Viktore handed out steaming mugs of hot chocolate, his expression unusually soft as the kids gathered in the cozy lounge. Outside, snow swirled faintly against the enchanted glass dome, but inside, it was quiet — a moment suspended in time.
He looked over at Arron. "Oh, I remember one time you—wait… do you remember your real name?"
Arron lowered his mug slightly, eyes distant. "Yeah… I do. I'm Arron Bolt de Aurania, the third prince of Auratisia. I don't know how I forgot it. But honestly… it was worth it. I found my real family in the process."
The room fell silent. No one wanted to interrupt that moment. A mix of surprise, pride, and awe hung in the air. Then, Kaya broke the silence.
"Well, I had kinda figured it out," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Black hair and green eyes? That combination is rare even in Auratisia — and the shade of green? Way too specific. Plus… you have this weird aura. You feel like a noble."
"I already knew who you were," Lauran added, arms crossed with a smirk. "Dad once told me that Uncle Alex used a fake name — 'Bolt' — and changed his hair color when he wanted to go unnoticed. And the surname Zleare? Anyone who really knows Alex would remember it."
Viktore nodded solemnly. "Yeah. Rafael Zleare — the elf who became Alex's secretary. And Emma Silaya, the demon who served as his escort knight. They were the only ones who stood by him when no one else would. Back then, people used to sneer, saying 'Outcasts found each other.' But those 'outcasts' stood stronger than anyone."
Xaio and Henry exchanged confused looks. "But… why was Alex abandoned?" Henry asked. "Wasn't he the Crown Prince?"
"He was," Viktore said quietly. "And that was the problem."
Arron's voice cut in, steadier than before. "He carried the blood of two of the most powerful royal bloodlines — too powerful. The concubine faction feared him, and the Emperor… he gave in to pressure. Alex was the Crown Prince since before he was born, a literal zygote chosen by prophecy. No one could challenge his right — unless they destroyed him politically."
"That's insane," Henry whispered. "So… his own father ignored him to protect him?"
"Exactly," said Viktore. "Abandoning him publicly was the only way to keep him alive. And when the court grew darker… Alex fled to his maternal house for protection. That's where he met David's sister — your mom," he said, nodding to Arron. "They fell in love… and later, raised you all in secret."
"And now the Council is targeting Auratisians," Xaio murmured. "Just like back then."
"History's repeating," Lauran said bitterly. "Alex disappeared to protect the next generation — just like he was protected once. It makes sense now."
Arron looked down at his cup, then back at them. "I used to think I was just some weird outcast. But now… I know who I am. And I want to protect the people who took me in — just like he did."
The others were quiet for a long beat, processing it all.
Then Viktore raised his mug. "To surviving the past, and rewriting the future."
Everyone clinked their mugs in silent agreement.
Arron leaned back on the sofa and sighed.
"I will have a long chat with my bio dad when I meet him. I may have his DNA, but my dad is Raf. I am legally adopted by Zleares, so I will bet my name out form the royal archives. I need some time to process this, said Arron.
He left the room. Silence was eating up every one.
"Hey guys, remember our parents betting in a caring way.", said Kaya, trying to change the atmosphere.
"Yeah?", said Lauran.
"Oh, I get it. Okay, so remember Arron's tantrum at 6?", said Kaya.
The cousins giggled and Lauran said, " Yup. I bet 20 uzom that he doesn't remember it.".
"I bet 400 uzom that he does.", said Kaya with a smirk, which meant that he is cooking something.
The cousins laughed out loud and kept their mouths shut.