After their discussion with Lucindra, Elara and Alaric remained seated in silence.
Lucindra's words echoed in Elara's mind. The thought of leaving her son one day—no matter the reason—tightened her chest. She knew leaving Lucien with Alaric's master would keep him safe, yet the idea of being separated from him until everything in Alaric's family was resolved terrified her.
If I leave my son… will I ever be able to see him again? she thought.
Alaric noticed the worry on her face and gently spoke.
Alaric:
"You seem troubled. I know this is difficult for you… it's difficult for me too. But this is the safest decision. We could run away, but they would keep hunting us until we're dead. I can't let that happen."
Elara:
"Of course I'm worried. I know returning to your family is the better option… but leaving our child behind hurts more than anything."
Alaric:
"I understand. Even I'm afraid. But leaving Lucien with my master is far safer than taking him back there with us."
Elara nodded slowly.
Elara:
"I trust you. You'll have to start training him soon… until he turns six."
Alaric:
"Yes. And I'll give him the magic item to change his hair color tonight."
Lucien, standing quietly near the door, had heard everything.
He felt uneasy—not because of danger, but because the situation felt painfully familiar. In his past life, his father had abandoned him and his mother. She died of illness when he was eighteen, forcing him to work alone just to survive.
It feels like history is repeating itself… he thought.
Elara:
"If Lucien grows strong… will he be able to come back to us?"
Alaric:
"Yes. When he's strong enough to protect himself—and you."
Elara smiled faintly, though worry still lingered.
Elara:
"Then start training him tomorrow… but don't be too harsh."
Alaric:
"I won't. I'll only make sure he's ready for my master's training."
Elara:
"When will you change his hair color?"
Alaric:
"Tonight. Tomorrow I'll take him to the field behind the house."
Elara:
"He'll be so happy to finally go outside."
Alaric:
"Should I go to his room… or will you?"
Elara:
"I will. I'll sleep with Lucien tonight. I want to spend this night with him."
Hearing that, Lucien quickly ran back to his bed. Moments later, Elara entered the room.
Elara:
"Lucien… are you already asleep?"
She smiled when she saw his eyes still open.
Elara:
"I thought so. I have a gift for you."
Lucien:
"Really? What is it, Mom?"
Elara took out a small earring that shimmered faintly.
Lucien stared at it.
An earring? So this is the magic item…
Lucien:
"Mom… what is that?"
Elara:
"It's a magic item that changes your hair color. It will keep you safe."
She gently placed it on his ear. The earring attached itself like a magnet, and Lucien's eyes glowed softly. In moments, his hair turned completely black.
Lucien:
"Wow… Mom, my hair was glowing!"
Elara:
"You look so handsome in black, my son."
Lucien touched his hair in disbelief. Elara hugged him tightly—and tears fell.
Elara:
"Lucien… promise me you'll grow strong. End all of this one day. That's the only way we can live peacefully."
Lucien felt his chest tighten. He hadn't felt this warmth, this love, in a long time.
Tears streamed down his face.
Lucien:
"I promise, Mom. I'll become strong. I'll protect you and Dad. I'll make you proud. I swear it."
Elara wiped her tears and smiled.
Elara:
"I'll sleep beside you tonight. I'm here."
Lucien cried until he finally fell asleep. Elara gently touched his face and smiled before closing her eyes beside him.
Outside the door, Alaric stood silently. His heart ached.
After a long moment, tears fell from his eyes. He turned away and returned to his room.
The Next Morning
Alaric entered Lucien's room early.
Alaric:
"Elara… wake up. Mother is leaving soon."
Elara slowly opened her eyes.
Elara:
"Alright. I'll get ready."
After preparing herself, she joined Alaric in the parlor. Lucindra was already prepared to leave.
Lucindra:
"Good morning. Where is Lucien?"
Elara:
"He's still asleep. Would you like to see him before you go, Mother?"
Lucindra:
"Yes. I want to see him one last time."
Alaric nodded and called the maid.
Alaric:
"Wake Lucien. He should see his grandmother."
Helena entered Lucien's room.
Helena:
"Young Master, your grandmother wishes to see you."
Lucien rubbed his eyes, memories of last night rushing back. His face turned red when he saw his mother again.
Lucindra:
"My dear grandson… did you sleep well?"
Lucien:
"Yes, Grandma."
Lucindra noticed his black hair and froze for a moment. Then she smiled warmly and hugged him.
Lucindra:
"You look so adorable… I wish things were different."
She held him tightly.
Lucindra:
"I love you, Lucien. More than you know."
Lucien:
"I'm going to miss you, Grandma."
She smiled through her pain and released him.
Lucindra:
"I'll miss you too. Grow strong."
She entered her carriage and departed.
As the carriage disappeared, Lucindra's heart ached. She knew Lucien's future would be harsh—but also extraordinary.
Alaric and Elara watched silently, praying for the day they would be together again.