Black Star

Page 81: Clamant Wish

3rd person's POV

-Ruined Temple-

Under Byakkomaru's lead, the humans were healed, they changed into something more comfortable for that cruel winter, and suited for those magic lands. Now they are in front of a big, long table full of steaming and mouthwatering dishes. Afraid to break the rules, the mages wait that the tiger does a gesture that signs that they can eat.

Surprisingly for the royals, despite the dishes are made with very simple ingredients and the assembling attentions are absent, each of that plate is so full of flavor and taste amazing. The soups are warm and full of distinct flavors, the vegetables are tasty and soft, the meat and fishes are so tender they melt as soon as they touch their tongues. Even the water tastes different, it is surely fresher and clearer than the one they drink back at home.

"This way." Leo enters the room with a smile on his face, showing the way to someone. "Let's eat something warm, shall we?"

HOLD UP- The mages all stop eating even with food in their mouths to stare at the man who follows Leo around. FOR REAL!? They remain silent but their expressions are beyond shocked and speak loudly enough for whoever catch a glimpse. He may not have his armor on and his hair is well tied up, but that aura and that face cannot be mistaken.

"Lord, sit here." Byakkomaru stops eating to pull a chair out for the man. "I hope our foods will be enough to please your tastes."

"I am sure they will, Byakko. Thank you, you may continue your meal." Mars bows with his head at the tiger's full bow. The Lord's attention is elsewhere so he does not notice, nor feel those stares directed at him and the young constellation sat beside him. "Thanks, my son."

"You're welcome." Leo pours water in a cup and alcohol in another, then proceeds to explain the dishes on the table. "Help yourself."

"Don't worry." Mars lovely smiles at Leo and ruffles his hair with care. "Enjoy your meal, I can starve if you keep smiling like that."

The star blushes and slaps the father's shoulder before picking his plate and putting food in it. After admiring his own son being healthy, Mars decides to eat. He is not in the mood, but for his son's sake he puts his struggles aside and has his dinner in silence. He feels rude to be loud when people mourn, so he just nods to what his son is saying, and from time to time the man caresses the younger's cheek with the back of his fingers to show his love. Gestures that Leo accepts with open arms.

"Oi, spear lord." Zora breaks the ice and everyone's blood freezes in fear of Mars' reaction. "Whatcha doing here? Are you planning to murder us like you did with Y/n?"

When the man move his gaze to his side, everyone shields Zora by instinct. Although they sigh in relief when the Lord returns to his meal and closes his eyes. When Zora is about to talk again almost offended that he got ignored, the Lord cuts him off.

"My name is Atlanta, do an effort to remember it next time." he speaks with a very calm voice, his calmness is almost intoxicating. "And you are free to think whatever you please about me-"

"May the damned gods strike me." everyone looks at the big entrance to find a tired Scorpius leaned on the wall with his arms crossed. "Orion was saying the truth."

"Young Aslan...." Mars gently stands and walks to the other star. Slowly, he puts a knee first, then the other on the ground and bows until his forehead touches the cold ceramic. "There are no words or excuses to justify my actions. I am speechless before my own incapability that led to tarnish my blade, my name and my hands with your father and your sister's blood."

Aslan looks at him unimpressed, then walks looking for something. Found it, I'm starving. He takes out a tray and approaches the silent table for food.