CHAPTER 5

Belial 's attack on the Whittaker family and their inner circle. His goal: to seize their powers and the Ætheris gem . During a meeting, it was agreed that the members with abilities would train daily, both in the management of their powers and in physical strengthening, anticipating a possible new attack by Belial . Although there was no news of him, the family chose to always remain on alert.

Terry, along with his brothers, immersed himself in rigorous training, determined to prevent further suffering for his family. Terry's younger sons also struggled, gaining both psychic magical power and physical strength.

Kyran , however, showed little interest in physical training. Despite his predilection for science and intellectual pursuits, he understood the need to prepare himself to protect himself and his family. Thanks to his father's genetic inheritance, his body quickly adapted to exercise, gaining muscle, which did not go unnoticed, although he rarely paid attention to it, except on outings with friends that took him away from home for six days, allowing him to clear his mind and return with renewed focus to his work in the laboratory.

Terry, understanding the importance of his son's work, gave him freedom, asking only for caution when he went out. Unlike his brothers Dennis and Claudius , who had stable relationships, Kyran preferred to remain single, still affected by the memory of his first and only love, Mina Ishikawa. Immersing himself in his work and outings with friends, he tried to forget, although his family was aware of the pain he kept in silence, respecting his process and hoping that, with time, he could heal that wound.

It was a quiet Saturday, May 25th, 30691, in the heart of Whittaker Castle. Kyran was immersed in his laboratory, surrounded by flashing apparatus and bubbling test tubes, unraveling the secrets of a cell extracted from a carnivorous plant, discovered during a recent expedition to the planet Xylerion with his brother Sapphire . Fatigue was beginning to take its toll on him; his eyes burned, and his brain felt as if it were slowly shutting down, no longer able to string his thoughts together in a coherent manner.

Deciding it was time to take a breather, he stood up just as his portable LumiCom hummed insistently. Activating it, the holographic image of his friend Hiro Tanaka materialized, radiating an infectious smile.

—How are you feeling, buddy?— Hiro asked, his voice vibrating in the confined space of the lab.

— Immersed in experiments, as always. I think my brain has gone into hibernation — Kyran replied , rubbing his tired eyes. — What adventures are you two up to?

—Well, Alexei and I have something special planned. And we can't imagine doing it without you,— Hiro revealed, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

Kyran asked , curious despite his tiredness.

—We're heading to the —Vibrant Cosmos,— a show like no other. Opened just a year ago, it's the epicenter of the elite and the sanctum sanctorum of artists of all kinds. Are you up for it? — Hiro shared the invitation with an enthusiasm that was hard to ignore.

At that moment, Alexei stepped into the projector's field of view, adding, —It is imperative that you come. The evening promises to be unforgettable.—

Kyran smiled, tempted by the offer. —Sounds like a fascinating getaway, but you'll remember our last trip. Six days away, and I nearly started World War III back home. My father would disintegrate me if I missed training.

—Don't worry, my friend. Just for tonight. We assure you that you will return unharmed and in time for any family duties. What do you say? — Hiro tried to persuade him with a mixture of promise and challenge.

Giving in to the adventure, Kyran agreed, —Fine, but give me a moment to shower and change.

—We'll be waiting for you at my bar, Kyran . Don't be long,— Alexei urged , with a knowing smile.

With renewed energy fueled by the promise of a night away from test tubes and mutant cells, Kyran signed off in his lab. —Here I come, guys. Get ready for a night of legends.

The promise of laughter, music, and maybe a little magic in the air had Kyran 's heart beating with anticipation. The —Vibrant Cosmos— awaited them, a place where science met art, and where, for a few hours, he could forget about being a genius and just be a young man looking for fun.

Fresh from the shower and dressed for the occasion, Kyran left his room with the intention of heading underground, where the transport portal awaited him to begin his nightly escapade. However, fate would have it that he crossed paths with his siblings Claudius and Sapphire in the labyrinthine corridors of Whittaker Castle.

—So, ¿you've decided to venture out tonight, brother?— Claudius asked , a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

—Exactly, but I'll be back for training tomorrow, without fail, and on time,— Kyran assured , trying to dispel any worries before they took hold.

However, Safiro , with her usual sarcasm, was quick to add: —My doubt is not whether you will return, but in what state. I hope that 'sobriety' will not be a foreign word to you tomorrow.

Kyran , spinning on his heel to face Sapphire , his face a mosaic of frustration and defiance, replied, —I don't understand what your problem is with me, Sapphire . Is it because I'm the child of a natural conception? Or perhaps it bothers you that I look so much like our father? Or is it my academic success, that first place at university that eluded you? Perhaps it's the time I spent with our father during his absence, a time you two didn't share? I don't know, but your constant hostility is exhausting. If there's something to be resolved, let's do it now.

Claudius , ever the peacemaker, stepped between them, holding out his arms in a gesture of mediation. —Calm down, both of you. Sapphire , please learn to control that poisonous tongue. This resentment toward Kyran is incomprehensible ; he is our brother, after all. Family should be a sanctuary of mutual support, not a battlefield.

—I have nothing against Kyran , — Safiro stated , although her hard gaze towards Kyran suggested a storm of unspoken words, thoughts repressed by the tension of the moment.

Kyran snapped , trying to break free from Claudius 's conciliatory grip to face Sapphire . —I want you, for once in your life, to be honest with me.

Claudius , holding Kyran at bay, urged Sapphire to retreat, trying to cool tempers. —Go away, Sapphire. Leave us. Kyran , relax.

—¡Leave me alone, Claudius !— Kyran insisted , his voice seething with emotion.

In that whirlwind of conflicting feelings and unresolved accusations, Whittaker Castle momentarily became the setting for a family drama that, like an ancient fresco, revealed the cracks and complexity of sibling relationships. As Sapphire walked away with a sigh of resignation and Claudius finally freed Kyran , the air hung heavy with unanswered questions and the unspoken promise of future confrontations. But for now, Kyran had a night of freedom and adventure awaiting him, a brief escape from the invisible chains of brotherhood and family legacy.

— I'm leaving before I cause your heart attack — Safiro joked with a smile full of irony, as she activated her portal to disappear from sight. After the portal closed, Claudius released Kyran, who was still vibrating with the tension of the confrontation.

—Try to calm down, Kyran ,— Claudius advised , his voice tinged with brotherly concern. —You know Safiro , she's always been like this. Though I confess, I've never been able to fully understand her attitude toward you. It's a long-standing mystery.

—It all started with my arrival,— Kyran muttered, adjusting his clothes and shaking off the last vestiges of the altercation.

—However, despite his ways, I don't think Sapphire really wished you any harm. He is our brother, after all. If he wanted to hurt you, he would have done so already— Claudius reasoned , trying to see the situation from a broader perspective.

Kyran frowned, skeptical. —I wouldn't be so sure. Maybe he just hasn't found the right time. Honestly, I don't trust him.

Changing the subject, Claudius tried to lighten the mood. —Well, he's gone now. Now it's your turn to continue with your plans. ¿Where were you going?

—To the —Vibrant Cosmos.— A group of friends invited me — Kyran shared , regaining some of his initial enthusiasm.

Claudius commented , interested.

—Have you been there?— Kyran asked , curious.

—Not personally, but a friend went and came back with excellent references. He says it's a spectacular place— Claudius revealed .

—If you don't have any other plans, why don't you come with us? It would be a good way to clear your head after all this tension,— Kyran suggested, placing an arm around Claudius ' shoulders in a friendly manner .

—It would be interesting, yes. I've heard wonders about the place and I've never had the chance to visit it. Count me in— Claudius agreed , smiling genuinely.

—Let's go then, brother,— Kyran said in a tone of renewed encouragement. The two of them headed to the transporter portal, where Kyran entered the coordinates with precision. A flash of light later, they found themselves in Alexei 's bar , a cozy space known for being a meeting point for adventurers from all over the universe. Hiro greeted them with his usual warmth.

—¿How are you feeling, Claudius ?— Hiro asked, with genuine interest.

Claudius replied, his smile a reflection of the warm welcome.

—I imagine you've been busy, especially with your father's current situation and the divinity attributed to him,— Alexei commented , joining the conversation with a space beer in hand.

—Yes, there is quite a bit to focus on, especially with everything that is going on surrounding our father and his divine legacy,— Claudius admitted , his voice tinged with reverential respect and a hint of concern.

—It's understandable. What your father has accomplished in this universe is, quite simply, extraordinary. It's no wonder that many view him as almost a deity, even though he insists otherwise,— Alexei mused , his tone revealing a mix of admiration and reflection on the nature of fame and legacy.

Alexei 's bar , always vibrant and filled with intertwining stories of heroes and star travelers, momentarily turned into a space for contemplation. It was a reminder that beyond the adventures and nighttime escapades, there were deeper, more complex challenges to face, tied to the very fabric of his existence and the legacy of his ancestors.

However, that night was meant to be a parenthesis, a brief respite in their lives burdened with responsibilities. Kyran and Claudius , along with Hiro and Alexei , were there to immerse themselves in the experience of the —Vibrant Cosmos— leaving the shadows of cosmic dilemmas at the door for a few hours.

—¡Time to go!— Alexei exclaimed , his voice thick with excitement as he activated the transporter portal. Like a swarm of shooting stars, the group plunged into the vortex, emerging into the glow of —Vibrant Cosmos— This place was no ordinary nightclub; it was a universe unto itself, a melting pot where the cultures of countless galaxies fused. Artists, singers, painters, along with the elite of society, formed a living mosaic of the cream of the crop of intergalactic entertainment.

The club was buzzing with uncontainable energy. The crowd, a tapestry of shapes and colours, moved to the rhythm of the music emanating from the seven dance floors, each offering a different sound universe. From the immortal pop and rock classics that resonated on the first floor, through the intimacy of slow chords for couples on the second, to the thunder of metal rock and the winding path of pop/rock, without forgetting the nuances of alternative/indie rock, the power of heavy metal and the grandeur of symphonic rock. The —Cosmos Vibrante— was a spectacle for the senses, where the lights danced in a cosmic ballet, creating the illusion of floating in space between stars.

As they let themselves be carried away by the electrifying atmosphere, the drinks served were like little liquid planets, varying from the sweetest and most colorful to the sour and neutral, each one promising an explosion of flavors.

It was in this whirlwind of sensations that Claudius came across a familiar face in the crowd, a college friend he had not seen in years. The encounter was like the collision of two comets, a spark of joy amidst the vastness of the —Vibrant Cosmos.

The friend, with a smile that defied the passage of time, replied, — Claudius ! What a surprise to find you here, among all the stars in the galaxy!—

— ¡Claudius! — Lucius Krause exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and joy at meeting his old friend. — How old are you! — he said, wrapping him in a hug, before examining him from head to toe with a look of astonishment. — But how did you get such a musculature? You used to look like a weakling.

Claudius replied with a defiant smile, —be careful, I'm not the same as before. I could take you down with a single move now.

Lucius smiled, accepting the change in his friend with admiration. —So I see,— he said, then looked curiously at Claudius ' companions .

—Let me introduce you to my brother, Kyran, and our friends, Hiro Tanaka and Alexei. Kranov,— Claudius introduced , with a gesture towards each of them.

—It's a pleasure to meet you,— Lucius greeted, shaking each of their hands in friendship. —¿And what brings you here?— he asked, interested.

—We came to have some fun,— Hiro replied with a smile.

Lucius laughed at the obviousness of her question. —Sure, what a stupid question,— he said between laughs.

—¿And how many have you had already?— Claudius joked , joining in the fun.

— Not enough yet,— Lucius replied with a smile, giving Claudius a friendly pat on the shoulder. —If you're short on company, come to my table,— he offered, leading them to his corner.

There they met another old friend from college, Hae —won Schmidt—It's been a long time,— he said with a warmth that exceeded the years of separation.

Claudius agreed . —I thought you'd be in your father's company by now.

—Well, yes I am, but my father's company doesn't own me, even though he would like to— Hae -won said with a laugh that revealed a mix of respect and youthful rebellion.

—I remember your father very well. A serious and strict man— Claudius recalled.

Hae —won nodded —It's still the same, especially with discipline. As long as I live under his roof, I have to follow his rules. But that doesn't bother me; he gives me my space and I can take my time off, as long as it doesn't damage the family's honor. And since I don't do anything to tarnish it, I have nothing to worry about. Besides, he already has enough with my brother, the rebel.

—Oh, yes, I remember your brother. How is he? — Claudius asked , interested in knowing more about his former comrade's life.

The table was filled with laughter and anecdotes from the past, uniting the present with memories of a simpler time. The night at —Cosmos Vibrante— became a bridge between yesterday and today, proving that, despite time and distance, true friendships remain, always ready to resume conversations as if time had not passed.

—There he is, following his passion with the band, against our father's wishes. He left home to live his own life, and honestly, he's doing pretty well for himself. He's been to concerts all over the place, and despite what my father thinks about dishonoring the family, I know that deep down, he loves him. He has a financial backing secured for him in a bank, just in case something happens to him. Even though he's strict, my father loves us in his own way,— Hae -won explained, her voice revealing a mix of resignation and affection.

—All parents love their children, each in their own way,— Claudius mused , staring at the amber liquid in his whiskey glass, as Lucius shared stories with Kyran , Alexei , and Hiro about their college days and youthful pranks. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the echo of —No Fear — by The Rasmus as a soundtrack in the background, uniting everyone in a moment of pure nostalgia.

—¿Right, friend?— Lucius asked Hae -won, interrupting the thread of memories.

— Wait, that story wasn't like that— replied Hae -won between laughs —I'm very clear that it was me who got you out of that mess, not the other way around.

—¿What do you mean, no?— Lucius looked genuinely confused.

Claudius that question , he was there— Hae -won challenged, turning her gaze towards her friend.

— Hey, I was, but quite... busy, so to speak— Claudius defended himself, provoking a round of laughter.

—¡Ah, yes!— Lucius exclaimed. —I well remember how 'busy' you were that night.

Hiro intervened, —Wait, ¿you were with a woman?

— Hae -won added , just before Claudius covered her mouth with his hand in a playful gesture.

—A gentleman has no memory— Claudius said with a laugh, while Lucius took Hae 's hand off her mouth —won—That woman was Saara Machines

—¡Nooooo! — Shock appeared on the faces of Hiro, Alexei and Kyran in unison.

— With Saara Mäkinen ? The actress, singer, and whatever else that woman doesn't do? The ethereal, intelligent beauty? — Alexei couldn't believe it.

—You see, my secret is out,— Claudius said , his smile beaming.

Kyran urged , eager to know the story.

—It's a long story,— Claudius promised , preparing to narrate an episode that would undoubtedly become legend among his circle of friends.

Thus, surrounded by laughter, music and the warmth of old and new friendships, the night at —Cosmos Vibrante— was woven with threads of past and present stories, proving that true adventures begin where shared memories end.

Hae —won waved his hands with a puzzled expression. —The truth is, we don't know the whole story either,— he confessed, his voice tinged with mystery. —We only remember that stunning woman approaching our table, greeting Claudius with a charming smile, and sitting down among us. Her presence was so captivating that it left us all mesmerized.

Claudius ' arm a gentle tug . —Come on, don't keep us hanging,— he urged with a playful grin.

Claudius nodded, taking a thoughtful sip of his whiskey before beginning. —I met her one cold, lonely night while on guard duty. A scream broke the silence and I saw a man beating her. I ran to help her, thinking it was a mugging, but instead I found a scene of love turned to violence. The man, lost in his drunkenness, had knocked her down with a vicious blow. Without hesitation, I intervened.

—The guy tried to attack me, but I subdued him and sent him to jail for assaulting an officer. The woman, shaking and injured, needed medical attention, so I took her to the emergency room. It wasn't the first time she had suffered such abuse. Afterward, in the safety of her home, she asked me to stay. She feared the return of her violent boyfriend and sought solace in a conversation she didn't want to have with her psychologist. Being the gentleman that I am, I accepted her invitation.

Alexei could not contain an exclamation of astonishment. —And how could you not accept!— he exclaimed, his voice full of admiration and a touch of humor.

Claudius raised a hand in a gesture of honesty. —I had no idea of her fame; fashion and showbiz gossip has never been my thing. I saw her as any other woman in danger, a scared woman trapped in a toxic relationship with an abusive, alcoholic boyfriend,— he explained seriously. —She shared her story of pain and fear, of how she lived at the mercy of a man who abused her and took advantage of her success. Despite his attempts to free himself, he always found a way to escape justice. And now, he feared that his return would be even more violent after a night in prison .

Curiosity sparkled in Hiro's eyes as he tilted his head towards Claudius. —¿And what happened that night?— he asked in a tone that was a mix of concern and morbidity.

Claudius smiled with a mixture of tiredness and tenderness.

—Nothing scandalous happened, if that's what you're implying. She shared her fears with me, her voice breaking with each word until tears ran down her face. In the stillness of the night, she fell asleep in my arms. I didn't dare move... I didn't want to break the fragile peace I'd found.

Her boyfriend found us like this the next morning, fresh out of jail. Together, but innocent.

Lucius laughed, imagining the drama. —I bet your boyfriend imagined all sorts of crazy things while you were gone!— he exclaimed, finding humor in the tension.

Seriousness returned to Hae -won's face. —How did you manage to get out of that situation?— she asked, aware of the seriousness of the matter.

— The man knew how to fight; his sobriety gave him the advantage and his fists spoke of martial arts training,— Claudius explained , his voice low but firm. —But he was no match for what we are taught at the academy. A few well-placed blows and he was down, though not before leaving a trail of destruction in his

hall. I dragged him to a more private location and made it clear to him that he was to leave her alone. Let's just say I convinced him with a practical demonstration of what I could do to her if he didn't,— he said, casting a knowing glance at Kyran, who nodded in understanding.

Alexei couldn't help but comment, with a sip of his drink and a smirk. —Of course, after your 'talk', the guy ran off and never came back.

Claudius nodded, his gaze lost in bittersweet memories. —Since then, she never stopped calling me and we began a secret romance. But fate separated us when she had to leave for another planet for her job, and our courtship couldn't survive the distance,— he confessed with a sigh.

Lucius looked impressed. —¡You were the boyfriend of such a beauty and we didn't know it!

Hae —won smiled proudly. —Our friend has more stories than all of us put together. That he doesn't share them is another story.

Claudius stood up, his expression a mix of amusement and warning. —Remember, a knight has no memory. ¿This stays here, understood?

They all nodded, and with a knowing smile, allowed Claudius to make his way through. —Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom,— he announced.

Kyran stood up quickly. —Wait, I'll join you. That beer is already kicking in,— he said, following in his brother's footsteps.

With a graceful gesture, Claudius invited Kyran to follow him. Together, they stepped into a bathroom that exuded opulence, with gilded frames and fine glassware. Mirrors gleamed, reflecting the silver, metallic walls, and the bathroom doors sparkled, adorned with crystals at their ends. The red carpet of the corridor guided them , and Kyran hurried to the nearest urinal, while Claudius opted for the privacy of the toilet.

After obeying nature's call, they washed their hands and walked out, only to find themselves in an unfamiliar hallway. They had turned somewhere wrong, and now, their table and the familiar place were lost in a maze of corridors.

— It must be this way — Claudius muttered , heading towards another hallway that led to a dance floor pulsating with pop/rock music. The crowd moved in unison, lost in the music.

Kyran frowned. —No, this doesn't seem right, brother,— he replied, his voice filled with doubt.

Claudius paused, trying to reconstruct their route in his mind. Meanwhile, Kyran watched the couples spin and the lonely souls lose themselves in the dance on the dais. It was then that a familiar figure caught his attention.

Kyran whispered , instinctively stepping back. Claudius , alert, grabbed his arm.

—Wait, ¿what's wrong?— Claudius asked, concern evident in his tone.

—Please follow me, Claudius ,— Kyran pleaded , his voice urgent and his gaze fixed on the silhouette he had recognized in the crowd.

Claudius looked at his brother with a mixture of concern and wonder; he had not seen him so determined for a long time since that last encounter with Mina. Both brothers began to follow a female figure that slipped through the darkness, a silhouette that seemed disturbingly small to Claudius familiar, almost like an echo from the past. Without warning, they found themselves outside the club, having exited through a back door that gave them direct access to the street. From there, the figure led them into a small forest, deep into the shadowy vegetation.

Claudius urged , gripping Kyran 's arm firmly . —It could be a trap. Remember that Belial is a master of deception, and we haven't heard from him in some time.

Kyran , though hesitant, could not hide his intrigue. —You may be right, brother. But I need to see where this leads. ¿What if it really is her?

With a sigh of resignation, Claudius nodded. —Fine, but let's proceed with caution and keep a safe distance,— he agreed.

So, with their senses alert, they continued their pursuit until the girl stopped in front of a transporter portal. Without hesitation, she entered it, and the portal remained open. Filled with curiosity and caution, the brothers ventured after her, only to find themselves in an unfamiliar landscape: a deserted, rocky planet, bathed in daylight. As soon as they arrived, the portal closed behind them, and there was no trace of the girl.

—¿Was it an illusion?— Claudius questioned, scanning the desolate horizon where the female figure had vanished.

— Apparently there's no sign of her and we're stuck on this desert planet— Kyran observed , his frustration evident. —Let me try to open another portal. We need to get back to the club and meet up with our friends.

The situation had brought them to an unexpected scenario, a reminder of the mysteries and dangers that lurked in their world. However, armed with their cunning and brotherly bond, they were ready to face whatever came, always one step ahead in the game of shadows that was their reality.

Claudius interrupted Kyran, who was concentrating on opening a portal back, when he noticed a familiar figure in the shadows of the strange planet. —¿What's wrong, Claudius ?— Kyran asked, distracted from his task.

—Over there, Kyran ,— Claudius said , pointing toward a distant figure. —I think it's Sapphire.

— ¿Sapphire ?— Kyran repeated , following his brother's gaze. —Yes, it's him,— he confirmed with surprise upon recognizing his other brother in that inhospitable place.

—And what are you doing on this desert planet? — Claudius could not hide his bewilderment, while Kyran only shrugged his shoulders in confusion.

Sapphire 's figure vanished, revealing instead the entrance to a dark cave. —I don't like this,— Claudius confessed , a bad feeling growing within him.

—Still, we must be prepared for anything,— Kyran warned . In front of them, the cave seemed to devour the little light left in the environment. Just when they decided that entering was the only option, two creatures emerged from the nearby bushes.

First, a Zephyr A Felidae , whose shifting skin allowed it to blend into the rocky surroundings, appeared to hover lightly above the ground, its bright, curious eyes fixed on the brothers. The creature, emanating an aura of calm, seemed more curious than threatening.

Behind her, a Solaris Lynx with its reflective fur emerged, moving with a grace that defied the scorching heat of the ground. Its pointed ears detected every vibration in the air, ready for any movement.

These creatures, representative of the unique fauna of that unknown planet, watched Claudius and Kyran not as intruders, but as a novelty in their daily landscape. The appearance of the animals seemed to be a sign, a push towards the unknown darkness of the cave.

— I think this is a sign — Kyran said , looking towards the cave entrance again with determination. — Let's see what mysteries this place hides.

With a mutual nod, the brothers entered the cave, following the call of fate and leaving behind the wild creatures as temporary guardians of the entrance. What they would find inside, only time would reveal.

Delving deeper into the cave, Claudius and Kyran discovered passageways carved by human hands that led to a dark secret: they had stumbled upon Belial 's lair , marked by the presence of his sinister demonic minions. The exit, guarded by the fierce creatures they had left behind, was no longer a viable option, forcing them to proceed cautiously through the shadows to avoid demonic patrols.

In their tense exploration, the alarm that they were about to be discovered by the guards pushed them to take refuge in a room that housed open cells, all except one. Inside, they found a chained woman, immediately recognizing her as Mina Ishikawa, visibly worn out by the lack of food and water.

— We must free her— Kyran urged, while Claudius , using his powers, unlocked the cell. Upon entering, their attention was divided when they discovered a frightened little girl, about ten years old, unchained, but trapped in the same dark reality as Mina.

—Relax, I won't hurt you— Claudius assured in a soft voice, offering comfort to the girl, who tremblingly accepted his hand. Kyran , meanwhile, freed Mina from her shackles and took her in his arms.

With haste and determination, Claudius created a portal to Castle Whittaker, making sure to erase any trace of its use to prevent Belial from following them. Once in the safety of the castle, he guided the rescued girls to an Assisted Regenerative Rest Chamber (ARRC), where they could begin their recovery from the abuse they had suffered.

—¿How did they end up there? — Claudius couldn't hide his confusion and concern.

—I don't know yet, — Kyran admitted , —but as soon as Mina is able to, I'll ask her to tell us what happened.—

The conversation turned to Mina's plight, recalling her past as a general's property. —The real dilemma is whether that man is still alive, because if he is, he will surely want to claim her,— Claudius mused .

Kyran , however, was more concerned with the possibility that Belial had captured Mina as part of a plot to lure him to him, speculating on the general's fate and the girl's identity. —I didn't know Mina had a daughter,— he commented, theorizing on the child's paternity.

For Kyran , the girl's blood ties were irrelevant; his only priority was to ensure that both she and Mina were safe. —I'm not going to lose her this time,— he stated with determination.

Claudius , placing an arm around Kyran in a gesture of brotherly support, lovingly warned, —Be careful, brother,— preparing together to face whatever challenges fate might throw at them.