Chapter Fourteen: Blood and Silver

Morning light slipped through the curtains, painting the wooden floor in pale gold.

“Honey,” Cid’s voice was low, coaxing, warm.

Fenrona stirred beneath the sheets, her silver hair scattered over the pillow. “What is it, love?” she asked, still half-dreaming.

“I made breakfast, but I need to go train Alpha.”

Her ears twitched, sleepy yet tender. “Alright, my love. Give me a moment.” She rose slowly, stretching, heading for the washroom. But before she could leave, Cid caught her wrist and pulled her into a kiss.

“You’re forgetting about me, honey.” His voice carried that rare tease he only reserved for her.

She smiled, pressing her lips to his again. “Of course not, my love. Never.”

“I’ll wake the children, then head out.”

“Mm,” she hummed, already walking away, though her tail swayed softly with contentment.

“Nyx,” Cid whispered as he nudged his eldest awake.

Her bright eyes blinked open. “Father, good morning.” She lifted her little arms, asking to be carried.

He gathered her close, kissing her forehead. “I need you to do me a favor, little wolf. When I’m gone, you must take care of your mother and your sisters. Can you do that?”

“I promise, Father,” Nyx said with a proud smile.

“Good. Now wake Adel and Dalin for me.”

Soon the three of them padded downstairs, finding Fenrona setting the table. Cid kissed her cheek before leaving, and her eyes lingered on him a moment longer than usual — worry and love blending into one.

Alpha’s house loomed at the edge of the training grounds. Formy Dorsten, her father, opened the door with a tired but steady face.

“Cidolfus, thank you for coming,” he said.

“I said I would,” Cid replied simply.

“She’s waiting outside. Tell me… can you make her S-rank or higher in five months? The Hero Academy exams will decide her future.”

Cid’s pale eyes held steady. “If she follows everything I say without hesitation, she won’t be just S-rank. By the time of the exams, she’ll be SSS.”

Formy froze. “…SSS?”

“She’s strong, sir,” Cid said, stepping past him.

Alpha stood in the arena behind the house, sword at her side, impatience burning in her eyes.

“Good morning, teacher.”

“Call me Cid,” he corrected. “Today we start with your core. It’s everything. Without mastering it, you’ll never rise beyond mediocrity.”

“What do I do?”

“Sit. Meditate. Feel your core’s flow. Spread it through every limb. Control it, don’t let it control you.”

She sat, eyes closing. Minutes passed. Then an hour. Finally, Alpha spoke. “So that spear of light I feel… that’s my core?”

“Yes. Now don’t just increase it blindly. Maintain it. Lower it. Raise it again. Learn control.”

By the time she opened her eyes, sweat streaked her face, but her aura pulsed steady, her flow balanced.

“She’s almost as stable as Fen was in our early days,” Cid thought, surprised. “So this is what a true prodigy looks like.”

“Good. That’s enough. Now — attack me with all the magic you possess. Don’t hold back.”

Alpha hesitated. “Every type?”

“Yes. From sky, ground, whatever you can muster. I’ll endure it.”

She exhaled and unleashed fury. Fireballs roared through the air, lightning cracked from the heavens, earth spikes erupted beneath him, water blades spiraled, and finally — ice shards formed. They weren’t crude or jagged like a novice’s, but refined, clear, sharp as steel, massive in size.

Cid deflected the last shard with a twist of his sword. It struck the ground behind him, exploding into a frozen pillar as tall as a house.

“That’s enough.” He lowered his blade. His voice hardened. “Your primary element isn’t fire. It’s ice. Fire is strong, yes, but still first stage. Your ice…” He looked back at the crystalline spire. “Stage two. No — almost stage three.”

Both Alpha and Formy stood frozen.

“I did… that?” she whispered.

“You did,” Cid said flatly. “As I said, you’re a prodigy.”

“There are stages?” she asked.

“Yes. Five.” His voice turned into that of a weary lecturer. “Stage one: basic magic, where most people remain all their lives. Stage two: soldiers, apprentices — reached within a few years of training. Stage three: true mages, elites, requiring discipline and years. Stage four: what hunters call monster-level magic. Kingdoms fall in minutes to those few. Stage five…” He paused, almost bitter. “God-level. To my knowledge, only one man breathes it. Arthur Ventvag, King of Camelot.”

“Arthur Ventvag…” Formy’s face drained of color.

Cid nodded. “Yes. I once fought beside him. Under the Red Moon.”

Alpha stared, wide-eyed. “Teacher… what about you? Your rank? Your stage?”

“I said call me Cid.” His gaze turned heavy. “And since you asked, my name is Cidolfus Lynvern of Moonlight. My rank is NT. I am cursed. I brought the Red Moon to life the night I was born. My core is empty — not a single drop of magic.”

Formy inhaled sharply. “You… what? You’re that child? The Red Moon’s curse?”

“I heard your wife died protecting the city when the Red Moon rose,” Cid said quietly. “I’m sorry. Truly.”

But Formy shook his head. “Kid, if you think I blame you, you’re wrong. That night claimed thousands. I see only a man standing before me now — scarred but alive. For that, I’m grateful. Do you still have family?”

“My sister,” Cid said after a pause. “Emily. I gave her to Briks five years ago. To save her from what I lived.”

“Good,” Formy said with a solemn nod.

Alpha swallowed her fear. “Then… what now, Cid?”

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“For now, keep training your magic. For a week, nothing else. Control, balance, refinement.”

And so the hours passed — drills, corrections, mistakes, progress.

By afternoon, Cid returned home. The scent of cooking filled the air. Fenrona stood in the kitchen with Nyx, both stirring pots and tasting sauces.

“Welcome, love,” Fenrona said warmly when she saw him.

“I see today I’ll get a little rest before the others arrive,” Cid said, stepping behind her to kiss her lips, then brushing Nyx’s forehead with another kiss. “Thank you for helping your mother.”

Nyx giggled proudly.

Cid sank into the armchair by the fire. The warmth wrapped around him. His sword leaned against the wall. His body, weary yet at peace, finally surrendered.

He closed his eyes, and for the first time he allowed himself the luxury of sleep.

Cid awoke to the soft warmth of Fenrona’s breath against his ear.

“Love,” she whispered, her voice as tender as falling snow.

His eyes flickered open, heavy with sleep. “Did I fall asleep…?”

“You did, my love.” She smiled faintly and pressed her lips to his. “Your students are here already.”

Cid blinked, then sat up, glancing toward the window. “Where are they?”

“Already down, training.”

He rubbed his face and sighed. “Then I must go.” He looked at her again, worry lingering in his eyes. “You’re not coming?”

“No,” Fenrona answered, brushing her hand across her stomach. Her voice was tired but still sweet. “I’m exhausted from today. Good luck, my love.”

He kissed her forehead gently. “You didn’t need to cook this morning. You should rest.”

“I wanted to, Cid. It comforts me.”

He kissed her once more, then left quietly.

In the basement, Emily rushed to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Look who woke up,” she teased.

“Hey, Emy.” He smiled faintly, hugging her back.

“Hello,” Monic greeted from the side.

Cid raised an eyebrow. “Ho, you came today as well?”

Monic smirked. “Couldn’t let go of my husband.”

“Good,” Cid replied with approval. His voice sharpened. “Now everyone—back to your tasks.”

They obeyed without question. Charles focused on his core. Emily sparred with her brother, blades clashing in sharp rhythm. Johnny poured sweat over core control exercises. Hours passed, day bled into night, and when their bodies could no longer endure, they went upstairs.

The table was already prepared. Fenrona and the younglings had arranged food and candles. They ate together like a family, laughter rising softly beneath the roof of the tavern. When the meal was done, the younger ones retired to their beds, leaving Cid and Fenrona before the fireplace, watching the flames curl like restless spirits.

For four months, life was this way—discipline in the morning, teaching in the noon, and peace by the fire each night.

One morning, however, Cid did not leave for training. He remained in bed, his arm draped over Fenrona as she stirred awake.

“You’re still here, love?” she asked, her silver ears twitching.

“I think I’ll take a break until you give birth.” Worry shadowed his brown eyes.

“I will be fine, Cid. That is why your sister has stayed this past month—and why Briks’ wife comes every day.”

“Yes, but—”

“No buts, my love.” She placed her finger on his lips. “Go.”

He sighed, defeated. “Fine. But today, I’ll come back early.”

“Fine,” she agreed, smiling.

Cid kissed her before leaving.

At Alpha’s house, she was already waiting.

“You’re late, Cid,” she said sharply.

“Yes,” he admitted. “My wife is about to give birth any day now.”

“Then why did you come at all?” she asked, frowning.

“She wanted me to,” Cid muttered. “Perhaps… she doesn’t want me to see it happen.” His jaw tightened. “I’ll go early today. Let’s begin.”

“Fine,” Alpha said.

For hours they trained until sweat dripped from their bodies like rain. As they parted, Alpha suddenly spoke again.

“Cid. Why don’t you join the Academy as well?”

“First—what would it give me? Second—they won’t accept someone like me.”

“Yes, they will,” she insisted. “Think about it.”

Cid gave her a half-smile. “Fine. I’ll think about it.”

When he returned home, the door swung open to chaos.

Fenrona’s screams split the air. A newborn’s cry echoed within the walls. Adel came running, clinging to his coat.

“Papa, I’m scared!” she sobbed.

“Me too, Dad!” Dalin shouted, hiding behind him.

Cid’s blood froze. “It happened…?” he asked, his voice breaking.

“Half of it,” Jun replied, calm yet strained.

“Half…?”

Emily appeared, holding a small bundle in her arms—a baby boy with silver wolf ears, soft and trembling. Her face was flushed with exhaustion but filled with pride.

“Congratulations, brother. You are a father… of two more. Take him. I must help Fenrona.”

Cid’s hands shook as he accepted the boy. “Twins?”

A heartbeat later, the second cry pierced the air. A girl—her ears the same silver as her brother’s.

The room filled with their cries, and then… silence. The kind of silence that carried only awe.

“Honey, look.” Cid knelt beside Fenrona, placing the firstborn in her arms. He lifted the second gently, showing her the tiny girl.

Fenrona’s face, damp with sweat and tears, glowed with a joy Cid had never seen before. “Love… let’s call them Fenrir and Fern,” she whispered, kissing the boy’s forehead.

“You’re sure?” His throat tightened. “They are beautiful names… but your curse…”

“Yes,” Fenrona said firmly, eyes shining. “They have it as well. And I’ve learned to love my curse, Cid. The name Fenrir does not scare me anymore. I want it to become something good in our lives.”

Cid closed his eyes, overcame, then kissed her. “Then their names will be Fenrir and Fern.”

“That is truly a bountiful pair of names,” Emily said softly, lifting Nyx into her arms.

“Brother, sister?” Nyx asked, tilting her head curiously.

“Yes,” Cid answered with a tired smile. He crouched down to her level. “They are your new brother and sister.”

Fern stirred faintly, her tiny fists curling in the air. Cid handed her gently to Jun. “They’re sleeping now. We’ll see them when they wake.”

He placed Fenrir carefully beside Fern in their cradle, then turned back to Fenrona. Without a word, he slipped an arm under her knees and lifted her.

“My love…” she whispered.

“Don’t argue. I’m taking you to bed,” Cid said firmly.

Fenrona chuckled weakly, her silver hair damp with sweat. “Thank you.”

He carried her upstairs, the floorboards creaking under his steady steps, and laid her upon their bed. “Rest. I’ll care for the children today. You’ve done enough.” He kissed her forehead.

Her eyelids fluttered. “I love you.”

“I love you, Fen… thank you for the happiness you’ve brought into my life.” His voice cracked as she drifted into sleep.

Back downstairs, Cid found Monic and Charles waiting.

“Congratulations, Cid,” Charles said, clapping him on the shoulder.

“They’re so quiet,” Monic added. “How’s Fenrona?”

“She’s fine. Sleeping now,” Cid answered, weary but proud.

Emily crossed her arms. “I guess you’re not going to join us for academy then?”

“Probably not, Emy,” Cid admitted. “Alpha asked me too, but I can’t do it without Fenrona. And she won’t leave the children.”

“I’ll take care of them,” Jun’s voice came suddenly from near the fireplace.

Cid turned, surprised. “You’re sure?”

“Yes,” she said, calm and resolute. “I don’t have much else to do.”

“I’ll help her,” Monic added quickly.

Cid bowed his head in gratitude. “Thank you… both of you.”

Hours later, the smell of roasted meat and herbs filled the house. Cid set the last dish on the table when he saw Fenrona descending the stairs slowly, her hand pressed to the rail.

“I heard them crying,” she said, worry tightening her face. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine,” Cid reassured, rushing to support her. “They’re only hungry. Now come—sit. Food is ready.”

They gathered around the table, sharing a meal that tasted sweeter than any feast before.

Afterwards, Cid leaned back, studying Fenrona’s tired but glowing face. “Honey… would you like to go to the Academy?”

She blinked. “I would, but… who will take care of the children?”

“We will,” Jun and Monic said at once, exchanging a glance.

Fenrona hesitated, then smiled faintly. “I’ll need to get back in shape… but why not?”

As the evening quieted, the others departed, leaving only Emily behind to lead the younglings to bed. “Come now, you three—time to sleep,” she said warmly, guiding them upstairs.

In the silence that followed, Fenrona lifted Fenrir into her arms, rocking him gently. “When are the exams, love?”

“In a month,” Cid replied, holding Fern carefully in one arm while balancing the cradle with the other. He carried it upstairs to their room.

Fenrona laid Fenrir down beside his sister, then looked at Cid with unusual gravity. “Love… I have something to tell you.”

His brow furrowed. “What is it?”

“I was never fully true to you.” She looked away, shame tightening her jaw. “The reason I left home was because my sister was kidnapped. I left to find her.”

Cid froze. “Why didn’t you tell me before? And why tell me now?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Because after… after what happened to me, I believed she was dead. But now, after giving birth to them, I can’t let go. I want her to meet her niece and nephew. I want her back.” Her voice broke, and she buried her face in her hands.

Cid pulled her close, his voice low and steady. “Don’t cry, honey. I’m not angry. I only wish you had told me sooner—so we could have searched together.” He kissed the crown of her head. “I will find her. I’ll bring her home to you.”

Fenrona trembled. “You’re too good for me, Cid…”

“No.” He cupped her face. “I am forever in your debt—for the children you’ve given me, for the life you’ve saved me from. You are my salvation, Fen.”

She sobbed softly, then kissed him with all the strength she had left. “Thank you, love.”

Cid brushed away her tears. “Tomorrow, I’ll begin the search for your sister. And tomorrow… I’ll tell the others about the plan.”

“Then tomorrow will be a long day,” Fenrona murmured, finally laying down.

“Yes, honey,” Cid said, slipping into bed beside her.

That night, their sleep was broken by the cries of newborns—but neither of them complained. For the first time, sleeplessness was a gift, traded willingly for the fragile warmth of life in their arms.