A month had passed since Ryker's birth, and the Phoenix domain had become more vigilant than ever. Maids hurried through the estate, while guards patrolled every inch of the grand halls, their eyes scanning for any sign of disturbance. The heightened security was necessary—spies from the Cerauno Clan had been discovered near the estate. The chaos caused during Ryker's birth had provided a rare opening, allowing them to infiltrate closer than ever before—fifty meters from the heart of the estate.
The lord of the Phoenix Clan, Aiden Phoenix, had been livid when he learned of this. His fury had shaken the very walls of the estate as he cursed the Cerauno Clan for ten minutes straight. His voice boomed like a raging inferno, carrying across the entire domain.
"Bastards! Do they think I don't know their tricks?! Those wretched lightning fanatics! Next time I catch one of their dogs, I'll roast them so thoroughly even their ancestors will feel it!"
Guards and lower-ranked clan members who rarely interacted with the main family were dumbfounded.
"Is that really the lord?" one guard whispered in shock.
Shaking his head, the other guard replied, "Even when it comes to cursing, I feel we are far inferior to the skills the lord has exhibited." Looking up to the heavens, he sighed, "Must the heavens give all talents to the lords? I had thought that at least vulgarity should be left to people of our ilk, so that at least we can anger our enemies to death with our mouths. But it seems that even in that field, we are outmatched." The other guard, who had just asked the question, turned to face his friend. "Oi, if the members of the main clan should hear you, you will be punished severely, and so will I." But this time, the guard just shook his head, not responding.
Inside the main estate, within the private quarters, Aiden, Lila, Zelda, and Amara watched over baby Ryker, who was happily crawling across an ornate carpet. Every so often, he lifted his tiny head to ensure his family was still watching before continuing his game, giggling to himself.
Lila had hardly left his side since recovering from childbirth. No matter how Aiden tried to convince her to rest more or let the caretakers assist, she would simply narrow her golden eyes at him, a silent promise of trouble should he persist. Aiden, as powerful as he was, knew better than to challenge his wife when she made up her mind.
"You're hovering over him again," Aiden finally muttered, watching as Lila adjusted the blankets around Ryker for the third time.
She turned to him with a soft smile but said nothing. Instead, she carefully picked Ryker up and carried him to bed. She lay beside him, gently running her fingers through his soft crimson hair. Even in sleep, he seemed to recognize his mother's warmth, instinctively shifting closer to her.
Aiden sighed. "You love our son more than you love me, don't you?"
Lila finally met his gaze, amusement dancing in her golden eyes. "Of course, darling. But don't worry. You're a close second."
Aiden could only chuckle, shaking his head in defeat.
Six months later, Ryker had already grown at an astonishing rate. He was taller than most infants his age, could walk steadily, and spoke fluently. The servants and caretakers often whispered about his intelligence, calling him a genius even among the Phoenix Clan.
Today, however, was not just any day. It was the day of Zander Phoenix's return—the younger brother of Aiden, known as the "Sword of the Phoenix Family." Preparations were underway, the estate bustling with activity.
But it was not just Zander who was arriving. Zelda's younger sister, Maxima Aquira, and her daughter Tasha were expected as well. The visit had stirred old emotions within Zelda, a mixture of happiness and unease.
Sitting beside her husband, Blaze, Zelda leaned into his shoulder, reminiscing. "It's been so long since I last saw my sister… I wonder how she has changed."
Blaze wrapped an arm around her, sensing her uncertainty. "Regardless of what happened in the past, you are family. Maxima will see that."
Zelda smiled but remained silent, doubt flickering in her mind. The rift between them had been wide, and time had only deepened it. She had chosen her own path—one that led her away from her clan, away from Maxima.
"I love you," Zelda whispered, looking up at Blaze with warmth. "More than I ever thought possible. I love our family, and I am grateful every day that I chose this life."
Blaze smiled, brushing a hand through her silvery locks. "And I love you, my Zelda. I have never once regretted the day I claimed you as my wife."
They shared a tender kiss, but in the depths of Zelda's heart, an unease lingered.
Meanwhile, in another wing of the estate, Ryker sat beside his mother, his small hands clasped together in unusual nervousness.
"What's wrong, my love?" Lila asked, gently cupping his face.
"What if Uncle Zander doesn't like me?" Ryker asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if things change when he arrives?"
Lila's heart ached at his innocent worry. She smiled warmly, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Oh, Ryker, my sweet boy. Your uncle will adore you. You are special, and he will see that. And remember, change is not always bad—it can bring wonderful new things."
Just as she finished speaking, the grand gates of the estate swung open, and a sleek red hovercraft entered, gliding smoothly toward the main mansion.
Ryker held his breath as the door to the hovercraft hissed open.
And out stepped Zander Phoenix, a giant of a man standing at a height of 6 feet 9 inches. How he fit in there in the first place, nobody knew. He had fiery long hair, and his hardened features were clear proof that this man was a battle tested warrior. He cut an imposing figure as he strutted forth. Aiden, Lila, Amara, Blaze, and Zelda were already at the entrance, waiting to welcome him.
Before the man could reach the family, a punch appeared in front of his face. Zander reflexively leaned to the side, dodging the punch. From his leaned-back position, he threw a left jab to counter. Unfortunately, his opponent expected it, sidestepping and responding with a knee to the midsection. Zander used his free hand to slap the knee of his adversary with force, causing him to stumble and lose his balance. Then Zander, with his lightning-quick reflexes, moved forth. He immediately appeared in front of his assailant, his right hand shooting forth like a bullet. His assailant had reflexively also thrown a punch. Their hands met as flesh met flesh.