The Half System–Half God

I let out a slow breath, stepping further into the room. "So what now?"

Venus's lips twitched slightly, but there was no humor in his gaze. "Now, we move forward."

I didn't know what that meant.

Did he want me to come back? To reclaim my place in this family?

I wasn't sure if I wanted that.

Venus must have seen the hesitation in my eyes because he sighed, rubbing his temple. "No matter if you were a Romero or not," he said, his voice quieter now, "you will always be my grandson."

His eyes softened, just for a moment.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper—one that felt more genuine than anything I had heard from him before—he spoke again.

"...Noah."

My breath hitched.

Not a boy.

Not a child.

Not an heir.

Just Noah.

For the first time in years, I didn't feel like I was standing in front of the Clan Head of the Romeros.