81 - They Are My Family
Nexha swam to the old nest and let himself sink into one of the pools over the algae. His body felt heavy, not just from exhaustion but from Krahs' scolding that still echoed in his mind. He knew his father only wanted to protect him, but the words still stung.
In his hands, however, rested the proof of his determination: the copper knife. He smirked slightly, almost an involuntary reflex, but the glimmer in his eyes quickly faded into a frustrated sigh.
He felt torn between pride in his creations and shame over his recklessness. During his last hunt, he let his guard down… and paid the price.
— I was an idiot… — he murmured to himself. — I sat there, thinking I was safe… and got reminded in the worst way that Zhaelor is no longer here to keep the territory clean.
He buried his head into the soft algae, feeling the weight of exhaustion finally claim him.
— I won, but… I lost. A hunter in the prey’s territory should never relax too much.
His gaze shifted to his tail, where the medicinal algae wrapped his wounds in makeshift bandages.
— I should have learned this sooner… how many times has this happened? How many times have I come home injured?
His whole body ached. The exhausting days of forging and hunting were now taking their toll. He closed his eyes, and within moments, he was swallowed by deep sleep.
Hours later, Lilay entered the nest, moving carefully, already knowing what he would find. He sighed when he saw his brother sleeping so deeply, his breathing calm, his face relaxed—a stark contrast to what had happened earlier.
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As he changed Nexha’s bandages, he whispered, more to himself than to his brother:
— Dad always says the eldest of the brood must take care of the younger ones, no matter what… They are your siblings. Protecting them is a duty… After all, we are one family.
He looked at Nexha for a moment, who was drooling slightly in his sleep, and let out a tired but relieved sigh.
— Reckless… try not to get hurt so much next time. Dad almost got sick from worrying.
With one last glance, Lilay turned and left the nest in silence.
As soon as he heard Lilay leave, Nexha slowly opened his eyes. He lay there, staring at the ceiling for a while before running a hand through his hair and letting out a long sigh.
His brother’s words kept echoing in his mind.
— After all, we are one family…
Guilt tightened around his chest, like a suffocating knot.
— I’m such an idiot… — he murmured, feeling his eyes sting. — I made everyone worry… just because I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings.
His gaze dropped to his hands. The marks from the forge were already beginning to form on his fingers—small calluses that proved his effort.
— But if I told them that everything I’m doing… is to try and protect them… would they think I’m even more reckless?
He clenched his fists tightly. A dull pearl slid from his eyes, landing softly on his fingers.
— If I had started earlier… if I were stronger… no one would have to worry about me.
His laughter came out shaky and bitter, a laugh interrupted by silent tears that fell without his control.
— Stronger… so no one gets hurt… so no one has to suffer… but what if I can’t?
He rubbed his eyes, trying to stop the stubborn tears, but more pearls fell, accumulating at the bottom of the pool.
— Damn it… now that my wounds are hurting so much… I can’t even stop crying.
He laughed again, weak and tired, curling up among the algae, searching for some comfort. His body ached, his tail throbbed, but little by little, exhaustion overtook the pain.
At the bottom of the pool, among the dull pearls, one glowed in a golden hue as his pain slowly faded away.
— I… I promise to take care of all of you… After all, you are my family… I will make it.
His voice was low, heavy with emotion, before sleep finally took him once more.
The sea continued to whisper its waves in the background, lulling him into rest.
