Chapter 9: Breaking Expectations
The sky outside Argus's window was still a deep purple, the stars fading as the first hints of dawn approached. He had been awake for some time now, unable to shake the restless energy thrumming beneath his skin. The void pulsed inside him, quiet but insistent, like a whisper that had grown louder with each passing day.
His mother wasn't beside him—unusual, as she was normally there when he awoke. But Evangeline had likely risen early, leaving him to rest while she attended to something quietly. Despite the small absence, her presence still lingered in the room. Her signature scent—a faint mix of lavender and something darker, more ethereal—clung to the air, a constant reminder of her closeness.
Despite his growing abilities, it felt as though he was trapped between what he knew he could do and what he was unable to manifest. Patience, his mother had told him. But patience was not something Argus found easy to embrace.
Quietly, he padded down the halls of the mansion, seeking the solace of the early morning calm. His wandering steps led him to a familiar place—a private sitting room where his mother often spent her mornings in quiet reflection. As expected, there she was, perched by the window, her eyes tracing the faint lines of light creeping across the horizon.
Without a word, Evangeline glanced at him and gave the smallest of smiles, her hand gesturing for him to come closer. Argus moved toward her, and with a gentle motion, she guided him to sit between her legs, pulling him back to rest against her chest. Her arms encircled him in a loose embrace, fingers lightly brushing his arms as she held him from behind.
They sat in silence for a moment, the warmth of her body a stark contrast to the coolness of the room.
"You're restless," she finally said, her voice as soft and elegant as ever, carrying that otherworldly calm that always made him feel grounded.
Argus sighed, leaning back into her. "It's been weeks, but I can't push it out. I feel it... but I can't control it."
She tilted her head slightly, resting her chin on his shoulder as her dark eyes held his in the soft light. "You are moving faster than you think, my darling. Much faster."
He frowned, frustration still gnawing at him. "It doesn't feel fast."
Evangeline chuckled softly, her fingers brushing through his hair. "It takes most people six months—sometimes a year—just to reach the point where they can feel their power like you do. And longer still to manifest it."
Argus blinked at that, processing her words. He hadn't realized. To him, it had felt agonizingly slow. But to hear her say that he was advancing faster than others—much faster—it shifted something in his perspective.
"Then why does it feel like I'm stuck?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
"Because you're impatient," she teased lightly, though there was an undertone of truth. "Patience is difficult, even for those of us who are used to waiting centuries. But trust me, Argus, you're exceptional. Your power will come. It's only a matter of time."
Her embrace tightened briefly, as if to remind him of the bond they shared—something deeper than just blood. "When it does, it will be worth the wait."
Argus sat there in the comfort of her arms for a while longer, her presence steadying the whirl of thoughts in his mind. But even with her soothing words, the restlessness remained. He wanted more than just the feeling of power—he wanted to touch it, control it.
Later that morning, Argus found himself in the mansion's garden. The sun had fully risen by now, casting long shadows across the lush greenery. He stood alone, hands flexing at his sides as he stared at the empty space before him. The void buzzed beneath his skin, like a constant hum just out of reach.
I can do this, he told himself.
Closing his eyes, Argus let out a slow breath, focusing on the energy he could feel coiling inside him. It had been weeks since he'd first sensed it. There had been subtle flickers before—uncontrolled and fleeting manifestations of the void. But this time, it felt different. This time, it felt within reach.
Not this time.
He clenched his fists, willing the void to respond, to obey. The pulse of energy within him stirred, stronger than before. Slowly, he raised his hands, and with them, the darkness followed. At first, it was just a flicker, barely visible. But then, as he focused harder, the void began to wrap around his hands, swirling like dark tendrils of smoke.
His heart pounded in his chest as the energy clung to him, real and tangible for the first time. He watched in awe as the void swirled around his fingers, cold and alive, moving with his will.
This time, it was controlled. It responded to him, bending to his intent, and not slipping away like it had in the past. The energy flickered and wavered, but it stayed longer than it ever had before. A surge of triumph coursed through him—he had done it. He had reached the next level.
But the moment was short-lived.
"Argus!" Lily's voice pierced the stillness, and in an instant, the void energy dissipated, fading like a shadow in the light.
He turned to see her running toward him, eyes wide with excitement. "I saw it! You did something! How did you do that?"
Argus chuckled, crouching down as she reached him, her curiosity practically radiating from her small frame. "I've been practicing," he said, keeping his tone light. "But it's not something you'll be able to do just yet."
Lily pouted, her hands on her hips. "Why not? I want to learn too!"
"Maybe one day," he said, tapping her lightly on the forehead with his knuckle. "But for now, you'll have to settle for tag."
She beamed, her earlier disappointment forgotten in an instant. "You're it!" she declared before darting off into the garden, her laughter trailing behind her.
Argus couldn't help but smile as he chased after her, letting the morning's tension slip away. For now, the void could wait. Lily's laughter and their game of tag filled the air, reminding him that, despite everything, there were still moments of simple joy to be had.
As the afternoon faded into evening, Argus found himself back inside, not expecting the presence he suddenly felt behind him.
"Well done."
Evangeline's voice was unmistakable, soft yet commanding. Argus turned to see his mother standing in the doorway of the room, her dark eyes gleaming with quiet pride.
"You saw?" he asked, knowing the answer but still surprised.
"Of course," she said, her gaze never leaving him as she crossed the room to stand before him. "You've grown far faster than I expected."
Argus looked down at his hands, the memory of the void energy still fresh in his mind. "It finally worked."
Evangeline placed a hand gently on his cheek, her touch cool and comforting. "I told you it would. And you'll only get stronger from here."
There was no overwhelming praise in her voice, no grand gestures of celebration—just the steady, certain acknowledgment that this was only the beginning. But coming from her, that meant more than any congratulatory words.
"You've done well, Argus," she said, her thumb brushing lightly across his skin. "But don't stop now. This is just the first step."
He nodded, his heart swelling with determination. "I won't stop."
"Good." Her hand lingered for a moment longer before she stepped back, her serene expression never wavering. "I expect even greater things from you."
Later that evening, as the sun set and the air cooled, Argus sat by the fireplace with Rhea. The warmth of the fire and the soft crackle of the logs made the room feel cozy, a welcome change from the intensity of the day.
Rhea glanced at him from her chair, her soft gaze filled with the gentle concern she always showed. "You've been quiet today," she remarked.
Argus shrugged, staring into the fire. "Just thinking."
She smiled warmly. "You're growing up so fast, Argus. I hope you know we're all proud of you."
Her words settled over him, warm and reassuring. She didn't understand the details of his void power, but her praise was simple and honest, and it was exactly what he needed at that moment.
"Thanks," he said softly, meeting her eyes briefly before looking back at the fire.
They sat in comfortable silence after that, the crackling of the flames the only sound between them. It was a peaceful end to a long day, and for a moment, Argus allowed himself to simply enjoy the warmth of the fire and the quiet presence of Rhea.
That night, as Argus lay in bed, the events of the day played over in his mind. He had finally done it—he had manifested the void energy outside of himself. It hadn't lasted long, but it was real.
His mother's words echoed in his thoughts: You've grown far faster than I expected.
Most people took months to reach the point he had today, sometimes even years. But here he was, only a few weeks after awakening, already feeling the void respond to him.
But as much as the progress pleased him, it wasn't enough. The taste of power, now tangible, left him craving more. The brief control he had over the void wasn't satisfying—it was only the beginning, a glimpse of what he knew he was capable of. He wanted to master it completely, to feel the void bend to his will with unwavering strength. Until then, he wouldn't be satisfied.