalis'' chest rose and fell slowly with every breath she took as shey beneath her little boy, their heartbeats matching in rhythm. "Sweetie?" the mother asked again when he didn''t answer after a few seconds.


    Aster sighed contently against her neck, nodding his head slowly. "Yeah... much better now. Thank you, Mom," he mumbled before lifting his head to give a soft kiss on her chin, only to move upward and press another onto those soft, puffy lips of hers. Aster kissed her so gently, so incredibly tenderly that only a small boy like him could manage, no other man capable of such a thing.


    Nivalis hissed quietly from the pain in her busted lip but didn''t stop her son, instead returning the kiss with equal gentleness. Aster always showered her with kisses like this after doing those things together, their little tradition of sorts. It helped ease all that guilt and shame that always apanied Nivalis after doing such things to her baby boy. These gentle pecks made everything better somehow.


    ¡ª "Alright, alright... That''s en~" Nivalis tried to say between his kisses, but the boy just wouldn''t let her speak. Instead of little pecks, he started to move his small lips against hers, tasting the metallic tang of blood on them. Nivalis could feel him smile into their kiss as she started moving her lips in response, allowing herself to enjoy the sweetness of her son. His little lips were incredibly soft, almost velvety in texture. Wet sounds of their smacking mouths echoed around the little cave until a barely noticeable sniffle made its way to their ears from beside them.


    The mother immediately broke away from the kiss, instead turning her head toward her daughter. "Silvia? Are you crying, sweetie?" she asked in a worried tone. The girl sighed softly before nodding against her shoulder, letting out another quiet sniffle.


    Aster immediately reached down to her, touching Silvia''s cheek with his wrist, feeling tears rolling down her face. "Hey..." he mumbled, pulling her closer to himself until she also found herself lying on top of their mother''s soft body. Hisid little shaft slipped out of Nivalis'' warm hole with a distinct "pop" sound, leaving it empty and wet, only to be pressed against his sister''s hip, smearing some leftover slimy stuff on her pale skin. Aster quickly wiped the tears away from her face with bandaged fingers, asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Nivalis wrapped her arms around both siblings, hugging them tightly against her breasts. "I''m so sorry, my love. It''s all my fault... I knew I shouldn''t show any of this to¡ª" she began, but Silvia interrupted her before she could finish.


    "No-no... I''m d to know what it was all about. I-I don''t know why I feel like this," the girl whispered in a hoarse voice, turning her face to her mother''s. "I just suddenly felt like crying, listening to you two..." she whispered, resting her cheek against the softness of that big breast right below her. "You were just so... and I... I felt like I didn''t fit in here or something. I don''t know. It''s stupid," Silvia mumbled, wiping her eyes with her palm. "I tried to cry quietly so it doesn''t bother you two... I''m sorry," she added quietly.


    ''Is she... feeling jealous? To see Aster doing such things with me but not her? Or because I''m not doing it to her, too?'' Nivalis wondered as she gently stroked the back of Silvia''s head, feeling her t chest rise and fall against her own. ''Or both? What am I supposed to do in a situation like this?'' she asked herself, unsure how tofort the girl. "Oh, sweetie... it''s not stupid," Nivalis finally said, struggling to find the right words. After a brief pause, she could onlye up with, "I''m sorry that we made you feel like this."


    Silvia hummed in response, sniffling against her skin that was still sweaty from all the humping. "Don''t cry, sis. I love you just as much as Mom, you know," Aster whispered to his sister, resting his forehead against hers. "Maybe even a little bit more," he added incredibly quietly, earning himself a yful pinch on his side from his mother. "Ow!~" Aster yelped, hiding his face in the soft flesh of her breast.


    ¡ª "I heard that," Nivalis muttered at him, making Silvia let out a cute giggle. "Honey..." she then began hesitantly, pressing her palm against the girl''s little butt and pulling her closer to her face until she could feel her warm breaths against her chin. "What would make you feel better?" Nivalis asked in a hushed whisper, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Do you want us to... stop doing it?"


    If that''s what Silvia wants, it would be a huge problem. Aster needed these releases, especially now when their lives depended on how well he could do his magic. He simply can''t pleasure himself like all the other boys usually do; something is just not working for him down there. Nivalis could remember him trying to masturbate and even hump their nkets back at the cave... it was pitiful to witness, to say the least. And now? With hands burned so badly? There was no way he could do it by himself. It would be a miracle for him to hold a spoon in those hands.


    Yet, she couldn''t help but add, "We can if you want to." Nivalis heard her daughter''s breathing speed up at those words. She hoped it wouldn''te down to this, though... ''Maybe if I p him down there long enough, it will go soft?'' a terrible thought crossed her mind, making Nivalis grimace. Something told her he wouldn''t like it.


    Nivalis could practically hear gears turning inside that little head. The girl remained silent for a long moment before finally answering with a barely audible whisper against the skin of her neck, "...I-I want to be part of it. Like... help with something? I dunno." Her finger drewzy circles on Nivalis'' sweat-dampened shoulder. "Nothing naughty that will make you upset, of course. But something important so I can feel like I''m part of this, too..." she added hesitantly. "Maybe kissing? I''m good at kissing."


    Nivalis let out a long sigh, her fingers absentmindedly stroking the girl''s spine up to her shoulder des and down to that cute little butt of hers while she thought about it. She hated the idea of her daughter getting involved in such things, as this was already wrong enough. But maybe there were innocent enough tasks for Silvia to do? "Alright then... how about you help us clean the mess he made?" Nivalis suggested after a moment of silence. "Would you like that?"


    Silvia perked up at those words, lifting her head from the crook of her mother''s neck. "Umm..." she muttered, pausing momentarily to think it over. "Yeah, okay. I can do that," the girl finally said, nodding slowly. "How about kissing? Am I going to get any kisses?" she asked hopefully, smooching Nivalis'' cheek in anticipation of an answer.


    Nivalis chuckled softly at her words. "Yes, sweetie. Plenty of them. But only from me," she replied, giving that petite round butt a reassuring squeeze, drawing out a quiet giggle from Silvia. "No kisses between you two, though. Understood?" Nivalis asked sternly.


    "Yeah, Mom..." came the dejected reply.


    "Wait, before it takes effect," Aster suddenly whispered, wrapping his arms around his sister''s neck and pressing his lips against her cheek, smooching the girl several times. Silvia squealed cutely in response, and more quietughter filled the cave. "Okay, you are good now," he said casually, hiding his face into their mother''s pale breast again, feeling sleepy now that he''d had his release.


    "You silly," Silvia muttered back shyly, poking him yfully on his side, earning a muffled whine from her little brother.


    Nivalis couldn''t help but smile at their antics. "I mean during this kind of thing. You both can kiss each other as much as you want otherwise. Within reasons, of course," she added with a gentle pat to their heads. They both nodded against the softness of her breasts in agreement.


    As she ran her fingers through Silvia''s long hair, Nivalis whispered, "Well then... you can start cleaning up now, sweetheart." Her navel felt nasty and sticky from all the mess Aster made inside it; she could still feel echoes of all the throbbing and squirms he''d done with his little thing buried in there.


    "Mhm," Silvia hummed quietly at those words, lowering herself atop their mother until she reached that messy belly button. Her little brother remained lying there, just moving his hips to the side to give her more room.


    Nivalis pulled the ragged tunic from underneath her so Silvia could use it to wipe the mess off her. "Here, you can use my..." she began, only to gasp suddenly when she felt her daughter''s warm tongue slip inside that wet hole, full of her little brother''s precum and saliva. "W-wha...?"


    The girl startedpping up the slimy stuff from within it, swirling her pink tongue around and sucking loudly, making slurping sounds with her lips. "W-whoa... wait, I was going to¡ª" Nivalis tried to say, but the ticklish sensation of her daughter''s wet muscle licking and swirling around in there made her let out quiet giggles. "Stop, stop!" she pushed her away from herself with a hand against her forehead.


    "What''s wrong?" Silvia mumbled in confusion as she smacked her lips together, gulping down that slimy mixture, feeling how it slid down her tight throat. It tasted just like she liked it, all salty and gooey. And most importantly, it came out of her little brother, so it''s all natural!


    Aster couldn''t help but giggle at that, "I don''t think this is what Mom meant..." he whispered with a smile that could be felt even in the dark.


    ¡ª "I didn''t! You could''ve just wiped it with something!" Nivalis replied with a groan. "Why did you think I''d agree to let you lick such things?! Gods..." she muttered, covering her face with her palms. She couldn''t believe her daughter just did that.


    "I mean... we won''t need to wash anything this way," Aster chipped in, receiving a light flick on his forehead from his mother for being such a smartass. He mumbled a barely audible "Good argument," rubbing the spot.


    Silvia remained silent for a while before replying with a quiet "Oh" of realization. She shifted ufortably atop her mother, unsure what to do next, her hips squirming slightly. "Soo... do you want me to continue doing it, or...?" she asked carefully.


    A loud groan escaped her mouth at that question. ''Dear heavens, help me. There''s no way she''s mine,'' Nivalis thought, feeling a headache brewing. "And I thought Aster was the weird one, with all his music and drawings¡­" she muttered under her breath, only to hear an offended "hey!" from the boy.


    Without asking for permission, the sweet little Silvia lowered her head to her mother''s tummy. Her warm tongue pushed into that wet hole her brother had pounded not long ago, slurping up more of that slimy mixture within it. "Mmm..." she hummed softly as his taste coated her mouth again. She could also smell the boy''s shaft somewhere to the left of her face, probably all covered in it just as heavily... but she ignored it. After all, she promised no naughty business.


    True to her word, Silvia concentrated on cleaning up his mess inside their mother, like a good big sister she was. She licked and sucked up every tiny drop with her tongue. Every corner of it, every little bump, every nook and cranny... Silvia licked it all until she couldn''t feel anything but the warmth of her mother''s soft skin beneath her.


    Nivalis released an exhausted, long sigh, closing her eyes in resignation at what was happening down there. It was such a long day that she didn''t even have enough strength to protest anymore; she just decided not to think about it too much. It won''t be even the worst thing Nivalis ever did, so whatever. If this is what makes the girl happy, then so be it. ''As long as they don''t do anything naughty with each other,'' Nivalis thought, patting her son''s head, who seemed to pout at her.


    "Now, the kissing part. I was promised plenty of them," Silvia whispered with a giggle once she finished. Like a cat, she moved up on all fours until her face was close to her mom''s.


    ¡ª "No, no! Just no!" Nivalis protested immediately, covering her daughter''s mouth with her palm to prevent any kisses from happening there. She could feel the girl''s slimy tongue on her palm as Silvia tried to get out of it, but Nivalis didn''t let her. "I swear, once we are out of these caves, I''m going to spank you so hard that you wouldn''t be able to sit for days..." she muttered, making the girl giggle some more behind her hand.

 Chapter 94: As long as we’re together

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    The boy''s silver head moved up and down as the chest beneath him rose and fell in a steady rhythm, lungs expanding and contracting with each breath his naked mother made. Her heartbeat sounded like a gentle luby for the half-asleep Aster as hey atop Nivalis, face buried in the softness of herrge breasts that felt like heavens themselves against his skin.


    A deep inhale filled his nose with the sweet scent of her body, the unique, feminine scent that only mothers have. It smelled so nice¡ªlike home, like safety¡ªexactly what young boys like him need after a tough day. As he was about to fall back into a peaceful sleep, he felt his sister shift beside him, also lying on top of their mother. The cave they found was likely the smallest yet, walls pressing at them from each side, forcing everyone to huddle together.


    "Hey," Silvia mumbled sleepily into Aster''s long hair, pressing her cheek against the back of his head. He could feel her arms around himself, as well as her leg thrown over his butt.


    ¡ª "Hey, sis..." Aster replied after a long silence, cogs in his brain still struggling to wake up properly. His voice was muffled by the softness of his mother''s breasts, and a quiet yawn soon followed. "How long do you think we''ve slept?" he asked, his moist lips moving against Nivalis'' pale skin.


    "I dunno... but I feel much better than yesterday. My legs hurt a lot less now," Silvia shrugged her delicate shoulders, snuggling closer for warmth, almost getting on top of him. "So, I guess we slept for quite a while?"


    A long sigh escaped Aster''s mouth at her words because it meant they would need to get up soon. The darkness still engulfed them like before; no ray of light could be seen anywhere, making it impossible to tell whether or not morning hade yet. It was so dark that the boy had to check if his eyes were opened or closed because there was no difference between them being in either state.


    "Are you thirsty?" she asked, her finger drawing random circles on the skin of his back, feeling every bump of his ribcage.Aster hummed softly. "A bit, yeah..." he whispered, turning to face his sister with a small smile on his lips that she couldn''t see, hugging her petite body. He was careful not to touch anything with his wounded palms as they still hurt like hell and had begun to smell funny from all the puss inside the wrappings, clearly in need of some attention and cleaning. But that could wait until their mother woke up...


    "Give me a second. I''ll make you some ice," Silvia said, going quiet for a moment to ignite the mana within herself. A few secondster, goosebumps covered her skinny body as cold filled her chest. A tiny shard of ice soon appeared in her fingers, and she immediately pressed it against her little brother''s lips; she could almost hear how it hissed against his warm flesh.


    Taking it from her with his teeth, Aster sucked on the chilly shard, feeling how it slowly melted in his mouth to relieve his thirst. "Mmm... thank you," he mumbled, smacking his lips together. It didn''t take long for him to finish it, making him feel much better.


    "Can you melt mine, too? It''s so cold..." Silvia asked shyly, pressing the shard she made for herself against Aster''s mouth. "Pwease?" she added with her best pleading voice.


    With a chuckle, he took it into his mouth and began sucking on the ice, swirling his hot tongue around its surface until it meltedpletely. Letting out a soft hum to let her know it was ready, Aster leaned forward and kissed his sister. Their lips pressed together as he pushed the water from his mouth into hers, hearing each tiny gulp as she swallowed it all down.


    A soft groan came from beneath them, causing them to break the kiss; her taste still lingered on his tongue. "Good... morning, I guess?" Nivalis whispered to her children, rubbing their backs up and down. A cute yawn escaped her mouth before she asked, "How did you two sleep?"


    "Good," they both mumbled in unison, wiggling their naked bodies higher up until they could reach their mother''s face; they immediately showered Nivalis with delicate pecks on those soft cheeks of hers, eliciting a chuckle from the woman. "My bandages are starting to smell bad. Can we wash them somehow?" Aster asked, moving his lips against her skin.


    "Ugh... yeah, I can smell that. We need to think of something," Nivalis said with another sniff at the air around them. "How''s your neck? Let me see it," she whispered, touching the bandages on his delicate throat.


    ¡ª "It hurts a lot less," Aster whispered in response as he focused on his mana, igniting just enough to create a tiny me above his hand. Even though the light was incredibly weak, their eyes were too used to darkness for so long, making them all squint from the sudden pain.@@novelbin@@


    Once Aster adjusted to the sudden brightness of the me, his neck and palms suddenly became thest thing he could think about, his golden eyes going as wide as they possibly could. Both siblings stared at the ice barrier in shock, seeing how countless of those terrifying leech-centipede creatures wiggled around in a frenzy, trying to get away from the light he had just made¡ªhundreds of them, an actual swarm. The sound of their bodies slithering against the other side of the barrier echoed throughout the little cave.


    Noticing their heartbeats going crazy, Nivalis also looked up, only to let out a high-pitched shriek of horror when she saw what was happening there. "WHAT THE ACTUAL¡ª" she screamed, the rain of cursesing right after as she pushed herself and her children away from the entrance until their naked bodies hit the deepest part of their little cave. Her hips barely fit between the cold rocks, sharp edges scraping against her soft skin.


    She tried to push further back, but no more room was left in that cramped space. Her heartbeat, too, pounded loudly inside her chest as she hugged both Aster and Silvia close to herself, pressing their faces against her bosom. "There''s so many... dear gods, help us..." Nivalis whispered, staring at the writhing mass on the other side of the ice.


    Her hands shook from fear as she reached for her knife in her boot and clutched it with white knuckles. Her wide eyes were fixed on their dark-red elongated bodies, squirming against each other. She doubted it would do any good against that whole swarm of them, but it was still better than nothing. "Make it brighter, honey. Please," she whispered to her son urgently, turning his head toward the barrier.


    While Silvia whimpered something against her breast and shook in terror, afraid even to look at what was happening there, Aster had no other choice but to face it. Nodding slowly with a heavy swallow of fear down his throat, he whispered, "D-don''t worry... I-I''ll keep them away." His childish voice trembled just like the rest of him. He wanted to puke just looking at those slimy creatures but somehow managed to keep it in.


    His pale face reflected off the ice barrier, looking like a ghost in the dark cave. Words can''t describe how scared he was, but the girls needed him to be strong. After all, Aster is the man of the family. Who will protect them if not him?


    The pressure and heat inside his chest made Aster wince as the more ignited mana filled him, deep breaths helping to keep it under control. It was pain he knew all too well. Sweat dripped down his face and naked skin as the tiny me grew above his hand, causing more light to fill their little cave. Movements behind the ice intensified the brighter it got, creatures hissing and squirming in desperation, and some even bit at each other.


    More and more drops of sweat started appearing on Aster''sid shaft between his pale thighs, hanging from its delicate pink tip but refusing to fall off onto the cold ground. His jaw clenched tightly as he kept pouring mana into the me, stopping only when everything went quiet on the other side. Bringing his hand closer to the ice, he saw just a normal cave behind it, with not a single ugly creature in sight; they had all fled from the bright light.


    "It''s okay. It''s okay..." Aster repeated to himself, his ribs moving up and down rapidly from all the adrenaline that coursed through his body. It was getting harder to breathe, so he had no choice but to make the me much smaller, dimming their cave with it as well. He could feel how hot his bandages had gotten on his right hand, almost burning his flesh underneath it. He blew out some air, hoping it would cool it down.


    A sigh of relief escaped Nivalis'' lips, her heart still pounding hard. "Are you okay, sweetie?" she asked worriedly, looking down at the girl in her arms. Silvia refused to leave her protective embrace, hiding her face against those soft breasts. Muffled sobs could be heard from her tiny form as Nivalis gently patted her silver hair. "Everything is good now. They left," she whispered reassuringly.


    Aster wiped away sweat from his forehead, hitting the ground with a small thud. His gaze fell on his sister''s soft buttcheeks before his face, wiggling as she kept crying into their mother''s chest. ''Must be a panic attack or something...'' he thought, feeling like he was on the verge of it, too. Every time he blinked, the sight of that swarm behind the ice shed again.


    Aster nced at the cave entrance, noticing no movement on the other side. "How about we sit here for a while... and see if theye back?" he suggested quietly, to which both girls hummed in agreement. He gently hugged Silvia''s pale thighs from behind, burying his face into her round softness, hoping it would help her calm down. "Shhh..." he whispered soothingly when another sob left her mouth.


    ...


    When Aster peeked outside, the dark, rocky walls were the only thing in sight. A puddle of watery on the floor, ripples on its surface reflecting golden light from his eyes and a flickering me above his hand; half-melted chunks of ice were scattered around it. After checking that nothing was hanging from the ceiling or nearby walls, Aster let out a relieved sigh. "It looks good," he said quietly, crawling outside into the cave, his knees scraping against sharp rocks.


    To his left and right, there was only darkness and rocks... not a single gust of wind fluttered his cloak. "Is she okay?" Aster asked back into their little cave.


    "Better now," his mother''s voice replied, followed by the girl''s muffled "nooo..." Nivalis, wearing her tattered clothes that barely covered her paleness, crawled outside with Silvia in her arms. The girl had her hands and legs wrapped tightly around her waist and shoulders, like a kitten clinging to its mother.


    Helping them up, Aster whispered, "Carry her for a bit, maybe? I can walk."


    "Are you sure?" Nivalis asked, adjusting her grip on the trembling child in her arms. They barely made her agree to leave the safety of that little hole in the wall where they spent the night. That sight from before, that nightmare just behind a thin ice wall, really scared her. Not only her, Aster was trying hard not to think about it, too. "I can carry you as well," she added.


    ¡ª "Yeah, don''t worry. I used my spell," he replied with a nod, dusting off his knees. Making the fire disappear in a puff of smoke, Aster gave Nivalis his wrist to hold onto. Once she took him, they began walking slowly through the cavework, the boy lighting their way with just his eyes. Their boots shuffled against the uneven ground, echoing softly off the cave walls, apanied by asional sniffles from the girl in her mother''s arms.


    His golden irises flicked left and right nervously, searching for movement on the ground and walls, yet nothing met them except darkness and silence. Weakness was still present in every step he took, making him feel like his body was made from lead, and all the ignited mana inside his chest didn''t make it any easier... its constant pressure and heat took a toll on his frail form.


    Yet he kept walking, minutes slowly turning into hours as they wandered through endless tunnels and narrow passages, chambers of all shapes and sizes, forks and dead ends, hoping for any sign of an exit somewhere ahead. But it was just dark walls... forever dark, cold, and silent. There was no sign of life anywhere, and it made Aster wonder. ''Where are they hiding? Maybe they camouge themselves somehow?'' he thought, looking at all the nooks and crannies around. But he couldn''t spot anything but his sister''s terrified stare looking back at him.


    At some point, Silvia calmed down enough to let go of her mother''s shoulders and start walking again, only to cling to Aster instead. She refused to let go even briefly, always hugging his arm against herself. Not that he minded, of course. Whatever helped her, he was ready to do. "Don''t blink so much, please," she reminded him again, her soft lips moved against his ear, barely audible over her warm breaths.


    ''I guess it''s time to do the weird blinking again...'' he sighed internally, nodding in response. One eye at a time, so the light doesn''t go out. Since they began walking again through these endless tunnels, Aster cast his spell three more times already, just enough mana each time to cause the glow of his eyes. It wasn''t a bright glow by any means; you would barely notice it during daylight, but here, in such darkness? It was all they needed to follow the damn wall. And in case those creatures show up again, he had more than enough mana to make things much, much brighter.


    ''I wonder if I can make her eyes glow during our mana invasion thing? They''re golden, too...'' Aster thought but couldn''t finish his idea when a sudden noise up ahead made him halt in his steps, causing both girls to bump into him from behind. "I heard something," he whispered, his high-pitched voice echoing off the cave walls around them.


    The boy immediately raised his bandaged hand, creating a me to illuminate more space before him. A long exhale left Aster''s lips, white puffs of air swirling before his eyes as he squinted into the darkness. He could feel his sister gripping him tighter, her nails painfully digging into his wrist.


    "Let''s go back..." Nivalis whispered, pulling them closer to herself. She had a death grip on that knife in her right hand, its tip glinting ominously in the flickering firelight.


    Another faint noise reached Aster''s pointy ears, one he thought he recognized. "Wait. I think..." he mumbled, straining to hear the sound over his hammering heartbeat. It sounds like... water droplets or something?" he added after a brief pause. ncing behind, he saw Silvia shaking her head vigorously at him, her long silver locks on her shoulders swaying with the movement.


    Nivalis stared ahead, her blue eyes fixed on the darkness as she waited for that sound toe again. A few heartbeats passed in silence before a faint noise echoed off the walls once more¡ªa faint drip of water somewhere up ahead, confirming Aster''s words. "It could be an exit..." Nivalis whispered with hope in her tone, "...but we must still be careful. Prepare more mana if you can," she added, receiving nods from both children.


    Once everyone was ready, they carefully crept forward; the light of Aster''s fire made shadows dance across the rocky walls around them. ''Please, let it be a way out...'' Aster silently wished as he neared the corner, ncing around it as quickly as he could before retreating behind the sharp edges.


    ¡ª "There''s nothing here," he whispered disappointedly, peering cautiously around it again, feeling his mother''s hand on his shoulder. It was just another endless tunnel, nothing unusual about it... except for some strange glinting on the wall ahead. He was so nervous that he almost unleashed the fire in that direction, afraid that it was some kind of creature, but managed to hold back just in time.


    "Huh? A stream?" Silvia asked softly as they approached it, gazing at the trickle of water flowing along the stone wall, vanishing between crevices in the rocks. She gently traced the wet path with her finger, feeling the cold liquid swirl around her knuckle.


    "Yeah... whew, I almost fired a spell at it," Aster chuckled nervously, relieved that nothing dangerous was hiding here. Part of him expected to see some enormous abomination waiting for them around that corner, but it was just a tiny stream of water.


    Looking over her shoulder to ensure nothing followed them, Nivalis whispered, "Let''s take a quick break here. We''ve been walking for quite a while now, and it looks like a nice spot." She was also d everything was quiet around here, though she couldn''t shake her disappointment that there was still no way out. "And we need to clean Aster''s wounds and wash the bandages... and maybe wash ourselves a little," she added with a tired sigh.


    Making the fire smaller in his hand to save on mana, Aster nodded at her, sitting down on the cold ground with a groan. "You alright?" he whispered to Silvia, who sat beside him, still not letting go of his arm. Her face was paler than usual, those golden eyes staring fearfully into the dark depths of the tunnel where no light could reach.


    "I just want to leave this ce," the girl mumbled, pressing her cheek against her brother''s shoulder. She watched as Nivalis kneeled before them and started pulling off the bandages on his right hand, revealing burned flesh underneath. The sight made Silvia grimace in disgust, and the smell was not much better. Turning her attention to his face, she asked softly, "Have you seen... that thing back there? How are you not afraid?" Her long eyshes fluttered at him.


    ¡ª "Well..." Aster responded with a sweet smile, ignoring the agonizing pain of his skin being peeled off along with those bandages. "If I can survive all those silent farts of yours at night... What''s there to be afraid of?" he giggled softly.


    Nivalis chuckled quietly as she worked on his wounds, her frown momentarily disappearing; the sound echoed through the tunnel.


    Silvia gasped at Aster''s words. "Oh, my gods! I did not!" She pinched his side hard, causing him to giggle even more. "Everyone knows that girls don''t do such things," she mumbled in embarrassment, crossing her arms over her t chest and pouting cutely at him.


    He kept smiling at her, d finally to see her in a slightly better mood. For a moment, he forgot about their horrible situation and all the pain, just enjoying the sight of his sister''s angry face, adorable little cheeks puffed up like that. For a moment, he had no doubt they would survive this mess, just like they always do, as long as they were together.


    <strong>"Breaching for Dummies" by Aelric Longtooth. Chapter 1: The Horrors of Upper Levels, Page 1.</strong>


    ¡ì¡ì¡ì


    <em>So, you''ve decided to try your luck down there, huh? Hoping to get rich by finding some forgotten treasure everyone whispers about? Or perhaps you''re just an adventurer, drawn in by those absurd prices on the guild board for ore and body parts? Perhaps your vige was raided and burnt down, and now you have nowhere to live except that weird uncle of yours who touches himself every time he sees you? Or maybe those debt collectors finally got tired of chasing a deadbeat like you and are finally sending the thugs with their big hammers? </em>


    <em>Whatever the reason for your decision, find a different way to deal with all the mess in your life. Wank your uncle if you must. Beg those collectors to let you work off your debt. The Breach won''t offer you anything but suffering. And believe me, I know what I''m talking about. Been there, done that, and more than once.</em>


    <em>Still reading? Alright, I get it. Sometimes life is shit. I understand. But please consider this carefully. Your life will only get more shit once you go down into those depths. Unlike all those books where authors romanticize the underground as a ce where gold and gems shower upon your head from the ceiling, it''s nothing like that. It''s nothing but stone, darkness, and death awaiting you at every step. You won''t be that bastard from their stories who always finds some magical sword deep in a secret chamber. You will be that guy who dies in the first chapter to set up the scene for the main character.</em>


    <em>If, instead of being scared by my warnings, you feel blood rushing through your veins and hear your heart pounding faster with excitement... then this book is for you. After all, I''m also guilty of being such a moron.</em>


    <em>Nightmare worms, also known as Crawlers. They are your first problem the moment you step inside the Breach, as the upper levels are filled with them. Where I''ve been, that is.</em>


    <em>Words can''t describe how much I hate those little fuckers. Imagine something between a leech and a centipede with countless legs and a round mouth filled with rows of tiny teeth on the inside. Covered in slime, it has dark-red skin with holes all over its long body, each pulsating rhythmically. While not very big, seeing one is enough to give anyone nightmares for weeks, believe my word. They love to sneak up on their victims when they sleep and bite into an artery on the neck, armpits, or inner thighs, leaving nothing but bones behind when they are done with you. If especially hungry, they form swarms that can easily devour a grown man in mere minutes¡ªa sight I wish to forget with all my heart.</em>


    <em>Still want to go down there? Good. You will need as many torches or oil fornterns as you can possibly carry. They are more sensitive to light than my old man after too many mugs of ale, making them more of a chore to deal with than any real threat...</em>


    ¡ì¡ì¡ì

 Chapter 95: Bravery

    <strong>[Aster]</strong>


    Four long, exhausting days of darkness, fear, and silence had dragged on. Four days without food, barely catching any sleep due to constant paranoia. Aster was exhausted and endlessly hungry, wishing for nothing but to leave this hellish ce, to see the sunlight and feel the gust of wind against his skin, to hear birds chirping, creaking trees, and swaying grass¡ªanything other than the dark, cold stones surrounding them.


    With each passing day, it became harder and harder to keep going... hope was slowly being reced with desperation. ''Why is there no way out? It''s not possible that such a ce had only one exit.'' Aster couldn''t help but wonder once again as hey atop his mother, shielding his eyes with his forearm, desperately trying to fall asleep.


    Silviay beside him, her petite form pressed close against his for warmth. Her head rested on the boy''s chest while she draped one leg over his hip; their long hair of the same silver shade tangled together and was the only thing that covered their nakedness.


    With a soft sigh, Aster lowered his arm from his eyes and stared nkly into the darkness, unable to even make out the ceiling above them. Once again, they found a small nook in the wall where they could hide away for the night¡ªor whatever time of day it was outside... Aster had no idea at this point.


    The sound of Nivalis'' stomach rumbling filled their tiny cave as she shifted beneath him, his t belly echoing hers a momentter with a loud grumble. The pain in his guts made him wince, his brows furrowing slightly, only to rx a momentter when he felt Silvia''s small palm massaging his tummy to soothe the ache; her delicate fingers moved up and down between navel and public bone.


    ¡ª "Can''t sleep either?" Aster whispered when the pain eased off, a faint sniffle reaching his ears. She was crying or was close to it by how loud her breaths had gotten. Sighing softly, he wrapped an arm around her tiny waist and pulled her up against himself. "Everything will be better tomorrow," he mumbled gently into her soft locks, just like he did the previous three nights.


    "Mhm..." Silvia hummed quietly in response, halting the belly rub. The young girl buried her face into her little brother''s shoulder and breathed against his skin for a long moment, just to whisper something so quiet that even Aster struggled to catch it. "Can you..." a desperate plea slipped from those soft lips before she trailed off, unable to finish her thought.¡ª "Yeah?" Aster replied softly, moving his lips closer to her pointy ear, his breath brushing against it when he added, "Anything."


    "Could you make... a tiny light for me? Until I fall asleep?" Silvia whispered shyly, drawing random circles on the skin of his chest with her finger. "I keep imagining what''s going on right now on the other side... you know," she mumbled, a shiver coursing through her entire body as she again imagined that swarm of disgusting creatures just above their heads behind the ice barrier, wet bodies slithering against each other while trying to find a way in. "Please, just a really small one..." she murmured, her moist lips pressing against his shoulder, moving with each word.


    Aster raised his hand and focused on his mana, imagining a tiny ember above his palm. Her silver locks were the first thing he saw when the faintest light appeared, flowing all over her shoulders and spine, almost reaching that cute little butt of hers. Part of him wanted to look up at the ice wall, but he knew what he would see if he did so... "Better?" Aster asked, lifting her chin to see those golden eyes shimmer beautifully in his dim light.


    Her eyshes fluttered a few times when she pressed her lips against his cheek in a soft peck. "Thank you, Asty," Silvia replied with a tired smile beforeying her head down again atop his chest and closing her eyes with a sigh of relief, finally seeing something other than darkness for once. "Goodnight..."


    ¡ª "Goodnight," Aster mumbled back into her hair as she curled against him, her cold toes finding their way between his legs. Hisid shaft could feel the softness of her knee and inner thigh when she did so.


    Aster looked at the me hovering above his bandaged hand, its dancing tongues casting a warm glow against the cold stone walls around them. For thest three days, he couldn''t help but keep wondering how to make the spell work without constantly focusing on it, as this would make nights much less terrifying for all of them. ''There has to be a way... but how do I make it use my mana without my control? And even if I figure that out, how do I ensure it stays small and doesn''t drain all my reserves at once?'' he pondered, his pale face illuminated by the tiny me as his brows furrowed slightly.


    The nature of fire is that it wants to consume everything around it. If Aster loses control over it, it would likely just use all his ignited mana in the blink of an eye, causing a huge me to erupt. That''s what he did when he fought that nt creature... he just let go of all the control and allowed that fire to do its thing. But here, he needed theplete opposite. ''What if I keep doing the spell it until it bes second nature? Like breathing,'' Aster wondered, watching those tiny tongues dance above his palm.


    A sigh escaped his lips, vapor swirling before his eyes as the boy shook his head. ''Nah, this isn''t going to work... there''s no way I can concentrate on the spell while I''m asleep,'' he thought with a frown, all while imagining that little ember circling his hand. Momentster, the image from his mind turned into reality when the me started dancing around his bandaged fingers just as he wanted it to. ''Some monk who''s spent his entire life meditating probably would be able to pull something like this off... but not me,'' Aster sighed again. ''What else could I try?''


    Aster lost track of how much time had slipped away while brainstorming ideas, but it must have been quite a while. Tomorrow, he would likely feel groggy all day because of this practice session. He could already tell that, but it was the only chance the boy had to practice his magic, with Silvia''s ice protecting them. He tried everything that came to mind, but the oue remained the same regardless of how he tweaked the spell in his imagination.


    A tiny me above his palm refused to stay stable without his constant focus. More often than not, the fire would spiral out of control whenever Aster looked away or stopped thinking about it. Fortunately, he hadn''t poured enough mana into it for that to cause any serious trouble, the worst being a burst of sparks before it quickly fizzled out.


    Only when he heard his mother''s whisper did Aster snap out of his thoughts, realizing just how tired and sleepy he was. "Sweetie, why are you still awake?" Nivalis asked worriedly, touching his forehead to check on his temperature.


    "Couldn''t fall asleep... thought I''d practice some magic, you know," the boy mumbled in response, tilting his head back to see her all while stretching his legs, a cute little yawn escaping him when he did so. His toes wiggled against her thighs, soft and smooth like the rest of her naked body. Her breast served him as a pillow, the best he could ask for.


    "You''re already doing magic all day... better get some rest," Nivalis muttered, brushing a few strands of hair away from his face and behind his pointy ear, admiring her son''s features in the dim light of his spell. Those golden eyes stared back at her, heavy with exhaustion yet still so beautiful. "And please, don''t use up too much of your mana like that... we need it when we walk," she reminded him, tracing his nose and lips with her fingertips, making Aster scrunch cutely under her touch.


    The boy nodded in agreement. "I just wanted to figure out how to make light even when I sleep. It would be nice to have some light around while we''re sleeping," he replied, letting out an even bigger yawn.


    "Have you?" Nivalis asked with interest, putting her finger in his yawning mouth. She just couldn''t help herself.


    Aster tried to answer but ended up mumbling around her digit instead. "Mmmno..." A little squeak soon followed, confusion written all over his face at the sudden intrusion into his moist cavity. Such a reaction made Nivalis giggle happily, like a little girl.


    "Sorry, my love," Nivalis whispered with a smile, leaving the tiny little hole of her son, a thin string of saliva briefly connecting her fingertip and his soft lips. "I used to do this with my cat when I was little. She hated it, too," she added softly, chuckling at the memory.


    Pouting slightly but unable to stay mad at his mother, Aster asked with a grin, "You had a cat? What was its name? You never told us about it before."


    "Her name was Lucy, white puffy fur with orange spots. And well... it belonged to my cousin, not me. They used to visit us each summer for a few weeks," Nivalis nodded with hum while her fingers gently ran through his long locks, untangling knots hidden in there. Her stomach growled again, reminding her of the reason she had woken up, but neither of them mentioned it, choosing to ignore the noise. §²????¨§??


    ¡ª "That''s cute..." Aster whispered, letting her brush away the tangles. Some were quite tough ones, making him wince from time to time when she pulled too hard, but he didn''t mind. It made his hair look nice, after all.


    "How about I give you a little massage, hm? Maybe it will help you rx and fall asleep," Nivalis suggested after a few minutes of work, her hands moving down to his small shoulders.


    A long sigh escaped Aster''s lips as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah... that would be great," he mumbled quietly, feeling her warm palms gently kneading his tired muscles. Her tender caresses were just what he needed right now, making his eyelids droop and body rx further into hers. With each touch of her fingers sliding across his skin, the me above his palm began to flicker, gradually fading until they were enveloped inplete darkness once more.


    The only sounds filling their tiny cave were their shared breaths and, of course, Silvia''s adorable snoring. "Goodnight, Mom..." Aster whispered, so tired that he didn''t even register her loving reply; sleep had already imed him.


    ...


    The morning was no different from any previous one they had experienced underground... the same darkness, the same cold, the same silence. It didn''t take long for them to get ready for yet another day between these jagged ck walls. After Silvia made a few ice shards for them to suck on and a quick stop just outside their little cave to relieve themselves, it was time to move again, leaving behind just a few golden puddles.


    Their stomachs felt like they were about to tear open, begging for any kind of food. Growls and rumbles apanied them with every step they took through that endless maze. Each one felt like their insides were twisting into knots, but they had no choice but to ignore it.


    ''Ugh... I really shouldn''t have stayed up sotest night,'' Aster sighed, rubbing his face as he walked slightly ahead of the girls, illuminating the way with his glowing eyes. His golden irises flicked back and forth, scanning the walls and ceiling for anything unusual, boiling mana inside his chest at ready. The ground was hard to walk on, uneven and rocky, making his ankles ache terribly. Still, he pressed on, putting one foot in front of the other, clinging to the hope that they might finally find a way out today.


    But as more hours passed, and the tunnels kept stretching on before them, that hope began to dim, especially whenever Aster looked at his mother and saw her pained expression and sunken cheeks. This day was especially difficult for her, always leaning against the wall as if it took every bit of strength she had just to take another step. "Are you alright, Mom?" the boy whispered, looking up at her with worry in those shimmering orbs.


    "Of course, sweetie. I just... need a moment," Nivalis responded with a strained voice, taking a deep breath before letting it out slowly. She tried to offer a weak smile to her children, but it faltered quickly when another wave of cramps made her grimace in pain. "Mmm..." she hummed through gritted teeth, her forehead resting against the cold rocks of the tunnel wall.


    Unsure of what to do, Aster nced at Silvia next to him, who simply shrugged in response with a small shake of her head. She didn''t look much better¡ªpale and trembling, with sunken eyes filled with exhaustion. ''I must be looking like shit, too,'' he thought, turning back toward his mother. "Lean on me," Aster finally whispered, presenting his back to Nivalis.


    If it weren''t for his strengthening spell, Aster doubted he would even manage to crawl right now. Every part of his body hurt, both inside and out; words couldn''t describe how much. He had cuts on his neck, nasty burns on his hands, a fever that left him weak and dizzy, and the constant pressure of his ignited mana, not to mention a gnawing hunger... but he tried not to show any of it. He wanted to be strong for them. He had to be. After all, if his past life had taught him anything, it was how to endure pain. It''s something he''s damn good at. "Come on," he added softly, waiting patiently.


    Nivalis stared at his skinny frame momentarily before taking a shaky breath. "I appreciate your help, but... no. You''re still recovering," she whispered, her hand tenderly patting the top of his head. "And honestly, you look like you might faint at any moment."


    Aster shook his head, having none of it. "I''m feeling great, don''t worry about me. I can take it," he said firmly, showing her a forced smile that probably looked horrible in the dim light. He took her hand and put it on his shoulder, ignoring her soft protests. "Now, use the wall and me for support. It should make things easier," Aster added, waiting for Nivalis to do as told.


    "I-I can help, too..." Silvia interjected weakly, her voice trembling as she watched Nivalis reluctantly ept her brother''s help, clutching tightly onto his shoulder.


    Before she could say more, Aster shook his head. "Don''t worry, just hold my hand. It''s not hard for me as long as I have my spell," he lied, feeling the weight of his mother pressing down on him heavily. His knees wobbled, a groan almost slipping past his lips at the sudden strain; fortunately, he managed to contain it. "Let''s go," Aster whispered after Silvia wrapped her fingers around his wrist. Slowly, they resumed their walk, taking one careful step after another as they navigated the dark tunnels.


    They made slow but steady progress, stopping every once in a while so Nivalis could catch her breath and rest for a few moments. Panic kept creeping back into Aster''s thoughts with each such pause, his mind gued by the fear that they wouldn''t be able to keep going much longer like this. This could be it, their end, left forgotten in these dark, unnamed caves... ''No way. I can''t let them die. All those floating corpses in the afterlife... the girls don''t belong there,'' he thought, scanning their surroundings anxiously. ''If only we had something to eat... anything.''


    His golden eyes squinted when he looked around, hoping to see something, anything edible-looking... he was ready to eat any weird mushroom at this point, but even that was nowhere in sight. Only rocks, rocks, and more rocks.


    "Let''s take another break..." Nivalis panted heavily, no longer than twenty minutes after theirst rest. Despite the cold temperature, sweat covered her body, and damp hair stuck to her forehead. She slumped against the wall with a soft thud, arms shaking from exertion. "I''m sorry..." she apologized quietly while trying to catch her breath. She looked like a mess, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.


    ¡ª "It''s alright, Mom. I was about to ask for one, too," Aster whispered in response, pressing his little behind into herp. Silvia did the same, her head plopping on his shoulder with a soft sigh. Now that he finally sat down, his legs felt like wet noodles; they had barely any strength left. How much he wished to propose calling it a day, to find a little cave and rest for as long as possible... but tomorrow would be even harder, he knew.


    ''This is not good,'' Aster thought, leaning against his mother''s soft bosom. But the moment his cheek hit the squishiness of her breast, a crazy idea crossed his tired mind. He winced at how utterly horrible it was, a mere thought of it already making him feel sick, but... something had to be done. A man of the family must do what he has to.


    Taking a few deep breaths to prepare himself mentally, Aster got up again. His knees popped in protest, and his body felt like jelly, but he gritted his teeth and ignored it.


    "Sweetie... we just sat," Nivalis protested weakly when she saw him standing up, thinking he wanted to continue walking. "Let''s rest for a bit longer."


    ¡ª "No, no, keep sitting. I want to try something," Aster mumbled in response, casting a me above his palm, muchrger and brighter than usual. "I have an idea, but I''m unsure how to, umm... just wait and see, okay?" His voice wavered slightly at the end.


    The girls exchanged confused nces between themselves, both watching as Aster started to closely inspect the jagged walls and ground around them. He turned over each rock and checked each crack, his golden eyes getting even brighter with each heartbeat as he poured more mana into his strengthening spell. His little body felt like a furnace because of it, but he needed every bit of strength and light for what he nned.


    "What are you doing? Do you need any help?" Silvia asked in concern, feeling her mother''s strong arms wrap around her from behind. But Aster didn''t answer; instead, he kept rummaging through the rocks, mumbling something under his breath. He was careful not to walk further than three steps away from the girls so the light of his me would still reach them.


    Then, Aster suddenly stopped, his gaze fixed on a tiny, barely noticeable crack in the wall. Inside it, a flicker of movement caught his eye; the dark red color left no doubt about what it was. A creature they desperately tried to avoid until now... so ugly and disgusting that you want to vomit just thinking about them. But at this point? It was their only hope for survival.@@novelbin@@


    After a few heartbeats of hesitation, Aster carefully stepped towards it, fear making his dder feel ufortably full. With every step, more of his light seeped inside that crack, making the creature squirm and hiss in response. "Got you," the boy whispered, pointing his bandaged hand at it. The creature opened its round mouth, showing rows and rows of sharp teeth in response.


    The me above Aster''s palm suddenly disappeared, only to be reced by a roaring inferno a momentter. The heatwave washed over the entire tunnel, fluttering hair wildly around his face. As the bright mes licked the cave walls, the girls shrieked in surprise, both getting on their feet.


    In confusion, Nivalis held her dagger defensively, ready to protect her babies from whatever danger they were about to face, while Silvia desperately started making icicles. "What the hell is going on?!" the mother yelled over the deafening crackling of mes, her voice trembling from the sudden panic. The blinding light made it impossible for their eyes to adjust and see anything; Aster had trouble seeing what was happening just as much, white spots dancing across his vision.


    Two secondster, the brightness disappeared as fast as it had appeared, returning everything to near darkness. All that remained were the faint glow of Aster''s golden eyes, lighting the soot-covered rocks. "I''m sorry," he mumbled, hearing their terrified breaths behind him. "Are you two okay?" Aster turned around, looking at his mother and sister, his heart beating rapidly inside his chest. Adrenaline coursed through his body; not often could he cast so much fire at once.


    "What... happened? Did something bite you? Show me where it is!" Nivalis asked frantically as she rushed towards her son, her blue eyes wide. She dropped to the ground and immediately began checking Aster''s entire body, her hands slipping beneath his cloak. Pale, hairless skin met her trembling fingers as she searched for any signs of a wound. "Tell me!" she demanded louder, tears threatening to fall down her cheeks.


    Silvia stood beside them with an icicle, no bigger than her thumb, clutched tightly in her hand. Puffs of white air swirled between her lips each time she moved her head left and right, confusion written all over her face.


    ¡ª "Mom," Aster gently stopped his mother''s frantic movements, making her look into his eyes. "I''m okay," he assured her calmly, smiling to ease her worries. "I-I should''ve told you what I wanted to do earlier... I''m sorry. But, here... look," he sighed, trying to grab onto the charred body of a giant worm between the rocks. His bandaged fingers fumbled with it for a moment until he finally managed to get a hold and pulled it out slowly.


    Aster had to suppress his gag reflex when the thing was fully revealed. Its slimy skin glistened with some nasty ck liquid, and it dripped from the body onto the ground below them. The smell of burnt meat filled their nostrils, making the boy''s stomach twist ufortably. "I... got us food..." Aster stuttered, barely able to form words through his nausea as he presented the dangling corpse of a leech-centipede to his mother. "Yay?" he added, seeing them distancing a bit from him in disgust. The word sounded more like a question than anything else.


    Both Nivalis and Silvia stared at him like he was an idiot for even considering eating that thing, a creation that looked like it came straight from the depths of hell and was probably poisonous, too. He could see it in their eyes as they looked back and forth between his face and the disgusting creature he held in his hand. A few times, their mouths opened to say something in protest, but no words came out.


    Yeah, maybe Aster is not the brightest bulb in the family, but... he is a brave one. And today, they will sleep with full stomachs because of it. Or at least that''s what the boy hoped for as he forced himself to smile under their judgmental gazes. "W-... who''s hungry?" Aster asked, wobbling the worm slightly.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!