The mansion had always been loud. Footsteps, laughter, the occasional crash of something breaking—this was normal.
But that morning, it became a battlefield.
I sat in my crib, drooling slightly, staring at a mobile of floating stars my sisters had "enchanted" for me. Clara had declared it a "training exercise." Lina had brought candles. And the maids… well, the maids were already panicking behind the grand pillars of the nursery doorway.
"Alright, Zackie," Clara said, eyes sparkling. "Time to see if your magic can survive real combat! The enemy? Household staff!"
I blinked. What?
Lina clapped her hands. "Yes! Let's see if our baby genius can levitate the brooms and dodge the butler's attacks!"
I had no choice.
I focused on the mobile. Tiny sparks of light flickered around my hands. One star wobbled, then zoomed sideways like a shooting star… straight into the teacup the maid was holding.
"Eeek!" she screamed, spinning in circles as the cup toppled, spilling tea across the floor.
Clara clapped her hands. "Yes! Did you see that?! He's controlling the stars! He's amazing!"
I squeaked in panic, trying to grab the floating star, only to accidentally knock a feather duster across the room. It bounced off Lina's head.
"Ow! Traitor!!" Lina shouted, grabbing a broom as if ready for battle.
---
The butler, seeing the chaos, tried to intervene. Tall, stern, always composed… today he was completely flustered.
"Children, restrain yourselves!" he said, only to step back as a pillow levitated past his face and smacked him lightly.
I gurgled, tiny hands trembling, but inside my mind, I was determined.
If I can't control magic perfectly yet, at least I'll survive.
I focused again. This time, a floating rattle wobbled, hovered, then rolled neatly to Clara's lap. She squealed with delight.
"Zackie! You saved me!!"
Lina groaned. "Saved her? You're more dangerous than the butler!"
Even Elena appeared at the doorway. She didn't move, just watched, eyes sharp.
"…Interesting," she murmured again, voice calm but full of meaning.
I caught that glance. Something about her stare made my tiny heart beat faster. She knew my magic was real, but she wasn't scolding me. She wasn't angry. Just… studying.
And in that moment, I realized something:
Even in chaos, even as a baby surrounded by screaming sisters and panicked staff… I wasn't alone.
They believed in me.
---
Hours later, the nursery looked like a warzone. Feathers floated lazily in the air, spilled milk formed tiny puddles on the floor, and the maids were muttering curses under their breath while the butler quietly cleaned with a frown.
I sat in my crib, sucking on my thumb, tiny eyes sparkling with triumph. I had survived. I had succeeded.
And Clara hugged me tightly, laughing.
"You're amazing, Zackie! One day, you'll be the strongest magician ever!"
I drooled a little in response.
Lina pouted but ruffled my hair anyway.
"Don't get too cocky, genius. You're still my little brother."
Elena's eyes met mine from across the room, calm, sharp, and knowing. She didn't say a word, but I felt her approval.
For the first time in my life—both past and present—I felt like I had a place.
Not just in this world, but in this family.
Magic. Laughter. Chaos. Love.
All of it was mine now.
And I would grow stronger.
I had to.
Because someday, the mystery of the two worlds would call me.
And I wanted to be ready.