Chapter 9 The Stormborne family

Ethan's POVThe Dark North City stood in stark contrast to its foreboding name, radiating a beauty that was both enchanting and serene. White and blue buildings shimmered under the sunlight, their intricate medieval architecture far removed from anything I'd ever seen in this life. From our lofty vantage point, the city's streets bustled with life, tiny figures darting about like ants in a vast hive of activity. Stretching endlessly into the horizon, the city seemed to be kissed by mist at its farthest edges, while the towering walls ahead rose majestically, blending seamlessly with the clouds. The entire city resembled a colossal, sprawling jewel resting in the embrace of the mountains.

Though I wasn't overwhelmed having witnessed grander cities and marvels in my past life still I couldn't deny the ingenuity and magic that had brought this city to life. It was a living testament to the power of the arcane and the wonders it could achieve in the hands of skilled mages.

Suddenly, the sky crackled with energy, a streak of lightning cutting through the heavens as the storm eagle beneath us let out a piercing cry. A thunderous boom reverberated through the air, and with a mighty flap of its wings, the eagle accelerated, propelling us forward with astonishing speed. The city below blurred into fleeting glimpses as we soared past its eastern outskirts, heading toward the secluded domain of the Stormborne family. Their home lay deep within the shadowy ravines of the Aurora Frost Mountains, a realm shrouded in mystery and danger.

The Stormborne family shared a legacy as ancient and illustrious as ours. Known as the masters of wind magic, they had deliberately chosen this wild and tempestuous region for its unparalleled affinity with their craft. Tornadoes frequently tore through the area, and fierce, icy winds howled incessantly, a treacherous landscape for most but a perfect haven for those seeking to hone their mastery of the elements. For high-grade mages, this rugged terrain offered an unparalleled opportunity to connect deeply with the essence of wind magic, taming its wild nature to elevate their power.

As we neared the ravine, my eyes were drawn to the fortress nestled against the snowy expanse. Its dark green walls stood starkly against the icy white backdrop, like an emerald embedded in frost. The guards stationed atop the fortress walls immediately tensed at the sight of the descending storm eagle, their weapons at the ready. But recognition quickly dawned upon them, and their stances softened. One of them muttered hurriedly to a subordinate, who darted off into the fortress's depths.

Our eagle landed gracefully atop the fortress walls, its powerful wings folding with a final gust of wind. The guards straightened their backs, their expressions shifting to awe and respect. A figure in an emerald-trimmed uniform stepped forward, his voice booming across the icy courtyard.

"Welcome, Duke Arctis Mistborn of the Mistborn family!"

The weight of my grandfather's influence was evident even here, in this foreign stronghold. His presence exuded an unshakable authority that demanded reverence.

Grandfather chuckled warmly, waving his hand to calm the guards. Their eyes flickered toward me, the unfamiliar face among them. I caught snippets of their whispered speculations.

"Who's the kid with the Duke?"

"Shhh! Don't gossip in front of him. Do you want to lose your head?"

Their murmurs were cut short by the arrival of another figure. A loud, boisterous laugh echoed through the frosty air as a red-bearded old man appeared, his movements surprisingly swift for someone of his age. His broad frame and lively demeanour were unmistakable. This was Duke Aelric Stormborne, the head of the Stormborne family.

"Arctis, you old rascal!" he bellowed, clasping my grandfather's hand in a firm shake. "I thought you'd never come!"

"Heh, Aelric, you underestimate me," my grandfather replied, a teasing smile on his lips. He gestured toward me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "And look who I've brought with me."

Duke Aelric's eyes fell on me, his gaze softening with recognition. "Ah, the young one. I met him at your castle months ago, didn't I?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Duke," I said, bowing slightly. My tone was calm yet firm, reflecting a maturity beyond my apparent age. My serious demeanour seemed to amuse him, and before I could react, he reached out and pinched my cheek playfully.

"Ha! Still so stiff! You'll grow out of it, boy," he said with a hearty laugh. My composed expression faltered, and a faint smile tugged at my lips despite my internal annoyance. It seemed no matter how hard I tried, I was always treated like a little kid. With a quiet sigh, I pushed my irritation aside as we made our way into the fortress.

Inside, we were guided to a grand hallway lined with tall windows that allowed the wintry sunlight to pour in. Once seated, Duke Aelric clapped his hands, summoning a butler.

"Go fetch Aurelia and Austin," he instructed. "They'll be thrilled to see him again ah poor kids hardly have any playmates their age."

The butler bowed and swiftly exited. Moments later, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. I turned my head to see two children entering the room. Aurelia, the older of the two, greeted me with a warm smile, her twinkling green eyes shining with curiosity. She was undeniably beautiful, and I could already tell she would grow into a stunning young woman. Austin, her younger brother, stood beside her, his expression shy but inquisitive.

Both siblings had vibrant red hair, like flames dancing in the wind. Their striking appearance piqued my curiosity. Was it merely a familial trait, or did their bloodline carry some special connection to fire or wind magic?

Their grandfather's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Aurelia, Austin, this is Ethan, the grandson of my old friend. You met him few months ago didn't you , so go play with him and show him our fortress. Also, he's younger than both of you, so treat him kindly, like a little brother."

The two Dukes resumed their conversation, my attention remained fixed on Aurelia and Austin. Though I tried to pay attention, most of my focus remained on the siblings, particularly Aurelia. Ideas and plans began to form in my mind as I observed her, but then, something in their conversation caught my attention and left me completely dumbstruck.

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