Kieran's POVI wasn’t going to rely on guesswork.I needed a professional.Dr Holden arrived the following day. He was an older man with greying hair and a kind of calm, unreadable expression that made it impossible to express his thoughts. He was a child psychologist, the best in his field, and if anyone could figure out what was going on, it was him.I stood off to the side, watching as he carefully approached the bed where Julian sat.“Hello, Julian,” he said gently. “My name is Dr. Holden. I’m here to help.”Julian’s fingers curled a little tighter around the blanket.Dr. Holden crouched slightly, keeping his voice slow and measured. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”Nothing. The boy didn’t even blink. He just shuffled closer to the wall and sniffled.Dr. Holden glanced at me before continuing, “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk yet. I know this situation is very confusing. But I promise you’re safe.”Still nothing.Dr. Holden straightened, adjusting his glasses. “It’s s
Kieran's POVBy the time I got him settled into the car, his resistance had died down to nothing more than a stubborn sulk.I shut the door gently, resting my hands against the frame, exhaling slowly.Then, without warning—A sharp wave of emotion slammed into me.I gripped the car door tighter, squeezing my eyes shut.Naya.I had spent years trying to forget her. Trying to erase every trace of her from my life.But no matter how much I tried, she was still there.In the boy sitting in the car, curled up in silence.In the ache in my chest that never quite went away.In the memories that haunted me when I was alone.She had left me.She had abandoned us.She had walked away and never looked back.And I—I had never forgiven her for it.A quiet, shaky breath escaped me. I pressed my forehead against the car door, trying to regain my composure.Then, after a long moment, I wiped my face with the back of my hand, squared my shoulders—And got in the car.Taking another deep breath I was
Isadora's POVThe doctor left immediately after, understandably unsettled.I was still deep in thought when the door opened again.Kieran stepped inside, his face tired, his eyes shadowed.He looked at me first, then at the boy, frowning slightly. “What’s wrong?”I blinked. “What?”“You’re pale as a sheet.” His brows furrowed. “did something happen while I was gone?”I hesitated.Then, without missing a beat, I put on my best heartbroken mother's face, letting my lip tremble slightly.“It’s nothing,” I murmured, my voice thick. “I just… It’s hard seeing him like this.”I glanced at the boy, softening my tone.“Our poor little Julian.”Kieran exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He looked utterly drained, his usual sharpness dulled by exhaustion.He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Come on. It’s time to leave.”I nodded, smoothing out my dress and breathing a sigh of relief.Kieran turned and, telegraphing his movements, gently picked up Julian, shushing the boy when he whim
Tobias's POV The problem was getting worse.At first, I thought it was just the usual trauma—the kind any child would have after going through what he did. The fear, the silence, the nightmares. It all made sense.But now?Now, I wasn’t sure.The kid’s behaviour wasn’t just trauma. It was… wrong.He barely let Naya hold him.He flinched when she spoke too loudly.And worst of all—He kept asking to go home.Like he thought this wasn’t home.I had spent the last week doing everything I could to keep Naya calm, to make her believe that everything was fine, that her son’s sudden ability to speak after months of being mute was nothing but a miracle.But she wasn’t stupid.And I was running out of excuses.I stepped onto the small apartment balcony, phone in hand, and exhaled sharply. The night air was incredible, and the city was quiet except for the occasional hum of traffic below.I didn’t want to make this call.I ran a hand down my face.“It’s Aiden,” I muttered. “Something’s…off.”A
Isadora’s POVThe morning was already off to a terrible start.I had barely slept, not because I felt guilty—guilt was a useless emotion—but because I knew what was coming. My father wasn’t the kind of man who overlooked mistakes; I had made one. A big one.He was coming today to fix it.I sat in the grand sitting room, my tea untouched as I waited. The manor was quiet, but my nerves weren’t. I had sent the staff to ensure everything was in order, that Julian was kept occupied, and, most importantly, to keep Kieran away from this meeting. He had a council gathering today—an opportunity I wouldn’t waste.My father arrived precisely on time.The front doors swung open, and he stepped inside as if he owned the place.He was a man who commanded respect effortlessly. Even at his age, he was an imposing man.He removed his gloves slowly, eyes sweeping the room before settling on me. “Isadora.”I stood, smoothing out my dress and offering a polite nod. “Father,” I said sweetly.There wa
Isadora's povThe following day, my father stayed for breakfast.Kieran was uncharacteristically quiet, his sharp eyes flickering toward my father every few minutes. He wasn’t a fool—he knew my father rarely visited, and when he did, it wasn’t for casual conversation.Julian sat stiffly in his chair, pushing eggs around his plate with his fork. He had barely eaten since the food was served arrived, and every time he sensed eyes on him, he shrank a little more.My father noticed.He smiled at him. “You’re not eating much.”Julian’s grip on his fork tightened, but he looked up at him.I held my breath.Kieran set down his own fork, watching the exchange carefully.My father chuckled lightly. “That’s alright. You must not be a breakfast person.”Julian grimaced a little at that, which made my father laugh harder. Julian's face twitched in a slight smile he hid behind his fork.I didn’t like how Kieran’s fingers curled slightly against the table.My father picked up his napkin, dabbing
Walsh's PovEven as I strolled through the park, hand in my pocket, expression as benign as ever, I could feel Kieran’s gaze burning into my back.Typical.I hadn’t expected him to be so bold as to follow us himself. I had assumed he’d send his men—perhaps a few well-trained shadows lurking in the distance. And he did but he was here too, watching me, trailing behind like a wolf waiting to pounce.How predictable.And yet, how irritating.I kept my stride unhurried, my demeanour relaxed. The child at my side—Aiden, not that Kieran had the slightest clue—remained stiff, but his eyes were alight with curiosity. He had stopped searching for an immediate escape and had instead started absorbing his surroundings.Good.Distraction was key.“Let’s find you something nice, hmm?” I said smoothly, leading him toward a small vendor stall filled with plush toys and colourful souvenirs.He hesitated, then trailed after me, wary but intrigued.The vendor, a cheerful woman with bright red hair,
Walsh's povNext, we naturally approached the haunted house exhibition. Julian was already in there, waiting, dressed in disguise alongside Tobias who had positioned himself as part of the haunted house crew. The switch would happen now. I turned to Aiden, who stood close to my side, his small hand gripping the fabric of my coat. He was still cautious, still unsure of me, but I had played my part well enough to keep him from outright resisting. It was time to finish what I started.I gave him a gentle smile. "Let’s head inside, shall we? It’ll be fun," I said smoothly, steering him toward the entrance.Aiden hesitated. I could feel the resistance in his tiny frame, but he wasn’t strong enough to truly defy me. A little push, a little reassurance, and he walked forward, stepping into the dimly lit corridor of the haunted house.As Aiden clung to my side, his wide eyes darting at every flickering shadow, I spotted the cue—a sudden shriek that wasn’t part of the usual scripted scar
Naya's POV The fluorescent lights of the waiting room hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to amplify the silence. It was a sterile, cold sound that vibrated through my bones, mirroring the icy dread that had taken root in my soul. The air itself felt thick, heavy with unspoken fears and desperate hopes clinging to the edges of reality. Two hours. Two hours we had waited, each minute stretching into an eternity, punctuated only by the rhythmic beeping of machines and the hushed whispers of nurses passing by. Two hours of praying, pleading with a universe that seemed deaf to our cries, and desperately clinging to the fragile hope that Aiden, my sweet, beautiful boy, would be okay.Finally, the door to the emergency room swung open, and a doctor emerged. His face was grim, etched with a weariness that mirrored the exhaustion that had settled deep within my own being. His eyes, usually bright and filled with a professional detachment, were clouded with a somber empathy that sent
Naya's POVThe world had become a kaleidoscope of chaos. It was getting worse. The battle that is. the cave was bathed in the eerie glow of the moon. Men were fighting, their faces contorted with rage, their bodies locked in a brutal dance of death.And in the center of it all, I saw him. Elder Walsh, his eyes burning with fanaticism, his hands raised in a gesture of power.I felt exhausted, my arms arching and bloodstained from fighting off so many enemies, all to survive.And then, I saw Aiden.He was running, his small legs pumping, his face streaked with tears. He was shouting, his voice hoarse, his words lost in the din of battle."Julian! Mom!"My heart leaped into my throat. He was here. He was alive.But he was running straight into danger."Aiden!" I screamed, my voice raw with terror. "No! Get back!"Elder Walsh saw him, his eyes widening with a predatory gleam."Get him!" he roared, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Don't let him escape!"Julian, who had been crouchin
Naya's POV Tobias stepped forward, his face set in a hard line. “Back off, you Old bastard,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ve got the wrong kid.”The Elder chuckled. “Oh, I don’t think so, Tobias,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I know exactly who I have. That’s why I waited for the star of the show to arrive.”One of the Elder’s men stepped forward, dragging someone behind him. My heart skipped a beat.It was Julian.Isadora screamed, her face contorting with anguish. “Julian!” she cried, her voice cracking. “What did you do to him?”The Elder smiled coldly. “Don’t worry, my dear,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “We haven’t harmed him… yet.”Isadora turned to her father, her eyes pleading. “Please, Father,” she begged. “I don’t want to be a part of this anymore. Not if it means hurting Julian. He’s the only family I have left.”The Elder’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of cold fury. “Silence, Isadora,” he snapped. “You will do as you’re told.”He turned back to
Naya's pov I woke up with a gasp, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. The last thing I remembered was Julian saying something about Aiden being in danger, and then… nothing. Just blackness. I pushed the blanket off my lap and sat up, my head throbbing. It felt like a giant was using my skull as a drum.“Ugh,” I groaned, pressing my hand to my forehead. The cottage was silent, eerily so. Where was everyone?I stumbled off the couch, my legs wobbly. “Tobias? Aiden?” I called out, my voice trembling. No answer.Panic clawed at my throat. Everything was a mess. The cushions were askew, a half-finished drawing lay abandoned on the coffee table, and the air was thick with a sense of… dread.I ran to the window, peering out into the fading light. The car was gone. My breath hitched in my throat. He’d left. He’d taken the others and left me behind.Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I felt abandoned, useless. But I couldn’t afford to fall apart. Aiden w
Tobias’s POVThe city air still clung to my clothes, a greasy film of exhaust and hurried footsteps. I’d spent the afternoon weaving through crowded streets, trying to finalize the last-minute details for the wedding.Naya deserved the best, and I was determined to give it to her, even if it meant battling grumpy florists and haggling with caterers who thought they were serving ambrosia instead of fried chicken. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my mental checklist of seating arrangements and cake flavors. It was a message from the Elder.My stomach clenched as I read the words. They were laced with a thinly veiled threat, a demand for allegiance. He wanted me to join him, to fall in line with his plans, or he would… well, he didn’t explicitly say what he’d do, but the implication was clear: he'd make my life, Naya’s life, Aiden’s life, a living hell."Don't blame me when everything falls into pieces," the message concluded.I scoffed, a bitter sound in the busy street
Aiden's POV I trudged towards the front of the school, my heart heavy. I couldn't believe Julie had betrayed me like this. I couldn't believe he had said all those things to me.As I reached the front of the school, I saw Isadora waiting for me. She looked pale and anxious."Aiden," she said, her voice trembling. "We have to go. Now."I frowned. "What's wrong?" I asked."There's no time to explain," she said, grabbing my hand. "We have to leave. Your Grandfather wants to see you."I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay here, at least until I could figure out how to fix things with Julie. But Isadora was pulling me towards the car, and I knew I couldn't argue with her.We drove in silence, my anxiety growing with every mile. Isadora kept glancing at me, her eyes filled with fear.Finally, we reached the estate. I dreaded spending even one more day in that house.But as we pulled up to the gates, something strange happened. A black car pulled up behind us, blocking our path.A tall ma
Aiden's POV Three days. That's all it was supposed to be. Three days of pretending to be Julian, three days of nasty tutors and cold rooms, three days of holding in all the things that made me… me. I’d counted every minute, every second, just so Julie could have a break. But those three days felt like a lifetime.I tried my best to be Julian. I sat up straight, didn't fidget, and answered all the questions the tutors threw at me, even when my brain felt like it was going to explode till my voice, so unused to talking for long periods went hoarae5. Mistress Thorne still looked at me like I was a bug she wanted to squish, but she didn't hit me again. Maybe because she didn't want to overdo it.I had to hold in a snort of disgust.I hated that it could still happen and the fear it sent through my body whenever I even thought she might pull her hands into her robes with the cane But the worst part was being away from mom and dad. I missed their hugs, their smiles, their silly jokes. I
Julian's POVEven though I was scared, switching with Aiden felt… like breathing after holding my breath for too long. I could almost taste freedom. But as Naya led me towards their little house, my hands trembled. According to what his parents knew,Aiden didn't talk (not that they know he could talk and did so on a semi regular basis now).He used his hands always, signing words I barely knew. What if I messed up? What if Naya saw through my clumsy attempts?Naya squeezed my hand, and I tried to mimic Aiden's bouncy walk, but my legs felt like jelly."You okay, sweetie?" Naya asked, her voice warm. "You're awfully quiet today. More than usual, even for you."My heart hammered. I reached for the small notebook Aiden always carried and scribbled:'Tired. Long day.' I showed it to her, trying to copy Aiden's quick, jerky movements.Naya frowned, her eyes searching mine. "Long day, huh? Did something happen at school? Did someone tease you?"I shook my head, then quickly signed the wor
Aiden's POVLately, Julian hasn’t been the same. I noticed it first at school. He used to sit with me sometimes, even if he pretended not to care. But now, he looks down at the floor a lot, and when I try to talk to him, he just walks away. Not just at school, but even when I visit him with my astral projection. I float into his room, hoping to see that goofy grin or hear him laugh at my silly signs, but he looks through me like I’m not there. Sometimes he doesn’t even answer back.It made my chest hurt. I didn’t know why he was like this. I wanted to help, but Julian wouldn’t let me.One afternoon, I was floating around the house, drifting like a ghost, trying to find him. I peeked into the bathroom, and there he was, standing in front of the mirror—his shirt lifted just a little as he rubbed his arms.I saw it then. The scars. Long, jagged lines running down his arms, hidden beneath his sleeves. They looked red and angry, like wounds that never quite healed. My heart stopped for