I could see Tessron's face fill with relief, devoid of the previous anger. He rushed forward to envelop both of us in a hug. He let out a huge sigh of relief and crushed us harder.
"Finally, he came to his senses and released you two," he said, shakily.
How did he decide that? That is the only logical possibility.
Dumont came forth to examine us, calling for a doctor.
"Why are you so injured? Who is that behind you two?" he asked suspiciously.
"What did that bastard do?" Tessron fumed.
Arxia and I looked at each other and told them our rehearsed narrative of how we tried to run, I got injured badly, and somehow, the Phoenix appeared like a savior to save us.
"So, she bonded with Viktor after seeing his destiny," Arxia finished dramatically, while I nodded frantically.
Nyx flipped her hair and gave them a haughty smile.
Tessron and Dumont gave in with a sigh.
THANK YOU!
"We have to throw you a birthday party and announce your presence to the world," Tessron said, looking determined.
Please let me be!
"Invite all the Elites and even Ultra-Elites," he smirked.
Yeah, that makes me SO happy!
"You know what? I will personally invite that brat Aurelian to show him how long his victory lasts." He laughed.
NO! He is sketching the next disaster in HD.
"NO," I yelled.
"What happened, little one?" Tessron looked at me with concern.
"I... I don't think that's a good idea, Father. Why don't we have a small gathering?" I said, fiddling with my collar.
Tessron flinched, looked at me, blinking.
"You are more articulate!" he said, his voice laced with surprise.
"Uh... Divine revelation," I said, pointing to Nyx.
Dumont let out a surprised gasp. Such a drama queen!
Nyx looked startled, but composed herself and looked away, letting out a 'Tch'.
She twitched, her blue feathers covered with light wisps.
"This is divine felony, you heretic," she snarked through our aura bond.
"Be my guest, explain everything then!" I bit back.
She turned away from me, looking annoyed.
I heard footsteps rushing toward me. I turned just to be locked in an embrace by Valeria this time. She looked emotionless, but her eyes were glazed. It must have hit her hard to lose her brother and Arxia at the same time.
"Y'alright, sis," I said awkwardly as I patted her back.
"I am FINE!" She let go of me abruptly and went to hug Arxia.
Viktor has one emotional family! Here I am enjoying all the love, taking his place. In my defense, I didn't ask for this!
Valeria didn't say anything, but the way her eyes lingered... it was like she knew more than she let on.
The day went by. Multiple doctors came to run tests on me, and they found nothing but wounds and some shock about my pathetic aura levels.
I finally went to my room; this time around, it didn't take five years to break out. I felt more powerful. I threw myself on the bed, stared at the ceiling, praying for peace—at least for a while.
Now that I know what I know, I kinda pity real Viktor. Imagine going through all this as a real kid.
"Young master, you have to take your etiquette lessons and get a new suit fitted for your birthday celebration," my personal maid, Eri, said the first thing after I woke up.
Good morning, I guess.
Peace was nice while it lasted.
I was dragged around the entire day from one class to another. I nailed everything on the very first try. I mean, it's not actually my first time. But did I give all the credit to divine revelations? Duh.
Much to Nyx's dismay, might I add.
Nyx is enjoying her time at the mansion, being treated like royalty. Dumont personally took her around to buy whatever she wanted. I don't feel like I'm the favorite grandkid anymore!
At least, she takes all the attention away from me.
I finished my final dance lesson and made my way to the main building through the garden.
"Well, someone looks fine." I jumped, hearing a girl's voice.
I turned to see it was Mirna, with her arms crossed, looking annoyed.
"Mirna? What are you doing here?" I blinked, surprised.
"You got kidnapped again!" she huffed.
Wait, how am I responsible for that?
"Huh? Did you reunite with your mum?" I tilted my head. I remembered the same girl being led by a guard to meet her mum the day we returned. The only difference? She had been much more timid back then.
"I did. She is working here now, in the kitchen," she replied, playing with her braids.
"How are you? I heard you were injured badly!" she asked, looking concerned.
Why is she so worried? Then again, she's an actual kid. Her attachment to Viktor makes sense.
"I am fine. You live here?" I asked, leading her towards the main building.
"Yep, we have a small cottage nearby," she replied with a grin.
We parted ways after exchanging a few more words and promises to play together. It was nice seeing her after a long time.
The celebration arrived before I'd even fully recovered.
I was woken up early, briefed about all the attendees, and dragged into a bath that lasted an eternity. By the time I got ready, it was already evening.
I looked at the mirror, and my six-year-old self looked good in a suit. It felt like I was born for this. Viktor probably was. I still felt like a fraud in his skin.
"Ready to go, little one?" Tessron greeted me near the balcony entrance. He wore a full black suit, and his black hair was pushed back.
I nodded, trying to control my nerves.
He opened the balcony door. I saw hundreds of people waiting with curiosity in their eyes. It was glittery, with lights illuminating the garden and the big pool. The Phoenix fountain was lit up blue.
That is some foreshadowing.
Dumont stood on the balcony, took his champagne flute, and gave it a few taps before speaking. "I welcome you all to this happy celebration. I want to introduce an important member of our family—my youngest grandson, Viktor Eryndale Voltaries."
I was pushed further toward the crowd. The chatter started, and cameras flashed. I tried to remain calm and smile. I could feel my smile shake.
Tessron rested a firm hand on my shoulder. It was more grounding than I expected.
Dumont clicked his flute again. "He is the next heir to the Voltaries family," he announced loudly, low-key challenging anyone to speak.