“When I saw your freckles, I knew you were blessed with mana. I just didn’t realize how powerful — or dangerous — that blessing could be.” His voice trembled with restrained emotion. “Those born with mutations are hated and feared, Rena. They’re often forced into submission… controlled… or killed outright.”

His thumbs traced over my cheeks, and his voice dropped to a whisper, almost breaking. “And though people will envy your power, they’ll still call you unattractive — cursed, unnatural. Especially since you’re another Nowrk with a mutation. Many hate the power and influence that are family has. our family is known to produce majority of people born with mutations even how uncommon it is.”

Nowrks are known to give birth to children blessed with mana. Strong powerful beings, if I was the royals I would befriend them or stay clear. Not only that, they think we're unattractive? They need to take a closer look at my dad. He has the face of a high value wealthy man( which he is) . I see why mom fell for him.

He let the words linger, heavy between us — fear, love, and helplessness mixing all at once. 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I whispered, my voice quieter than I intended.

He sighed, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “No, you won’t. You’re hard-headed… just like your mother.”

That small glint of humor faded as his expression softened into something more fragile — concern, love, and fear all tangled together. “So let me know if you need anything. If or when you need me,” he said, his voice turning earnest, almost pleading. “I’ll always be here.”

My heart swelled painfully — warmth and guilt twisting together in my chest. Even though Rena had accepted me, even though her spirit lingered in peace, he didn’t know. He didn’t know that his daughter wasn’t the one looking back at him now. That thought hit harder than I was ready for.

“Hard-headed is a stretch,” I joked weakly, trying to lighten the weight in the room.

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.

“But I understand,” I added softly, my throat tightening. “Thank you… I really mean it. It’s nice to have a family again.”

My voice cracked, and before I could hide it, tears welled in my eyes — quiet, grateful tears that carried both Rena’s love and my own.

“I agree,” he murmured, pulling me into his chest. The embrace was warm, steady — the kind of hug that made the world outside his arms feel distant and small. “And there’s no need for thanks,” he added softly. “I’m the one who should be thankful for you.”

My throat tightened. I wanted to say something, but the lump in my chest refused to let words out.

I have to tell him before too much time passes. Before the attachment becomes to strong.

“You still feel pretty hot,” he muttered, brushing a hand against my forehead before pressing a kiss there. “You need more rest. Oh — and you’re not starting your tutoring until you’re fully healed.”

My face fell into a pout. “That won’t work.”

He laughed, shaking his head as he stepped toward the door. “Nice try.” And with that, he slipped out, the sound of the latch clicking shut behind him.

That's not fair. I can't learn how to weld my powers until my fever is broken. Do I really have to wait four months? How did dad recover so fast? he probably fought through it.

I rolled my eyes. “I feel fine,” I muttered to no one. Flipping the covers off, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and slipped my feet into the soft slippers waiting nearby. I’ll just go for a walk, I told myself. Fresh air can’t hurt.

The moment I stood, though, it felt like a boulder had been dropped on my head. My body swayed. I blinked the dizziness away, stubbornly moving toward the door. The long hallway outside greeted me with its soft light and endless windows.

Outside, gardeners worked among the hedges — trimming, planting, humming softly. An earth mage stood by a half-built stone arch, guiding slabs into place with careful, fluid motions. The sight made me pause. Magic looks so… otherworldly, I thought, mesmerized.

Then the throbbing started. Sharp, pulsing pain behind my eyes. I pressed a hand to my forehead, willing it to stop.

“Miss?” a voice called out from down the hall.

I turned weakly, the world blurring around the edges. My other hand reached for the wall, but my knees gave out.

“Princess!” the voice shouted, panicked — and before I hit the ground, strong arms caught me.

“Don’t tell Dad,” I whispered faintly, tears threatening to spill as exhaustion pulled at me.

“Okay… alright. Yes, Princess,” came the concerned reply.

As I tilted my head up, I caught a glimpse of silver hair and worried eyes. Sabatian. Of course.

I knew he’d tell, but I was too tired to care — too tired to run. My body felt heavy, my thoughts fading into fog.

“You have the behavior of both your mother and father,” he muttered under his breath as he carried me back to my room. “It’s going to be interesting around here.”

The cool sheets welcomed me when he laid me down. A damp towel pressed against my forehead, easing the heat. The last thing I heard before sleep pulled me under was the sound of his quiet sigh. 

“ Joleen, you don't understand your talents. You could change the world, create cures for the diseases that haunt the world.” He pleaded through desperation and anger.

“I am tired of living in your shadow dad. I need to find my own thing. I am not as good as you, you did create medicine to cure Alzheimer's. You have too much faith in me.” Joleen cries back tears streaming down her face. “And until you understand it's best if you don't….. come around”

With that she stormed out crying, her eyes burning red.

I remember that day. The day my relationship with my dad changed and it was all my fault. I knew he wanted the best for me but after a while I felt pressured and insecure. I cut him off, only to lose him a few years later. My life hasn't felt the same since. Being here around him. Feels like I am once again in the modern world with my father. What would this dream lead to?

For weeks he would call, call, text. She ignored everyone. Days of silent guilt went by as the calls slowly stopped. She would go out on different trips to tropical places. She started doing things she never got the chance to do. She felt free but a guilt would always creep, a loneliness that always stayed.

She soon goes to apply for the bank so that she can have a job closer to her home. Working at the bank was light work compared to the chemistry labs. Hours of research, experimenting all day long in a white cold room. She starts to reminisce about his teachings. How things were when their bond was close.

“I wonder what he would say if he found out I have a simple job. No stress, no expectations. Just clock in… help people get their money and clock out.” She said feeling down, guilty, and a bit of shame.

She opens her phone, searches for his number and calls. He picks up the first ring.

“Joleen sweetie… Joe I'm sorry. I just wanted to see you….” He paused. “ No… I just wanted to keep you close. For me and for your mother. I promise to protect you. Yet I only hurt you. I am beyond sorry, I was just afraid of losing you too.” his voice breaks. Sounds of sobbing slipped through the phone.

“No, I am sorry. I…I was just a little bitter because it felt like I had no identity outside of you. I felt so lost, even though I never showed it, even though I missed your guidance, your love, protection. I just want my daddy back.” Joleen matched his sobs as she pleaded for forgiveness. “ I'm sorry I ignored you for so long. I wanted to reply…. To answer… my pride just wouldn't let me.”

“ I've been told I was too over protective. So I mostly assume you was distant because of that but when you spoke about walking in my shadow. I never compared you to me. I wish you didn't either. Can I have my joe back there is so much to tell you.”

“Your voice sounds tired, weak even. Are you okay.” She asked worried.

“ I am fine. I am at peace now that we are on speaking terms.” 

“ Rena is time to go home now.”

Huh? Rena? Who's Rena? Oh! I am. My eyes weakly opens as I see my dad sitting in a chair right next to me. 

“ What going on?” I asked my voice horse and dry.

“ Mary came and got me. She said you were crying and calling me in your sleep.” He said worried.

Does he know? That I left my room and fainted?

“Did she? That was nice”

“ Was it a bad dream?” His eyes shine with worry.

“ I… I am not sure what I had.” I cast my gaze down towards my hand.

I glance over at Sabatian he give a small smirk while placing a finger over his lips. A sign that says ‘i won't tell’. 

So he didn't rat me out to my father. Does he really care about getting on my good side? More or less I am appreciative of the fact that he kept the incident at all. If Dad knew I would probably be more than just a stern talking to.

“ I don't want to be trapped in my room all day long” I whined, slapping my arms on the bed in defeat.

“I understand but if you rush things. Move to fast it could prolong you getting better” 

So leaving my room yesterday was a no-no. I hope I didn't make the fever worse.

“ Give yourself a few weeks before trying to get yourself in trouble.” He paused when I raised one of my brows. 

A few weeks? Yeah right. And what trouble?

“ How about a week? If by the end of this week your fever is broken. You can do as you please without causing your illness to get worse. I would prefer if you fully healed”

I shouldn't complain at all, given the fact that I did pass out yesterday afternoon because I didn't listen. I can get better in a week. 

“Okay, a week. Then tutoring to control my mana right? I get to turn on some magic?” I said with raspy joy.

“Huh… no. Even if your fever is broken, your mana is still a bit unstable and your body is still weak. You start using your mana now it would rip you to shreds.” He said as a matter of fact.

I pout in disagreement. Before my dad gives his reply we hear a knock at the door.

“ You may enter.” He said his voice was commanding like a general.

I glance past my dad's broad shoulders to see Mary coming in, her smile bright. Her maid uniform is crisp and clean. She's carrying a tray, with a glass cup that has what seems to be more of Gabriel’s medicine that he has me take. 

“ Sir Gabriel said he had some urgent matters. He voiced that he would be back soon. He also made enough  stabilizer for the Miss until he gets back” she said politely with nothing but respect in her voice.

I thought the medicine was a one and done. But if he made more then how long do I have to take it?

“ I also brought some more soup. Fresh fruit, a bit of finger sandwiches just in case you have more of an appetite. In a few I'll bring up tea and possibly dessert…” Mary glances at my dad for confirmation.  He nods his head in approval.

So I can have sweets but I can't go outside?

“May I have my dessert outside?” I asked dad, giving him my best cutesy face. 

He chuckles as he places a peck on my forehead. 

“Yes. On your balcony that's right there” he laughed pointing towards my balcony.

Okay it's a big spacious balcony but that's not what I meant.

“Besides your fever still high-”

“But I feel fine.” I cut in.

“Just because you think your fine doesn't mean you're not going to faint if you were to get out of bed right now” he stated with a raised brow. I went silent because I did leave my room and I most definitely did faint. 

Okay so he might be a little right but I can't say that to his face because I did faint and that could probably have me exposing myself. 

Mary come over towards us. She hands dad the trey, “so dessert and tea later Mary?” I pouted in defeat.

“Yes princess, is there any pacific you want?” She replied.

“I am not sure. Maybe something lemony. I'm not an expert on teas so whatever you recommend.” I smiled, soon thanking her as she exited. 

Sabatian stands tall behind my dad's shoulder straight, very observant and silent. Until he wasn't -

“ We all want you to take care of your healthy princess. Your well-being is the most important. No matter how new this is for, we want you to look at this place as home.” Sabatian spoke while he bowed.

“ Booooo.” I pout.

I know Sabatian is not giving me a lecture.

“Was my well-being considered when you got that paternity test?” I challenged myself.

Sabatian body stiffen as my dad turns his head to look at him a slight smirk forming on his lips.

 “Well someone's well being was considered, my apologies that it wasn't yours as well.” Sabatian bowed deeply apologetic. 

“ Do I get a chance to explore the mansion if I can't start training?” I asked my eyes still on Sabatian frown.

“Yes, in about a week. If you're better.” My dad stated humorously. 

“ You're no fun.” I pouted, folding my arms across my chest.

If he thinks I'm going to be trapped bored out of my life he’s wrong. Only I can lock myself away. I will have my freedom.

My dad places the tray on my lap as he chuckles to himself in amusement. He gets up and places his hand on the top of my head. His smile goes soft. When he removes his hand, the spot  it previously was is now cold.

“Eat. And if you're still hungry, ask for more. Over all rest and heal. That is the only thing you need to be concerned about.” Dad spoke.

I nod my head in agreement. When I get enough strength to move about outside this room, I will. Week or not.

“Sabatian can you stay behind” I tilted my head past dad's shoulder to see Sabatian's shocked face.

“Ah so you can't get yourself into trouble so you're having Sabatian do your dirty work. Smart.” My dad chuckled deep as he walked towards the exiting doors. “ How ever you entertain yourself is up to you, just know Sabatian isn't going to do anything that could put you in a compromising position.” He added before closing the door.

“ Oh hush. I'm not doing anything of that sort” I yelled back hearing another chuckle from Dad as he headed down the hall.

“You didn't tell?” I asked one brow raised as I took a sip of this stabilizing water.

How am I supposed to know if this is working? I wonder how many times I have to drink it? It's not disgusting but the mineral earthy taste is there.

“No princess you ordered me not to” he replied.

“That's it?” I toss one of those mini finger sandwiches in my mouth.

“ I also…. I wanted your grace. Prove myself to you for my impulsive behavior.” There's a hint of shame in his voice. You can hear the regret in it.

“ You have nothing to prove to me about” I plopped another sandwich in my mouth. 

The food here is amazing. It's nice to have your own personal chef. Heck, I have our own personal kitchen staff. 

“That's what you believe” he chuckles, signaling me to wipe the corner of my mouth.

“Do as you please then. Are there any tools here? I like to craft, or color. Artsy stuff?” I asked, thinking of what I could do.

I'm not much of an arts and crafts person. I'm more into math, chemistry. Rena on the other hand, she's handsy. When you really think about it you have to learn how to build and put things together if you're trapped in a forest all your life.