Lucas POV
"How's Evan doing?"
"Oh, he's doing well, but he's struggling a bit since he can no longer use magic." Riley answered, "He is turning to alchemy though, he's a bit older and slower than his classmates, but he'll eventually make a living."
"What about Terrence's kids?"
"Evan adopted them all, can't trust that ex-wife of his after all."
"Won't he have to go to court?"
"Yeah, but her husband never liked them and the kids made it clear. Either way, even if Evan wasn't taking them in, I would."
"Not just you, we would too, we got plenty of room here."
"So what are you going to do about her?" Riley asked, pointing at Lisa who was learning how to read from Harper, "I know you're retired and got time, but a kid is a lot of responsibility."
"Being a hero is too, and look how that turned out."
"It's kinda too bad you had to play support for the others, you were better as an offensive mage."
"I still am, but I had to be flexible, otherwise we'd lose. It's like every time I play a MOBA game, I usually play other roles better, but I always end up playing support since most don't."
"You summoned heroes and your weird words." she sighed and she then slap my back, "So, when can I expect my nieces and nephews?"
"What?"
"You're like my brother, so any kid you have will be my niece or nephew, so when can I expect them?"
"Soon, I guess?"
"How soon? If it's tonight-"
"Not that soon."
*****
The knock was soft, almost hesitant, but enough to pull me from the edge of sleep. I groaned, rubbing my eyes as I sat up. The house was quiet, the faint creak of the wood settling under the weight of the cold outside. I shuffled to the door, still half-asleep, and opened it. Standing there in the dim light was Lisa, clutching her teddy bear tightly against her chest.
"Lisa?" I whispered, keeping my voice low so as not to wake Harper or Mona, "What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?"
"Are you having a nightmare? If so let me wake Mona or Harper. They'll-"
"No...No...I-I need your help, Mr. Lucas."
"Sure, anything you want. And you can just call me Luke."
"I heard you talking earlier…with everyone. About you being a hero. A summoned hero from another world."
"Yeah, I am."
"...I heard…that summoned heroes can grant wishes."
"I don't know if I can, but I'll try my best."
"I heard you…you and the others talking about having kids. If you're going to have kids…please don't abandon me...and if you're planning to, just…tell me now. I'll leave before I get too attached. I wish...I..."
For a moment, I couldn't find the right thing to say. I crouched down so I was at her level, taking a slow breath to steady myself.
"Lisa, I understand why you're scared. But let me tell you something about me."
She looked up at me, tearing up, but she stayed silent.
"I was abandoned too when I was about your age. My parents always fought, and money was tight. They decided they couldn't afford to keep me, so…they left each other and me in the process...But I was lucky. I was adopted by a wonderful couple. They gave me a home, love, and a second chance at having a family. They're the reason I know what it feels like to be cared for, to belong somewhere.
"I know how it feels to be abandoned. And I would never, ever do that to someone, especially not to you. If you want to leave, if you feel uncomfortable, please tell us...if not, think of yourself as part of this family now, Lisa, for as long as you want to be"
"You promise?" she asked.
"Of course, I promise."
*****
Ramona POV
The soft morning light streamed through the windows as I stretched, ready to begin my morning workout. That's when I noticed it. Lisa, curled up between Luke and Harper on our bed, clutching her teddy bear with a peaceful expression. I paused, a small smile tugging at my lips. The image was unexpectedly heartwarming, even if it didn't surprise me. I had overheard their conversation last night.
Shaking my head, I leaned in and pressed a light kiss on Luke's cheek before heading out. Riley was also awake doing her morning exercises and workout and joined me.
By the time I finished my workout routine, the town was beginning to wake up. On my way back, I passed the local bakery and decided to stop in for some fresh bread. The smell of warm dough and baked goods filled the air as I pushed open the door. Behind the counter stood Mr. Haynes, the elderly baker who had been running this place for decades. He greeted me with a warm smile as I approached.
*****
"So, have you decided what you'll do after you retire, Mr. Haynes?" I asked as he wrapped our bread.
"Not quite yet. Why do you ask?" he responded.
"If you're thinking about selling the bakery…let me know. I might be interested."
"Right, you did want to open a bakery." Riley chimed in, "It's a cute idea."
"I'll think about it, Ramona. It'd be nice to see it go to someone who cares about it as much as I do." Mr. Haynes chuckled, "I put in some extra there. It's to thank your husband for helping us yesterday."
"Thank you so much."
We exchanged a few more pleasantries before I headed back home. When I returned, the smell of breakfast cooking greeted me. Harper and Lisa were in the kitchen, the little girl helping to mix something in a bowl while Harper carefully watched over her. I smiled at the sight, placing the fresh bread on the counter. I noticed Luke was still asleep and decided to check on him. Quietly, I walked into the bedroom and sat by his side. His hair was messy, and he looked so at peace that I hesitated to wake him. But as I leaned closer, his eyes fluttered open.
"Morning," I said softly.
"Morning," he mumbled as he pulled me into a hug.
"You know...I overheard your conversation with Lisa last night."
"You did?"
"Of course I did, I'm a teacher, I am a very light sleeper...Do you still want to meet your parents again?"
"Yeah. I want to at least thank them for adopting me…for everything they gave me...Maybe even bring them back here with me. I owe them that much."
"You'll get that chance, Luke. I'll make sure of it."
*****
Carter Hayes leaned casually against a marble pillar, his imposing figure dwarfing those around him. The room was quiet, save for the soft shuffles of cloaked assassins adjusting their positions in the shadows. At the far end of the chamber stood Trevor Kenichi, his striking blue hair falling over sharp, calculating eyes. Unlike the rest, Trevor carried himself with an air of authority, though his lean and nimble frame was far less intimidating than Carter's towering presence.
"You're not going to boss me around, Trevor," Carter said.
Trevor's lips curved into a small, almost mocking smile.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he replied smoothly. "Your task is yours alone. My job is simply to ensure the surrounding security is…eliminated. No interruptions. No distractions."
"Fine. Just don't get in my way." Carter snorted, crossing his massive arms.
Trevor then went and sat down.
"I know why you're here, Carter," Trevor said, "Though I don't have all the details, I've heard something…interesting."
"Spit it out." Carter demanded as he also took a seat and drinking whisky directly from the bottle, "What do you think I want, you blue-haired freakshow?"
"Harper Blackwood. She's married." Trevor answered with a widened smile.
"Married? To who?" Cater asked as his grip tightened around the bottle.
Trevor let the silence linger for a moment, savoring the tension.
"Lucas." he answered as he took out his blade and cleaned it in front of the now enraged Carter, "Lucas Silver."
"Lucas? That Lucas? The weakest one? The damn support mage?" Carter's face twisted into a snarl, the veins on his neck bulging, "Why the hell would she marry someone so useless? A waste of space! The man couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag without someone holding his hand. And she chose him?"
"Funny, isn't it? Guess the Saint of Light saw something you didn't...do you still want her now?"
"Tch...a little bit lesser."
"Then why continue? I can easily handle Jacob."
"Unlike you, if I accept a job, I'll see it all the way through...besides...I'll just use her once, she's already tainted after all."
"...You are one messed up individual."
"Me? Messed up? If the world know about your fetishes, I'd look like a saint."