As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and crimson.
Kael and Sephina stood on the edge of her private island.
Amelia waited a short distance away, giving them space for their farewell.
Sephina's golden eyes, filled with both pride and concern, focused on her son.
"Kael, are you sure you don't want to stay and learn my techniques now?" she asked softly.
Kael shook his head, a faint but determined smile on his face. "I want to, Mom. But… I don't have the time."
Kael continues "And I think I've had my fill of fire and trials for a while. I need a break. Maybe a week of doing nothing sounds perfect."
Sephina sighed, her expression a mixture of understanding and worry.
As Sephina gently brushed a strand of silver hair away from her face as she spoke again.
"Kael, you've proven yourself in ways I didn't expect. I know you'll find your path at the academy."
"Yes mom" kael replied.