My father once told me that the head of our house shouldered more than the weight of decisions. They carried the heavy responsibility of avoiding conflicts and upholding a flawless image. A real leader bore this burden silently, not for himself but for everyone who came after him. Personally, I’m just glad Aiden was the heir and not me.

Something about the Stormbourne main mansion made you feel like the minute you stepped inside, it swallowed you whole. It was all grand arches, dark wood, and relics that could belong in a museum. It was a place where you’d think twice about touching anything, fearing you’d leave a stain.

Portraits of long-dead ancestors lined the walls. The eyes in those portraits seemed to follow you wherever you went. It was like they were wordlessly judging you, which, let’s be honest, they probably were. This mansion, unlike others on the estate, harbored generation after generation of Stormbournes, each more stubborn and self-important than the last. And here I was, another name in a long line of people who never quite met the standard.

I made my way through the twisting corridors, the wave of laughter and clinking glasses growing louder with each step. The lunch reception was in full swing. Everyone was dressed to impress, even if they were just there to show off and gossip. And me? Well, I was fashionably late when it came to any merry-making event. This wasn’t my first time. Everyone in the estate knew of my reputation. My father didn’t even try to reprimand me anymore. If I wasn’t going to be concerned about others thinking my lateness was a problem and the head of the house didn’t care either, then why should I pay any heed?

Lunch was already halfway through. Just in time, I guess. I didn’t have to sit through small talk. I would slide in, get a bite, and slide right back out. Call it a day. But of course, if only this family was that easy.

Our dining hall was vast. Sometimes it held important events besides grand celebrations. Now the place had three long tables, each serving its own purpose. Naturally, the topmost one was reserved for the main family. Aiden, my elder brother, was all set to take over as the next head of the family. Alistair, as stiff as always, sat beside Aeryn, whose smile could make any guy’s heart melt. Finally, sitting next to Aiden was Catherine, his bitch… sorry, I meant his fiancée. A woman whose faked polite demeanor didn’t match the warmth in the air. Dressed in their best clothes, they all looked every inch of nobility.

Two tables flanked the main one. Each of them was piled high with food, groaning under the heaviness of roasted and fried game fowls, pastries, soups, and stews. Seated at these other two tables were the rest of the family. One held Father’s cousins, a table of middle-aged nobles. The other had his siblings Heaton, Ned, and Sam, with their wives and eldest children.

The lively atmosphere shifted the moment I walked in. Conversations quieted down, forks paused mid-air, and all eyes turned toward me. It felt like the homecoming of a wayward son. Everyone was just waiting to see what kind of trouble I’d try to stir up next.

And, of course, those three geezers turned to glare at me. Their expressions were a study in disappointment mostly, with just a touch of derision. Typical.

Ned was the first to break the silence. “Late again, Alex! You’d think by now you’d have learned the value of punctuality.”

“Sorry, got held up in town. I was looking for two geezers who were giving me a hard time.” I showed him the sword in my hand. “That’s why I brought this along with me.”

Uncle Ned’s face turned red. He didn’t look amused, but then again, he rarely did. He wasn’t in the mood to talk about the time I nearly took his head off.

It was during my twelfth birthday, right over where the main table was. My father handed me the sword to signify my initiation as a Magic Swordsman. Apparently, I did something no Stormbourne had ever done before, and it’s absolutely sidesplitting thinking back on it. Everyone was there for the event. When I unsheathed the blade from its scabbard, my gaze landed on Uncle Ned. Since he had been annoying me back then with a bushel of lectures and nagging about this, that, and the other, the first thing I did was chase him around the mansion, trying to slice him up. Total chaos. Others tried to stop me. What can I say? A sword needs its first taste of blood, right? And who better suited as a target?

“Wait,” I added with a smirk, “were there two or three geezers?”

Heaton and Sam exchanged glances but said nothing. Still, I could tell they weren’t too pleased either.

I took my place where my father’s cousins were seated. I was supposed to sit at the main table beside Alistair, but instead, I faced my uncles, giving me a clear view of their scowling faces.

No sooner had I sat down than the chiding resumed. Heaton leaned forward, his voice low but firm. “You know, Alex, it wouldn’t kill you to show a little more respect to Catherine. She’s family now, whether you like it or not.”

Sam nodded, his tone a little more soothing but every bit as insistent. “It’s not only about you, Alex. It’s about the family. Your behavior is a reflection on all of us, so be timely next time.”

I rolled my eyes, almost sighing. Heaton wasn’t having it. “You can’t just show up. It’s how you are when you do show up. You’re a Stormbourne. It’s supposed to mean something.”

These old farts. They were never going to get it, no matter how much I explained. They were just too engrossed in the standard, painting the ideal noble family image. For me, I had more interest in being myself than playing their games. So, I did what I always did when they started on me. I retorted, “Why are you three acting so high and mighty about me being late?” I motioned over to Aiden. “If the stand-in head of our house isn’t bothered, why must you keep criticizing me?”

All eyes turned toward Aiden.

That’s it, dude. Be a big brother and shut these geezers up.

One thing I knew about Aiden was that he always acted neutral when it came to my behavior. I wasn’t sure why, but I believed it started when I turned seven, during my coming-of-age ceremony. A ritual where every Stormbourne had their body examined to see if they had a mana core that could enable them to wield magic.

It was supposed to be a proud day for me. Every Stormbourne was present. Father, Mom, my siblings, my uncles, my father’s cousins, and distant relatives, you could imagine. They all gathered to see if the youngest son of the main family had the potential for magic. Professor Wallenby, our wizard, was the one to perform the ritual. He placed his hands on my back, his touch cold and heavy, as if he already knew something was off.

I sensed it before he said anything. The mana core within me stirred to life. Only there wasn’t the warmth I’d heard about, just a chill, as though shadows were encroaching.

The professor then revealed my mana core was shaded in darkness, with light bordering the sphere-like core. He went on about how this phenomenon was very unusual and how he had never come across anything like it before. The only answer he could come up with was that my mana core was pretty feeble because the brighter someone’s core was, the stronger their innate magic would be. I didn’t get what he meant back then, but now that I am older, it all starts to make sense.

But my father’s reaction told me otherwise. He had a private conversation with Aiden, probably discussing the truth about the anomaly I possessed. From that day on, Aiden and I had an unspoken agreement. You do your thing and I will do mine.

Of course, Professor Wallenby insisted on performing the procedure every year to check if my mana core would start glowing. Every time during those rituals, Aiden was present until I got so tired of it I stopped attending when I turned twelve. Well, if my mana core doesn’t want to shine like everyone else’s, why should I care?

Aiden let out a long breath and spoke. “Everyone here already knows what Alex thinks about family gatherings. If my father didn’t voice any objections and stopped reprimanding him for being late, why should I? If you’re still unhappy about Alex’s tardiness, you can address it to my father when he returns from Tuvia.” He paused. “I believe he will give you the same answer. It’s up to Alex to attend our family festivities or not, and he can show up late if he wants.”

A fleeting hush passed before my voice ruptured the calm. “Hear that, you old coots?” I taunted my uncles. “Alex can come late to any event whenever he wants.” I raised my voice a bit. “Heck! I might even turn up late for my wedding, and nobody can stop me. Not my future in-laws or even my wife.”

Another heavy curtain of silence fell over the dining room. I swear, if a lousy pin dropped onto the floor, you would hear it echo through the hall.

A girlish giggle cut through the stillness, and all eyes turned to the source. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. It’s so amusing,” Catherine said, turning toward Aiden. “I had no idea your brother was so funny.”

Aiden gave her a faint smile and nodded.

Look at this bitch, ruining the moment I had carefully set up just to get under my uncles’ skin. Her laughter threw off the whole mood, like she had to step in and take control before I pushed them too far.

She shifted her attention toward me. “So, Alex, did you find the two men you were looking for? Is that why you were late?”

I shook my head. “No, I haven’t found them, milady.”

“That’s too bad,” she said with that fake smile of hers.

“On the bright side, milady,” I responded with one of my own. “I made a new friend.” I looked down and called, “Jitters, come give a proper introduction.” Jitters leaped into my lap and then up onto the table.

“Meow,” he greeted as if he had perfect timing or something.

Catherine’s face turned ghastly white.

“Ah, I forgot, milady. You’re afraid of cats.” I put my hands on my cheeks, pretending to be worried.

“N-n-not that I’m scared of them,” she stuttered. “I-I’m just allergic to t-t-them.”

“I see.” I nodded. “But he’s far from you, so you won’t be affected, right?”

“That’s right.” She gulped.

I turned toward my uncles. “And don’t you dare say anything about this cat or try to annoy the others on the estate as well. If you do, I’ll tell Alice, and you all know how she’ll react.”

Everyone knew about my youngest sister’s obsession with her cats. She’d weep buckets if she found out anyone was mistreating them. And my father? He would go nuts and punish anyone who made his favorite child cry.

“Right! You all heard my brother!” Alistair’s voice burst out as he stood up and raised a fist. “I’d stay away from the estate cats if I were you.” He tilted his head toward me and gave a nod of approval.

Look at this guy. He’s worried I’ll spill the beans to Alice about locking her cats in the greenhouse.

Two servants approached to set food on my table, but I held up a hand. “No, I’ve already eaten. Just bring a plate of tuna for my little friend here,” I said, gently stroking Jitters’ head. “For me, just bring my usual.” The three old farts just glowered at me, thinking I wanted liquor.

“Your usual, Master Alex?” one of them asked.

“Buttermilk,” I clarified. “And add more milk, please.”

“Understood, Master Alex.”

Lunch dragged on with less conversation among us this time. My eyes kept drifting to Aiden and Catherine, who were doing most of the talking. Aiden’s forehead creased at whatever Catherine was saying, while Aeryn and Alistair chatted quietly between themselves.

Just when I thought the lunch reception would last forever, Aiden and Catherine stood up. “Catherine and I want to thank all of you for coming today,” Aiden said in his usual composed voice. “There will be a dinner party at eight tonight, and I expect to see everyone there.”

Another gathering? Over my dead body would I spend more time around that bitch.

But the way Aiden spoke made it clear this wasn’t a request. He was telling us where we needed to be and at what time. We all stood, giving Aiden and Catherine a perfunctory nod. However, as I did, a sense of restlessness came over me. Tonight’s gathering might turn out to be far from what my family and I expected.