The crowd’s energy was electric, but Zarion felt a heavy storm brewing inside him. Without hesitation, he cut his concert short by ten minutes, offering a flimsy excuse to his staff. His heart pounded as he rushed offstage, hope flickering faintly within.

Backstage, that hope crumbled. The three of them were gone.

His eyes darted around until they landed on Kieran, crumpled on the floor, grief carved deeply across his face, tears streaming freely. Alaric paced anxiously, restless steps echoing his panic.

“Kie, where is he?” Zarion’s voice cracked with urgency. His gaze searched desperately for Alden, the absence twisting his stomach into knots. The mark that once glowed so brightly had gone dark, leaving only a confusing ache.

Kieran’s sobs broke the tense silence. “He left. My brother left me again... He didn’t even say a word after calling me Big Brother.” His voice trembled, each word a stab of helplessness.

Frustration surged through Zarion as he snapped at Alaric, “Why didn’t you stop them?” His eyes burned with anger and confusion.

Alaric shot back, voice sharp and fierce. “Don’t glare at me like that! You skipped a whole song—do you think we can afford that?!” His chest heaved as he caught his breath, the fury quickly fading.

“I tried,” Alaric’s tone softened, a quiet resolve settling in. “But they left. They’ll be nearby. Go find him.” He reached out, gently tapping Zarion’s nose with a tender touch that broke through the tension.

Zarion blinked, caught off guard by the sudden gentleness. It was as if Alaric saw straight through him, into his secrets, yet still chose to guide him. Shaking the thought away, Zarion focused on the search. His instincts, sharpened by years of experience, were all he had.

The ride back to the apartment was heavy with silence. Akalon and Kaelith sat quietly, the car’s hum the only sound between them. The tension inside the room awaiting them was far thicker.

Once inside, Akalon’s restraint shattered. “Why did you cry so much, Alden? Why didn’t you talk to Kieran? Or even when Zarion whispered to you?” His voice cracked under the weight of frustration. “Why leave your big brother again? You could’ve brought him here!”

The torrent of questions hung in the air, each sharper than the last. But Alden stayed silent, eyes downcast, lips sealed.

The unbearable quiet pressed in, breaking Akalon’s patience. “Answer the fucking question, Alden!” His voice cracked, anger spilling over after holding it in too long.

Alden snapped back, voice trembling with long-buried pain. “Don’t yell at me! It’s all because of my womb!” His words exploded, raw and vulnerable. His body shook under the flood of emotion he’d kept hidden for so long.

Kaelith froze, eyes wide with shock. The word “womb” rippled confusion through him. Akalon’s gaze, however, remained steady—not one flicker of disbelief or disgust. It was as if he already knew.

Before anyone could react, a voice cut sharply through the room.

“A womb?” Zarion’s disbelief echoed, his wide eyes reflecting the shock that clenched Alden’s heart. The expression on Zarion’s face was eerily familiar—calm, shocked, and understanding all at once. It mirrored Akalon’s, as if they both held secrets deeper than words.

A short while earlier...

“Zarion! Where are you going?” Alaric called out, chasing after the aimlessly running Zarion. His worry was palpable—his friend had lost his direction, his sanity fraying.

Zarion didn’t answer. He only knew he had to find Alden. His mark glowed faintly with hope; Alden was close.

Heart pounding, eyes wet, Zarion ran, with Alaric struggling to keep pace behind him.

Kieran followed on weaker legs, gasping as Zarion slowed just long enough to say, “I’m following my senses. I can’t lose him this time.”

“You’re running aimlessly!” Alaric yelled, breathless, but watched in amazement as Kieran closed the gap with a speed that shouldn’t have been possible.

Zarion darted through the streets, his heart catching Alden’s scent growing stronger and darker. Taking stairs two at a time, he stopped at an apartment where the scent faded.

The door was ajar.

A sudden yell from inside made him freeze. The word “womb” cut sharply through the silence.

From behind the door, Zarion’s shocked voice rang out, “A womb?”

He gently pushed the door open, revealing himself, his figure bathed in surprise.

Inside, Alden’s eyes widened. His lips trembled. Only one thought consumed him: Zarion will hate me. He will hate me for this secret.

Panic surged as Alden clutched his chest, breath hitching. Thoughts drowned out by pounding heartbeat.

Zarion heard his unspoken turmoil.

Stepping forward, Zarion’s body began to glow. A swirling purple fog filled the room, so bright it forced everyone to shut their eyes.

Kieran arrived at that moment, shielding his eyes.

When the light faded, Zarion was gone—replaced by a majestic black panther.

Sleek obsidian fur shimmered, a radiant purple jewel pulsing between piercing amber eyes. Intricate markings shimmered like stars on his forehead. His powerful form radiated strength; every movement was fluid and commanding. A violet energy crackled faintly at the tip of his tail.

The room fell silent.

Alden, Kieran, and Kaelith stared, stunned by the regal presence before them.

Akalon’s eyes widened. He glanced at Kieran, breath quickening, confusion mirroring his own.

Alaric burst in, panting hard, the impact of the moment settling on him. “Zarion?” he gasped, eyes wide as he took in the panther.

“Am I dreaming?” Kaelith whispered, eyes fixed on the creature.

“You’re not,” Akalon said calmly, his steps measured as he approached Alaric. “Keep it quiet. Close the door.” His command carried a chill that froze the room.

Alaric nodded silently, shutting the door.

“My parents hate me…” Alden murmured, fear lacing his voice as he took a cautious step back.

“You are my mate, Alden,” Zarion’s voice rumbled, deep and tender as he approached in panther form. “You have a womb, so you can carry my child. You don’t know how much I love you... How much I’ve missed you.”

Alden’s gaze stayed locked on the black panther as it drew closer, step by deliberate step.

Though Zarion didn’t fully understand the words spilling from him, something inside told him it was right.