The room was spacious and beautifully adorned, a symbol of the Starling family's prestige. In the middle of it, a grand bed held Alexander, who lay unconscious, his young face peaceful but pale. Beside him, Sara sat, her silver hair shimmering under the soft glow of the chandeliers. Her eyes, however, were filled with concern as she gently stroked Alex's forehead, silently praying for his recovery.
Then, as if her prayers were answered, Alexander stirred. His eyelids fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes. Sara, upon seeing this, gasped in relief, a smile breaking through her worried expression.
"Alex!" she exclaimed softly, checking him over. "Son, are you okay? Do you feel any pain?"
Alex blinked a few times, the memories of the attack rushing back. "Sis… What happened to Sis? Is she okay?"
Sara smiled tenderly, brushing his hair back. "Yes, my dear. She's fine, just resting."
Alex sighed in relief. "Can I see her, Mom?"
Sara hesitated, her smile faltering just a bit. "Not yet, son. She's still unconscious, but she'll wake up soon."
Alex's face fell a little. "Oh… okay."
Just then, the door to the room swung open, and Armon stepped in, his face lined with concern. When he saw Alex awake and sitting up, his eyes widened in surprise and joy. Without a second thought, Armon rushed over and enveloped Alex in a tight, loving embrace.
"You're awake!" Armon exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank the heavens!"
Alex, now squeezed tightly in his father's strong arms, gasped, "Dad, gentle! I can't breathe!"
Armon, oblivious to his son's struggle, continued hugging him tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay, son!"
Sara, watching the scene, couldn't help but smile before giving Armon a playful but firm punch to the stomach. Armon released Alex and staggered back, rubbing his side.
"Ow! Why, honey? What did I do?" Armon asked, wincing in pain.
Sara glared at him. "Are you trying to crush our son? Control yourself!"
Armon chuckled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
But then, both of their expressions turned serious. Sara and Armon exchanged glances before Armon turned back to Alex, his voice calm but concerned.
"Son," Armon began, "when that dark mage attacked you and your sister… What happened? What did you do?"
Alex, still shaken by the memory, replied, "Sister… she saved me. She got hurt protecting me."
Armon nodded but pressed further. "No, Alex. I mean the shield. What happened when you created it?"
Alex furrowed his brow, confused. "Oh… that. When the bad man tried to hurt Sis, I felt I had to do something. Then I heard a voice in my head, talking about some 'talent,' 'awakening,' and 'creation.' After that, I just… I don't know how, but I made the shield."
Sara and Armon exchanged another shocked look, their faces filled with both awe and worry. Sara's hand trembled slightly as she placed it on Alex's shoulder.
"Can you… do that again, son?" she asked nervously.
Alex nodded. "I'll try."
Closing his eyes, Alex focused, just like he had during the attack. He felt the same energy stir within him, and suddenly, a shield materialized in front of him. This time, however, it was even more refined—stronger and more tangible, glowing with an intense, protective aura.
Sara and Armon stared at the shield in stunned silence before Armon broke the silence, his voice heavy with realization. "So… the prophecy is true."
Alex, now even more confused, looked up at his parents. "What prophecy? I don't understand."
Sara knelt beside him, her expression serious. "Alex, what you just did… it's your talent."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "My talent? You mean like the one Sis got at the ceremony?"
Armon nodded. "Yes, son. But yours is far more powerful."
"But…" Alex hesitated, remembering what Rosie had told him. "But Rosie said that people only awaken their talents when they turn thirteen."
Armon sighed. "That's true, usually. But somehow, you've awakened yours much earlier."
Sara placed a hand on his cheek, her tone gentle but firm. "And that's why you can't tell anyone about this, Alex. If people knew, it could cause big problems. You have to keep this secret, at least until you're older."
Armon added, his voice full of concern, "Don't use your powers in front of anyone, son. Not until you turn thirteen."
Alex frowned. "But what if someone tries to hurt Sis again? Or you?"
Armon smiled softly. "I'll teach you how to fight, son. Swordsmanship, martial arts, everything I know. And your mother will teach you the basics of magic. We'll train you so that you can protect yourself and your sister."
Alex's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?! After learning all that, will I be as strong as Sis?"
Armon chuckled. "Who knows? Your sister's a genius with her natural skills, after all."
Alex's excitement bubbled over, and he became eager for the training to begin. His heart swelled with the thought of one day being strong enough to protect the people he loved.
---
Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted the moment. A servant entered and bowed deeply. "My lord, my lady… Young Mistress Emilia has woken up."
All three of them gasped in joy. Armon and Sara lifted Alex up in delight, and together, the family rushed to Emilia's room.
Her room was grand, even larger and more elegant than Alex's, with intricate designs adorning the walls. In the middle of the room, Emilia lay propped up in bed, her face pale but alert. When she saw her family enter, her tired eyes brightened, and when she spotted Alex, being carried by their mother, tears welled up in her eyes.
"Alex," she called out, her voice soft and emotional. "Come here."
Alex's eyes filled with tears as well, and he ran into her arms, hugging her tightly. They held each other as if afraid to let go.
After a moment, Emilia pulled back and smirked teasingly. "Alexei… you still need to be carried by Mom, huh? You're such a little baby."
Alex's face turned red with embarrassment. "No, I'm not a baby! I'm a big boy, Sis! I swear!"
Emilia chuckled and pulled him back into a warm embrace. "Of course, you are, little brother."
Armon and Sara stood nearby, smiling at their children. For the first time in days, they felt a sense of relief. Their family was safe, and though challenges still lay ahead, they knew they would face them together.
End of Chapter 3.