Chapter 30: Family Ties
The morning light streamed through the windows of the Augustine mansion, casting long rays across the floors. Argus made his way down the familiar halls, his thoughts still lingering on the previous day's final training session with Suzume. It felt strange not to be heading to the training grounds, but today was different. After years of intense training, it was time to shift focus.
Argus sat at a small wooden table, sipping tea with Rhea, his father's third wife. The peacefulness of this moment was a stark contrast to the intensity of his recent training sessions.
Rhea poured him another cup, her movements delicate, almost meditative. She smiled gently, the warmth in her gaze undeniable. There was a serene quality to Rhea that made Argus feel at ease, as if all the worries of his upcoming departure for the academy were far away.
"You've grown so much, Argus," Rhea said, her voice soft but full of pride. "I remember when you were just a little boy, always so mischievous, running around the estate."
Argus smiled, taking a slow sip of his tea. "I guess I'm not that little anymore.
"No," Rhea agreed with a light laugh. "You're not. You're becoming quite the young man. Strong, mature… Even your aura feels different."
Argus looked at her, feeling the sincerity behind her words. Rhea had always been the one person who never pressured him, never expected more than what he could give. With her, he wasn't the prodigious son of the Augustine family; he was simply Argus.
"You'll do well at the academy," Rhea continued. "But I must admit, I'm nervous about you going."
"Nervous?" Argus raised an eyebrow.
Rhea's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a more somber expression. "It's not easy seeing you grow up so fast. But I'm proud of you, Argus. You've grown into someone remarkable. Your strength… It's more than just physical."
Argus looked down at his cup, unsure how to respond to the warmth in her words. He wasn't used to this kind of affection. His mother's love was fierce and overwhelming, while Rhea's was gentle, like a soft breeze that carried no expectations.
"Thanks, Rhea," Argus said quietly. "That means a lot."
Before Rhea could respond, a whirlwind of energy burst into the garden. Lily came sprinting toward Argus, her brown hair bouncing behind her as she called out his name.
"Argus!" Lily squealed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Argus chuckled, catching her easily and holding her up. "Lily, you saw me yesterday. Did you miss me already?"
Lily pouted, her arms squeezing him tighter. "You finished your training yesterday! That means we finally get to spend more time together!"
Argus smiled warmly, setting her down but keeping her close as he walked over to a nearby seat. "I told you I'd have more time for you now. No more excuses."
Lily immediately took her spot on his lap, grinning up at him. "Good, because you're not allowed to go anywhere without me."
Argus ruffled her hair playfully. "Alright, alright. You win."
Rhea, who had been sitting nearby, smiled warmly at the sight. "Lily's been waiting for this day for a long time, Argus. I think we all have."
There was a noticeable change in the atmosphere of the estate now that Argus's training was over. The intensity that had hung over him for so long seemed to have lifted, leaving room for the family to reconnect before his departure for the academy.
"You'll enjoy having him around more, won't you, Lily?" Rhea asked, her voice soft but teasing.
Lily nodded enthusiastically, leaning into Argus's chest. "Of course! He's the best brother."
Argus smiled, feeling the warmth of his sister's affection. He had missed this—these quiet, peaceful moments with his family. His time had been consumed by training for years, but now, with the academy just on the horizon, he was thankful to his mother for the suggestion, and although he did miss his trainings with Suzume already, he was glad to have this time to reconnect with his family.
Lily, still nestled in his lap, looked up at him with wide eyes. "You're going to the academy soon, aren't you?"
Argus nodded. "Yes, in a few months. But until then, I'm all yours."
Lily's face lit up with excitement. "Does that mean you'll play with me every day?"
"Every day," Argus promised, smiling at her enthusiasm. "But you have to promise not to get sick of me."
"I could never get sick of you!" Lily exclaimed, her grip tightening as if she was afraid he might leave again.
Rhea chuckled softly. "Lily's not the only one who's missed you, Argus. It'll be nice to have you around the mansion more often."
Argus smiled at her. "I'm looking forward to it too."
As Argus and Lily sat together, enjoying the rare quiet moments of family life, a familiar presence entered the room. Even before she spoke, Argus could feel her near. It was a sensation he had become accustomed to over the years—a subtle shift in the air whenever Evangeline was around. Her presence was magnetic, always drawing attention whether she intended to or not.
Evangeline stepped into the room with her usual grace, her long dark hair falling like a curtain down her back. She was dressed elegantly, as always, though there was something more relaxed in her expression. Her dark eyes immediately found Argus, and the intensity of her gaze softened as she looked him over, clearly pleased to see him enjoying time with Lily.
"You're hard to track down these days," Evangeline teased, her voice warm yet carrying that underlying possessiveness Argus had grown so used to. "I thought I'd find you here with your little shadow."
Argus smiled as Lily gave an exaggerated pout, leaning back into her brother's chest.
"You just missed out on the fun," Lily quipped. "He's mine for now, Mother."
Evangeline's lips curled into an amused smile, her eyes never leaving Argus. "I suppose I'll let you have him for a little while longer," she said, her tone light yet dripping with her usual affection. "But not for too long. I've been waiting patiently, and now that your training is over, I expect to have you all to myself."
Argus chuckled, knowing full well that Evangeline's version of "sharing" wasn't quite the same as everyone else's. She had a way of drawing him into her orbit, and while her affection could be overwhelming, there was a comfort in it—a sense of belonging that he couldn't deny, even if her love was suffocating at times.
"I'm sure you've missed me," Argus teased lightly, standing up, gently lifting Lily off his lap and placing her beside him. "Though you never really let me out of your sight."
Evangeline's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't keep an eye on you. Besides, you know how much I cherish our time together."
Lily, now standing beside them, gave Argus a small nudge. "You better go. I don't want to get in trouble with Mother."
Argus raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought you'd fight for me."
Lily grinned and shook her head. "Not when it comes to Mother."
With a soft chuckle, Argus ruffled Lily's hair and followed Evangeline as she gestured for him to join her. They walked together down the grand hallway, the silence between them comfortable but charged with the intensity that always surrounded Evangeline.
Once they were in her private sitting room—a place where they often shared quieter moments—Evangeline turned to face him fully, her expression softer than usual. There was no hint of the intimidating presence she often carried; instead, she seemed almost vulnerable in her desire for his attention.
"You've grown stronger," she murmured, her hand brushing against his cheek in that familiar gesture she always used to show affection. "I've watched you change over these past few years. Each time I see you, you're more of a man and less of the boy I remember."
Argus smiled, leaning slightly into her touch. "You say that as if it's a bad thing."
"Not bad," she replied, her voice low and tender. "Just... bittersweet. You're growing up so quickly, and soon you'll be off to the academy. I'll hardly see you."
Evangeline's hand lingered on his face, her thumb gently tracing the line of his jaw. There was something undeniably intimate about the way she looked at him—a gaze filled with pride, but also a hint of sadness, as though she couldn't quite let go.
Argus, knowing the intensity of her feelings, gently took her hand in his. "I'll still come home. And besides, you always seem to find a way to be around."
Her lips curled into a teasing smile. "True. But it's not the same as having you here every day." She paused, her eyes locking onto his. "I've missed you, Argus. Even though I've watched you train, even though we've shared moments, it's not enough. I want more."
Her honesty, though expected, tugged at something in him. Despite the possessiveness that could sometimes overwhelm him, there was a warmth to Evangeline's love that made it impossible for him to resent her. She cared for him deeply—perhaps too deeply—but it was undeniable that she would do anything for him.
"Well," Argus began with a grin, "I'm here now. What would you like to do with me, Mother?"
Evangeline's eyes sparkled with playful mischief, something rare and charming in her usually composed demeanor. "A game," she declared. "I used to play it with you when you were younger. Let's see if you've gotten any better."
Argus blinked, surprised by her sudden suggestion. "A game?"
"Hide and seek," she said, smiling knowingly. "You used to be so proud of how well you could hide. But I always found you."
Argus laughed, shaking his head. "I remember that. I'm surprised you want to play now."
"I want to enjoy my time with you," Evangeline said, her tone softening again. "Before you leave. So let's make the most of it."
There was something undeniably charming in her request, something that reminded Argus of simpler days when the intensity of his training hadn't been hanging over him. He couldn't refuse her.
"Alright, Mother," Argus said with a playful smile. "But this time, I won't make it easy for you."
Evangeline's smile widened, her eyes alight with excitement. "We'll see about that."
As they began the game, with Argus slipping away into the grand halls of the mansion, he couldn't help but feel the warmth of these moments. Despite her obsessive nature, Evangeline had always found ways to make him feel cherished, even in the most unexpected ways.
He found a hiding spot in one of the lesser-used wings of the mansion, tucked behind a tall tapestry. The game felt both lighthearted and deeply intimate, a reminder of their bond—one that had grown stronger over the years, despite the occasional suffocating nature of her love.
Minutes passed, and just when he thought he had won this round, he felt the faintest shift in the air—a presence he knew all too well. Evangeline appeared in the doorway, her smile triumphant.
"Found you," she said, her voice carrying both victory and affection.
Argus emerged from his hiding place, chuckling. "I guess I'll never be able to hide from you, Mother."
Evangeline's smile softened, and she stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You never will," she whispered, her eyes locking onto his. "But that's how it should be, don't you think? I'll always be here, Argus. Watching over you, no matter where you go."
There was something both comforting and intense in her words, but Argus didn't mind. He knew her love was all-encompassing, but he also knew that beneath the possessiveness was a mother who genuinely wanted the best for him.
"I know," Argus replied softly, his voice filled with warmth. "And I wouldn't want it any other way."
As the game ended and they returned to the sitting room, Evangeline settled next to him, pulling him close for a rare, quiet embrace. The weight of their relationship, the intensity of her love, didn't seem so heavy in that moment. Instead, it felt like a protective shield, a reminder that no matter where life took him, he would always have a place by her side.
And as they sat together, Argus couldn't help but smile, thankful for the family ties that bound them. Despite everything, there was a deep connection between them, one that even time and distance couldn't sever.