Morgan was discharged from the hospital the following day.
He didn't have much in the way of clothing except for the clothes that he'd been admitted in.
"Master Damien has already ensured that you'll find befitting apparel at the destination where we're headed."
A sleek automated vehicle arrived to collect him and Rebecca from the hospital.
"I've informed master Damien of the information that you shared with me, and he wants to meet you in person."
They entered the car, and Rebecca began to manipulate the controls.
"He has requested me to inform you that preparations are already underway for your mother's funeral."
She quickly input the coordinates of their destination into the vehicle's command system.
The vehicle's mainframe computer mapped out a route, and the car sped away.
Using a combination of the latest sophisticated adaptive cruise control and radar systems, it smoothly weaved in and out of the traffic while maintaining a safe distance from the other vehicles.
Morgan stared in awe at the buildings zipping past them at blinding speed.
He suppressed a gulp as the car picked up speed.
"Are you sure you don't need to drive? Is this even safe?" he asked with a tinge of nervousness.
"Rest assured, this vehicle is perfectly safe. It is one of the latest technologies exclusive to the company your uncle runs."
"From now on, you'll be living with him. He happens to have a son, around the same age as you. I don't think you've met him before, but I think you'll get along nicely.
Morgan's stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly. His fae flushed in embarrassment.
Rebecca giggled softly.
"You must be quite famished. We'll grab a bite on the way to your new home."
The serious look on his face returned.
"Home, huh?"
They made a quick stop at a fancy takeout where she grabbed him a few snacks before they continued the rest of the way in silence.
He stared out the window forlornly, observing the rest of the world continue as if nothing had happened, while his own had crumbled down around him in the course of a few days.
Towering skyscrapers flashed by as the vehicle moved at a steady pace.
Crowds of people bustled ceaselessly on the streets.
Due to advances in technology, skyscrapers organically expanded into the sky in the more expensive parts of the city to make room for even more occupants.
Eventually, the noise of the city gave way to a quiet, calm serenity as they moved into a posh residential area.
The vehicle smoothly maneuvered through the sea of luxurious residences before moving past them to an isolated estate.
It rolled up to an imposing reinforced gate that had the letter M stylishly engraved into its surface.
The automated surveillance cameras mechanically whirled, focusing on the car. Rebecca identified herself, and the gilded gate opened mechanically.
The gate's control mechanism operated via an automated system that was remotely controlled from within the estate.
After verifying Rebecca's identity, the massive gate rolled open, and the car smoothly rolled into the estate.
Neatly trimmed hedges lined the sides of the paved road that led deeper into the private residence.
The car accelerated, heading deeper into the estate. The lush scenery blurred, blending into one green canvas.
An imposing mansion stood at the center of the property, radiating an air of wealth and opulence. The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion's entrance.
The automatic glass doors slid open, and a lithe, grey-haired man stepped out, clad in a butler's suit.
He deftly opened the doors of the car and offered Rebecca a small bow.
" Welcome back, Miss Rebecca." He said with a smile.
He turned and approached Morgan, his crimson irises glinting eerily in the sunlight.
"And you must be Master Morgan. It is a pleasure to meet you. Luke Sanguine, at your service," he said, offering a small bow. He led them into the massive living room.
A gigantic chandelier floated in the enormous room, not quite touching the ceiling.
Several grand paintings hang from the walls. Massive obsidian pillars rose from the floor, supporting the entire mansion.
The entire place emanated an imposing sense of grandeur.
" Luke will show you to your room, and after you have settled in, you'll meet me here. I will give you a tour of the place."
. "This way, young master, I'll show you to your room," Luke said. He led him up a winding staircase of polished wood.
"Your room is on the third floor. It offers a magnificent view of the night sky. The master thought you'd like it. It is most excellent for stargazing."
Luke led him through the humongous house, ascending a few more staircases. The walls were covered with lavish paintings.
After leading him through several corridors, they arrived in front of a large double door.
A giant bed lay in the center of the room with a huge wardrobe standing off to the side. A shelf of books stood right next to it, and a massive pair of glass doors that led out to an overhanging balcony.
" Is this really my room?" Morgan asked in disbelief. Luke smiled.
"The master only wants the very best for you; do not think much of this. You are his nephew after all," he explained with a look that somewhat resembled reverence in his eyes.
"For the time being, this is where you will be staying. Please let me know if anything is not to your liking. If that is all, I'll leave you to acquaint yourself with your new lodgings. Do remember that Miss Rebecca will be waiting for you downstairs. Clothes and other accessories that you might need have already been delivered. Use them at your discretion. "
Morgan briefly closed his eyes, slowly coming to terms with everything that was happening.
"Thank you very much, Mr Luke, I'm truly grateful for your assistance."
Luke smiled," Just Luke is fine. I have a feeling we will get along quite nicely."
Luke left, quietly closing the door behind him.
Morgan slowly walked into the room and quietly sat down on the massive bed, holding his head in his hands.
He took a deep breath as he slowly accepted the reality of everything that had transpired.
An image of Lisa's smiling face flashed through his mind.
"Mum, at least you've been avenged. What even was that thing? Am I supposed to live normally after all that has happened?"
He stood up and slowly strode to the glass doors.
He pulled them back and walked onto the balcony.
He inhaled deeply, savouring the cold evening air, and closed his eyes. His eyes shot open, burning with renewed vigour. His gaze hardened as he made up his mind.
" For now, I'll just live my life the best way I can, then I'll find out what truly happened that night."
He quietly stepped out of his room and briskly walked back to the living room. He found Rebecca waiting for him.
"You sure took your time," she said with a smile. She proceeded to take him around, showing him around the house.
A large pool sprawled behind the mansion, tastefully accentuating its chic appearance.
Several buildings were scattered throughout the estate in a neat concentric pattern, forming a grand encirclement with the mansion at its center.
" This place is home to numerous workers. You could say that we are all one big family, a clan of sorts."
"How so?" Morgan asked, puzzled.
"Well, your uncle took us in. Take me, for example, I have no recollection of who my parents were. My first memories as a child are vague. I grew up in a less fortunate part of the city, the slums. Life was hard.
Your uncle found me, took me in, and raised me like his own daughter."
Her lips curled into a faint smile. Her eyes glazed over as she got lost in thought.
As they walked, a Japanese-style-looking building rose into view.
"This is our very own dojo."
Several men were gathered in the courtyard, some sparring, others brandishing different kinds of weapons.
"It is a training hall of sorts. This is where the guards train, and your uncle and cousin also come here from time to time."
The slight smell of sweat and dried blood lingered in the air.
Several brutish men were paired up.
They skilfully traded blows and evaded while trying to land blows of their own on their opponents, their muscles vividly rippling and tensing from the strain.
"Wow, these guys are really good," Morgan commented.
Rebecca smiled faintly. She gently nudged Morgan, prompting him to look in the direction she was staring.
A bare-chested, muscular, white-haired boy around Morgan's age stood a way off, methodically jabbing at a wooden dummy with precision.
His green eyes sparkled with murderous intent as he danced around it, throwing jabs and punches with lightning-fast speed.
His fists blurred, his punches becoming faster and faster with every attack.
"Wow, are you sure we're the same age?"Morgan asked, casting a sideways glance at Rebecca.
Rebecca chuckled in amusement.
"You're more or less the same age; it's just that he's trained like this for quite a while." The boy abruptly lunged back with a shout and leaped into the air to deliver a devastating roundhouse kick to the dummy's head. The dummy shook violently from the impact. As he landed, he slightly bowed.
As he straightened up, he turned to look in their direction. He slowly sauntered over, his green eyes twinkling with a carefree grin.
" Hey, Rebecca, it's been a while,"
He turned to Morgan piercing him with a calm gaze.
"And you must be Morgan. I'm Scott McCallister, nice to meet you."