ALEXANDER KALLIS:

Following the zapping sound of mana releasing from the archmage’s staff, my vision distorted as we teleported from the outskirts of the forest all the way to the backside of the Kallis Manor.

Geron, my father’s friend, went to catch me as vibrations passed through us but looked surprised when he saw I was alright.

“Impressive.” Geron took a hard look at me. “Most people fall to the ground or even want to puke when they first teleport over greater distances. Some even become sick for weeks, which is why many avoid it even if it’s convenient.”

“I’m fine. Maybe a bit uncomfortable, but fine,” I reassured, taking a deep breath. “I can handle this much.”

“You’ve got a stronger stomach than your father. Should’ve seen him the first time he teleported.” Geron started cackling. “Everything he ate that morning left him right in front of King Edward and a few more of our friends. He swore never to teleport again after that.”

“Is that so?” I chuckled, unsure if I wanted to hear that.

Unlike Blink, a short-range teleportation spell, the spell Geron used felt different as we reached our destination. After experiencing it myself, I finally understood why Father always warned us not to use the old teleportation circle within the mage tower. However, after what happened, I wouldn’t mind enduring the discomfort if it guaranteed a safe trip to the Capital.

Noticing Geron smiling while I looked around made me wonder what kind of expression I was making.

Home.

I never imagined I’d feel nervous looking at it as my excitement became overwhelming. No matter how I looked at it, nothing seemed to change.

Father always made sure everything was as it should be, going as far as renovating every year during summer. He even went as far as getting my brother and me to help out so we wouldn’t become spoiled and incapable nobles who couldn’t help but depend on others. He respected those who had a trade in their hands, claiming that a man should be ready for anything.

“So. . . Think you could finally tell me why we didn’t just teleport us here straight from Thysa?” My ability to keep curiosity in check had reached its limit, having been piqued ever since Elwyn came to my room unexpectedly to inform me that my father’s friend would wait by the gate disguised as an elf.

“An unknown archmage staying in Thysa, let alone a human, would cause unrest.”

“I see. . . Makes sense, I guess.”

Even though I was left with a vague explanation that sounded more like an excuse, there was no reason to pry further if Elwyn and Father wished to keep it a secret. While respecting their decision, my only concern was if everything was alright as I left.

“May I ask you a question, Alexander?”

“Of course?” My eyebrow shifted upward as I wondered why he bothered asking for permission in the first place.

“How was the curse afflicting you removed?”

“You can tell?” I was honestly surprised.

“I wouldn’t be considered an archmage if I couldn’t even tell you had a mana core formed around your heart.”

“Then that mean Father will also know as soon as he sees me.” I hummed, dropping my gaze.

“Were you perhaps looking to surprise him?”

“I hoped so, but I guess there’s nothing I can do about it.” I sighed as my shoulders dropped.

“I could help you if you’d like.” Geron certainly knew how to draw my attention. “Though it would hide your core for a few hours at best, similar to how an invisibility spell would work.”

“Will it work?” I asked, thinking it sounded similar to Queen Sylphena’s gift, with a vastly shorter duration.

“I wouldn’t have mentioned it if it didn’t.” He chuckled, grabbing my shoulder. “He won’t see it coming. Besides, even I was surprised when I first felt mana emitting from you.”

“Is my curse truly famous enough for it to have reached an archmage’s ear?” I asked, realizing right after that I had overlooked the obvious. “Ah. . . Guess it makes sense, seeing as you’re friends with my father. Hearing about it isn’t–”

“Hearing about it?” He interrupted, shaking his head in disbelief. “Guess you were too young to remember, but I was one of the first people that tried dispelling it, which is why I’m so curious. So? What do you think? You tell me how, and I’ll cast Concealment on you.”

“You know I’d tell you anyway, right?” I asked, rubbing the back of my neck before cracking it left and right. There was no reason to keep secrets about my awakening since he was already aware, but I still planned to avoid mentioning my second core. “It turned out not to be a curse but a seal that prevented me from accessing my mana core. It’s hard to explain, so I must ask if it’s alright with you to leave the explanation for later. Maybe when we talk to my father, perhaps? Saves me the trouble of telling the story twice, and I’m eager to see my family.”

“I understand, but consider my interest piqued.” Geron lifted his staff slightly above the ground before gently tapping it back down, unleashing a gust of mana that engulfed me. “Concealment.”

Absorbing the spell, I immediately knew the difference between it and Sylphena’s gift, giving me a better understanding of just how amazing her magic was.

“Thank you. Mind if we head inside? I can’t wait to see them.” My expression softened as I looked to the ground with a smile on my face.

“By all means.” He gestured forward.

Every step I took made my stomach turn as I had no idea what to expect. While I knew my family would be glad to see me, I wasn’t sure how to act around them. Alice was right. Overthinking was going to be the end of me.

Walking around the corner, we heard children laughing; however, it suddenly stopped when Ellie laid her eyes on me for the first time in over half a year. Her round teal eyes flooded with tears and her lower lip trembled before she charged toward me, nearly tripping over her feet as she desperately tried to yell my name but found her voice gone.

“Ellie. . .” Feeling overwhelmed, barely able to utter her name, I ran to meet her halfway, dropping to one knee while struggling to hold back tears. Her small body collapsed into me as she nestled in my arms, crying as I held her tight and kissed her temple. “I’ve missed you so much. . .”

“Y–you. . . you’re–” Ellie tried her best to speak, but her stuttering words got muffled as she sobbed, yet still I understood what she tried to say as she tugged on the linen tunic I wore. “B–back. . .”

“Just like I promised,” whispering as I cradled her.

Despite knowing that seeing Ellie would be hard, I never imagined my heart would ache so much as I felt her whimper. Barely managing to keep my composure, my confidence dwindled at the thought of meeting the others, knowing it was only a matter of time before I broke down.

Immersed in holding my sister again, I forgot she wasn’t alone. Only when I heard their whispers did I look up and see two children around Ellie’s age standing next to our head maid. Based on appearance, my guess was they were twins.

“Let’s wait inside,” the red-haired girl tugged on her brother’s arm, trying to drag him away.

“Hey. Haven’t seen you before, have I?” I called out to them, taking a deep breath to prevent my voice from trembling. They stopped, and the girl shyly averted her gaze, probably thinking they were in our way. Greeting them with a smile, I turned to Ellie and said, “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?”

She snorted and broke away from the hug, rubbing her eyes before looking up, dazzling me with her winsome smile.

“They’re family.” The way she said it with so much confidence took me by surprise, making me think I was being stupid and overlooking something obvious.

“Family?” I tilted my head in confusion, unable to stop smiling. “I’ve been gone for six. . . no seven months? Just how much changed?”

Seeing her puffy eyes and burning cheeks, I brushed her tears away with my thumb, a part of me feeling guilty that I found her so adorable.

“No, silly.” Ellie giggled for the first time, grabbing my hand and turning to the twins. “He’s Damon, and she is Sheila. They’re staying at our house. Oh! And there’s Rose, but she’s with Penelope.”

“I see.” Turning to the twins, I waved with my free hand and said, “Thank you for looking out for her while I was gone. My name is Alexander, but feel free to call me Alex.”

Despite getting them to smile, I noticed Sheila hiding behind her brother.

“You don’t have to be shy,” Ellie said, letting go of my hand.

She was cute, acting confident around them as if she were any different, especially when remembering how it was when she was younger.

“Admit it. What mean things did you tell them about me?”

“Nothing!” She looked upset. “I’d never–”

My chuckle interrupted her as I patted her head. “I know. I’m just joking.”

“Don’t be fooled, Young Lord. They’re timid at first, but as soon as you get to know them, they become untamable,” said the head maid with a sweet smile.

“No, we’re not!” Damon protested but immediately lowered his voice after realizing he had yelled in front of me.

“See?” She chuckled.

Natalie was a young woman that served our family for the past nine years, and despite that, she never altered her appearance. She always wore her uniform while her silky brunette hair barely went past the shoulder, with bangs that sometimes covered her oak-brown eyes.

“Is that so?” I jokingly asked, looking at the twins. “Good. This house could use a bit of livening up.”

My comment inspired laughter in everyone, and I could tell Sheila was slowly warming up to me as Ellie ran over to her side. However, one look at them was enough to tell they’d been through a lot, just like me. While acting carefree, the twins never dropped their cautious gaze.

Knowing I had to approach first, I slowly walked over and crouched down.

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“Let’s get along, okay?” I reached with my hands, patting their heads after noticing they weren’t opposed to the idea. Their giggles at the first sign of affection made me believe they agreed. “Now, shall we go see the others?”

Standing up, I picked up Ellie and began heading for the entrance, happy that despite her being almost ten, she still loved being carried.

“It’s good to have you back, Young Lord,” Natalie whispered.

“Thanks. It’s good to be back, Natalie.” I sighed, repeating with a soft smile, “It’s good to be back.”

When we reached the front door, Ellie tapped me on the shoulder, wanting me to lower her before we entered.

She giggled, pulling on my sleeve. “You’re so strong.”

“And you’ve grown taller.” I pinched her cheek.

“By this much!” She put her hand slightly above her nose, which was cute, but way off. “And I’ll grow even taller.”

“Just like big sister?”

“Taller!” She giggled again, putting her hands behind her back while coyly smiling.

“Taller?!” I acted surprised. “Does that mean you’ll be taller than me?”

“Maybe. . .”

“There’s no way. . .” Damon mumbled, but his sister elbowed him immediately.

Ellie gazed back at Damon, squinting her eyes and crossing her arms.

“Don’t worry, Ellie. What does he know?” Sheila sided with her.

Damon rolled his eyes, patiently waiting for me to open the door, and without further delay, I happily obliged.

The sweet smell of home hit me as soon as we entered. So much time had passed, yet everything was still the same.

“Alex!” Before I could even look around, a familiar voice shook my whole being as my mother’s voice reached me from upstairs.

My eyes never searched faster.

There she was, standing beside her husband, wearing a gorgeous golden dress. Her love for lighter colors, be it clothing or painting, never changed.

“Mom. . .” For a second I forgot to breathe as I watched her run downstairs.

“Isabella, don’t run–” Father tried reaching for her but stopped himself, following up with a sigh of relief when she reached the bottom.

“Son!” My body failed to move as she embraced me so tightly that it made it difficult to breathe. “You’re home. . .”

“Mom. . .” I mumbled again, wrapping my arms around her and burying my face just above her chest. “I– I’ve missed you so much. . .”

It was hard to speak, but I enjoyed every second.

“You’re home,” she whispered as her body trembled. “You’re home. . .”

Even my breath whimpered as I had so many things I wished to tell her, yet my mind went blank after feeling her warmth again. It felt strange, almost as if I was a kid again.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled under my breath, feeling guilty that I had disappeared without a word and for staying so long away from home by choice. “I’m sorry it took so long to return.”

“It’s okay.” Mother pulled away, cupping my face with both hands while looking up as I’d outgrown her long ago. All teared up, she leaned in, pulling me closer to kiss my forehead, whispering, “I’m so proud of you.”

Who knew those were the words that would finally get through to me? Words that would cause me to break down in tears in front of everyone as my mother held me. No matter how many times I thought to myself, it was hard to believe I was home.

Time felt as if it froze, and all my worries got washed away. Nothing mattered anymore now that I got to see them again. They were safe, just as I was told.

After breaking away, I looked around and asked, “Where’s Penelope?”

“She was anxious to see you, and since we didn’t know when you’d be arriving, I sent her out to get something for me. She’ll be back soon,” Father explained, placing a hand on my shoulder and gripping it firmly. “Good to have you back, Son.”

I nodded, thinking how many times I’d heard those words already.

“You don’t want to hug him, Daddy?” Ellie asked, confused as to why we all began laughing.

“You’re right,” he said, surprising me with a hug and a light tap on the back. Even I don’t remember the last time he hugged me, so it was a bit awkward yet touching at the same time. He broke away moments later, clearing his throat. “I’m sure we all have lots to say, but let’s give Alexander some space and let him readjust.”

“Your father’s right,” Mother said, patting my head as if I were still a child. “Go wash up and rest while I make sure lunch is ready.” She turned to the head maid. “Oh, and Natalie. . .”

“Yes, My Lady?”

“Could you be a dear and help Elena change into something new.” She looked at Ellie’s muddy shoes and clothes.

“Of course.” Natalie turned to my sister, asking for her hand. “Shall we go get you into something new?”

“But I want to be with Alex,” Ellie protested, averting her gaze.

“The sooner you’re done, the sooner you can come to my room and we can hang out,” I said, giving her a wink.

“Will you tell me stories?” Ellie’s gleaming eyes traced back to me.

“Loads.”

“Yay!” She yelled, taking Natalie’s hand and leading her toward the bedroom. “Come! We have to hurry.”

“Right behind you,” she chuckled, following along with the twins sticking close behind.

Chuckling, I turned back to Mother and Father. “Then I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.”

“We’ll call you once lunch is ready,” Mother said with a welcoming smile as she stared into my eyes again, rubbing my cheek. “You’re all grown up.”

“Yeah. . .” I whispered, letting out a sigh through a smile.

----------------------------------------

Walking around my room, I traced my fingers across the furniture, taking in my surroundings. Other than being cleaner than when I left, everything remained untouched, and even the books Penelope borrowed were still missing.

So many memories came flooding back while looking out the window, making me realize how even though the room hadn’t changed, the person looking outside wasn’t the same anymore. The fantasy of becoming someone who could wield magic like my siblings and explore the world wasn’t just a dream anymore.

“To think I was in Thysa just moments ago. . .” I mumbled to myself, having Alice on my mind before a sudden knock interrupted. “That was quick. . .”

Thinking food was ready, I walked over and opened up, only to be met by gleaming sapphire eyes and trembling lips. Without saying a word, Penelope stepped forward and collapsed into my arms, almost tackling me to the ground. Although I didn’t remember ever hugging her like that, it strangely felt familiar and comforting.

Too focused on our embrace, I forgot to say anything and kept my eyes shut, holding her head gently until I heard her whimpering voice.

“I’m so sorry. . .” Penelope spoke into my chest, on the cusp of tears. ”S–sor. . .”

“Huh? Woah. Hold up.” Pulling away just enough so I could see her eyes, I noticed she was desperately trying to look away. “Why are you apologizing? Did you burn my books or something?”

Maybe it was a poorly timed joke, but I was in shock hearing her. Realizing she wouldn’t look me in the eyes, I pulled her back in, holding her gently.

“For being so horrible, and for aband–”

“Stop, stop. . . stop,” I repeated hastily, tightening my hold over her. “It was my choice to stay behind and make sure you’re all safe. Please don’t blame yourself.”

“But before that–”

“Penelope. . .” I cut her off with a soft-spoken voice, daring to kiss her head, something I’d never done before. It was instinctive more than a conscious decision. “I’m just happy to see you again. And whatever you think you need to apologize for, just forget about it. Everything’s fine. I promise.”

Hearing her out would’ve likely been a better option, allowing her to get everything off her chest, but for some reason, I felt as if things would change between us forever had I listened. Seeing her hugging me and showing she cared was more than enough already. Luckily, she didn’t protest, nodding and slowly breaking away from the hug, embarrassed as she gazed into my eyes with a charming smile, still teary.

“Thank you for keeping your promise.” Penelope bit her trembling lip, silencing her quiet voice.

“You know, it’s okay to cry if you want,” I reassured her, a bit hypocritical of me.

“I know. But I. . .” She paused, reaching for my hair but stopping halfway. Noticing her hesitance, I caught her hand end pulled it closer, showing her it was okay. Penelope followed my lead, cupping the side of my face. “I wanted to smile. . .”

“You can hug me too.” It was meant to be just a light tease, never expecting her to take me up on my offer, but she didn’t hesitate to jump into me again. “Wow. . . Two in one day, I should disappear more often.”

I laughed but immediately regretted making such a tasteless joke after feeling her grip tighten around me.

Hiding her face, she refused to loosen up her hold over me as her gentle voice whispered, “If I hug you more, will you promise never to disappear again?”

Taking a deep breath, my hand slowly reached for her back, caressing her gently as we held each other for a bit longer.

“Deal.” I smiled, feeling her head nod. We stayed like that for a bit before I finally broke away again. “Hey, Penelope? Before I forget.”

She looked confused as I stepped away from her, her hands instinctively reaching to grab hold of me again, but she managed to stop herself. While I wasn’t looking to distance myself, I had a gift that I wanted to give her tucked away in my backpack.

“Is there something you’re looking for?” Penelope wiped her teary eyes while having my back turned, not knowing I could sense her.

“Don’t think I forgot.” I proudly pulled out the box before turning back to her. “This is for you.”

Taking the box into her hands, she asked, “What is it?”

“Why don’t you open it?”

My eyes were glued to her face, looking forward to her reaction. It did not disappoint as she couldn’t help but gasp as soon as the box opened.

“Alex. . .” She covered her mouth with her left hand, holding the box with her right.

It was cute seeing her speechless at the sight of the necklace.

“Happy birthday, Penelope. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the party.”

“I–it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” She looked back at me, mumbling into her palm before lowering it. “But I didn’t get you anything.”

“Seeing you again is gift enough.” I smiled, caught off guard by yet another shorter hug.

“Thank you,” she said, taking a step back as her eyes dropped to the necklace again.

“Mind if I put it on for you?”

“Hold on. . .” She handed me the box before reaching for the necklace she already wore, pulling out the silly figurine I’d given her. While holding it in one hand, she gathered her hair and held it in place. “Okay. You can put it on now.”

“You’ve made that into a necklace?” I awkwardly chuckled, feeling embarrassed she wore something like that publicly.

Gripping it firmly with a smile on her face before turning around, she whispered, “It’s a priceless treasure.”

Somehow I felt as if I finally understood the embarrassment Queen Sylphena felt when she gave her husband the robe she sewed.

“Well. . . I’m glad it kept you safe.” I sighed, smirking as I locked the necklace around her neck. “There we go.”

Taking a step back, I watched as she turned around, leaving me mesmerized by how perfectly it matched her. Words couldn’t express how thankful I was to Alice for picking it out. She truly had an eye for jewelry.

“How did you get your hands on this?” She must have realized how expensive it would’ve been.

“Ah. . . Well, I had a little help.” I chuckled, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “You see, this was a gift given to you by Alice and– Well. . . The Royal Family of Thysa. The Princess was the one who helped pick out your gift based on the vague description I gave when telling her what I planned to get you.”

“This. . . was a gift from the Princess?” Penelope looked down at the necklace.

“Yeah. I hope it doesn’t ruin it now that you know it wasn’t me who necessarily picked it. Though it was just like I imagined, if not better.” I awkwardly rubbed my neck.

“What? No. . .” She chuckled, sitting down next to me. “I was just worried as to how I could thank them. Do I send them a letter? Is that inappropriate? Would they even read it? Maybe I should ask–”

“Relax.” I began laughing, shaking my head as she rambled. “You don’t need to do anything, but if you still wish to thank Alice, you’ll meet her at the Academy.”

“Guessing she’s our age if she wasn’t at the Academy during your stay there.”

“Yeah, and trust me. There’s a lot I have to tell you.”

Ellie stormed the room without a care in the world.

“Alex. Mom said lunch is ready!” Ellie yelled but suddenly went quiet when she laid eyes on Penelope next to me, running up and leaping into our arms.

“Hey. . . Took you longer than expected,” I said, honestly believing she’d annoy Natalie until she let her go.

“Natalie made me take a bath.” She pouted, pulling Penelope uncomfortably by her neck.

“M–maybe. . . we should–” Penelope struggled to break away, taking a deep breath as soon as she could. “L–let’s go downstairs. Parents are waiting for us.”

“Right.” I chuckled, grabbing Ellie and freeing Penelope as I lifted her up again. “Let’s go.”

While I didn’t want to say it again out loud, it felt good to be back.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.