Six months had passed since the Royale, and now the academy was alive with the buzz of the upcoming festivities. Students were packing their bags, eager to return home to their families. Through his dorm window, Sam watched them leave in groups, their laughter and excitement filling the air.

Behind him, Tushar was stuffing clothes into his bag, humming a tune to himself.

“Where are you headed again?” Sam asked, turning away from the window.

“Back to the Northern Planets,” Tushar replied with a grin. “My siblings are waiting for me there. I miss the cold—and the girls.” He winked.

Sam chuckled. “Yeah, have fun.”

Tushar slung his bag over his shoulder. “Wish I could take you with me, but, well… my parents said no. You know, because of your skin.” His voice trailed off, an awkward tension settling between them. Then he brightened up. “But hey, don’t worry! I’ll tell all the gorgeous girls about you.”

Sam smirked as Tushar walked out the door, but the moment his friend was gone, his expression faded. He sighed, lying back on his bed. A whole break with nothing to do, no one to talk to. He wanted this festival to be over already so he could return to life at the academy.

A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Hello?” A voice called from the other side.

Sam got up and opened the door to find Eislyn standing there, her arms crossed, looking nervisoly.

“What are you doing here?” Sam asked, surprised.

“I heard from the others that you have nowhere to go for the festival,” she said. “So, how about coming with me to the Eastern side of the galaxy?”

Sam blinked. “Are you serious? Are your parents okay with that?”

“I already asked my mom, and she’s fine with it,” Eislyn said matter-of-factly. “So, let’s get going.”

Sam hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to spend the festival with someone else's family, but the alternative was staying here alone. After a moment, he sighed in defeat.

“When are we leaving?” he asked.

“Right now,” she said, grabbing his wrist.

“Wait, I haven’t even packed yet.”

“Don’t worry about it,” she said with a smirk. “We can buy clothes when we get there.”

Before he could protest further, she tugged him out of the dorm room, leading him through the academy’s halls.

And just like that, Sam found himself being pulled into an unexpected adventure.

As they hopped onto the cosmic train, Sam and Eislyn found seats near the middle, settling into the cushioned benches. The hum of the train’s engine reverberated through the car, and the chatter of passengers filled the space.

“This car is so crowded,” Eislyn muttered, glancing around at the tightly packed rows of travelers.

“Yeah,” Sam agreed, though his voice was distant. He could feel the weight of numerous eyes on him—staring, judging. The sensation made his skin crawl. His hands clenched into fists on his lap as he kept his gaze low, avoiding the unfriendly glances being thrown his way.

Eislyn noticed his unease and frowned. “Are you okay, Sam?” she asked, her voice softer now.

“Yeah,” he replied quickly, though the tightness in his voice betrayed him.

Before Eislyn could press further, a conductor approached their seats, dressed in a sleek uniform with a metallic badge pinned to his chest. His eyes, however, were sharp and indifferent.

“Tickets, please,” the conductor said in a monotone voice.

“Here you go,” Eislyn said, pulling out two glowing tickets and handing them over.

The conductor took them, inspecting them briefly, but then his gaze shifted to Sam. His expression stiffened. “Excuse me, boy,” he said flatly. “Colorfolk must stay in the back of the train.”

Sam froze. His stomach twisted into knots. He’d been through this before, but the sting never lessened.

Eislyn’s eyes widened in shock. “What? But why? He’s with me,” she protested.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the conductor replied, not sounding sorry at all. “It’s just policy.”

Eislyn looked ready to argue, but before she could, Sam forced a small smile and stood up. “It’s fine, Eislyn. I’ll go.”

“But—”

“It’s fine,” he repeated, his voice quieter this time.

Eislyn watched as Sam turned away and walked down the narrow aisle. The weight of the stares returned, heavier than before. Some passengers whispered amongst themselves, not even bothering to lower their voices.

“Voidskin.”

“Why is one of them here?”

“Should’ve stayed where he belongs.”

The words sliced into him, but Sam kept his head high, his expression unreadable. This wasn’t the first time. It wouldn’t be the last.

Finally reaching the back, he slid into a seat by the window, exhaling a quiet breath as he stared out at the endless expanse of stars. He tried to lose himself in the view, to let the vastness of space swallow his frustration.

Then, to his surprise, Eislyn plopped down beside him.

Sam turned to her, confused. “Why?”

Eislyn crossed her arms and huffed. “You’re my friend. We’re supposed to be together.”

Sam stared at her for a moment before a small, genuine smile crept onto his face. He didn’t say anything, but for the first time since boarding the train, the weight on his chest felt a little lighter.

As time passed, the cosmic train finally arrived at their destination—the Eastern side of the galaxy. When Sam stepped off the train, the first thing he noticed was the golden hue of the sky, streaked with deep purples and blues. The towering buildings stretched high, shimmering in the warm light of the distant twin suns. It was a city of contrast, where sleek, futuristic designs blended seamlessly with the traditional, ornate structures that had stood for generations.

“Welcome to my home,” Eislyn said proudly, spreading her arms wide as she breathed in the familiar air.

Sam took it all in, his eyes moving from the neon-lit signs hovering in midair to the bustling streets filled with people of all shapes and sizes, their voices blending into a symphony of life. It was different from the academy, different from anywhere he had been before.

“Let’s get going,” Eislyn said, motioning for Sam to follow.

As they weaved through the crowded streets, the scenery shifted. The towering buildings gave way to a quieter neighborhood, where families sat outside, enjoying meals together. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, and children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing through the alleyways.

Sam found himself staring. There was something peaceful about this place. Something warm.

Eislyn smiled at the familiar sight. Then, suddenly—

“Big sis!”

A group of children rushed toward her, their faces lighting up with excitement.

Eislyn crouched down, arms wide open. “Nya, Oliva, Cyro—you three have gotten so big since the last time I saw you!”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The kids beamed at her, jumping up and down in excitement.

“Can you do the thing?” Nya asked, practically bouncing on her toes.

Eislyn smirked. “What thing?”

“The thing!” Cyro insisted.

“Pleeeease,” Oliva added, clasping her hands together.

Eislyn chuckled before snapping her fingers. Instantly, the children hovered a few inches off the ground, giggling as they floated weightlessly. Their laughter filled the air before Eislyn snapped her fingers again, and they gently landed back on their feet.

“That was awesome!” Nya cheered.

“Again! Again!” Cyro begged.

Eislyn playfully ruffled his hair. “Maybe later.”

Sam watched the scene unfold, feeling something unfamiliar stir in his chest. It wasn’t jealousy, nor was it sadness—it was something else entirely. He had never experienced something like this before. A place that felt… like home.

Eislyn turned back to him, her smile never fading. “Come on, Sam. You’re going to love it here.”

For the first time in a long while, Sam thought she might be right.

Eislyn and Sam walked into a tall, narrow building, its exterior lined with glowing blue sigils that pulsed gently against the night sky. They climbed the stairs, each step creaking slightly under their weight, until they reached the fifth floor.

Eislyn stopped in front of a wooden door with faint carvings of swirling patterns etched into its frame. She turned to Sam with a small grin. “Technically, this is my house,” she said before knocking twice.

“I’m home!” Eislyn called as she pushed the door open.

Inside, the space was filled with warmth and life. The scent of spices and freshly cooked food drifted through the air. Children ran through the halls, laughing and shouting, while elders sat on large cushioned seats, sipping from ornate glasses. At the center of it all was a long dining table, packed with people—her family.

The moment she stepped inside, a wave of cheers erupted.

“Welcome home, Eislyn!”

A woman stepped forward, wiping her hands on a cloth. “We saved you a spot,” she said with a smile.

“Thanks, Mom,” Eislyn replied, stepping further inside. Then, she gestured toward Sam. “And this is my friend, Sam.”

The energy in the room shifted instantly. The cheers and laughter quieted. Conversations died down.

Sam felt the weight of dozens of eyes turning to him. He stood frozen in place, his hands curling slightly at his sides as tension filled the air. He had felt this before—the pause, the staring, the uncertainty. He braced himself for what might come next.

Then, after what felt like forever—

“Well, give the man a plate,” a deep voice broke the silence.

Sam blinked in surprise as an older man stood up, gesturing for him to sit. Eislyn exhaled a breath she had been holding and mouthed, “Thanks, Dad.”

A moment later, the tension melted away, and the room returned to its usual liveliness. Sam hesitated before slowly taking a seat beside Eislyn, feeling a little more at ease.

“Do you want anything to drink, dear?” Eislyn’s mother asked, her voice warm but observant.

“Water, please,” Sam replied politely.

With a snap of her fingers, a small portal flickered open in the air beside her. From within, crystal-clear water flowed smoothly into a glass, filling it to the brim before the portal vanished. She handed the glass to Sam with a gentle smile.

Sam accepted it with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you," he said, taking a small sip.

Across the table, an elderly woman, her silver hair tied in an elaborate braid, studied him with sharp eyes. “So, Sam,” she began, “how do you know our Eislyn?”

Sam set his glass down, glancing at Eislyn before answering. “She wanted to join the team I was on with my friends. She’s been with us ever since.”

A snort came from the other side of the table. “I bet she begged,” an older man, likely Eislyn’s older brother, said with a smirk.

“Brother, be quiet,” Eislyn shot back, rolling her eyes.

The room erupted into light chuckles, and even Sam found himself smiling slightly.

"She always was stubborn," her mother said, shaking her head fondly. "Once she sets her mind on something, there's no changing it."

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Sam muttered, causing a few of the younger children to giggle.

One of the kids, a small girl with puffy hair and bright eyes, climbed onto the bench next to Sam and poked at his sleeve curiously. “Your skin is different,” she said bluntly.

A few of the adults tensed, waiting to see how Sam would react. Eislyn immediately looked ready to scold her brother, but Sam just glanced down at the little girl and nodded. “Yeah, it is,” he said, his voice calm.

She tilted her head. “Why?”

Sam hesitated. He had been asked this before—by strangers, by people who meant harm—but this time, it felt different. The girl wasn’t accusing him or mocking him. She was just… curious.

“It’s just how I was born,” he said simply. “Like how you have curly hair, and Eislyn has bright pink eyes.”

The little girl seemed to think about this before nodding in understanding. “Okay,” she said before returning to her plate of food, completely satisfied with his answer.

Eislyn’s mother smiled. “You handled that well.”

Sam shrugged. “I’ve had practice.”

The table fell into a comfortable rhythm after that. Plates were passed, stories were shared, and Sam, for the first time in a while, felt a sense of warmth in a home that wasn’t his own. It was unfamiliar—but not unwelcome.

As the meal went on, Eislyn leaned over to Sam. “See? I told you my family would be cool,” she whispered with a grin.

Sam glanced around the table, watching as Eislyn’s father playfully scolded one of the younger boys for trying to steal an extra dessert, while her grandmother shared a quiet laugh with one of the aunts.

For the first time since the festival break had started, Sam didn’t feel out of place.

“Yeah,” he admitted, a small smile forming on his lips. “You were right.”

As time passed, the lively energy at the dinner table began to settle. Eislyn’s father, a tall and imposing man with sharp eyes and a presence that demanded attention, leaned back in his chair before turning his gaze toward Sam.

“So, Sam,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with intrigue. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you from the Guardians.”

Sam tensed slightly, setting his utensils down. “Oh?”

Rock nodded, his smirk widening. “I heard you won the Royale.”

The air in the room shifted instantly. The lighthearted conversation faded, replaced by an almost electric tension. Some of the younger children paused mid-bite, sensing the change, while the adults exchanged knowing glances.

He’s going to do it, Eislyn’s mother thought, exhaling softly.

Sam, unaware of the deeper meaning behind the moment, tilted his head slightly. “This energy… are you a—”

Before he could finish, Rock interrupted, his smirk never wavering. “Yes, I’m a Theon.” He placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his knuckles, studying Sam like a hunter sizing up his prey. “Well, I used to be.”

The words alone carried weight. Theons were warriors, beings of immense strength and battle-hardened instincts. If Rock had once been one, then Sam was sitting across from a man whose power likely far surpassed his own.

“My name is Rock,” he continued. “And since you’re the big Royale winner, you wouldn’t mind if I tested you, would you?”

Sam blinked. “What do you me—”

Before he could finish, Rock disappeared from his seat in the blink of an eye.

In the next instant, he was directly in front of Sam, standing on the very table as if he had always been there. The plates and glasses rattled from the force of his movement.

Without warning, Rock threw a punch.

Sam’s instincts screamed at him—move!

He reacted instantly, twisting his body and catching Rock’s arm in mid-air. Using the momentum, he rolled off it, flipping backward. As he twisted midair, he swung his leg up, aiming a precise kick at Rock’s jaw.

The impact landed perfectly.

Yet, Rock didn’t even flinch.

“Nice,” Rock said, sounding genuinely amused.

Sam barely had time to land before Rock retaliated. This time, the speed was overwhelming.

A fist, faster than anything Sam had seen before, rocketed toward him.

He barely managed to cross his arms in front of his chest before the blow connected.

The force was monstrous.

The impact sent Sam flying backward like a bullet, slamming him into the far wall with a thunderous boom that shook the entire building. Cracks splintered across the wall behind him from the sheer force of the hit.

For a moment, silence.

Then, Sam’s body slumped forward.

Unconscious.

“Dad, you overdid it!” Eislyn shrieked, immediately rushing toward Sam. Her red eyes burned with frustration as she knelt beside him, checking for injuries.

“He’ll be fine,” Rock said, waving a hand dismissively. “Kid’s tougher than he looks.”

Eislyn shot her father a glare. “That doesn’t mean you knock him through a wall, you lunatic!”

“Put him in the guest room,” Eislyn’s mother said suddenly, her voice calm yet firm. Then, she turned her gaze toward Rock, her expression unreadable. “And you, dear, are going to have a long talk with me.”

Rock turned around quickly, straightening as if he had been called to attention. “…Yes, ma’am,” he said, his usual bravado faltering slightly under her stare.

Meanwhile, Eislyn sighed and shook her head before placing her hands over Sam’s limp body. A soft glow surrounded her fingertips as she used her gravity abilities to gently lift him into the air.

With controlled precision, she guided him toward the guest room, her mind still fuming over her father’s actions.

She laid Sam carefully on the bed, making sure he was comfortable before stepping back.

“Idiot,” she muttered under her breath, both at her father and at Sam for even trying to stand against him.

Still, as she watched Sam’s steady breathing, a small part of her was impressed. He had reacted almost instantly. He had fought back. Even if he hadn’t won, he had held his ground against a former Theon.

And that, she thought, meant something.

As Sam lay motionless on the bed, his chest rising and falling steadily, Eislyn pulled up a chair beside him, crossing her arms tightly. Her jaw clenched as she stared toward the door, still fuming.

"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath. Her father always had a habit of being aggressive, but this? This was ridiculous.

The door creaked open, and her mother, Leona, stepped inside. She carried an air of quiet authority, her movements graceful but deliberate. She glanced at Sam first, noting the bruising already forming along his arms before shifting her sharp gaze toward Eislyn.

"Your father has always been reckless, but this?" Leona sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "This was unnecessary."

Eislyn let out a bitter scoff, gripping the armrest of her chair. "Unnecessary? Mom, he knocked my friend unconscious. In our home. At the dinner table." She gestured toward Sam’s limp form. "He didn’t even hesitate!"

Leona walked closer, brushing a few strands of silver hair behind her ear as she examined Sam again. "Rock’s ways have always been… excessive," she admitted. "But you know how he is. He wanted to test the boy."

"Test him?" Eislyn shot up from her seat, frustration burning in her eyes. "This isn’t some battlefield. It’s a family dinner! Sam came here as my guest, and Dad treated him like an enemy."

Leona met her daughter's glare with a calm, steady look. "Your father isn’t just a former Theon, Eislyn. He’s a warrior, through and through. Strength matters to him. Testing someone’s power is his way of understanding them."

Eislyn’s hands curled into fists. "Understanding? That wasn’t a test, Mom, that was an ambush. Sam didn’t even see it coming."

Leona placed a gentle hand on Eislyn’s shoulder, her touch warm and grounding. "I’ll speak to him," she assured her daughter. "But for now, focus on your friend. He'll wake up soon."

Eislyn took a deep breath, her anger simmering but not fading. She looked back at Sam, still unconscious, his expression peaceful despite the events that led him here.

"Fine," she said quietly, sitting back down. "But he’s not getting away with this."

Leona gave a small, knowing smile before turning and walking out, leaving Eislyn alone with Sam.

She sighed, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. "You better wake up soon," she muttered. "Or I’m never bringing you anywhere again."