Chapter 31: A Milestone Celebration
Argus stirred awake as the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden hues across the room. The warmth of the bed was comforting, as was the familiar presence beside him—his mother, Evangeline. Her arms were wrapped gently around him, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders like silk. This had been a common occurrence over the years, even though his rigorous training had kept him away more often than not.
There were times when sleeping next to his mother felt stifling, her possessive love always looming. Yet, as much as he sometimes craved his independence, he couldn't deny that he had missed this closeness during his years of training. Now that his final training session was behind him, he allowed himself to enjoy the comfort of the moment.
Evangeline's grip tightened slightly, pulling him closer as she stirred awake. "Good morning, my son," she murmured, her voice soft and soothing as she pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
"Morning, Mother," Argus replied, his voice still groggy but warm.
For a moment, they lay there in silence, the peaceful morning broken only by the sound of their steady breathing. Despite how overwhelming her love could sometimes feel, there was an undeniable sense of safety in her embrace.
"You're twelve today," Evangeline whispered, brushing her fingers through his hair. "How quickly time passes."
Argus smiled slightly. "I guess it does."
Evangeline shifted, looking down at him with an expression filled with pride and affection. "You've grown so much, Argus. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for you."
There was a mix of emotions in her voice—pride, but also a touch of sadness. She leaned in and placed another gentle kiss on his forehead before rising from the bed with her usual grace. Argus followed her lead, stretching his limbs as he prepared for the day ahead. His birthday felt like the culmination of all his training, but he knew it also marked the beginning of something new—something even more challenging.
The mansion was already bustling with energy. He could hear the maids moving about, their voices carrying faintly through the halls as they prepared for the day's festivities. The air felt different—lively, charged with excitement. Argus got up and stretched, feeling the now-familiar strength in his limbs, the result of years of relentless training. He couldn't help but smile. Today was the beginning of a new chapter.
As he made his way through the hallways, Argus noticed several maids sneaking glances at him. A few of the younger ones blushed, their faces turning pink when he offered them a polite nod. He was aware that his charm had only grown stronger over the past few years, and while it didn't affect him much, he found the reactions amusing.
"Young Master Argus," one of the older maids greeted, bowing slightly as he passed. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you," he replied, offering a small smile before continuing toward the dining hall. Today, of all days, he wasn't going to let himself get distracted.
Argus entered the dining room, his sharp senses immediately picking up the rich aromas of breakfast. The long table was set with an array of pastries, fruits, and meats—his favorite dishes, carefully prepared by the kitchen staff under Evangeline's orders. But more than the food, what drew his attention was the scene awaiting him.
Rhea, his stepmother, sat gracefully at one end of the table, her gentle smile greeting him. Across from her, Lily bounced excitedly in her chair, barely able to contain her energy as she waved enthusiastically at Argus.
"Happy birthday, Argus!" Lily exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement. She rushed over before Argus could sit down and wrapped her arms around him.
Argus smiled, lifting her off the ground effortlessly and twirling her around once before setting her back down. "Thanks, Lily. You're as full of energy as ever."
"Now you're officially twelve! Does this mean you're old now?" Lily teased, her bright eyes gleaming with excitement.
Argus chuckled, ruffling her hair gently. "I don't think I'm quite that old yet, but I'll let you know when I am."
With a grin, Argus took a seat at the table. Almost immediately, Lily slipped into her usual spot beside him, clinging to his arm as she always did when they were together. "Good!" she declared, hugging his arm tightly. "Because you still have to play with me later, birthday or not."
"Of course," Argus replied, smiling warmly at his younger sister. "I wouldn't miss it."
Rhea, seated gracefully at the table, smiled as she observed the interaction. Her calm presence always had a grounding effect on Argus. "Happy birthday, Argus," she said softly, her voice filled with affection. "You've grown into quite the young man. It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed."
Before Argus could respond, the soft rustling of silk reached his ears as Evangeline entered the dining hall with her usual elegance. Her eyes immediately locked on Argus, and though her smile was warm, there was a slight edge in her voice as she spoke.
"Happy birthday, my son," she said softly, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Her gaze flicked to Lily, clinging to his arm. "I see Lily has already claimed you this morning."
There was a brief pause as Evangeline's eyes lingered on Lily before they returned to Argus, softening.
Breakfast continued as a cheerful affair, filled with laughter, light banter, and talk of the upcoming academy journey. Lily talked endlessly about the plans she had for Argus now that he'd be spending more time at the mansion before leaving. Rhea occasionally chimed in with gentle encouragement, while Evangeline watched her son with an intensity that only she could carry.
Once breakfast had been enjoyed, Evangeline stood and motioned for the maids to bring forward a gift, carefully wrapped in delicate cloth. The room quieted as the box was placed on the table in front of Argus.
"I've been preparing something special for you," Evangeline said, her voice soft but commanding as she fixed her gaze on Argus.
Argus raised an eyebrow as he unwrapped the cloth to reveal an intricately designed black cloak, lined with silver stitching that shimmered faintly in the light. The material was unlike anything he had seen before—smooth, lightweight, but undoubtedly strong.
"It's enchanted," Evangeline explained, stepping closer to him. "This cloak will offer you protection as you venture out into the world. It's lightweight, but it will keep you warm and shield you from harm. And it's something I had made especially for you—to remind you that no matter where you are, you are always protected."
Argus ran his fingers over the fabric, feeling the energy humming within it. It wasn't just a cloak—it was a symbol of his mother's constant watchfulness, her desire to keep him safe, even when she couldn't physically be there.
"Thank you, Mother," Argus said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "It's perfect."
Evangeline smiled, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "You'll always have a part of me with you, Argus. Remember that."
He nodded, knowing full well the weight behind her words. Evangeline's love might have been possessive, but it was also unwavering. No matter where he went or how far he traveled, he knew his mother's presence would never be far.
Lily clapped her hands excitedly. "That's so cool, Argus! Can I try it on?"
Argus laughed, handing her the cloak for a moment. "Just don't grow too attached. It's mine."
Lily giggled as she twirled in the oversized cloak, clearly enamored with it. "I'll get one like this when I'm older!" she declared proudly.
Argus chuckled softly as Lily tugged playfully at the edge of the cloak, clearly fascinated by it. He gently took the cloak back from her, draping it over his chair with care.
Before he could say anything, Lily practically bounced in her seat, unable to contain her excitement.
"I have a present for you too!" she announced, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Argus smiled warmly at her enthusiasm. "Oh? What did you get me, Lily?"
Lily grinned and pulled a small, handmade bracelet from her pocket. It was simple, made of thin leather and decorated with a few small, colorful beads, clearly crafted with care. She held it up proudly, her cheeks slightly pink.
"I made it myself! It's a protection bracelet," she declared, her voice filled with the innocent confidence only a child could have. "It'll keep you safe at the academy."
Argus gently took the bracelet from her hands, his heart warmed by the thought and effort she had put into it. He smiled softly as he fastened the bracelet around his wrist, admiring its simplicity. "It's perfect, Lily. Thank you."
Lily beamed, clearly pleased with his reaction.
Before the moment could settle too long, Rhea's gentle voice cut through the air. "I also have something for you, Argus."
Argus turned toward her, slightly surprised. Rhea wasn't usually one for grand gestures, but she smiled softly as she stood and retrieved a small wooden box from beside her chair. She opened it to reveal a beautifully crafted silver pocket watch, its surface engraved with intricate patterns.
"This belonged to my father," Rhea said quietly, her voice filled with warmth and a touch of nostalgia. "He passed it down to me, and now I want you to have it. A reminder of time, and how precious it is."
Argus blinked, touched by the unexpected gift. He carefully lifted the watch from the box, feeling the cool metal against his skin. With a smile, he slipped it into his pocket, the weight of the watch comforting in a way that made him feel both grounded and connected to Rhea's gesture.
"Rhea… Thank you," he said, his voice soft. "I'll take good care of it."
Rhea smiled, her eyes reflecting pride. "I know you will, Argus."
With both the bracelet fastened securely around his wrist and the pocket watch resting safely in his pocket, Argus looked around the table, feeling the warmth of his family surrounding him. Each gift, small or grand, carried a deep sense of love and care. And in this moment, he felt truly connected to them all—his mother's possessive yet unwavering love, Lily's innocent devotion, and Rhea's gentle, nurturing presence.
Later that evening, as the celebration wound down and the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the estate, Argus found himself alone in the garden with Evangeline. The air was cool, and the stars had begun to twinkle above them.
Evangeline reached out and took his hand, pulling him closer to sit beside her on a stone bench. "I wanted to have this moment with you, just the two of us," she said softly, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Argus, sensing the gravity in her voice, remained quiet, letting her speak.
"I know the academy will take you away for a time," Evangeline continued, her hand still holding his tightly. "And I know you're ready. But as your mother, I want you to understand something—my love for you will never change. No matter how far you go or how strong you become, I'll always be with you."
Argus felt the familiar weight of her possessiveness, but there was something more—something deeper. Her love, though intense, was rooted in an unshakable bond that had been forged over years of nurturing, watching, and guiding him.
"I know, Mother," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll always carry that with me."
Evangeline's lips curved into a soft smile. "Good. Because you are my world, Argus. Never forget that."
As they sat together, bathed in the soft glow of the evening light, Argus realized that this—his family, his mother's unwavering love—was the foundation that would carry him through the challenges ahead. No matter where his journey took him, this bond would remain.
And in that quiet moment, he found comfort in knowing that.