"Ah, you caught me. Always handy to have a secret healer on standby," Alexander responded with a laugh.
Their banter filled the room with laughter until Alaric suggested, "Aria, if you wouldn't mind, my decision flips could you make us a large pot of tea? I'd like to catch up with my old friend.”
Nolan bid farewell to the whole family and left with Edmund. Alexander's gaze lingered on them, especially on Edmund, before they departed. flickering briefly before he joined Alaric in the garden. Aria followed shortly after, bringing tea before returning to her house chores.
They both drank in total silence until Alaric broke it with a nostalgic moment, "I remember the old days when your sister prepared tea and snacks after we returned from training.""Yes... Those were the days," replied Alexander with a tinge of sadness evident on his face."So, what is really on your mind?" asked Alaric
Alexander posed an unexpected question that can caught anyone off guard, "Can I trust you, brother?"
Never mind the surprise question or its weight , Alaric felt a sense of calm wash over him. With a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips, he looked down at his cup, his fingers tracing the delicate patterns etched into its surface.
"Trust...it's a big word, isn't it? And yet, I believe you already know the answer my brother." Then continued to sip his tea in silence.
"I don’t know Alaric I thought I could trust my brother, and he stabbed me. I thought I could trust my sister, and she stabbed me. My whole family..." His words caught in his throat, choked by the weight of his anguish. "Even when I fought my son, and he had the intention to kill me."
"What stops you from betraying me, Alaric?" Alexander asked in desperation. “I know our past and the road each one of us chose but where do we stand now?
"What stops me? nothing you know everything about the past and our paths I can betray you right now but ill tell you one thing If a sword was directed towards you you will never find me on the other side and you know that” he then explained carrying the weight of years of understanding. "I know you, Alexander you always keep your instincts sharp, ready for anything. Except when you're with me,your wife,sister and Delion you always overthink"
"Yes, I do that, don't I?" Alexander
replied with a weak smile
"And when it comes to your son Alexander it's all your fault I know it, and Aria knows it. You're playing with fire, and deep down you know it too. Lucenio didn't mean what he said. He doesn't hate you. But it means something else entirely. He's truly your son, Alexander, and he's embracing everything that comes with it you even did not let him choose you always pushed him I know you always say I let my children choose what they want but it’s all a lie."
“When it comes to Lucenio,You think I don’t know that? I've spent my life fighting wars for a masked empire, but I've also spent it reading, learning, and gathering everything I need for what I will do. And you know you can't stop me not after that all that is the fault of my own path, I need to make it right.”
"Alone, it's too much. It's like stepping into the unknown, where every step is a leap of faith or a leap of death."
"I told you, I know, and I will go through it no matter what" Alexander asserted with determination.
"I'm telling you now, because of what will happen next death will come for everyone, and it won't differentiate between ally and enemy"
Alexander warned, his tone edged with fierce protectiveness. "Let it come and try to touch my loved ones," he added, his stare piercing as he locked eyes with Alaric.
"Oh, my dear friend," Alaric responded calmly, taking a sip of his tea. "I'll sip my tea and curse your name when my time comes."
"And this answers your question," he continued, setting down his cup. "Weird This is the first time we sit together, and your instinct is high. Is it my scent or my face?"
“I didn’t need to think you told me everything the moment you wanted to sit with me.” Alexander replied “"As if you've told me everything.”
“You know me, I can't keep secrets from you,"
"So get ready, Alexander. You always know what to do. But let me tell you this time Figh your demons you need to do this before anything else. Enjoy, brother," Alaric said, rising from his seat and preparing to leave.
"Alaric!" Alexander called out, stopping him in his tracks. "I will always put my trust in you no matter what. We are the AA rulers after all."
Hahaha," Alaric laughed, a twinkle of nostalgia in his eyes. "We came up with that name when we were just five years old. Farewell, my old friend."
"Goodbye, Alaric. Give my regards to Death when it comes knocking," Alexander retorted with a grin.
"If you cease your games, it may delay its arrival, but come it will eventually enjoy playing," Alaric remarked before departing, leaving his friend with a resolute gaze.
As Alexander sat alone, contemplating his next move, he couldn't help but feel the weight of their conversation pressing upon him. "Two paths: liberty or slavery... But first, I have to fix everything and kill ‘the demons’," he murmured to himself, standing up after finishing his tea, with more determining than ever.
As the night approached, the family gathered to prepare for the event. While adjusting his attire, Lucenio felt a pang of nervousness.
“You're too nervous, big bro," Eden remarked from behind him.
Lucenio paused in his task, offering a small smile in return. "Maybe just a little. It's a big gathering, and Dad's expecting a lot from all of us it a day to heal all the old wounds"
Eden nodded understandingly. "Yeah, I get it. But you've faced tougher challenges before. Remember when we climbed that mountain together? Or when you helped me master my fire powers literally yesterday you fought father in a vicious battle "
“yes we did a lot especially the last one”
“Speaking of which how are your injuries?”
“Mom took care of it and father used his herbs so I can run and don’t feel anything but if I do something aggressive or push it my body wound will open.”
“Then be careful brother I need to go check on Camilla finish up and follow us downstairs.”
Alone, Lucenio let out a long sigh showing he was masking the truth and acting How could he tell Eden about the haunting voices that had returned, stronger than ever, tormenting him with their relentless screams? Or that his wound is like a burning fire he is healing in a noticeable pace but as if his wound is on fire twenty-four seven
He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, placing a hand on his head as he struggled to gather his thoughts amidst the cacophony of voices echoing in his mind.
"...weak..."
"...die..."
"...kill..."
"...fake..."
"Leave me alone!" Lucenio shouted angrily at his reflection, as if confronting the voices directly. "I'm not weak! But what can I do? I can't go against him. What if he bullies me in front of my brother? What if I embarrass my family? I'm still weak. What if he tries to bully Eden? What can I do?"
Lucenio fell silent for a moment, as if awaiting an answer from the voices. he declared, "I went through a lot and I’m ready this time. If he dares to touch my little brother, I'll kill him." with a villainous smile spreading across his face.
Meanwhile, Alexander stood on the balcony, lost in his thoughts as he gazed at the night sky.
"Finally, you're wearing something formal. You look quite handsome today, Captain," Aria interrupted his reverie as she approached, wrapping her arms around him.
"So, you prefer me in formal attire? I thought you liked my army armor," Alexander replied with a hint of amusement.
"Don't get me wrong. I love seeing your muscles in that suit but seeing you in formal attire reminds me of the good old days," Aria reminisced.
"In that case, I need to thank Delion for the invitation," Alexander chuckled.
"As for the dinner, don't worry, honey. They really miss you, and I'll be there. I would never leave your side," Aria reassured him.
"I know, honey. Even if they didn’t want us there, I wouldn't care. You, Eden, Lucenio, and Camilla are my only family. I truly love you," Alexander confessed.
"I love you too, dear," Aria replied, sealing their affection with a passionate kiss. "Come on, let's go. We have dinner to attend."
The hopeful family approached the grand house of the Genorath family, perched proudly atop a small hill, its weathered exterior bearing the dignified signs of age, every corner of the house resonated with memories, etched into the very walls that had stood witness to a lifetime of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. Alexander stood before it, his heart racing with anticipation, his hand tightly clasping that of his beloved, seeking solace in her presence. Little did he know, his own companions harbored their own anxieties. Eden, burdened with the weight of responsibility, to deliver the best impression and not embarrass his father , while Lucenio grappled with his past fears a familiar voice pierced the air, breaking through the veil of uncertainty. "Master Alexander, you’re here!" It was a figure clad in armor, charging toward them with the vigor of a loyal soldier. " Rodolf, reporting for duty sir!" he declared, Alexander engaged in conversation with Rodolf, showing concern for his well-being and hinting at his return. Rodolf updated Alexander on his life, sharing details about his marriage and current responsibilities. He revealed that Lady Mara had permitted him to build a small house on the land nearby. Rodolf informed Alexander about significant changes in the household since his departure, including Master Carter's rise to power and involvement in politics. Alexander acknowledged Rodolf's information and expressed his pleasure at their reunion before indicating their need to go in. The family proceeded to the main entrance, where they were met with a stark reminder of the shifting tides within the household. They observed the truth in Rodolf's words as unfamiliar guards and new maids greeted them, hinting at the upheaval that had occurred in their absence. Despite the festive atmosphere within, a palpable tension hung in the air as they navigated through the throngs of guests. Whispers and sidelong glances followed their every step, casting a shadow over the joyous occasion
As they were escorted to the main room by a bewildered maid, the murmuring among the guests
intensified. The room was alive with music, laughter, and joy until the moment the family entered.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd, and all eyes turned to Alexander and his family,
momentarily halting the revelry in acknowledgment of their presence. Nonetheless, the band
continued to play, not knowing the pressure and the tension in the room.
Tension crackled in the air as a hand rose, signaling the band to halt their music. The voice that
followed cut through the room like a blade, freezing Lucenio in his tracks. "Well, well, well, isn't
it my backstabbing uncle," the words dripped with venom, sending a shiver down Lucenio's spine
who froze in place heart beating so fast.
"Oh, you're not alone. I see you bring Genorath embarrassment with you. Oh also, your whole family—the family of traitors," the voice continued, each word landing like a blow
"I see you haven't changed at all, Markus. You still need to work on your manners," Alexander
said that with a disappointed look.
"My father wasn't here to guide me and work on my manners because he is locked away by his
backstabbing brother," Markus shot back, his tone bitter and resentful.
"Enough, Markus!" Delion's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Alexander is still our
uncle, and more importantly, he is my guest. Watch your tongue."
Markus scoffed, his disdain evident. "Of course, it was you. You're the reason these backstabbing
traitors are here."
But Markus persisted, his words cutting like knives. "Defending this family? They've brought
shame upon us by birthing a weakling, a dead weight. And now, adding insult to injury, my
beloved uncle has fathered another idiot. Ah, I see you're holding a girl in your hand, Aria. Was
she the result of the celebration after that bloody night?"
Delion seized Markus by his attire, his patience wearing thin. "I don't want to resort to violence on
this occasion, so shut your mouth."
Alexander, silent until now, spoke with a commanding tone. "Nephew, you never know when to
stop. You remain arrogant, disrespectful, underestimating everyone and believing yourself
superior. But I won't tolerate disrespect towards my children, even from a family member. And
learn not to look down on others, especially my son, who can surprise you with his resilience.”
With a sense of pride, Alexander turned his gaze toward Lucenio, hoping to bolster his son's
confidence amidst the turmoil. Placing a reassuring hand on Lucenio's shoulder, he offered him a
lifeline, a reprieve from the overwhelming fear and doubt that threatened to consume him—a
reminder that amidst the cacophony of voices trying to pull him down, he was not alone. But
would it be enough?
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