Older.

Cassian saw that Ailyn was almost done preparing the food when the front door opened. His gaze immediately shifted toward the entrance, alert.

A tall man stepped inside first, his features like everyone else's—black hair, dark eyes, gray skin. But unlike most, scars marked his face, though fewer than the ones Lucas bore. Behind him followed a woman, her resemblance to Ailyn unmistakable. Older, with a scar running across her left cheek.

Cassian's mind turned. Scars like that… The darkness was supposed to heal wounds unless they were severe—like losing a limb. A disturbing thought surfaced. Missing limbs. His own actions came rushing back. Ethan. His missing hands. Would the boy ever use them again?

The thoughts flickered through Cassian's mind in an instant, but he had no time to dwell on them. The man spoke.

"So, you're Cassian." His voice was steady, unreadable. "I was told to take care of you." He studied Cassian with a sharp gaze. "Ezo spoke highly of you, of your many abilities. So, Lord Roberto decided to give you to me."

Cassian remained silent, listening.

Before he could ask anything, the man continued. "We know what you did to Ethan. Roberto won't punish you, but he hopes you never do it again. If you disobey, you'll be imprisoned or executed."

Cassian nodded. No fear. No reaction. Another child might have trembled at such a warning, but for him, it meant nothing. He would follow orders. That was all.

The man studied him for a moment, then resumed speaking. "We know you're a mutant. That means you're smarter than the average child. Ezo told us about your eye abilities, an ability tied to the brain. People with such abilities often show higher intelligence. We expect great things from you."

He paused, giving Cassian a moment to process, then continued.

"As for training, you'll attend classes with the other cadets to build relationships. But your real training will be after. My wife, Sofia, will show you the path to Roberto's house. There, you will fight him or Ezo, depending on who's available. Understood?"

Cassian nodded again.

The man's brow twitched in irritation. "When an instructor asks you something, you answer with 'Yes, sir.' Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Cassian responded without hesitation.

"Good." The man then turned his gaze to Ailyn. "And what about you?"

Cassian saw Ailyn stiffen, her body tensing as her father spoke her name.

"I did everything, Father, and the food is ready," she said quickly. "You can sit, and I will serve it."

She smiled, but Cassian heard the forced brightness in her tone, the fear underneath.

The man sat in front of Cassian but didn't look at him. Instead, his gaze rested on the table, distant.

Sofia and Ailyn moved swiftly, setting the food before them. The aroma of warm soup filled the room—rich broth, soft vegetables, and meat. Cassian realized how hungry he was. He hadn't eaten since morning. Without hesitation, he began devouring the meal.

Ailyn watched him with a small smile. Seeing someone enjoy the food she had prepared seemed to bring her a rare moment of satisfaction. Even her father, usually quick to criticize, was eating in silence.

But the peace didn't last.

"It seems you still can't wash clothes properly, Ailyn."

Ailyn's spoon paused briefly before she swallowed and looked down.

"The clothes I wore today were dirty," her father continued. "Knight Roberto noticed. Tell me, how do you think I will arrange a marriage to his son if you can't even wash clothes properly?"

Cassian glanced at Ailyn's hands—red and scraped raw. His grip tightened around his spoon.

A familiar feeling stirred in his chest. The same one he had felt when fighting Ethan. Cold, sharp, violent. An urge. The unexplainable desire to kill the man sitting across from him.

But he didn't move.

"Sorry, Father," Ailyn murmured. The spoon in her trembling hand clinked against the bowl. "I promise I will do better."

"You'd better," her father said flatly. "The only thing you have going for you is your mother's beauty. Because as a woman, you're a failure."

A weight settled over the table.

Then, as if the conversation had drained him, the man stood. "Cassian will sleep in your room." And with that, he walked away, disappearing into another part of the house.

Sofia hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak to Ailyn. But no words came. She only lowered her head, looking helpless, then followed after her husband.

A long silence stretched between Cassian and Ailyn.

Finally, Ailyn spoke. "Cassian, let's go get your clothes. Darkness will fall soon."

They stepped outside. Ailyn handed him his garments, which were already dry despite the short time. Cassian wasted no time switching out of the oversized shirt he had been given earlier.

"Maybe we need to sew you new clothes or buy some," Ailyn mused. "But it's too late now. Darkness will be here soon. Come, I'll show you my room."

Cassian followed her as she opened one of the two doors in the house, the one on the left.

"Here," she said, stepping inside. "It's not big, but enough for the two of us."

The space was modest. A few personal items. A small dresser. A single bed.

"I like it," Cassian said, his golden eyes flicking toward the bed. "But there's only one. Will I sleep on the floor?"

Ailyn chuckled. "Of course not. We can sleep together. Unless you'd prefer I sleep on the floor?"

Cassian shook his head. "No, I don't mind."

He climbed onto the bed, pressing himself against the wall.

Then, Ailyn's voice broke the quiet. "Cassian, what do you want to do when you grow up?"

Cassian blinked at her. "I don't know. Probably a warrior?"

Ailyn studied him. "Do you want to be a warrior?"

Cassian thought for a moment. "Probably? I'm not sure. But it's what people want me to be, so I'll probably do that." He glanced at her. "And you?"

Darkness seeped into the room, filling every space like ink in water.

Ailyn's face shifted, her smile fading, replaced by something heavy. She hesitated, then, in a quiet, trembling voice, said, "Who knows? But I hope I can become a good wife. Just like my father wants me to be."

Silence followed.

Ailyn sat there for a long moment, staring into the darkness. Then, as if shaking herself free from her thoughts, she lay down. "You should sleep. Tomorrow will be tough for you."

"Yes," Cassian answered, suppressing the pain he was experiencing. A few minutes later, he could hear Ailyn's breathing eventually slowed, settling into sleep. And after a few more agonizing minutes, he too fell asleep, ready for tomorrow.