"Lucky are you going to read all of these?. What languages are they in?". Aisha asked as she eyed the books in front of her on the table that they'd taken in the library.
"Shushh Aunt. We're in a library". Lucky said. His eyes glued on the book he was reading.
He was looking for anything that could give him information about the longbow that Akaya had given him earlier that evening.
The internet held no information about it. The books he had held nothing as well and coming to the library at this particular hour was the only substantial thing he could do.
Aisha looked around, there were Twp or three other people far from their table.
"Pft I'll whisper then and they won't hear me". Aisha said.
"Your uncle went to get us coffee". Aisha said in a whisper.
"I know Aunt. Please shush or they will kick us out". Lucky said.
"You're the one who'll be kicked out because you're not whispering". Aisha said in a whisper.
Lucky huffed a breathe.
"Take a book and read at least stop destructing me. You should have stayed at home and kept Araminta company".
"She went to spend the night at her friend's place. It's much better over there than at home where there's a witch roaming free.. she can hex us you know". Aisha answered.
"If the witch decides to hex us. You'll be the first one because you talk to her rudely. I'm sure Father and I will be last. At least we've shown her a little kindness".
"Pfft drop that topic. You'll sour the atmosphere". Aisha commented. "What are you reading?".
"Heyy I brought coffee. I brought you a latte Lucky. I'm sure you'll love it!". Hamlin exclaimed loudly as he held the cups up for them to see.
He Earned glares from the few people who were also in the library.
Lucky raised the hood of his hoodie to cover his head. Why were these two acting this way?.
It was embarrassing. Were they too old to remember how the library worked?.
"Oops sorry fellas". He apologized and quickly walked to where Aisha and Lucky were seated.
"Just whisper". Aisha said as she took a the plastic coffee cup from Hamlin.
"Why?". He asked, earning an eye roll from Lucky as he placed the cup of latte in front of him.
"Because We. Are. In. The. Library!". Lucky exclaimed slowly as he looked up at him.
"Oh yeah.. I don't remember the last time I was in a library so pardon my behavior". Hamlin whispered with a slight chuckle.
These two were up to something. They wouldn't be this carefree around him.
The atmosphere around them had always been awkward but now, something was stirring up and he couldn't place what exactly it was.
He had to know their intentions. Did they want something from him?. Or had they known about the star of salvation and they were here with him to try and convince him to give it to Rufus once he got it?.
They looked pretty suspicious with their current behavior towards him and it bothered him.
"Why did you two come?". Lucky asked looking at both of them.
"Because we wanted to?". Aisha replied more in question form.
Lucky sighed.
"Aunt?".
Aisha took a deep breathe. "I saw that Plutonic doesn't treat you well nowadays and... and I felt guilty. I felt guilty because I was never there for you. You don't trust us, You don't love us and it hurts to know that it's all our fault. I hope it's not too late to be a mother figure to you Lucky dear. Please".
He saw the sincerity in her eyes and through his ability to read minds, he was a hundred percent sure that there was no hidden agenda as well.
"Mother figure?". Lucky questioned. She nodded in accordance.
"I won't mind being a father figure to you as well Lucky. Give as a chance please". Hamlin added as he stretched out his hand to touch Lucky's but Lucky moved his hand away.
Hamlin understood it. The lad wasn't ready.
"Parents?. You think it's easy, huh?". Lucky asked.
"We know parenthood is not a bed of roses Lucky. Every rose has a thorn so it won't be easy but it's not bad if we try, huh?". Hamlin asked.
"We'll try our best to be the best for you. Everyone deserved love and we love you Lucky. You can learn how to love us. It don't matter how long it takes dear". Aisha urged.
This was too good to be true. A promise to have a family that loved him?. They say when the deal is too good, think twice.
Lucky looked at Aisha then back at Hamlin. They were both looking at him expectantly, with hopeful eyes and he didn't want to break their hearts.
"I'll think about it".
"Lucky-" Aisha started but Hamlin cut her short.
"It's... It's okay. Take your time, we won't mind at all". He said.
Lucky just looked at them and blindly reached for the coffee cup to sip some of it's contents.
He had been right.
This was going to be a long night.
••••••
"You gave him the crossbow?". Roma asked.
Akaya nodded in accordance.
"You told him about us and what we want?". Roma asked. Her voice stern and serious. She was walking in small circles around Akaya.
Akaya shook her head no.
"How's his Phoenix?". Roma asked stopping right in front of Akaya.
She didn't answer and her head was bowed down. She didn't dare look up at Roma.
"I asked you a question Ninah". Roma muttered beneath gritted teeth.
Akaya shook her head, "I don't know".
"You don't know?. Is that a joke?". Roma questioned. "Well, it's not funny at all Akaya. The council are waiting and time is not by our side anymore. What was your job?. You were supposed to get close to him, weren't you?". Roma yelled.
"I've tried to but he pushes me away". Ninah replied as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Pushes you away?". Roma echoed. "Does he really? Or are you busy gracing Plutonic with your presence?". She spat bitterly.
"I... I..." Ninah trailed off.
"Save your breathe. Seems you were not the right person for this job. Get close to him to prove me wrong. We need his Phoenix on deck Ninah. The chaos are rising and he is our only hope. I'm I clear?".
Ninah nodded.
"This is serious and take your task at hand seriously Ninah. Take it seriously". She paused and looked at the woman in front of her. "Or perhaps you don't want Lucky in this mission?. You don't want him hurt, that's why, huh?".
Ninah shook her head. "I've never thought of that. If it's his destiny to do this then whom I'm I to hold him back?".
"If so, then the council will offer billions of money to the FireWing clan in every mission he does. At least even if he happens to die in one of the missions, the clan's future will be safeguarded. Think about it". Roma offered.
"The FireWings are wealthy. That offer will be turned down". Ninah answered.
"Not really. The clan's dark businesses are failing. They think the money is a lot in the account but it's not. It's draining and their future isn't guaranteed so they won't have any other option but to accept this proposal. You'll have to convince Plutonic to let Lucky go to these missions since you managed to get closer to him instead". Roma explained.
"Did you have something to do with their money?". Ninah asked, now gaining the courage to look up to her.
Roms scoffed, "Really now?. Are you accusing me of sabotaging their accounts?. We all know businesses are meant to fail and powerful families are meant to go bankrupt at times. It's not my fault they're on their way to poverty!". Roma exclaimed. "I'm not that cunning so as to get what I want but you can't pin the blame on me".
Ninah sized her up and wondered if Roms was telling the truth. Roma was a witch after all and couldn't be trusted easily. But still, thanks to her she was able to see her son everyday though he didn't talk to her. That was better than nothing at all and it made her happy.
"I hope you're telling the truth". Ninah remarked. "I'll tell Plutonic about your offer. Not because it'll be using my son but because only through this way will his future be good".
"Good. You better get going and prepare yourself, Ferlio will be rising up after tomorrow". Roma warned.
"If Lucky won't be able to use the crossbow on that day, how shall we keep him safe?". Ninah asked, worry lines etched deep on her forehead.
"I'll consult my sister and other witches of the council and inform you later before the day comes". Roma replied before she disappeared.
'I have to do anything within my power to keep him safe from any danger even if it means going with him on those missions. I won't mind if he pushes me away as long as he stays safe and alive'. Ninah thought before she turned to return back to the FireWing mansion.