Chapter 195

Amilia sat at her desk in Central Heaven's administrative office, her thoughts a mixture of work deadlines, family anticipation, and, most of all, Alex. The last time she'd seen her brother, the world felt different. She was still in her final years of school, and ability users were a rare occurrence, something whispered about more than openly discussed. Malik, the first "metalmancer" to make headlines, had sent a ripple through society, igniting both fascination and fear. Now, years later, ability users were a staple in every corner of the world—some revered, others feared, and many living quietly among non-ability users. But she couldn't help but wonder what Alex would think of it all, how he was, and, if they'd managed to change him, too.

At twenty-three, Amelia had grown into a young woman with a gentle yet unyielding spirit. She had her mother's eyes—a warm shade of brown that radiated kindness—and her father's smile, a soft curve that appeared whenever she was deep in thought. Her dark hair was often swept up in a neat ponytail or pinned back to keep out of her way, especially during the long days at the office. She was modest in her dress, preferring soft tones and simple jewelry, but her quiet confidence left a lasting impression.

Alex had always looked out for her, and his protective instincts had only grown since ability users began appearing. First, he moved them out of their hometown to escape the "daredevil wave"—a chaotic period when people desperately sought to unlock abilities. Then, as ability users became more common, he had moved them again, this time to Central Heaven, a city known for its secure environment and balanced policies.

In his absence, Amelia had built a life of her own in Central Heaven. She worked in the city's bustling administrative office, a place that managed the influx of ability user registrations and regulated abilities within Central Heaven's borders. It was a role filled with challenges, but it suited her detail-oriented mind. And it was here, amid countless hours of paperwork and complex requests, that she had met someone—someone who defied every expectation she'd ever had.

His name was Aris, and he was unlike anyone she had known. Aris wasn't a typical ability user; his powers leaned toward the arcane, a type that was rarely seen and often less understood. His ability allowed him to weave illusions, to make one reality seem like another. He could bend light, create illusions so lifelike they seemed to breathe, and even alter the sounds that echoed within them. The first time he'd demonstrated it to her, she had been speechless, her office walls transforming into a meadow of wildflowers that stretched into infinity.

They had met on an ordinary Monday, of all days, when Aris came in to apply for an ability-use permit for his new business. Amelia had been assigned to process his paperwork, and what should have been a quick meeting turned into a lengthy conversation about everything from his unusual ability to his thoughts on Central Heaven's strict regulations. His quiet humor and the depth in his eyes drew her in, and before she knew it, they had scheduled a coffee outing that same week. From then on, their connection only grew.

Her parents, though, weren't exactly thrilled about the relationship. They worried about her safety and the unknown risks of being with an ability user, especially one as esoteric as Aris. To them, his powers weren't just unusual; they were a constant reminder of the world's new unpredictability. It wasn't that they disliked him—he had been nothing but respectful and kind to them. But they couldn't shake the worry that Amelia's life might be thrown into chaos because of his abilities.

Amelia herself sometimes wondered what Alex would think. Her brother, with his analytical mind and strong protective streak, would surely have his own thoughts about her relationship. Would he share her parents' concerns? Would he see Aris as a risk to her, just as they did? Or would he understand? Part of her longed to find out, and as much as she missed him, she also felt a small flutter of nerves at the idea of Alex meeting Aris.

Despite the undercurrent of family worries, Amelia was happy. She and Aris would often spend their weekends exploring Central Heaven, visiting the city's many parks, small cafes, and markets. Her life had become a balance of structured workdays and weekends filled with spontaneity and joy. And there was something about Aris's world—a world built on illusions and dreams—that gave her a sense of freedom she hadn't felt in years.

Amelia leaned back in her chair, looking out the window at the bustling streets below. As she thought about the upcoming family reunion, she found herself daydreaming about the conversations she'd have with Alex. She'd tell him all about her job, her small apartment near the administrative block, and her adventures with Aris. And if she was lucky, he'd listen without too much judgment.

Maybe Alex had changed, too. The brother she remembered had always been calm and thoughtful, but there was an intensity in him—a drive that often made him seem older than his years. Whatever path he was on, she hoped he was safe and happy. As much as he had done to protect her, she wanted him to have a life of his own, too.

Just then, a message pinged on her phone. It was from Aris: "Lunch break soon? Found a spot with the best view in town."

Amelia smiled, feeling her heart skip a beat. With a quick reply, she glanced at her watch, already anticipating their next meeting. As she stood to gather her things, her thoughts drifted back to her family. Soon, they'd all be together, and perhaps, in her own way, she could finally show her family—Alex included—that she was ready to navigate her own world, abilities and all.