Aiden walked out on his father, leaving Alaric staring after him, still reeling. Never…never had Aiden spoken to him like that. Defiant, threatening. All because of Amelia.
Alaric’s fists clenched. His jaw tightened as rage stormed in his chest. She’s turned him against me. Against his own blood. He would bide his time, wait until Donna recovered, wait until the cure was secured and then Amelia would be dealt with. Permanently.
When he lifted his head, his eyes landed on Sofia and James, both standing frozen at the base of the stairs, clearly having overheard. Their faces mirrored shock.
Alaric’s glare lingered on them for a moment before he turned away and climbed upstairs. Donna needed him, and for now, that was where his loyalty lay.
Outside the school compound, Arthur sat on a bench, legs swinging restlessly. His first day had been long and strange. The teacher had been kind enough, but nothing felt like home here. Not yet. He missed Velaris.
He sighed. His mother was late, but he understood. She was always busy helping the sick.
Just then, he spotted a familiar face across the yard…Ethan. The boy had been in his class earlier, though seated far away. He was Aiden’s son. He looked lonely, waiting too.
Arthur stood, walked over, and offered a shy, “Hey.”
Ethan glanced up, recognizing him immediately. He remembered him from the party. After a moment, Ethan gave a small nod.
“My name’s Arthur,” he said, extending his hand.
Ethan hesitated, then accepted. “I’m Ethan. Nice to meet you.”
Arthur smiled faintly. “Same here. Waiting for your dad?”
“Yeah. But he’s probably busy again. Maybe my mom will come instead.” Ethan tilted his head. “What about you? Is your dad picking you up?”
Arthur’s chest tightened. He lowered his gaze. “I don’t have a dad. Just my mom.”
Ethan frowned. That’s not true, he thought, remembering seeing Arthur with a man at the party.
“And the man I saw you with? At the welcome party?” Ethan asked.
Arthur shifted uncomfortably. “That was my uncle, Damien. He’s gone back to Velaris. He’s not my dad.”
“Oh” Ethan nodded slowly. “So… who’s your real father?”
Arthur’s voice dropped. “I don’t know him. My Mom never talks about him.” His shoulders slumped, sadness creeping into
his tone.
Ethan noticed and quickly changed the subject. “Do you play games on your iPad?”
Arthur’s head snapped up, a spark in his eyes. “Yeah. How’d you know I have one?”
Ethan grinned. “Every kid does. You know what? Let’s be friends.”
Arthur’s lips curved into a real smile. “Friends then.” They slapped a high five, laughing for the first time all day.
But Aiden’s voice stopped her. “Cassia. Please. Can I have a word.”
Arthur looked at her, hesitant. She gestured for him to wait in the car. Once he was gone, she turned back to Aiden, eyes cold.
“If you’re expecting me to thank you for that stunt on television, don’t hold your breath.”
“I don’t need your thanks,” Aiden replied quietly. “I only did what I should’ve done years ago. I’ll find Eva’s killer. I’ll bring justice.”
Her laugh was sharp, bitter. “Justice? Now? After everything? After seven years? I’ll get justice for my daughter myself. I don’t need you.”
His face tightened. His voice lowered. “Is that why you told Arthur to stay away from me?”
Cassia froze, heart racing. How does he know?
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered.
His eyes narrowed. “I know when you’re lying, Amelia. Your mouth says one thing, your eyes say another. And in case you’re wondering, Arthur didn’t tell me.” He stepped closer. “So what are you hiding from me?”
Her palms went clammy. Her heart pounded. She forced herself to hold her ground.
Leave me and my son alone. Aiden,” she said, her voice steady despite the tremor inside. Without another glance, she turned on her heel and walked away.
Aiden stood there, watching her retreat, his chest heavy with questions that clawed for answers.

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