As the group walked through the busy streets, the excitement of the newcomers was a sharp contrast to the quiet thoughts of the leaders.
Kael, Pia, and Tarin were looking around with wide eyes, pointing at the tall towers and the colourful market stalls.
Aira looked at a nearby bridge and sighed.
“Even after twenty years, this city is still the same.
The crowded markets, the tall towers, the beautiful lake…
it’s like time stopped here.”
Ria took a long, deep breath, her voice mixing sadness with a small smile.
“Yes, it’s exactly the same.
Being back here brings so many memories to my mind.” She paused, her eyes misting over.
“If only Mom could have joined us…
it would have been perfect.”
“Someone had to stay in the North to keep things running, Ria.”
“You’re right,” Ria agreed, but her heart still felt heavy.
Aira looked at her friend.
“Your maternal grandparents used to live near the river.
Do you remember?”
Ria looked shocked.
“You still remember that?
How?”
“Because,” Aira replied softly, “You, Kael, and your mother are the only family I have left.
Our mothers were best friends, our fathers were best friends, and we are the same.” Get faster updates on g.com.
The Family History
The bond began long ago.
When Nina (Aira’s mother) married General Arin, Ria’s mother moved with her to the General’s palace.
Eventually, Arin found his best, most trusted soldier (Oren) and introduced him to Ria’s mother(Yuri).
The two couples married and lived together like one large family.
When General Arin decided to move to the North City to bring peace there, Ria’s family didn’t hesitate—they went with them and settled there together.
The tragedy that followed bound them forever.
Ria’s father died in the same brutal war that took General Arin.
Following the loss of her husband, Aira’s mother fell sick for a long time.
During those hard years, she (Ria’s mother) became the guardian and mother-figure for all three of them— Aira, Ria, and Kael.
She raised them to be the leaders they are today.