The night was heavy, cloaked in silence, except for the soft rustling of leaves outside the Lumenis estate. Aether sat alone in his study, his head buried in his hands. The weight of the last few days pressed down on him like an immovable force. He barely noticed when the door opened, revealing Aelina, his wife, her presence a soft light in the oppressive darkness.
"You've been here for hours," Aelina said gently as she stepped inside. She carried a small tray with a steaming cup of herbal tea, placing it on the table before taking the chair across from him. "You need rest, Aether."
"I can't rest," Aether replied, his voice rough. "Not when everything is falling apart. The factions we've allied with… they're strong, but it's not enough. The dissenting council has too much power, and now Kael—"
He broke off, unable to finish the sentence. Aelina reached out, her fingers brushing his hand.
"Kael is strong," she said softly, though her voice carried a tremor of doubt. "But he's also just a boy. He shouldn't have to bear this responsibility."
Aether sighed, his shoulders slumping further. "I know. That's why I told him he can't be part of this fight. But he's so stubborn, Aelina. He doesn't understand the danger he's in."
"Because he's young," she replied. "He believes he can face the world and win. But he's never seen the horrors of war, Aether. He doesn't understand what it means to fight—to kill."
Aether's hands clenched into fists. "And I want to keep it that way. But Kael… he won't listen to me. He's so determined, so certain he can make a difference. I don't know how to reach him."
Aelina leaned back in her chair, her gaze thoughtful. "Maybe it's not about reaching him, Aether. Maybe it's about helping him see what's at stake—not just for us, but for himself."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll talk to him," Aelina said firmly. "He may not listen to you, but he'll listen to his mother. And I'll take Lyra with me. She's always had a way of grounding him. Together, we'll make him see reason."
Aether hesitated, then nodded slowly. "If anyone can get through to him, it's you."
---
Kael sat in his room, the faint glow of his veins illuminating the space around him. He stared at the holographic map projected in front of him, his mind racing with possibilities. LUX's voice had gone quiet for now, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
The knock at his door pulled him out of his reverie. "Come in," he called.
The door opened, revealing Aelina and Lyra. His mother's expression was calm but serious, while Lyra's gaze was tinged with concern.
"Mother. Lyra." Kael stood, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk," Aelina said, closing the door behind her. She gestured for Kael to sit, then took the chair across from him. Lyra remained standing, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall.
Kael frowned but obliged. "What is it?"
"It's about the fight," Aelina began, her tone gentle but firm. "Kael, I know you want to be part of this. I know you feel like it's your responsibility. But you have to understand—it's not. You're still so young, and this war… it's not something you should be involved in."
Kael's expression hardened. "You sound just like Father."
"Because he's right," Aelina said. "Kael, this fight isn't just dangerous—it's deadly. The dissenting council won't hesitate to kill you if it means getting their hands on LUX. They'll stop at nothing."
"And that's exactly why I have to fight," Kael said, his voice rising. "If I sit back and do nothing, they'll come for me anyway. At least this way, I can do something to stop them."
"Kael," Lyra interjected, her voice soft but insistent. "No one's doubting your courage. But this isn't just about bravery. This is about survival. You're the key to everything. If something happens to you…" She trailed off, her eyes shining with unspoken fear.
Kael turned to her, his jaw tightening. "I appreciate your concern, Lyra, but I've already made up my mind. I'm not going to hide while others fight for me. I'm not a coward."
"This isn't about cowardice," Aelina said sharply. "It's about knowing when to fight and when to stay safe. You're not just fighting for yourself, Kael. You're fighting for all of us. And if you fall, everything falls with you."
Kael stood abruptly, pacing the room. "You don't get it. None of you do. I've seen the simulations, the odds. If we wait, if we play defense, we'll lose. The only way to win is to strike first, to take the fight to them. I can't just sit here and do nothing."
"You think we don't understand?" Aelina said, standing as well. Her voice was calm, but her words carried a sharp edge. "Kael, your father and I have dedicated our lives to protecting this family, this planet. We understand the stakes better than you realize. And that's why we're asking you to trust us. Let us protect you."
"I don't want protection," Kael shot back. "I want to fight. I need to fight."
Lyra stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. "Kael, please. You're not invincible. None of us are. And if you're gone…" Her voice cracked, and she looked away. "Just… think about what you're risking."
Kael looked at her, his resolve wavering for a moment. Then he stepped back, his expression hardening once more. "I've already thought about it. And I've made my choice."
Aelina stared at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Kael… please. Don't do this."
"I'm sorry, Mother," Kael said quietly. "But I have to."
The room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Finally, Aelina turned away, her shoulders trembling slightly. "If you won't listen to reason, Kael… then I don't know what else to say."
Lyra hesitated, her gaze darting between Kael and Aelina. "Kael…" she began, but he shook his head.
"This is my decision," he said firmly. "And I'm not changing it."
Without another word, Aelina left the room, her footsteps echoing down the hall. Lyra lingered for a moment, her expression conflicted, before following her.
Kael stood alone, the glow of his veins pulsing faintly in the darkness. He clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. He knew what he had to do. No matter the cost.
Aelina walked briskly through the corridors, her mind racing with thoughts of her earlier conversation with Kael. She had hoped that her words, her reasoning, and her plea would sway him. But Kael had remained steadfast in his decision, a reflection of both his strength and his stubbornness. It was a trait he had inherited from his father, no doubt.
Aether was in his study again, pouring over maps and tactical projections with a furrowed brow. The dim lighting accentuated the deep lines of concern etched into his face. He didn't notice Aelina enter until she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"How did it go?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
"He won't back down," Aelina said softly, her voice tinged with both frustration and resignation. "I tried to reason with him, Aether. I tried to make him see that he doesn't need to be part of this fight, that his safety is what matters most. But he's so… determined."
Aether exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. "Of course, he is. He's my son, after all. But damn it, Aelina, why won't he listen? Doesn't he understand what's at stake?"
"He understands perfectly," Aelina replied, taking a seat across from him. "That's why he's so determined to be involved. He doesn't want to be a burden or a liability. He wants to contribute, to make a difference. And in his mind, sitting back while others fight for him isn't an option."
Aether rubbed his temples, a low growl of frustration escaping his throat. "He's too young for this, Aelina. He doesn't know what he's getting himself into. War… it changes people. It breaks them."
"And that's why he needs you, Aether," Aelina said gently. "Not to shield him from the fight, but to guide him through it. If we force him to sit back, he'll resent us for it. But if we support him—if we give him the tools he needs to survive—then at least we can protect him in our own way."
Aether stared at her for a long moment, his expression a mixture of conflict and pain. Finally, he nodded, though the movement was slow and reluctant. "You're right. As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. If Kael is going to be part of this, then we need to make sure he's prepared."
Aelina reached out, squeezing his hand. "Thank you, Aether. I know this isn't easy for you. It isn't easy for me either. But Kael… he's stronger than we think. He'll make it through this."
"I hope you're right," Aether muttered. He stood abruptly, his expression hardening with resolve. "I'll talk to him."
---
Kael was in the training hall, his movements fluid as he worked through a series of combat drills. His energy-reactive clothing glowed faintly with each motion, the faint hum of his veins adding a rhythmic undertone to the sound of his strikes. He was so focused that he didn't notice Aether's presence until his father spoke.
"Kael."
Kael froze mid-strike, turning to face Aether. His father's expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in his posture that Kael recognized all too well.
"Father," Kael said, lowering his training staff. "What is it?"
Aether stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Your mother told me about your conversation. She said you refused to sit this fight out."
Kael straightened, meeting his father's gaze without hesitation. "That's right. I won't stand by while others risk their lives for me. I have to be part of this, Father. I have to fight."
Aether's jaw tightened. "You're not ready, Kael. You're still young, inexperienced. War isn't just about strength or determination. It's about survival. And if you're not careful, it will consume you."
"I know the risks," Kael said firmly. "And I'm willing to face them. But I can't sit back and do nothing. I won't."
For a moment, Aether said nothing. Then he sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "You're as stubborn as I was at your age."
Kael frowned. "Does that mean…?"
"It means I won't stop you," Aether said reluctantly. "But there will be conditions. You'll be assigned a team of elite security operatives. They'll protect you at all costs, and you'll follow their instructions without question. Is that clear?"
Kael's expression darkened. "I don't need protection. I can take care of myself."
"This isn't up for debate," Aether said sharply. "If you want to be part of this fight, you'll do it on my terms. Otherwise, you stay here. Understood?"
Kael clenched his fists, his pride warring with his practicality. Finally, he nodded, though his expression remained tense. "Fine. I'll accept the security team. But don't expect me to hide behind them."
Aether's lips twitched into a faint, humorless smile. "I wouldn't dream of it. Just remember, Kael—this isn't just about you. It's about all of us. Don't let your pride get in the way of your survival."
Kael nodded again, his resolve unwavering. "I won't. I promise."
Aether studied him for a moment longer, then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Get some rest, Kael. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
As Aether left the training hall, Kael stood alone, his mind racing with thoughts of the battles to come. He had won this small victory, but he knew the real fight was only just beginning.