Forced Military Service (Part 1: Quiet Footsteps)

The sun had nearly dipped beneath the trees, casting long, dappled shadows across the wooden floorboards of the family home. Kaelyn was seated near the hearth, absently flicking a coin across his knuckles. The metallic rhythm echoed in the quiet room.
 
He didn’t hear her approach until Nireth sat beside him, tucking her legs underneath her dress. She said nothing at first, just watched the firelight flicker against his face.
 
"You’re leaving tomorrow,” she said softly.
 
Kaelyn caught the coin and let it rest in his palm. “Looks that way.”
 
"Because of him,” she added—not coldly, not bitterly. Just… true.
 
“Because I lied,” he admitted. “Because I thought I could have two lives. A quiet one with you and Mara… and one where I learn something that actually calls to me.”
 
She pulled her knees tighter to her chest. “You could’ve told me.”
 
“I wanted to,” Kaelyn said. “But it’s not just a secret. It’s dangerous. You know how people talk about tricksters, about magic in hands like mine. I didn’t want you looking at me differently.”
 
“I wouldn’t have.” She reached out and brushed a lock of hair from his eyes. “You’re still Kaelyn. A little chaotic. A little too proud. But always my brother.”
 
He smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Papa didn’t see it that way.”
 
“No. But he’s scared. He’s seen what magic like that can do—especially to people who use it selfishly.”
 
Kaelyn leaned back against the wall. “And he thinks this will fix me?”
 
“I think he hopes the guard will… mold you. Shape you into something solid.”
 
"And you?” he asked. “What do you hope?”
 
She hesitated. “I hope you don’t lose whatever it is inside you that makes you dance when there’s no music. That’s what Mama would’ve loved most about you. That spark.”
 
Kaelyn looked at her then, and in the quiet, he saw her eyes shimmer in the firelight.
 
He reached for her hand. “Thanks, Nireth. For believing in that spark—even when I’m not sure I do.”
 
She gave it a squeeze. “Don’t give it away, Kael. Not for anyone.”