The crackling fire bathed the spacious living room in a warm orange glow as Alice and Roxanne sat together on the plush velvet couch. Roxanne snuggled against her mother, her small hand clutching Alice's sleeve while her other toyed with the ear of her stuffed rabbit, Mr. Fluffy.
"Mommy, why do stars twinkle?" Roxanne asked suddenly, her bright eyes reflecting the dancing flames.
Alice smiled, running her fingers gently through her daughter's soft hair. "Because light travels a very long way to reach us, sweetheart. The air in the sky makes it shimmer like a jewel."
Roxanne tilted her head thoughtfully. "So… are stars like Mr. Fluffy? Do they get tired?"
Alice chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to Roxanne's temple. "Maybe. But unlike Mr. Fluffy, they keep shining no matter what. Just like you, my little star."
Roxanne beamed at the praise and wiggled closer, resting her head on Alice's lap. "Will we ever go see the stars up close?"
Alice hesitated for a moment, her hand pausing mid-stroke through Roxanne's hair. Memories of the vast planes and endless voids she once traversed surfaced, but she quickly tucked them away. "Maybe one day, when you're older. For now, they're best admired from here. Safe and sound."
Roxanne didn't seem to mind. "I think I'd bring them cookies if I met them. I bet they'd like chocolate chip ones."
Alice's lips curved into a rare, tender smile. "You have such a kind heart, Roxanne. I'm sure the stars would love your cookies."
The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, the fire's glow flickering across their faces. Roxanne began to doze off, her breaths becoming soft and steady.
Alice gazed down at her daughter, her expression unreadable. "You're my everything," she whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Roxanne's face. "I'll make this world worthy of you. No matter what it takes."
The fire continued to burn, casting shadows on the walls, but none could penetrate the warmth of the moment between mother and daughter.
As the fire crackled gently in the hearth, Roxanne stirred from her sleepy state, lifting her head slightly from Alice's lap. Her bright eyes, filled with innocent curiosity, looked up at her mother.
"Mommy," Roxanne murmured, her voice soft but clear, "where's Daddy? I haven't seen him in so long…"
Alice froze, her hand still resting on Roxanne's hair. For the first time that evening, her composed demeanor faltered. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words. The truth was simple, yet impossible to explain to a child so young. Akira was in the Athena Plane, working 24/7 to somewhatmodify the plot of their daily lives without being noticed by the Cathulhic Deities, while she and Roxane were looking for a way to create the bridge.
"Well, sweetie…" Alice began, her voice unusually hesitant. "Daddy is… very far away from here and he's working very hard to make sure our path doesn't meet any obstacle..." She responded.
Roxanne blinked, her small brows knitting together. "But… why can't he work here? Doesn't he miss us?"
Alice's chest tightened. She placed both hands gently on Roxanne's shoulders and leaned down to look her daughter in the eyes. "Of course he misses us. Your daddy loves you more than anything in the world. And so do I. That's why we're doing everything we can to make sure you grow up safe and happy." She says.
'After all, once the bridge is created an the Cathulhic deities are defeated, you will become the omnipotent goddess you deserve to be, Roxanne...' Alice said in her mind.
Roxanne's lip quivered slightly, but she nodded. "You promise?"
Alice pressed a kiss to her forehead, her voice firm yet tender. "I swear it. Your daddy would never stay away from us if he had a choice. He's thinking about you right now, just like we're thinking about him."
Roxanne relaxed slightly, leaning back into her mother's embrace. "Okay… I miss him a lot."
Alice closed her eyes for a moment, holding Roxanne close. "I know, my love. I miss him too. But until then, I'll be here with you every single day."
The firelight flickered around them, and as Roxanne settled back into the comfort of her mother's arms.
Alice shifted the conversation with a gentle smile, sensing the need to lighten the mood. "Enough about Daddy, sweetie. Tell me, how's school? Any new adventures today?"
Roxanne's face brightened, her earlier melancholy fading away in an instant. "School is fun! But the other kids are kinda… slow," she said innocently, her tone both curious and slightly exasperated.
Alice chuckled softly. She couldn't blame her daughter for feeling that way. Roxanne's superintelligence was a blessing and a challenge, setting her apart from the average human child by a wide margin. But Alice had done her best to ensure Roxanne's education was balanced, enrolling her in a private school under the guise of her being a prodigy.
"Well," Alice said, tucking a strand of Roxanne's silvery hair behind her ear, "it's not their fault, darling. You're just… very special. You understand things quicker than others, and that's something to be proud of. Did anything interesting happen today?"
Roxanne tilted her head, thinking. "Hmm, well, we learned numbers again! I already know them, but I helped this boy named Peter with his. He kept getting 'four' and 'five' mixed up. I showed him an easy way to remember."
Alice smiled warmly. "That's my girl, always helping others."
Roxanne nodded eagerly. "Oh! And during art class, the teacher said my painting was the best! She put it on the wall for everyone to see."
"Really? What did you paint?" Alice asked, her curiosity genuine.
"A castle!" Roxanne exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "But not a boring one like in the books. It was made of glass, and it had trees growing inside it. And there were dragons flying around!"
Alice couldn't help but grin. "That sounds absolutely beautiful. Maybe you'll build such a castle one day."
Roxanne's expression turned thoughtful, her small hands clasped together. "Maybe. But… will you and Daddy live in it with me?"
Alice's heart softened, and she kissed Roxanne's forehead. "Of course we will. Wherever you go, my love, we'll be right there with you."
The warmth of the fire crackled behind them as Alice silently admired her daughter. For now, Roxanne's life was as normal as Alice could make it. But deep down, she knew it wouldn't stay that way forever. Roxanne's destiny was far greater than school and castles made of glass.
As the evening deepened and the crackling fire began to dim, Alice glanced at the clock and gently brushed Roxanne's hair. "Alright, my love," she said softly, "it's time for bed."
Roxanne pouted slightly but didn't protest. "Will you tuck me in, Mom?"
"Always," Alice replied with a warm smile.
Hand in hand, they ascended the grand staircase of the mansion, the soft glow of chandeliers lighting their path. Entering Roxanne's room, a haven of pastel hues and plush toys, Alice pulled back the covers of the oversized bed.
Roxanne climbed in, her silver hair catching the moonlight streaming through the large window. Alice adjusted the blankets around her, ensuring she was snug and warm.
"Mom?" Roxanne's voice was soft, her eyes already half-closed.
"Yes, darling?"
"Will you be here when I wake up?"
Alice leaned down and kissed her daughter's forehead. "Of course. I'll always be here for you, Roxanne. Sweet dreams, my treasure."
Roxanne gave a small, sleepy smile, her eyes fluttering shut. Alice stayed for a moment longer, watching the steady rise and fall of her daughter's chest. Her gaze softened, filled with a mixture of love and unshakable determination.
Turning off the light, she whispered one final time, "Goodnight, my little star," before quietly leaving the room, the door clicking softly shut behind her.
X―x―X—x—X―x―X
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Alice's luxurious office, highlighting the impeccable order of her desk. She sat in her high-backed chair, her silver hair gleaming as she scanned through files detailing her syndicate's operations. The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air.
Her focus was interrupted by the sharp buzz of her phone. She picked it up, recognizing Jessie's number.
"What is it?" Alice asked, her tone cool and businesslike.
The phone on Alice's desk rang, cutting through the silence of her office. She picked it up immediately, her voice sharp, but controlled.
"Boss, there's been a murder," Jessie's voice came through, slightly strained but trying to stay calm.
Alice's gaze narrowed, and she leaned back in her chair. "Who is it this time? Who needs their eyes torn out?"
"…It's not one of ours. Your daughter, Roxanne… she murdered a classmate." Jessie's words hung in the air, heavy with disbelief.
Alice's hand froze mid-motion, her grip tightening on the phone. For a moment, everything around her seemed to freeze.
"What happened?" Alice's voice was ice-cold, her eyes narrowing with focus.
"Witnesses say she… snapped the boy's neck during recess. No warning, no reason. Just… dead before anyone could react." Jessie continued, trying to piece together the chaos. "The school's in damage control mode, but it's spreading fast."
Alice's expression remained unreadable, but her eyes were calculating. "And the witnesses?"
"They're trying to cover it up for now, but it won't last," Jessie replied. "The school's already getting calls. The media won't stay silent for long."
Alice stood up, her face as still as a statue. "I want that boy's body gone. No traces, no evidence. And those witnesses? They won't remember a thing."
"Understood," Jessie responded immediately.
"Send someone to take care of the school. I'll handle Roxanne."
Alice hung up the phone, her mind racing. She had known Roxanne had immense power, but this? This wasn't just a mistake—it was a statement.
She needed to find out why. But above all, she would protect her daughter—no matter what.
Alice arrived at the school in record time, the Royce smoothly gliding to a stop in front of the building. She stepped out, her presence commanding as always, and made her way inside. The halls were quiet, but the air was thick with tension, and the faint whispers of students who had witnessed the event could be heard.
She strode down the corridor, her eyes scanning every face, every movement. Jessie had already taken care of most of the clean-up, but Alice wanted to make sure Roxanne was all right.
Her heart was heavy, but her face betrayed no emotion. She wasn't angry—not yet. She needed answers, not assumptions.
She found her daughter in the principal's office, sitting quietly in a chair, her small hands folded in her lap. Roxanne looked up as Alice entered, her expression calm, almost detached. The principal was nowhere to be seen, likely already taken care of.
Alice closed the door behind her, walking toward Roxanne. "What happened?" she asked, her voice low but firm.
Roxanne tilted her head slightly, her wide eyes meeting Alice's. "I killed him, mommy," she said, as if speaking about something as simple as eating breakfast.
Alice's breath caught for a moment, but she remained composed. "Why?" she pressed, her voice soft but insistent.
Alice looked at her daughter with a mixture of pride and caution. She had always known Roxanne was different, but this was the first time the darkness inside her had truly shown. The blood, the organs, the gleam in her eyes—it was all so precise, so deliberate.
"You enjoyed it, didn't you?" Alice asked, her voice soft but steady. She wasn't angry; if anything, she was intrigued.
Roxanne looked up at her, her grin spreading wider. "It was so fun, mommy. I liked the sound they made when they hit the floor. It felt... good."
Alice stepped closer, her heart racing but her face composed. "I understand, sweetheart. You have power—more than most people could even imagine. But you have to be careful with it. It's too early for you to kill. You need to learn control, timing."
Roxanne tilted her head, clearly not understanding the gravity of what Alice was saying. "But it was easy, mommy. It was just like when I crush my toys. Why shouldn't I?"
Alice's lips curled slightly, masking a deep, unsettling thought. She knew Roxanne had inherited far more than just intelligence. She had inherited something far darker, something Alice had never wanted her to fully embrace. Yet, there was no denying it—Roxanne's power was vast. Too vast to simply ignore.
"You can't just kill because it's easy or because it's fun," Alice explained, crouching down to meet Roxanne's eyes. "Power needs to be used with purpose. And right now, you're too young to understand the consequences. Killing isn't a game. People's lives... they don't come back."
Roxanne's smile didn't falter, but her eyes flickered slightly with curiosity. "But what if I want to? What if it's fun?"
Alice took a deep breath, carefully considering her next words. "We'll talk more about this later, sweetheart. For now, I need you to promise me something. No more killing. It's not the right time. You've got to be patient. The world isn't ready for someone like you yet."
Roxanne stared at her, her expression unreadable, but after a long moment, she simply nodded. "Okay, mommy. But I can do it again if I want, right?"
Alice smiled, though her heart was heavy. "Yes, but when the time is right. Only then."
She stood up, brushing off her dress as she turned to leave the room, her mind racing with the implications of what had just happened. Roxanne was dangerous, but she wasn't ready. Not yet. Alice would have to make sure of that.
"Come on, Roxanne," Alice said with a soft, almost affectionate tone. "Let's get you cleaned up. You need to get some rest. We'll figure this out together."
Roxanne nodded, still smiling, as she followed her mother out of the room. But Alice couldn't shake the feeling that, no matter how hard she tried, the darkness inside her daughter was only going to grow stronger.
X―x―X—x—X―x―X
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