The wind was different that morning.
It wasn't louder, colder, or particularly unusual. But to Ethan, it sounded like something was shifting — something invisible and heavy — like the beginning of a page turning in a book he hadn't finished reading.
In the courtyard of Levistis Manor, bags were already packed. Aron stood near them, wearing a neatly pressed coat, his little shoes polished to perfection. He was only eight years old, but he stood with the posture of someone older — more like a visitor from the stars than a child raised in laughter and lullabies.
Xilian Zephyr stood beside him, patient and quietly proud. The famed astrophysicist had arrived to take Aron back to his private observatory home — a sanctuary designed for study, safety, and focused brilliance. After three years of mentorship, Aron had asked — politely, shyly — if he could live there to learn full-time.
He wanted more time with the stars.
He wanted to be among people who understood silence.
