The sun did not simply rise that morning—it burst forth from the horizon like a drop of molten gold, slowly gliding across the clear blue sky, carrying with it the promise of a new day filled with love, laughter, and life. Its warm golden rays crept through the open windows of the Draconis family home, caressing the white stone walls built with love and care, touching the hand-crafted wooden furniture, reflecting on the small mirrors hanging here and there, creating a dance of light and shadow that filled every corner with warmth and beauty.
Upstairs, in a small room overlooking the back garden, Arius Draconis awoke to the sound of birds singing in the nearby trees. It was not a sudden or jarring awakening, but rather a gentle transition from the world of dreams to the world of reality, like moving from one beautiful musical note to another, even more beautiful. He opened his eyes slowly, a small smile spreading across his young face before he even realized he was awake.
Arius was an eight-year-old boy, but his deep blue eyes held an intelligence and curiosity beyond his years. His golden blond hair was tousled from sleep, sticking out in every direction like tiny sunbeams, and his rosy cheeks still bore the imprint of the soft pillow. He sat up in his small bed, stretching his arms above his head in a long stretch, and yawned a little yawn that made him look even more childlike and innocent.
He looked around his familiar room and felt that warm feeling that comes from being in a place you love, surrounded by things that hold beautiful memories. The walls were painted a light blue like the sky on a clear day, adorned with small drawings of animals and birds his mother had painted by hand. In the corner stood a small wooden chest filled with toys his father had made for him—tiny wooden swords, miniature shields, and carefully carved animals. On the small shelf beside the window was a collection of picture books telling stories of heroes and adventures, each read dozens of times until the pages had become soft from frequent handling.
But what caught Arius's attention that morning was not any of these familiar things. It was a sound coming from the garden—a high, musical laugh, a laugh he knew well and loved more than any other sound in the world. The laugh of his little sister, Luna.
He jumped out of bed excitedly, his small feet touching the cold wooden floor, and ran to the window. He looked down and saw Luna in the garden, running among the flowers and trees, her long blond hair dancing behind her like a cascade of golden light. She wore a small white dress embroidered with tiny blue flowers, and around her head fluttered a group of colorful butterflies, as if she were a little princess from a fairy tale.
Luna was six years old, two years younger than Arius, but the bond between them was stronger than any bond one could imagine. She was not just his little sister—she was his best friend, his adventure companion, the only person in the world who truly understood him and loved him unconditionally. Her big green eyes were full of innocence, love, and curiosity, and her smile could light up the darkest of days.
"Luna!" Arius called from the window, his voice full of excitement and love. "Wait for me! I'm coming down to you!"
Luna looked up, her little face lighting up with a wide smile when she saw her brother. She waved her small hand at him, and the butterflies flying around her seemed to wave at him too.
"Arius! Come quickly!" she called in her soft, musical voice. "The butterflies want to play with us!"
Arius ran to his wardrobe, searching for something to wear quickly. He chose a simple blue shirt and brown trousers, putting them on in a hurry, his excitement to get to the garden giving him endless energy. But before leaving the room, he paused for a moment in front of the small mirror hanging on the wall.
He looked at his reflection, and for the first time in his life, he noticed something strange. On his forehead, exactly in the center, there was a very thin line—a line that hadn't been there before. It was very faint, barely visible, but it was there. A small line resembling a scar, but it wasn't painful or bothersome. In fact, as he focused on it, he felt a gentle warmth, a pleasant sensation like the touch of a kind hand.
He touched the line with his finger, and for a moment, he felt something strange. It was as if a small energy flowed through his body, a warm and comforting energy, like a tiny sunbeam shining from within. But the feeling quickly faded, and Arius decided it was probably just his imagination. He was far too excited to get to the garden to think about it any further.
He left his room and ran down the small hallway towards the stairs. The house was filled with beautiful sounds and smells—the sound of his mother Isabella preparing breakfast in the kitchen, the scent of fresh bread, honey, and fresh fruit, the sound of his father Victor moving downstairs, perhaps preparing the training tools for today's lesson.
He hurried down the stairs, his small feet skipping two steps at a time, his hand sliding along the polished wooden banister. He reached the ground floor and ran towards the back door leading to the garden, but stopped suddenly when he heard his father's voice calling him.
"Arius, my boy, come here first."
Arius turned and saw his father Victor standing in the doorway of the living room, a warm smile on his handsome face. Victor Draconis was a man in his mid-thirties, tall and broad-shouldered, with dark blond hair and deep blue eyes like his son's. But what truly distinguished him was not his physical appearance, but the energy he radiated—a force of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. He wore a simple shirt and leather trousers, and around his waist was a broad belt holding a beautifully carved sword.
But what caught Arius's attention, as it did every morning, was the scar on his father's forehead. It was not like the faint line Arius had seen on his own—it was clear and bright, glowing with a gentle golden light, like a tiny star etched into his skin. The scar was shaped like a complex symbol, resembling a blend of the sun, a sword, and a heart, and it pulsed softly, like the steady beat of a calm heart.
"Good morning, Father!" Arius said excitedly, running to his father and hugging him tightly. Victor embraced his son tenderly, his large hand ruffling Arius's tousled hair.
"Good morning, my dear," Victor said in his deep, warm voice. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes! And I dreamed I was flying with the butterflies like Luna!" Arius replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Father, can I go to the garden now? Luna is waiting for me!"
Victor laughed a deep, warm laugh. "Of course, my boy. But first, come and have your breakfast. Your mother has made something special for you." Victor took Arius's hand and led them both toward the kitchen. The kitchen was the beating heart of the home—a large, bright room filled with warmth, love, and beautiful aromas. The big windows were open, letting in the gentle morning breeze, carrying with it the scent of flowers and fresh grass. The walls were painted a light yellow, like sunlight, and adorned with wooden shelves holding lovely ceramic pots and jars filled with fragrant spices and herbs.
In the center of the kitchen stood a large wooden table, made from solid oak and polished until it was as smooth as silk. On the table, Isabella had arranged a breakfast that looked like a royal feast—loaves of fresh bread still warm from the oven, plates of colorful fruit, jars of golden honey and homemade jam, cups of fresh milk, and in the middle, a large platter of small pies stuffed with cheese and herbs.
Isabella Draconis was standing by the stove, stirring something in a large pan, her long blonde hair tied in a beautiful braid that hung over her shoulder. She wore a simple blue dress embroidered with tiny flowers, and a white apron to protect it from cooking stains. When she heard the voices of her husband and son, she turned and smiled—a bright smile like the sun.
Isabella was a woman in her early thirties, beautiful in a natural and simple way that made everyone around her feel at ease and warm. Her large green eyes were filled with love and wisdom, and her smile could heal any wound, physical or emotional. On her right wrist was a memory scar, smaller than her husband's, but no less beautiful—a symbol resembling a bow and arrow, surrounded by small leaves and flowers, glowing with a soft silvery light.
"Arius, my dear!" Isabella said, wiping her hands on her apron and opening her arms. "Come give me a morning hug!"
Arius ran to his mother and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her soft dress, inhaling her familiar scent—a mix of flowers, fresh bread, and motherly love. Isabella embraced him tenderly, kissed his head, and stroked his hair.
"Are you hungry, my love?" she asked in her gentle, musical voice. "I made your favorite honey pies."
"Yes! I'm very hungry!" Arius said, his stomach growling suddenly as he smelled the delicious food. "But where's Luna? Isn't she going to eat with us?"
"Luna is in the garden playing with the butterflies," Isabella replied, her eyes shining with love and pride. "She's already eaten. She woke up very early this morning—she said the flowers were calling her."
Victor and Isabella exchanged a quick glance, one that carried a deeper meaning than Arius could understand at that time. They knew Luna was different, that she had a special gift with nature and living things. Her memory scar hadn't appeared yet—she was still too young—but the signs were clear to those who knew how to see them.
Arius sat in his usual chair, a small wooden seat with a soft blue cushion, and began eating his breakfast with great appetite. The pies were incredibly delicious, warm and crispy on the outside, soft and full of flavor on the inside. The honey was sweet and golden, melting on his tongue like drops of liquid sunshine. The milk was fresh and cold, balancing the honey's sweetness with its smooth, creamy taste.
As he ate, he watched his parents move around the kitchen in perfect harmony. Victor helped Isabella wash the dishes, his large hands handling the delicate utensils with great care. Isabella was preparing a small basket filled with fruit and bread, perhaps to take out to the garden later. They spoke in quiet voices, sometimes laughing, exchanging loving glances, every gesture reflecting years of love, understanding, and true partnership.
"Dad," Arius said suddenly, his curiosity getting the better of him as always, "why does your memory scar glow sometimes?"
Victor stopped drying the dish in his hand and looked at his son with a wise smile. He knew this question would come someday, and he was ready for it.
"Come here, Arius," Victor said, sitting in a chair beside his son. "It's time I explained some important things to you."
Arius sat beside his father, his eyes full of curiosity and excitement. Isabella stopped what she was doing and came to sit with them, placing her gentle hand on Arius's shoulder.
"The memory scar," Victor began in a calm, wise voice, "is a very special gift. Not everyone receives it, and not everyone who does knows how to use it the right way."
"What is it?" Arius asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"It's a way to turn our memories and feelings into real power," Victor explained, gently touching the memory scar on his forehead. "When I remember my love for you, your sister, and your mother—when I recall all the beautiful moments we've shared—those memories become energy. Energy I can use to protect you, to make you happy, to make the world a better place."
Arius looked at the memory scar on his mother's wrist. "And you too, Mom?"
Isabella smiled warmly. "Yes, my dear. My memory scar helps me heal wounds, make plants grow, protect those I love. All of it comes from love, from beautiful memories, from the desire to make the world better."
"Will I have a memory scar one day?" Arius asked, his voice full of hope and excitement.
Victor and Isabella exchanged another quick glance. They knew Arius would have a memory scar—the signs were clear, and the faint line on his forehead was the beginning of its formation—but they didn't want to put pressure on him or make him feel different in a way that could affect his natural childhood.
"Maybe," Victor said wisely. "But more important than that, Arius, is to always remember that true strength doesn't come from the memory scar itself. It comes from the heart, from love, from the desire to protect those we care about and make the world better. The memory scar is just a tool. What really matters is how we use it."
Arius nodded, trying to grasp this profound idea. He didn't fully understand it yet—he was still a child—but he sensed there was something important in his father's words, something he would understand more as he grew up.
"And now," Victor said, standing and reaching out his hand to Arius, "what do you say we go to the garden? I think Luna is waiting for us—and the butterflies, too."
Arius jumped up from his chair excitedly, taking his father's hand. "Yes! Let's go!"
They left the kitchen together—Isabella carrying the small basket filled with fruit and bread, Victor carrying a small leather bag with training tools, and Arius bouncing with excitement beside them. They passed through the living room, a cozy, warm space filled with books, soft cushions, and beautiful memories, then stepped out the back door into the garden. The garden was a little paradise on earth. It wasn't very big, but it was designed with love and meticulous care; every plant and every flower were in their perfect place. There were fruit trees bearing ripe, fragrant fruits, rose bushes blooming in vivid colors, and carefully arranged flower beds filled with all kinds of beautiful flowers. In the center, there was a small stone fountain, its water flowing gently, creating a calm and soothing sound. Around the fountain, there were small wooden benches—a perfect place to sit and enjoy the beauty of nature.
But the most beautiful thing in the garden was not the plants, the fountain, or even the lovely design. It was Luna.
She stood beside a large flower bed, surrounded by a group of colorful butterflies flying around her in gentle circles. The butterflies were not just flying near her—they were interacting with her, landing on her hands and shoulders, as if listening to her as she spoke to them in a soft, musical voice. Around her feet, there was a gathering of little rabbits and squirrels, all seeming comfortable and reassured by her presence.
When Luna saw her family coming out of the house, her face lit up with a wide smile. She ran towards them, the butterflies following like a colorful parade, and the small animals hopping after her.
"Mama! Papa! Arius!" she shouted joyfully, leaping into her father's arms, who caught her and lifted her high into the air.
"Good morning, my little princess," said Victor, spinning her in the air, her musical laughter filling the garden with joy. "I see your little friends have come to visit you again."
"Yes!" Luna said excitedly, pointing to the butterflies and animals. "They told me today is going to be a very special day! They said something beautiful will happen!"
Victor and Isabella exchanged another glance. They knew Luna had a special connection with nature, an ability to understand animals and plants in a way that went beyond ordinary comprehension. They weren't sure how accurate the "prophecies" of the little animals were, but they knew Luna's intuition rarely failed.
"Well," said Isabella, placing the basket on one of the benches and sitting beside it, "if today is going to be special, let's really make it special. What would you all like to do?"
"Can Papa teach me some fighting moves?" Arius asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I want to learn how to protect Luna!"
Victor laughed warmly. "Of course, my boy. But first, let me explain something very important about fighting and protection."
He gently set Luna down on the ground, then sat on the grass, motioning for Arius to sit beside him. Arius sat eagerly, ready to learn everything his father could teach him. Luna sat next to her brother, the butterflies still circling her gently.
"Arius," Victor began, his voice serious but kind, "what do you think is the most important thing in fighting?"
Arius thought for a moment, his small face reflecting deep concentration. "To be strong?"
"That's part of the answer," Victor said, "but not the most important part. What is it that makes you want to fight in the first place?"
Arius looked at Luna, who was playing with a small butterfly that had landed on her finger. "I want to protect Luna. And Mama. And you, too."
Victor smiled proudly. "Exactly. Love, Arius. Love is the strongest force in the universe, and it's the only reason worth fighting for. When you fight for love, to protect those you care about, you become stronger than you can imagine. But when you fight out of anger, hatred, or revenge, you become weak, even if you look strong."
Victor stood and took two small wooden swords from the leather bag, crafted especially for Arius's size. He handed one to his son and kept the other.
"Now," Victor said, standing in a basic fighting stance, "I'll teach you your first fighting lesson. But remember, every move you learn, every technique you master, must be driven by love, by the desire to protect—not by the desire to harm."
Arius gripped the wooden sword, feeling its weight in his hand, the smooth, polished wood. It was lighter than he expected, but he felt its importance, the responsibility it carried.
"The first stance," Victor said, placing his feet in a certain position, "is the foundation of everything. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, your back straight. This stance gives you balance and strength."
Arius tried to imitate his father, placing his feet in the same position. Victor gently corrected his posture, his large hand touching Arius's shoulder kindly.
"Excellent," Victor said. "Now, the sword. The sword is not just a tool for fighting—it is an extension of your arm, your heart, your will. When you hold the sword, you must feel as if it's a part of you."
Victor showed Arius how to grip the sword properly, how to direct the blade, how to keep his balance while moving. Every instruction was accompanied by an explanation of the philosophy behind it, the moral and emotional reason for each technique.
"Now," Victor said, raising his sword in a defensive posture, "try to touch me with your sword. But remember, the goal is not to hurt me—the goal is to learn how to move, how to think, how to react."
Arius began with slow, cautious movements, trying to touch his father with the wooden sword. Victor moved with ease and grace, dodging his son's strikes effortlessly, but he encouraged him constantly, giving him tips and correcting his mistakes with endless patience.
"Very good!" Victor said when Arius managed to touch his arm with the sword. "But watch your feet. Balance is the key."
As father and son trained, Luna and Isabella sat on the grass nearby, watching with love and pride. Luna clapped excitedly every time Arius succeeded in a new move, and the butterflies around her seemed to clap their colorful wings as well.
"Arius is very strong!" Luna said to her mother, her green eyes shining with pride. "He'll become a great warrior like Papa!"
Isabella smiled, stroking her daughter's golden hair. "Yes, my darling. But more importantly, he'll become a good and wise man. Strength alone is not enough—it must be accompanied by wisdom and love."
Suddenly, one of the butterflies stopped flying and landed on Luna's nose. It was a beautiful butterfly with blue and silver wings, shimmering in the sunlight. Luna looked at it intently, as if listening to something no one else could hear.
"What is she telling you, sweetheart?" Isabella asked, accustomed to these strange interactions between her daughter and nature.
"She says something beautiful will happen soon," Luna said dreamily. "Something that will change everything, but in a good way. She says Arius will become very special."
Isabella looked at her husband and son, who were still training enthusiastically. She felt something strange in her heart, a mixture of pride, worry, and love. She knew her children were special, that they had unique gifts, but she wished they could enjoy their childhood before having to face the responsibilities of adulthood.
"Mama," Luna suddenly said, looking at her mother with eyes too serious for her age, "will you always love me, no matter what happens?" Isabella hugged her daughter tightly, her heart overflowing with boundless love. "Always and forever, my darling. No matter what happens, no matter what changes, you will always be my beloved daughter, and I will love you more than life itself."
Luna smiled reassuringly and hugged her mother tightly. The butterfly on her nose flew away, but other butterflies came to take its place, as if all of nature wanted to be close to this special child.
Meanwhile, the training between Victor and Arius was coming to an end. Arius was tired but happy, his small face flushed from exertion, but his eyes shone with pride and accomplishment.
"That's enough for today," Victor said, taking the wooden sword from his son's hand and putting it in the bag. "You did an excellent job, Arius. I am very proud of you."
Arius sat on the grass next to his father, panting slightly from fatigue. "Dad, when will I become as strong as you?"
Victor laughed and ruffled his son's hair. "True strength, my son, doesn't come from muscles, speed, or even skill in battle. It comes from the heart, from love, from the desire to protect those we love. And in that, you are already very strong."
Arius looked at his sister, who was playing with the butterflies, then at his mother, who was watching them with love and tenderness. He felt something warm spread in his chest, a strong yet comforting feeling.
"I love you all," Arius said softly, his voice full of sincerity. "And I will always protect you."
"And we love you too," Victor said, hugging his son tightly. "More than words can express."
Isabella and Luna joined them, and the family sat together on the soft green grass, under the warm golden sunlight. Luna sat in her father's lap, Arius beside his mother, and everyone felt a deep happiness and perfect tranquility.
"This is the most beautiful morning of my life," Luna said dreamily, her head resting on her father's chest.
"Every morning with you is the most beautiful morning of my life," Victor replied, his voice full of love and gratitude.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the warmth of the sun, the sound of water flowing from the fountain, the singing of birds in the trees, and the deep feeling of love and safety that filled all their hearts.
But in that moment of perfect serenity, something strange happened. The butterflies flying around Luna suddenly stopped moving and all landed on the ground. The birds stopped singing. Even the wind stopped whispering in the leaves of the trees.
Victor and Isabella looked at each other, a strange feeling of worry creeping into their hearts. They were experienced warriors and knew that nature did not fall silent like this unless something dangerous was approaching.
But before they could say anything, the butterflies resumed flying, the birds began singing again, and the wind returned to whispering. Everything went back to normal, as if nothing had happened.
"Did you feel that?" Luna asked quietly, her green eyes gazing into the distant horizon.
"Feel what, darling?" Isabella asked, though she already knew the answer.
"Something is coming," Luna said, her voice carrying no fear, just a calm knowing. "Something big. The butterflies say it will change everything."
Victor and Isabella exchanged a long look, one that held all the fears, hopes, and love they felt for their children. They knew this day would come someday—the day their children's innocent childhood would end, the day they would have to face the real world with all its dangers and challenges.
But in that moment, they decided not to think about the future. They chose to enjoy this perfect moment, this beautiful morning, the love of their happy little family.
"Come on," Victor said, standing and offering his hands to help his family up. "Let's go prepare lunch together. I think Isabella wants to teach Luna how to make bread."
"Yes!" Luna shouted excitedly, all strange thoughts vanishing from her mind, replaced by innocent childhood enthusiasm. "I want to learn! I want to make bread for the butterflies too!"
Isabella laughed a musical laugh. "I don't think butterflies eat bread, my darling. But we can make something special for them."
"And me?" Arius asked, not wanting to be left out. "What can I do?"
"You can help me get the garden ready for a little party," Victor said with a conspiratorial smile. "How about we celebrate this beautiful day with a small family party in the garden?"
"Great idea!" Isabella said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We can eat under the stars tonight."
And so, the Draconis family spent the rest of the day preparing for their little party. Arius helped his father arrange the chairs and tables in the garden and hang small lanterns in the trees. Luna helped her mother in the kitchen, learning how to knead and shape bread, her small hands covered in flour, her laughter filling the kitchen with joy.
By evening, the garden looked like something out of a fairytale. The little lanterns glowed with a soft golden light, the table was filled with delicious food prepared by Isabella and Luna, and the air was full of the scent of flowers and tasty dishes.
The family sat around the table, under a sky full of sparkling stars. They ate, laughed, and talked, each of them feeling a deep happiness and gratitude for these precious moments.
"I wish every day could be like this," Arius said, looking up at the stars above them.
"Every day can be beautiful, my son," Victor said wisely, "if we remember to appreciate what we have, to love each other, and to find beauty in simple things."
"Like butterflies and flowers?" Luna asked.
"And like family, love, and laughter," Isabella added, looking at each member of her family with boundless love.
As they sat there under the stars, surrounded by love, warmth, and happiness, none of them knew that this would be the last night they would spend together in this way. They did not know that dark forces were moving in secret, planning to destroy everything they loved.
But at that moment, none of that mattered. In that moment, there was only love, laughter, the shining stars above them, and a promise that this love would last forever, no matter what happened.
When it was time for bed, Victor carried the sleeping Luna to her room, while Isabella helped Arius brush his teeth and put on his pajamas. They kissed their children goodnight, turned off the lights, and left them to sleep in peace.
Then Victor and Isabella sat in the garden for a few more minutes, hand in hand, gazing at the stars and feeling deep gratitude for everything life had given them.
"I love you," Isabella whispered, her head resting on her husband's shoulder.
"And I love you more than life itself," Victor whispered, kissing her head gently.
And so that perfect day came to an end—a day full of love, laughter, and happiness, a day that would remain in each of their memories forever, a source of strength and hope in the dark days to come. But now, in this moment, there was only peace, love, and the promise that tomorrow would be another beautiful day in the happy life of the Draconis family.