CHAPTER 8

In the main hall of Whittaker Castle, daylight streams through tall arched windows, bathing the room in an atmosphere of sophistication. The marble floor, polished to an almost ethereal texture, reflects every ray, while the high ceiling is adorned with geometric mouldings evoking classical grandeur.

In the centre, a set of modular sofas in a soft cream promises relaxation and conviviality. In front of them, a glass table holds knick-knacks and art tomes with curatorial precision. Side tables, topped with floor lamps, balance the composition of the space.

Nearby, a grey chair provides a calm counterpoint, and a patterned ottoman adds a complex texture to the arrangement. The decor is completed with a natural touch: a flower arrangement that provides a glimpse of life.

The walls, in a warm taupe , boast shelves with glass doors displaying a collection of decorative objects, revealing the elegance of the castle's inhabitants. The arches of the doors and windows draw an architectural heritage that transcends time.

It is here that Zara, the descendant of Kyran and Mina, is introduced to the assembled family. The little girl, with powers of her own lineage, requires the guidance of everyone, and even more so of Ætheris , who will tutor her in mastering her abilities.

Zahori , the grandmother, approaches with a smile that rivals the light in the room. —Remember, mother, Zara speaks with her mind, not with her voice,— warns Kyran as he holds his daughter. With a look full of years and love, Zahori extends her hand. —Nice to meet you, dear Zara, I am your grandmother Zahori .

Mina, encouraging her daughter, tenderly urges her: —Say hello to her, Zara. This is where we will live, they will be our family. Don't forget the way of greeting we have practiced.— Zara, absorbing her mother's teachings, turns her attention to Zahori and passes on her greeting, a wave of affection and recognition flowing silently between them.

—It's a pleasure to meet you, Grandma,— Zara said with a smile that Zahori perceived through the telepathic connection, responding with an equally warm smile. One after another, members of the Whittaker families and their extension introduced themselves, bonding with the young woman.

—And ¿when is the wedding?— Dennis asked curiously. Kyran responded with a playful smile.

—First I have to propose it formally, and I will do it my way. In four days we will announce the date, so you can begin preparations— he announced, filling the room with anticipation and joy.

—Yes— her grandmother Helena nodded, anticipating the magnitude of the task. —There will be a lot of preparation to do. So, girls— she said, addressing her daughters-in-law—start looking for wedding dresses, flowers, and everything else necessary for the wedding.

Nikita, with an enthusiastic smile, took the baton. —I'll take care of both of your outfits,— she said.

Itzumi calmly offered his contribution. —I can take care of the flower arrangements.

In a corner, Claudius leaned toward his father and muttered, —Looks like we're going to have a little chaos here at the castle. I'd rather not be around for the coming ruckus.

Terry, with a knowing smile, replied, —Wait until the real chaos starts. Then we'll be thankful we have plenty of work to keep us out all day.— They both shared a stifled laugh.

Helena, with the keen hearing of a matriarch, interrupted, —You two could start helping instead of making jokes.

Terry tried to excuse himself, but Helena was firm. —There are no buts. As far as I know, you have not yet been reinstated as Imperial High Priest, so you have no excuse. I want you to start helping with everything necessary for the wedding, and you know what I mean.— Her tone, although affectionate, left no room for arguments. Terry, knowing that his mother's orders were irrefutable, nodded, knowing that the wedding whirlwind was about to begin.

Mina watched, impressed by how Helena influenced everyone in the family, admiring her strength and leadership. Sensing Mina's possible uneasiness, Kyran reassured her. —Don't worry, love. My grandmother can be intense, but her strictness comes from a good place,— he whispered, assuring her that despite her strict ways, Helena acted with love and sought the best for everyone.

—I'm not scared,— Mina replied in a whisper, her gaze fixed on the grandmother with a mixture of respect and admiration. —I'm truly amazed. Your grandmother is a born leader, a true matriarch. From today on, she is my role model,— she said, watching as Helena led with ease and firmness, preparing everyone for the big event. Her admiration for the matriarch grew, seeing her not only as a pillar of the family, but as an example of leadership and determination.

In the large room, Helena, with a look full of wisdom and a tone that inspired action, addressed the gathered family. —Get ready,— she announced. —Preparations for the great event are underway.— Her voice echoed, clear and firm, as her eyes fell on Kyran and Mina, two souls on the verge of a new beginning.

— Kyran — she said with a mixture of authority and affection — prepare your heart and your words for Mina. And when you are ready, you will give us the exact date. But do not worry, the preparations will continue—

Kyran , with a mix of nervousness and excitement, nodded. —Grandma, I need your wisdom for my proposition. I have a plan, but it requires your delicate touch, the one that only you possess, at this crucial moment for us.

Helena smiled, her expression softening. —Come to my office, and we will discuss this in private,— she proposed, before turning to Mina with an equally affectionate gaze. —And you, my dear, have much to discuss. Etiquette classes and other skills necessary to navigate the events that define our family.

Mina, with a respectful bow, replied, —Yes, ma'am.

Helena raised a hand, stopping the formality . —There are no sirs or ma'ams between us. You can call me mother, grandmother, or Helena. We are family, and we treat each other as such. ¿Understood?

Mina's smile shone like the dawn. —Yes, mother.

—Perfect,— Helena said, her smile a reflection of Mina's enthusiasm. —Now, let's get moving. It's time to eat, and we need to make sure everything is ready.— With a graceful gesture, she indicated the women of the family.

Zahori , Itzumi , and Nikita replied , their voices in harmony.

And with a final knowing look, Helena turned to the men. —You know what to do. When everything is ready, we will let you know.— The men, aware of the matriarch's efficiency, quickly dispersed, leaving behind an echo of laughter and hurried footsteps.

Thus, in a home where love and tradition were intertwined, the family prepared to celebrate not only a feast, but also the beginning of a new story.

With two days to go until the big moment, Helena meticulously orchestrated every detail to transform a corner of the world into a stage for dreams, reviving a tradition of love that resonated through generations. She searched diligently for a restaurant that not only offered a private, reserved space, but also resonated with the legendary love story between Terry and Nova Celestia, a saga of love and destiny captured in the pages of —Borders of the Infinite: Terry's Odyssey— and thus paved the way for Kyran , following in his father's footsteps, to lead Mina to the threshold of a new chapter in her life.

Stepping into the restaurant's private dining room, Kyran and Mina passed through more than just a door; they crossed into a sanctuary of tranquility and refinement, a world apart from the daily hustle and bustle. The room lay before them, bathed in the soft lighting of hanging chandeliers, their beveled glass shades tinging the room with glimpses of an ethereal past and promises of a bright future. Surrounded by walls adorned with wallpaper in elegant floral motifs and furnishings that were the embodiment of good taste, they found themselves immersed in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication.

The table that awaited them was not merely a piece of furniture, but an altar of betrothal, carefully dressed with the finest china, dazzling crystal and silver cutlery, promising a dinner that would be as much a delight to the palate as it was to the soul.

for the soul. The corners were decorated with velvet sofas, inviting intimate conversations, while the delicate arrangement of side tables suggested an evening adorned with the nuances of select wines and the taste of exquisite cheeses and fruits.

The stage in the background, dominated by an imposing grand piano, foreshadowed melodies that would intertwine with their hearts, while the acoustics of the place promised to envelop them in a symphony of emotions. The marble fireplace, the works of art and the windows that opened onto a magically illuminated garden, were the backdrop for a scene that was waiting to be sealed with Kyran 's question , a marriage proposal destined to unite their destinies as Terry and Nova Celestia once did.

In that space full of history and future, Kyran , holding Mina's hand, was ready to weave his own love legend, an echo of the past that promised to take them towards an infinite horizon of possibilities. The night was set to become an unforgettable page in his personal saga, a chapter where love, destiny and tradition intertwine to give way to a new beginning.

In the warm, cozy dimness of the private room, the murmur of soft music mingles with the sound of their own breathing, evidencing the anticipation that floats in the air. Mina, Kyran 's gaze , who, with a mixture of nervousness and certainty, takes her hand in his.

—Mina, from that first meeting, I knew that something special had been born between us. Every day without you was an eternity, but now, being together, I feel that we have found our destiny— Kyran said smiling at her and continued— With you, life promises to be a collection of magical moments, shared adventures and mutual growth. My commitment is to be by your side, to support you, and to celebrate with you, creating a home filled with love and happiness— (As he speaks, Kyran gently lets go of Mina's hand and kneels before her, holding a small velvet box between his fingers. Opening it, he reveals a ring that catches the dim light of the room, shining with unspoken promises) —Our love is an echo of the past, a song that has been sung through generations. Today, I wish to bind my future to yours, as those before us did. Mina, ¿would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?

Mina, tears welling up in her eyes, covers her mouth with one hand, overwhelmed with emotion. A silence stretches, a moment suspended in time, before she nods, the words emerging from her in a shaky, but still, whisper. Full of love — Kyran , yes, yes, a thousand times yes. There is nothing in this world I want more than to share my life with you, to walk together on every adventure that destiny has in store for us.

Kyran , with a smile that lights up the entire room, stands and slides the ring onto Mina's finger, sealing their promise with a kiss, one that speaks of shared futures, of dreams yet to be fulfilled. The outside world fades away, leaving them alone in their bubble of happiness, surrounded by the magic of a moment that will be remembered and celebrated through the years, a new chapter in the saga of love that continues to unfold.

When they returned at night they informed Helena of the wedding date.

—Great – said Helena – then we will do it on November 10th, the ceremony is now in October so we have plenty of time to prepare everything, Mina – said Helena looking at her

—¿Yes, mother? – said Mina

We need to schedule your classes in protocol, posture, and other essential skills; our family holds ourselves to high standards, and we, especially the women, must rise to the challenges our men face. As you well know, we come from a stock of military and scientific tradition.

—Of course, Mother, I understand perfectly. Just tell me the place and time, and I will be there— Mina replied with determination.

—We will start tomorrow at 8 in the morning— Helena announced firmly—Don't worry about the place; wait for me in the main hall of the castle, and from there I will guide you to the training place—

—Great, Mother,— Mina agreed respectfully.

—I'll leave you two, you both have a lot to organize. Zara is already in her bedroom, sleeping, in case you want to go see her— Helena informed, noticing the little girl's tiredness. —It seems that today's training was exhausting; she barely ate and went straight to sleep.

—We'll go take a look,— Kyran said , showing his fatherly concern.

—Try not to wake her up. She must continue her training tomorrow and it is crucial that she is rested and rejuvenated— Helena advised, emphasizing the importance of rest.

—Of course, Grandma, don't worry— Kyran assured with a reassuring smile—We won't wake her up.

With the conversation concluded, Helena left, and Kyran and Mina went up the stairs to their daughter's bedroom. They found her sleeping peacefully, hugging her teddy bear. Mina gently tucked her in and placed a kiss on her forehead, a gesture that Kyran responded to with equal tenderness. Little Zara remained in Morpheus' arms, not noticing the presence of her parents, who left the room, closing the door softly.

Back in their room, the couple shared reflections on their wedding preparations, while they were getting ready to rest. The day had been long and tomorrow promised even more learning and discovery.

At dawn the next day, Mina, guided by anticipation and nervousness, met Helena in the large and welcoming main hall. With only an exchange of understanding and encouraging glances, Helena led her to the castle's majestic library. This place, filled with wisdom accumulated over generations, became the setting for a different kind of teaching: that of protocol and grace.

Under Helena's watchful eye and meticulous instruction, Mina learned the art of posture and movement, how to walk gracefully, sit with dignity, and handle table utensils with skill. The lessons extended to cover the duties and expected behavior of a hostess, among other skills essential to her role in the family.

As the hours passed, the learning session stretched on until one in the afternoon, when they joined the rest of the women in the family to enjoy a joint lunch. It was then that Mina, looking at the empty places at the table, expressed a doubt that was troubling her.

—¿Aren't the men coming to eat with us?— Mina asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she noticed the absence of male figures at the table.

Nikita, with a mixture of resignation and acceptance in her tone, replied: —They usually don't eat with us. They prefer to do so at their workplaces, where they have lunch and sometimes even dinner due to the intensity of their work. There are days that are so busy that we don't see them for long periods.

Itzumi , trying to soften the situation with a smile, added: —After a few weeks, you will get used to this way of life, Mina. It is just a matter of adapting and finding your own space within our traditions.

At that moment, Helena, with a gaze that swept the table, expressed a wish that reflected the unity and mutual support that characterized the family: —Girls, I want you to help Mina in any way you can.

—Yes, mother,— Nikita, Itzumi and Zahori answered in unison, their agreement marking the beginning of a new chapter of integration and support for Mina within the family dynamic. This moment, full of unspoken promises and bonds that would grow stronger over time, was sealed with the understanding and affection that permeated the walls of that home.

—Our men dedicate their lives to maintaining order and peace in the universe. Therefore, it is crucial that we, from our place, provide them with all the necessary support— Helena began, conveying the importance of her role —As women of this family, we must be ready to offer advice when they ask for it and support them in everything.

—¿What is necessary? This means making sure that the castle is in perfect order, from the laboratories with their instruments and medical devices to the halls, libraries, dining room, and gardens. Everything must be in its place so that they can return home without worries. ¿Do you understand the importance of this, my dear?— Helena asked, searching Mina's eyes for understanding.

—Yes, Mother, I understand perfectly,— Mina replied with determination, showing her willingness to assume the responsibilities that her position demanded.

Helena continued, carefully cutting the meat on her plate: —Each of us has a specific role within the castle, just as the men do outside. As matriarch, I am in charge of leading the female side of the family. This means that any problems or concerns must be brought to my attention in order to find a solution. On the other hand, my husband, in his role as patriarch, is in charge of leading the men in our family. It is essential to understand this division of responsibilities for the proper functioning of our home.

—Our lunch time is punctually at one o'clock. It is important that everyone is present, as it is a time to share and coordinate our daily activities. I am in charge of assigning the tasks for each day in the morning. Those who are

—Studying or working outside do not have assignments within the castle. For example, my granddaughter Elara works, so she is exempt from carrying out internal duties. If at any time you wish to study something in particular, you must inform me. We can look together for a suitable institute or establishment so that I can represent you and support you in this,— concluded Helena, stressing the importance of education and personal growth within the structure and expectations of the family.

—I appreciate it very much, but for now I am not looking to study. I want to focus on establishing our lives here, for my daughter and me. Later, perhaps,— Mina shared, her voice tinged with a gentle firmness, reflecting her desire to build a solid future in her new surroundings before exploring other opportunities.

—Understood,— Helena nodded, showing her understanding and support for Mina's decision. —Once you complete your daily tasks, you will have the rest of the day to yourself. Now, allow me to introduce you to the others.

Nikita is Ethan's wife, Itzumi is married to Rodrick , and Zahori , you already know her— Introductions were made with cordial greetings, and Mina responded with a warm, welcoming smile to each one.

— What I am really interested in is knowing your military skills. I understand that your past has been difficult, and I am sorry if my words do not adequately reflect my empathy. I want you to know that, in this family, we repudiate slavery in all its forms— Helena expressed, seeking to approach with respect and understanding the difficult chapters in Mina's life.

—Don't worry, Mother. I appreciate your consideration,— Mina replied, displaying calm fortitude. She proceeded to detail her impressive skills, from various martial arts to weapons expertise and survival tactics. Her ability to adapt and use even the most mundane objects as weapons revealed an extraordinary depth of training and resilience.

— Itzumi is right, knowing how to defend yourself is essential here. Like you, we have all been trained in martial arts and other self-defense skills. We never know when we will have to put them into practice to protect what we love most or act as ambassadors of peace— Helena shared, stressing the importance of being prepared for any eventuality.

Mina's curiosity about Helena's military past led to revelations about the unique training of the family's women, genetically engineered to meet future challenges. —My son Terry, despite being the rebel of the family, is a genius. He was behind the genetic creation of each one, preparing them for whatever the future may bring — Helena explained with a touch of pride tinged with concern.

—It is vital that you continue your martial arts training. We have an underground training room equipped to keep us physically and mentally fit. I will inform you soon about the schedules,— Helena concluded, assuring that Mina would have all the tools and support necessary to fully integrate into her new life and family dynamics, preparing for any challenges the future might present.

—Yes,— Mina replied, her smile reflecting both her acceptance and her determination. As desserts were served and finished, the atmosphere of camaraderie and shared conversation began to dissipate, giving way to the resumption of daily chores. One by one, the women of the family rose from the table, ready to assume their responsibilities within the vast and complex framework of the castle.

Mina, however, remained seated, her gaze meeting Helena's, sharing a silent agreement of the importance of what was to come. This was not the time to part; there was much to learn and to do. The teaching on the subtleties of protocol and etiquette had barely scratched the surface of what Mina needed to know and master.

Helena, recognizing Mina's unique position within the family and the importance of her preparation, guided Mina to one of the castle's more private training rooms. This space, designed for the development of specific skills, would be the setting for the next phase of Mina's training. Here, Helena planned to impart more advanced and practical knowledge of leadership, strategy, and self-defense, essential to the safety and well-being of the family and the kingdom they protected.

As they made their way deeper into the heart of the castle, Mina felt the weight of her heritage and her future role within the family. Each step brought her closer to understanding the complexity of her new life and the crucial role she would play in it. Helena, for her part, walked with the gravity of someone who knows she is preparing the next generation for challenges that cannot yet be foreseen.

The training that followed would test Mina's strength, intelligence, and spirit. However, it was clear that beyond physical and tactical skills, this would also be a time to strengthen the bond between Mina and Helena, weaving together the fabric of trust and mutual understanding that would be vital for the days to come.