Chapter 6: Valeria

Valeria couldn't contain her mischievousness as she locked eyes with her mother. The curiosity in her mother's gaze made her want to keep teasing her, but a glance at her husband's worried face softened her resolve. To ease his concerns, she relented and decided to answer her mother's questions.

"No, my magic didn't return," Valeria said, her gaze still fixed on Auris, assuring him with her eyes that everything was alright. "But it doesn't matter to me. It has never been a problem or a hindrance in my life."

Valenya's eyebrows rose, her curiosity piqued. "Then what happened? Tell me."

Auris nodded encouragingly, silently urging Valeria to continue.

Valeria smiled and shifted her focus back to her mother. "During childbirth, I had a vision of Merys' future, our son's future. It was a glimpse of hundreds of years ahead, where he stood as the pinnacle of magic. The strongest magician I have ever seen. And he was leading mankind from behind the scenes, uniting the entire continent and the world."

Auris interrupted, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, his name is Merys? When did we decide on that?"

Valenya scowled at Auris and raised her voice, using an enchanting spell to command his silence. Auris blushed and struggled for a few seconds before breaking free of the enchantment. Valeria couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

Pushing aside the distraction, Valenya urged Valeria to continue, her tone more serious now.

Valeria's smile faded slightly, her gaze turning introspective. "Even if Merys is not the child mentioned in the prophecy, it doesn't matter to me. I was meant to marry someone I had never met, have a child with a stranger, and fulfill a prophecy that was imposed upon me. But instead, I chose love. I chose Auris, and together we created this incredible child with even more incredible potential."

Valenya let out a sigh, her frustration evident. "The original prophecy was for your future daughter to marry Moria's future grandson, and their child would be a being of pure magic, magic made flesh! But you defied the Great Work and chose your own path."

Valeria's eyes glinted with determination. "And I would make the same choice again and again. Merys may have a destiny, but his happiness and well-being matter more to me than any prophecy or grand design. I want him to be safe and happy, no matter what."

Valenya's expression softened, her gaze filled with a mixture of concern and pride. "I understand your resolve, Valeria. But remember, the world can be unforgiving, especially to those with extraordinary gifts. Merys carries immense power within him, and there will be those who seek to control or destroy him."

Auris spoke up, his voice filled with determination. "We will protect him, Valenya. We will ensure that Merys has the freedom to choose his own path and navigate the challenges ahead without losing himself."

Valenya's face turned grim. "No, you don't understand. Disaster will strike the Empire soon."

"What?!" Yelled the couple in unison.