It had been a month.
Lucien—
no,
Kael—
had started to understand one thing.
This was not his world.
The rules were different.
The air felt different.
Even the people—
were different.
He didn't know much yet.
But he knew enough.
This wasn't Earth.
And this place…
was not safe.
Even as a newborn—
he could feel it.
Eyes.
Watching.
Not always.
Not clearly.
But enough.
Someone—
or something—
wanted him gone.
Kael didn't know why.
Didn't know who.
But he didn't ignore it.
So even here… it's the same.
A quiet thought passed through his mind.
Weak means disposable.
The door opened.
Selene Draven walked in.
Her presence softened the room instantly.
"There you are," she said gently, lifting him into her arms.
"Are you hungry?"
Her voice was warm.
Calm.
Kael didn't answer.
He couldn't.
But his body reacted.
She smiled faintly.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Time passed quietly.
After feeding him, Selene didn't leave.
Instead, she carried him outside.
The estate looked larger from this angle.
Stone walls.
Open space.
Guards posted at every corner.
Then—
steel clashed.
Kael's gaze shifted.
A training ground.
Knights.
Practicing.
Swords moved fast.
Precise.
Controlled.
Kael watched closely.
For the first time—
there was something in his eyes.
Interest.
The knights noticed.
"Good morning, Lady Selene."
They stopped briefly, bowing their heads.
"And the young master as well."
Kael made a small sound.
"Ba…"
It wasn't intentional.
But it was enough.
The tension in the air softened.
Some of the knights smiled faintly.
Selene let out a quiet breath.
"Continue your training," she said.
They obeyed immediately.
As she turned to leave—
Kael felt it again.
That gaze.
Cold.
Sharp.
Watching.
This time—
he was sure.
Someone is watching me.
His small eyes shifted slightly—
trying to trace it.
Nothing.
But the feeling didn't disappear.
Kael didn't react.
Didn't panic.
He simply… remembered.
Then his gaze moved back to Selene.
Her arms.
Warm.
Safe.
For now.
A thought formed—
clearer than before.
I couldn't save anyone before.
The image of the child—
flashed for a moment.
Then disappeared.
Kael's eyes hardened slightly.
But this time…
I won't fail.
Even if he had to become something else.
Even if he had to lose what little he had.
He would become strong.
No matter the cost.