Morning light filtered through the tall windows of his room, pale and thin, touching the scattered papers on his desk and the half-finished book lying open near his bed. John sat cross-legged at the small table by the window, eating breakfast with one hand while the other rested idly near his notes. He moved slowly, deliberately—someone who had learned early not to waste energy.
His long black hair was tied loosely behind his head, strands already escaping the knot. He usually tied it while writing or eating; otherwise it got in the way. His frame was slight, almost frail, giving him the look of someone who is sick.
John chewed quietly, eyes drifting across the page before him, not really reading—thinking. he just turned fourteen today.
The door burst open.
"Brother!"
A small blur of movement with golden locks rushed into the room and collided with his side. John flinched slightly.
it was Thalia she is John's little sister. she hugged him. "Happy birthday brother" she said in a softly
then she smiled and said "John, play with me, I want to show you the new magic Aunty Nat thought me yesterday" his little sister said, hugging his arm with excessive enthusiasm. Her hair was still messy from sleep, her energy entirely unrestrained. "You promised yesterday that you would ."
John looked down at her. For a moment, his expression softened—just slightly.
"But I can't use magic yet Lia," he said calmly.
"Then can't you come and look at this awesome new spell," she countered immediately, clearly very excited.
Before John could respond, footsteps approached from the hallway.
Lara Whitlock entered the room, her presence soft and bright. She took in the scene in a single glance—John seated neatly at his table, his sister clinging to him, the untouched portions of his meal cooling in the morning air.
She smiled warmly.
"Not today Lia," she said, addressing her daughter gently. "You can play with your brother later."
Her daughter frowned. "Why? I almost convinced him"
Lara's gaze shifted to John.
"Because today," she said, "your father has a important job for him."
The room seemed to still.
John's hand paused mid-motion. then he continued eating.
Lia's sister's eyes saddened. "Alright, But I have dibs on him after that"
"Alrigh," Lara replied. "So go on now. I'll come find you later."
Reluctantly, the girl released John and shuffled out, throwing one last curious glance over her shoulder.
Once the door closed, Lara turned back to John.
"Finish eating," she said. "We're heading to the our private Training Chamber."
John nodded. "you are way too obvious mom" he said smiling.
then Lara said ruffling his hair "consider it a gift from me and your father"
John chuckles slightly. "so there are no actual gifts this year". he said smiling
Lara sighed. "Don't act like a spoilt brat and come" she said.
Minutes later, they walked side by side through the halls of the estate. The walls were lined with old paintings—battles long past, figures frozen in heroic poses. John had seen them all countless times.
The Private Training Chamber lay beneath the estate, sealed behind layered wards and thick stone doors. When they entered, the space opened into a vast circular hall, runes faintly etched into the floor and walls—ancient, precise, restrained.
Cassian Whitlock was already there.
He stood at the center of the chamber, tall and composed, his presence steady in a way that made the air feel heavier. Unlike the statues above, Cassian looked human. Too human, perhaps, for a man once hailed as one of the heroes of the world.
His gaze settled on John.
"You're on time," Cassian said. "And happy birthday son. congrats on turning fourteen you are turning into me day by day"
John smirked. "really you think I look like you" he continued "I have seen the photos. you were pretty muscular and what part of me screams muscular to you"
then John stepped forward and stopped a few paces away. He met his father's eyes.
"Are you going to unlock all of my magic?" John asked.
The question was direct. Not hopeful.
Cassian was silent for a moment.
"Yes," he said at last. "I will unlock everything I'm allowed to."
John frowned—just barely.
"But?"
Cassian exhaled slowly. "I can't undo the seal."
The words landed quietly, but their weight was undeniable.
"Not completely," Cassian continued. "Not without the High King's permission."
John absorbed this without visible reaction. His expression did not change. His heartbeat did not quicken. Only his thoughts moved—rapid, precise, already rearranging the world around this new constraint.
"I see," John said.
There was no disappointment in his voice.
Only understanding.
And something colder, buried far deeper, beginning to take shape.