Alex was asleep as Melina watched over him, but soon he started talking in his sleep, and the inscriptions on his arm began glowing a bright red. Panic filled Melina as she rushed to wake him up. "Alex! Alex! Wake up!" As he opened his eyes, they gleamed red, and his voice came out in a deep, layered tone, multiple voices speaking at once. Terrified, Melina took a step back, her voice trembling. "Alex, are you there? Is everything okay?" Alex, still sitting on the bed, turned to her and spoke with authority, "Melina! Melina! I am Ogun, the god of war and iron. Do not worry about the markings on Alex's arm; they mark him as my vessel. I shall work through him, he shall wield my power, and he shall protect what needs to be protected." Moments later, Alex awoke fully from the trance, only to find his mother looking at him in fear. Concerned, he asked, "Mum, is everything okay?" She quickly pulled him into a hug and reassured him. "Yes, son. Did you sleep well?" "Yes, Mum, I did," he responded with a smile. She told him to fetch his meal from the kitchen, promising to join him soon, but her thoughts remained troubled. She needed more answers about Alex, but it was too soon to return to Bellingham, and she couldn't go alone.
Meanwhile, in Jonathan's home, Queen Fiona stirred awake, holding her head as Jonathan observed her. "Good, you're awake. How did you sleep? You've been away from the palace too long—it's risky. How are your memories coming along?" Still dazed, she asked, "How long have I been out?" Jonathan replied, "Over two hours, I presume." She exhaled deeply. "I remember now… though in flashes. But I remember the happiest day of my life," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "I didn't even get a chance to name him." Jonathan gave her a sad smile. "It's good that you remember. I hope you remember everything. And I'm sorry… but I'm sure he will return." Fiona wiped her tears and thanked Jonathan before preparing to leave. "It will take time, but I will remember it all." He escorted her out of the village, watching as her carriage disappeared in the distance, whispering to himself, "I hope she remembers everything… Fiona...My love."
Back in Melina's home, Alex stared at the inscriptions on his arm while eating, his mind restless. "Mum, is something wrong with me?" he asked hesitantly. Melina looked at him and quickly reassured him. "What do you mean? Of course not, son. Don't talk like that." But Alex wasn't convinced. "Then why do I have these markings? Why do they keep growing day by day?" Seeing the worry in his eyes, Melina softened her tone. "Don't worry, Alex. It's a gift to you from the gods." Alex's eyes widened. "The gods? What gods? And what does it mean?" Melina sighed. "As you grow, you will understand." Then, trying to change the subject, she suggested, "Alex, would you like to come with me to town tomorrow?" He looked at her in shock. "Really? Are you sure? I worried you last time." She smiled at him. "It will be fine. This time, you'll be close to me." But in her heart, she knew she had to keep him close—his behavior was becoming unpredictable. She thought about leaving him with Phoebe but doubted Phoebe could handle him if things got out of control. Alex noticed her worried face and asked, "Mum, are you afraid of me?" She hesitated before shaking her head. "Of course not, my child. I am your mother, and I love you. Sooner or later, we will have answers, but fear is not one of them." He didn't look convinced but hugged her tightly. "I love you too, Mum. Thank you."
As they were about to leave for town, Phoebe approached them. "Off to town already?" she asked, eyeing Melina curiously. Melina quickly tried to hide Alex's arms to avoid Phoebe's questions. "Oh, hi, Phoebe. Yes, we're heading out," she responded. Phoebe smiled. "Alex is a big boy now. He can move around more." Melina forced a smile. "Yes, he is. Alex, say hello." "Good day, ma'am," Alex greeted politely. "How are you doing, Alex? Take care of your mum, okay?" Alex grinned. "Yes, ma'am." Melina worried—had Phoebe noticed Alex's markings? *I don't want to lie to her. She's my friend.* As they walked away, Phoebe caught the troubled expression on Melina's face and called after her. "Melina, is something wrong?" Melina turned to Alex. "Wait here a moment," she told him, before pulling Phoebe aside. "It's Alex. There's a lot you don't know about me, and it's becoming too much for me to handle." Phoebe's face filled with concern. "Alex? What about him? Is something wrong?" Melina hesitated. "It's complicated. I'll explain everything when I return, but for now, I need him by my side." Phoebe, now more anxious, nodded. "Alright, but I expect answers. I don't see anything wrong with Alex… or is there?" Melina sighed. "I'll explain later. Thank you, and say hi to your husband." She rejoined Alex, holding his hand as they left. Phoebe watched them go, wondering, *What is she so worried about? Is Alex giving her trouble?*
At the palace, one of the maidens rushed to Queen Fiona. "Ma'am, you took longer than expected. The king asked about your whereabouts several times, and I ran out of excuses." Fiona dismissed her concerns. "Don't worry. I'll handle it." As she entered the king's chamber, she barely spoke before he cut her off angrily. "Where have you been?" His voice was cold, his gaze piercing. "Queen Fiona, where have you been? I won't ask again." She stepped back, fear creeping into her voice. "I… I just went out for a bit. I didn't think I'd be gone long—" "And who gave you permission? Where exactly did you go?" he demanded, stepping closer. Fiona swallowed hard. "I-I just needed fresh air. I was tired of staying in one place. I'm sorry, Your Majesty. It won't happen again." She bowed her head, trembling. The king glared at her. "Leave immediately. And you are forbidden from ever leaving this palace again." Fear gripped her as she nodded. "Y-yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave." As she walked away, she ran into Queen Stephie and the other queens.
Stephie smirked. "How foolish of you to anger the king, especially now. You're lucky he only noticed your absence late." But Fiona only smiled knowingly. "It was worth it. Now I know what I'm dealing with. Good luck to you—I hope you won't be caught in the approaching storm." The other queens exchanged confused glances. "And what is that supposed to mean, Queen Fiona?" Stephie asked. Fiona ignored them and walked away, her thoughts racing. *So much is happening, yet so little is known. I refuse to be dragged down with the king for the mess he has created. I must find a way to escape… somehow, maybe I will go search for my son*.