24 Lavender Witch [2]

After recounting his experiences of the past year, Shin felt as if he had unloaded a heavy burden.

He was genuinely happy that he finally had someone to confide in about everything, someone he could rely on.

The whole time, it seemed like Selena couldn't believe a boy so young would experience so much.

Her reactions ranged from shock, to sympathy, as tears streamed down her cheek.

Shin felt a warm sensation in his heart knowing he could finally feel like a real human being.

For the past year, he could tell his sanity was slowly slipping away, unable to see or speak with another person.

Of course, he had Noctis, but he was intangible. Just talking to him made Shin feel like he was talking to himself.

But now he could finally be vulnerable, to let his guard down, knowing there was someone to protect him while he was sleeping or eating.

During his first months in the Abyss, Shin had been sleepless for weeks until he finally became an insomniac.

Afraid that if he lets his guard down, a Demon would sneak up and kill him.

After all, Shin could only kill a Demon when he was Assimilated at the time.

If he was in base form, he stood no chance.

Every night he would lay in the farthest corner of the cave, gripping his sword, and looking out for signs of any possible Demon that lurked.

Of course, a Demon had never attacked him in the cave. But he couldn't help but be paranoid when all he had was himself.

The appearance of Selena, a Sixth Star Mage, was a blessing for Shin.

With the help of Selena, Shin could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

He could finally see his family after so long.

"Shin, those two you spoke of, your cousins, could they be Camilla, and Satoshi Nocturn?"

The mere mention of those names felt like a tug at Shin's heart.

He had never heard those names in so long.

Mouth trembling, Shin responded,

"Yes, but how do you know them?"

"They're actually my students."

"I see… I'm glad they're doing well."

Shin was genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart that his cousins were safe.

His sacrifice wasn't in vain after all.

But there was something Shin was curious about.

"Do you know Aspen Nocturn?"

"Yes, she's one of my students as well. Is she another cousin you are close with?"

"No, she's actually my little sister."

Shin felt like he could cry again at the moment.

It seemed like his little sister was doing well, attending the Academy.

'I can't wait to see you, Aspen.'

Selena seemed surprised as her eyes shot wide open.

"So you're Aspen's Brother… that's why your name was so familiar…"

"Miss Selena? Do you know me as well?"

"I think so… Shin Nocturn, the Rising Star of the Nocturn Family?"

At the mention of the title, Shin scratched is cheek awkwardly.

Shin felt embarrassed whenever that title was mentioned, it was ridiculous for him.

"You were believed to have disappeared over a year ago… So this is where you were… that's so tragic…"

"Yeah…"

Shin could only let out a sad smile. It seemed like Shin Nocturn was really dead to the outside world.

Suddenly, Selena's amethyst-purple eyes sparkled, grabbing Shin's hand, and clasping them together with hers.

She looked at him with determined eyes as the words Shin wanted to hear the most left her lips.

"You will finally see your Family, I'll definitely get you out of this place. So just hang in there, okay?"

Shin could feel that it wasn't empty words

It was a definitive statement.

Selena Lucine really had the power to help Shin escape.

"Okay..."

Shin nodded with appreciation.

Suddenly, Shin remembered something...

What day it was.

He had only been estimating the days whenever a night cycle finishes.

But there were times when he would be passed out for days due to Full Assimilation or Syzygy.

It was impossible to keep track of how many days had passed since his arrival in the Abyss.

Hence, Shin asked,

"Miss Selena, do you know what day it is?"

"Hmm, I think it's been four days since I entered the Abyss. So it should be September 2, 2163 right about now."

"I see... so I've already turned fifteen, five days ago."

Shin's birthday was August 29.

Suddenly, Selena stood up, grabbing Shin by the hand.

"It's never too late to celebrate, come."

Selena dragged Shin, taking him outside the cave.

Looking at the girl in front of him, Selena was only slightly shorter than Shin, and Shin was about 5'8.

After bringing him outside, Selena wrapped her hand around Shin.

Mana slowly started to condensing, and Shin's palm that was clasped together with Selena's started lighting up a bright purple glow.

With mana condensing on his palms, Selena slowly lifted Shin's hand together with hers.

She forcefully, brought their hands up to the sky, and the mana that was in Shin's palm dispersed.

BOOM! CRACK! BOOM

Fireworks.

Shin's eyes lit up, in surprise.

Then...

Tear beads started streaming down, as the bright purple fireworks reflected on his eyes.

The boy had enough suffering.

At the moment, the two didn't care if they alerted any of the Demons.

They were in their own little world.

BOOM! CRACK!

Selena turned around to face Shin with a warm, radiant smile.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Shin shifted his gaze from the fireworks to face Selena, taking in her appearance.

She was grinning wide with the light of the fireworks illuminating her beautiful face.

Shin returned her smile as the cold breeze swept his long hair, his eyes were locked on Selena, and Selena only.

"Yes, it really is… beautiful."

"Happy Birthday, Shin Nocturn."

"Thank you, Miss Selena."

The two stood still, their silhouettes illuminated by the fireworks. 

Shin couldn't remember the last time he felt this peaceful, this content. 

This exact moment made the horrors of the Abyss feel like a distant memory.

As the fireworks continued, Shin stole glances at Selena. Her eyes were fixed on the colorful explosions in the dark sky. 

Shin found himself mesmerized, but he wasn't sure if it was because of the fireworks or Selena herself.

He couldn't quite explain it, but there was something enchanting about Selena who seemed to be just a bit older than the current Shin. 

Maybe it was her gentle warmth that contrasted the Abyss' cruelty. Or maybe it was that she was the first real human connection he'd had in over a year.

Whatever it was, Shin felt drawn to her in a strange, unfamiliar way. 

A fluttering feeling danced in his chest whenever their eyes met. 

He wanted to soak in every detail of this moment. Because he knew their time together would be brief.

Soon, he would have to return to the harsh reality of battling for survival. 

But for now, he allowed himself this short break, to feel normal again after almost two years.

As the final firework faded to smoke, Shin knew one thing for certain:

He would never forget this night, or the woman who gave it to him.