Doubt

A woman in a black dress, a golden heart-shaped chain gleaming against the fabric, slammed her fist on the table, splitting it in two. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE'S GONE?!" she shrieked, her eyes blazing with fury.

"I'm so sorry, Lady Henderson," her maid stammered, her smile faltering. "The king has assured us that he's doing everything he can to find her. He's even sent out his soldiers to search."

Lady Henderson snatched the glass of wine her maid offered, her expression hardening. "Good," she hissed. "Very good. My son will get his justice. And if they don't find her, I'll make sure they do."

**********************************

In Zeru's Academy, the day's lessons had ended, and students were returning to their dorms. Aiden and Pelia escorted Peter back to his room. He seemed much better, almost back to normal, though still lacking his usual energy. They knew this reprieve might be temporary.

Aiden entered the room and was greeted by Cedric and Marcel, his roommates from the mage class. They chatted about the day's studies, their conversation turning to the shocking news of Bolt Henderson's death.

"Who was Bolt Henderson?" Aiden asked, unfamiliar with the name.

"He was Lady Serena Henderson's son," Cedric explained. "Though she prefers to be called Lady Henderson. He was a prodigy, arrogant, and very authoritative. I didn't like him, but I wouldn't wish him dead. I never expected this to happen."

"He was her only son," Cedric continued, a somber tone in his voice. "I wonder how his mother is feeling right now."

"Her husband died from an incurable illness," Marcel added. "And now this... She's all alone, except for her late husband's brother and his family."

"I wonder who will become the new lord of the Henderson family." Cedric mused.

"Isn't it obvious?" Marcel replied. "It'll be Lady Henderson's brother-in-law."

"What's his name?" Aiden asked.

"John Lancaster," Cedric answered.

"Wait, what? He changed his name?" Aiden was confused.

"Yes," Cedric explained. "He said he didn't want to live in his brother's shadow, so he distanced himself from the family."

"I see..." Aiden replied, his voice trailing off.

"So, I also heard Lyra escaped," Marcel said, changing the subject.

"Yes, she did," Aiden confirmed, a hint of worry in his voice. He abruptly stood up. "I'll be back," he said, opening the door and stepping out.

"Did we say something wrong?" Marcel asked Cedric, who remained silent, unsure of what had just transpired.

Aiden made his way to his usual spot – the roof. The night was still, the academy grounds bathed in moonlight. He gazed at the imposing gates, his mind drifting back to his family and the events that had led him here.

"Only the strong survive," he murmured, recalling the words Diane had spoken to him when he first arrived in the Atlantian Kingdom and joined the warrior class. The phrase echoed in his mind, a stark reminder of the harsh reality of this world.

"I'm a disappointment," he whispered, tears welling up in his eyes. The weight of his past, the uncertainty of his future, and the challenges he faced seemed to crush him.

"You seem to favor this spot, boy," Issac said, approaching him. He wore only black trousers, his physique clearly visible in the moonlight.

Aiden quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. "Aren't you cold?" he asked, trying to deflect the attention. Issac scoffed.

"What's the matter, boy?" Issac asked, his smile gentle but knowing.

"I'm useless, worthless," Aiden began, his voice choked with emotion. "I have abilities, but when I need them, they don't manifest. I just feel..."

"Doubt," Issac finished for him.

Aiden slowly looked at Issac, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and understanding.

"You doubt yourself," Issac continued. "You think you don't have what it takes to avenge them. I'm sure there was someone very close to you in your family who was stronger than you, right?"

Aiden nodded slowly.

"Her name is Freya," Aiden said, his voice thick with emotion. "She died trying to save a scum like me..."

"Don't downplay yourself, kid," Issac interrupted, his expression serious. "You have potential. I can feel it." He paused. "Now, tell me how you felt when you fought Lyra that time."

"I felt...determined, excited, powerful," Aiden said, his gaze fixed on his hands.

"Good," Issac replied. "Let that feeling sink into your head, boy. Run with it." He paused again. "Now, this will help you. Close your eyes and resonate with that feeling."

Aiden closed his eyes, focusing on the memories of that fight. Determination, power, vengeance—the emotions swirled within him. 

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, glowing an intense blue. Three glowing blue lines appeared at the corners of his eyes, radiating power. "I can feel the flow..." he whispered, a sense of awe in his voice.

"Get ready for tomorrow," Issac said, a knowing smile on his face.

**********************

"Do you sense it?" a woman's voice echoed in the darkness.

"Yes," a man replied. "One of them are still alive."

"Shinra," the woman called out, her voice laced with anticipation. "Prepare yourself."

A young, dark-haired boy with glowing purple eyes, clad in dark armor, stepped forward. "Yes, Master," he responded, his voice filled with resolve.