The Tenth light

They say charming days begin with a beautiful sunrise—but the morning Eira Solene returned to her hometown, Velmora City, was different.

The sky wore a blanket of grey clouds, still heavy with the breath of the previous night’s rainstorm. The scent of damp earth lingered, and the cooling post-storm winds danced gently across the valley, even reviving the most dried-up vegetation. That same wind brushed across Eira’s cheeks as she skipped down the familiar cobblestone paths, her heart quietly humming with excitement.

As soon as she reached the gate of her old home, a warm smile crept onto her steady face. Her younger brother, Eric, rushed out the front door and wrapped her in a tight hug.

> “Welcome back, my sister!” he beamed, pulling her inside.

Inside, her parents—Liliane and Alric Solene, both skilled artisans of clockwork—greeted her with heartfelt affection.

> “You really don’t look like someone who just graduated in arts,” her mother teased with a raised eyebrow.

“Our daughter is brilliant,” Alric said proudly. “She completed her degree at just 19. Of course she looks like a master of art.”

> “Stop preaching me, Dad and Mom!” Eira laughed sheepishly. “You’re making me nervous.”

> “You’re important to us, Sis!” Eric piped up. “That’s why they’re preaching you!”

But the moment was briefly interrupted as Liliane nudged Eric with a nervous glance, as if trying to stop him from saying something more.

Alric quickly changed the topic.

> “Oh, by the way, Eira—check the mailbox. Your grandmother from Cheshireville sent a letter. Bring it in, will you?”

Eira stepped outside again and fetched the envelope from the rusted mailbox. Written on it were the familiar names of her parents: Liliane Solene and Alric Solene. She brought the letter to the living room and opened it carefully.

Inside, in Grandma Liora’s graceful handwriting, it read:

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My dear Eira,

Congratulations on completing your degree of Master of Art!

It’s been a long time since we met. I know you’re about to turn 20 soon, and I wholeheartedly hope that you will celebrate your birthday at our old house in Cheshireville.

I want to see you very soon—so don’t you dare keep me waiting!

My love and blessings are always with you.

Your loving Grandma,

Liora

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After reading the letter, a subtle shift fell across the room. A hint of unease flickered across her parents’ faces—visible, even if quickly masked. But Eira and Eric were too busy smiling to notice.

After brunch, Eric was practically bouncing with joy.

> “Let’s go to the National Library, Eira! Pleaseee? I want new storybooks! Mom and Dad are always busy now… but you’re here again, so I’ll cling to you like glue!”

Liliane chuckled wearily.

> “He’s right, honey. With clock orders increasing and living costs rising in the city, we’ve had to work overtime. We barely get time with Eric these days. Why don’t you go with him—and bring back plenty of books so he won’t get bored?”

Eira smiled, ruffling Eric’s hair, and tucked her hand gently into his.

As they stepped out into the windy afternoon, heading toward the library, back in the house, her parents exchanged a glance... and began talking in hushed tones.

But what were they discussing?

Were they hiding something from Eira?

And what unexpected secrets await her at the National Library?

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Stay tuned for Chapter 2.