Tears We Couldn’t Hold Back

Little Ralph came forward with all the others looking at him… Some were afraid—if he made a mistake, Lucian's life would be in danger. But right now, they had no choice but to believe in this little boy and leave everything to him.

Ralph gripped the blanket covering Lucian and began concentrating his mana. Slowly, thread-like magic rays formed, glowing faintly as they danced in the air. Strange symbols started appearing, weaving into the fabric like ancient script.

Julian's eyes sparkled. This was exactly how Enchanters worked. His gaze flickered to little Ralph, his mind racing. A genius… this child is a genius.

Jonny, watching closely, murmured, "The symbols… they're shaped by his emotions. His desperate will to save Lucian is forming them. They're responding to his heart more than his knowledge."

His golden eyes glowed slightly as he tried to analyze the magic further, but he shook his head. "I can't see the full details of how they're working. It's beyond my skill."

Julian smirked, ruffling Jonny's hair. "That's why they're called Enchanters. Their power is different—it isn't about controlling elements, it's about weaving magic into objects. And this ability isn't something that just appears randomly in a person. It's passed down through bloodlines, generation after generation. If Ralph has it, that means…"

Seraphina's heart clenched. Her father.

She knew this already, but hearing it now—in this moment—was different. She shoved the thought away and focused on Ralph, who had taken a step back.

"It's done!" Ralph declared.

But nothing happened.

A frown crept onto Seraphina's face. The others tensed. Why isn't Lucian getting better?

Ralph tugged on Seraphina's sleeve, his voice small. "Now we just need to activate it, but… I don't know how."

Seraphina sighed, rubbing her temple. "You don't know how?"

Ralph fiddled with his clothes. "Father said I'd know when the time came… But I don't."

Seraphina suppressed a groan. This was just like their father—keeping secrets until the last second. She took a deep breath. "Alright. What exactly did you do?"

Ralph thought for a moment, then pointed at Julian. "You said we need to take the mana out of Brother Lucian, so… I told the enchantment to do that."

Seraphina turned to Jonny. "Is the enchantment in place?"

Jonny nodded. "Yes. It's there… just not active."

Seraphina tapped her fingers on her arm. "Then tell it to work."

Ralph nodded. He clenched his fists, gripped the blanket, and shouted—

"Please work!"

Silence.

Julian rubbed his forehead, trying not to laugh. "That's… not exactly how it—"

Before he could finish, the entire room was flooded with blinding light.

Gasps filled the space. The enchantment symbols glowed brighter than before, shimmering as the magic weaved its way through the fabric. The energy pulsed, filling the room with warmth—and for a moment, it was like the air itself was breathing.

Julian smirked. "The little guy did it."

Jonny's eyes gleamed in awe. "The enchantment activated."

The light remained for nearly ten minutes, bathing the room in silver and gold hues. But then, just as suddenly as it appeared, it vanished—leaving everyone staring at Lucian.

Lucian was still unconscious… but his fever had broken. His breathing had steadied, his body no longer wracked with pain.

The relief was instant—but shock followed right after.

Because instead of the frail, injured Lucian they expected to see, there was…

A massive pile of silver hair.

Everyone blinked.

Chloe took a step closer, gaping. "W-What happened?! Why does he look like a furball?!"

Julian chuckled, observing Lucian with intrigue. "Ah, I see. It appears the enchantment extracted the mana buildup… and his body used it to accelerate hair and nail growth instead. That's why he's completely drained now—he's safe, but he won't be waking up anytime soon."

A long silence stretched across the room as everyone took in the absurd sight.

Then—

Seraphina burst out laughing.

A small chuckle slipped from her lips, then another, until she was clutching her stomach. "Oh no… this is hilarious!"

Ralph, beaming with pride, puffed out his chest. "I did it, Sister!"

She ruffled his hair. "Yeah, you did. Good job, little bro."

Luke crossed his arms. "But what do we do about all this hair and… his claws?"

Seraphina smirked, her hazel eyes glinting with mischief. "Let it be."

Everyone turned to her in surprise.

She shrugged. "He thought he was gonna die, right? He should suffer a little. This'll be his punishment—walking around looking like a yeti until I say otherwise."

The twins immediately agreed.

"Yeah!"

"No one helps him cut his hair or nails!"

The rest hesitated, but eventually, they all nodded. It was petty… but it was justice.

But before anyone could continue, something unexpected happened.

Rose—who had been silent all this time—suddenly jumped into Seraphina's arms and started sobbing.

"I was so scared," she choked out.

And just like that, the tension shattered.

Tears spilled from everyone. The children, who had held back their fear, their grief, their helplessness—they finally broke down.

Some collapsed to the floor, crying so hard they could barely breathe. Others clung to each other, their muffled sobs echoing through the room.

Alaric held his head in his hands. Luke turned away, wiping his face roughly.

Adrian clenched his fists, his lips trembling.

They had been so close to losing Lucian.

They had almost lost everything.

Julian and Chloe quietly stepped out, giving them space. But before leaving, Julian cast one last look at the children—at their shaking shoulders, at the raw emotion spilling from them.

His jaw clenched. "Chloe."

She straightened. "Yes, Master?"

"Get them clean clothes, food, and a place to sleep. And before anything else—help them take a bath."

Chloe's eyes softened. "Understood."

As the door shut behind them, Seraphina stroked Rose's hair, whispering calming words.

This wasn't just relief.

It was the weight of survival crashing down all at once.

And for tonight, at least—they would let themselves cry.