As the day of my fifth birthday approaches, the air is electric with excitement.
Our home is transformed into a celebration hub, colorful streamers and balloons filling every corner. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation, like the house itself is eager to commemorate this milestone.
Father and his friends take charge of the preparations, their laughter and banter filling the air. They carefully hang intricate paper lanterns that shimmer in the sunlight, the sweet scent of freshly baked goods drifting from the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Mother takes me on a special outing—just the two of us. We stroll hand-in-hand through the bustling streets of our quaint town. The warm sun casts a golden glow over the market stalls, each one brimming with vibrant sights and sounds.
Our first stop is a charming boutique, its façade adorned with colorful dresses. The shopkeeper greets us, and the air inside is alive with the rustle of fabric. The walls are lined with exquisite dresses, each more dazzling than the last. My eyes widen in wonder as I follow Mother through the racks.
She selects a few dresses for me to try on, and soon, I'm swept up in the excitement, twirling in front of the mirror. After much deliberation, we choose a sky-blue tunic with silver embroidery and dark-grey pants. I feel like a true adventurer in it, striking poses in front of the mirror, the tunic catching the light just right.
With my birthday outfit in hand, we continue our shopping adventure. The market bustles around us, the scent of fresh fruits and baked goods tempting us at every corner. Mother asks me about my interests, trying to find the perfect gift. I eagerly share my love for adventure and magic.
At last, we come across a small, mysterious shop tucked in a quiet corner. The sign above reads "Curios and Wonders." Its windows are filled with strange and fascinating objects. Mother's curiosity piqued, she pushes open the door.
Inside, the air is thick with the scent of old books and leather. Shelves groan under the weight of peculiar items—each one more intriguing than the last. It's as if the very air hums with magic.
A shopkeeper emerges from the shadows, a mysterious smile on his face. "Welcome, young one," he says in a low voice. "I have just the thing for a curious mind such as yours." And with that, he disappears back into the dimness.
He returns, bearing three magical adornments. Each one seems to pulse with power. He presents a gleaming silver pendant with an azure crystal. "This will protect you," he says reverently. Next, a leather-bound bracelet, its surface etched with ancient runes, and then a golden ring, its star-shaped gemstone glowing faintly.
Mother looks at me, her eyes sparkling. "Which one, Aries? The choice is yours."
But I'm not drawn to any of them. My gaze drifts to a dusty shelf in the back of the shop. A strange, scaly book catches my attention. The title "ARCANAE UMBRA" shimmers in faded silver. I feel an inexplicable pull toward it.
The shopkeeper notices and dismisses it. "Just an old book, nothing special," he says, waving his hand dismissively. But I'm already transfixed. I turn to Mother, my excitement building. "Can I have this one?"
She raises an eyebrow, surprised. "Are you sure, Aries? There are so many other fascinating books…"
But my eyes remain locked on the book. "No, this one is perfect," I insist.
With the mysterious book in hand, we leave the shop and make our way back home.
The moment we step inside, the house is a whirlwind of color and sound. Balloons and streamers fill every corner, and the air is filled with laughter and the scent of cake.
I rush to change into my birthday outfit—a smart ensemble of white and blue. As I emerge, Mother's eyes light up. "You look wonderful!" she exclaims, pulling me into a warm hug. "Happy birthday, my dear boy!" Her kiss on my forehead fills me with joy.
The party buzzes around me, guests offering congratulations. But the mood shifts when my father's brothers arrive.
Ronan Valemont, the second-born, smirks as he enters. "Oh, look who's having a birthday," he sneers. "A lowly noble boy, with a loser father."
His words hang in the air, making everyone uncomfortable. But before he can continue, Lucian Valemont, the first-born, intervenes. He steps forward, his white hair and piercing eyes commanding attention.
"That's enough, Ronan," Lucian says, his voice firm. "This is a celebration, not a place for your petty taunts."
Lucian turns to my father, offering a warm smile. "Congratulations, brother. Five years old and already showing great promise."
He turns to my mother, his praise heartfelt. "And you, dear, have raised him wonderfully."
Finally, he addresses me. "And you, young Aries, what is your name?"
"Aries Valemont," I reply proudly.
Lucian smiles warmly. "A fine name. May you bring honor to our family. Remember, with great privilege comes great responsibility."
He hands me a small, elegantly wrapped gift. "I hope you'll find this useful."
The party continues, but my mind lingers on the strange interactions. As the celebration winds down, I retire to my room, exhausted yet content. Suddenly, someone wraps their arms around me. I turn to see my sister, smiling mischievously. "Happy birthday, little Aries!" she teases.
"Where were you?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"I got held up," she says, apologetic.
We share a few quiet moments before she leaves, and I unwrap Lucian's gift—fifteen gold coins. The amount is staggering. Perhaps Lucian isn't as bad as I thought.
Then my gaze shifts to the mysterious book, "Arcanae Umbra." Its title seems to call to me, and I feel an undeniable urge to uncover its secrets.