Thomas stepped out of the grand hall, where the echoes of discussions with demon lords still lingered in his mind. Nova walked beside him, her small hand clasped tightly in his. It had been a day of intense negotiations and strategic planning, but amidst it all, his daughter's presence had been his guiding light.
As they made their way through the corridors of the castle, Thomas couldn't shake off the weight of the rumors that swirled around Nova's birth. Unfounded whispers had cast doubt on their familial bond, sparking enmity from Saros, the Deputy Chief of the Demon Domain's Law Enforcement Department. The tension had been palpable during the debate, and Thomas knew he needed to address the rumors head-on.
Just as the weight of his thoughts threatened to overwhelm him, his sin shard buzzed with an incoming call. With a furrowed brow, Thomas glanced at the device before answering. It was the Seven Sins Palace, requesting confirmation on the worlds registered under his name: Earth and Mars, now known as Gaea.
In the weeks leading up to this moment, Thomas had engaged in numerous discussions with Kallana and other influential figures, deliberating the best course of action regarding the two worlds under his protection. And now, the call signaled the culmination of those efforts.
With a sense of anticipation, Thomas confirmed his request, and the voice on the other end of the line confirmed the formation of the Gaea House of the Demon Domain. It was official—Earth and Mars were now recognized as part of Thomas's domain, with Nova designated as his heir, alongside his brother Alexander and Lulu.
The weight of this newfound responsibility settled on Thomas's shoulders, mingling with a sense of pride and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, he was ready to lead his house with honor and integrity.
As they continued down the corridor, Nova glanced up at her father, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Daddy, what was that about?" she asked, her voice tinged with innocence.
Thomas smiled down at her, his heart swelling with affection. "That, my dear Nova, was an important step for our family," he replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. "We've just officially become the Gaea House of the Demon Domain."
Nova's eyes widened in wonder, and she nodded, taking in the magnitude of the news. "Wow, that's amazing, Daddy!" she exclaimed, her excitement contagious.
Thomas chuckled softly, ruffling her hair affectionately. "It is, indeed. And you, my dear, are now the heir to our house," he said proudly, his gaze filled with paternal pride.
*****************
The luminous shuttle stood ready on the landing pad, its sleek exterior gleaming under the artificial lights of the spaceport. Inside, Thomas stood with his family, anticipation thrumming through him as they prepared to embark on their journey to Gaea. Nova, his precious daughter, clung to his hand, her eyes wide with excitement as she took in the bustling activity around her.
"Lulu, Ye Kan, Alexander, Allysa," Thomas called out, addressing each member of his family in turn. "Are we ready to go?"
Lulu, the loyal companion who had stood by his side through thick and thin, nodded with a reassuring smile. "Ready as ever, Thomas," she replied, her golden eyes reflecting a mix of determination and excitement.
Ye Kan, the steadfast ally who had lent his strength to their cause, offered a silent nod of agreement, his expression serene yet resolute.
Alexander and Allysa, the inseparable couple who had weathered countless storms together, exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. "Ready when you are, brother," Alexander said, his voice filled with quiet determination.
With a sense of purpose, Thomas led his family onto the luminous shuttle, guiding Nova into her seat before taking his own beside her. As the shuttle hummed to life, he felt a surge of excitement coursing through him, mingled with a deep sense of gratitude for the family that surrounded him.
Hours later, the luminous shuttle descended upon the spaceport at the top of Babel Tower in Pantheon. As the hatch opened, Thomas emerged with his family, their arrival drawing the attention of those gathered on the platform.
Jade Ries, Thomas's mother, stood at the forefront of the crowd, her eyes scanning the faces of the arrivals with a mixture of hope and trepidation. And then, she saw him—her long-lost son, Alexander, standing before her, alive and well.
Without a moment's hesitation, Jade rushed forward, her arms outstretched as she enveloped Alexander in a tight embrace. Tears welled in her eyes as she held him close, the fear of losing him once more washing over her like a tidal wave.
"Oh, Alexander," Jade murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "I thought I had lost you forever."
Alexander returned the embrace, feeling the warmth of his mother's love enveloping him like a protective cocoon. "I'm here, Mom," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and gratitude. "I'm here."
As they pulled apart, Jade gave her younger son a hug and thanked him for making it back to her when her gaze shifted to Nova, her eyes widening in surprise and wonder at the sight of the young girl attached to Thomas's leg. Her hair and eyes seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly beauty, a striking contrast to the mundane surroundings of the spaceport.
"Who is this?" Jade asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she reached out to gently touch Nova's cheek.
Thomas smiled, pride swelling in his chest as he looked down at his daughter. "This is Nova, Mom," he replied, his tone filled with affection. "She's my daughter."
Jade's eyes widened in astonishment, a mixture of disbelief and joy flickering across her features. "Your daughter?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But how?"
Thomas's smile widened as he recounted the story of Nova's birth, his words tumbling out in a rush of excitement and pride. He spoke of Aphrodite's final wish, of the divine union that had brought Nova into their lives, and of the love and joy she had brought to their family.
As he spoke, Jade listened intently, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. She reached out to take Nova's hand, her touch gentle yet filled with an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance.
"Welcome to the family, Nova," Jade said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You are a true blessing, and we are so grateful to have you with us."
Nova beamed up at her grandmother, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, Grandma," she said, her voice filled with innocence and wonder. "I'm happy to be here."