The Darlings.

Aaron wasn't afraid to confront his potential. He trusted his mother more than anyone in the world, and her words echoed in his mind:

"Aaron, you are born to be superior to everyone."

As concentrated mana flowed from the silver core into the newly formed core, the process felt instinctive, as if it had always been a part of him. A gentle warmth spread through his body, soothing and exhilarating all at once. He basked in it, savoring the addictive sensation of progress.

When the energy settled, Aaron opened his eyes, a quiet pride flickering within him. Awakening and successfully circulating concentrated mana was no small feat. He knew this. But there was more, he needed to know the aspect and affinities he'd awakened.

Aaron wasn't arrogant or impulsive. Despite his upbringing and his mother's unwavering devotion to the idea that he was destined to be humanity's salvation, his heart remained gentle. A kind and sweet child, he sought only one thing, to make his mother proud. That desire burned brighter in him than any thirst for power or recognition.

He took a steadying breath and looked toward the runes that would reveal his path. As his gaze fell upon them, his vision blurred. His hands trembled, his body shivering as though struck by an invisible force.

The runes offered no comfort, no guidance. His mind raced, not with thoughts of his nonexistent aspect or affinity, nor the uncertainty of his potential. No, it was the image of his mother, the possibility of her disappointment, that gripped him like a vice.

Aaron could endure anything, harsh training, searing heat, freezing cold, even gnawing hunger. But the thought of letting his mother down? That was a weight he could not bear, a wound he could never endure.

Aaron could feel many eyes on him the weight of their gazes pressing down on him, but he couldn't summon the courage to lift his head. He didn't dare look at his mother, not when the possibility of what he might see could shatter him. Fear clawed at his chest, making his hands tremble. He searched for solace, but no one stepped forward.

His eyes flicked to the boy next to him, then to the runes glowing faintly on the silver core. His breath caught, sticking painfully in his throat. He wanted to look away. He wanted to run. He wanted to throw himself into icy water, anything to cool the trembling heat coursing through his body.

Aaron's gaze drifted back to the boy, and a surge of anger flared inside him, raw and unrelenting. Adrian was smiling.

How could he smile? How dare he smile at me?

Aaron's frustration gnawed at him, his emotions spiraling out of control. Deep down, he knew it wasn't Adrian's fault. It wasn't anyone's fault but his own, his fault for being born so weak. The thought echoed cruelly in his mind, threatening to consume him.

Then a voice cut through the chaos, steady and familiar.

"Congratulations Adrian, Now that the awakening is complete, both of you leave and get some rest," Darven said.

Aaron felt a flicker of relief at his father's words. Safety, or something like it. Maybe his father would convince his mother not to be too hard on him. Maybe he'd tell her to love him the same, despite everything.

The thought gave Aaron enough strength to raise his head and meet his father's gaze. But the blank, emotionless look that greeted him crushed his fragile hope. Darven's face held nothing, no pride, no disappointment, not even recognition.

Aaron's heart skipped a beat, and panic clawed its way into his chest. He tried not to look at his mother, but his eyes betrayed him, moving against his will.

When his gaze found her, the world blurred. His breath hit painfully in his throat, and his body betrayed him once more. His knees buckled, and everything went dark as he collapsed into unconsciousness.

Mother???

***

Darkness surrounded Aaron, but in the void, a faint figure emerged, his mother, standing tall and radiant, her presence commanding all attention. Yet, her gaze wasn't on him.

Aaron's heart clenched as he watched her turn toward Adrian, a warm smile gracing her face.

"Well done, Adrian," she said, her voice full of pride. "You've made me so proud."

Aaron's lips parted, a whisper escaping before he even realized it. "Mother..."

She didn't turn. She didn't even flinch.

"Mother!" he called again, louder this time, his voice cracking. Still, no response. She remained fixed on Adrian as if Aaron wasn't even there.

His body trembled, his legs frozen in place no matter how hard he willed them to move. He strained against the invisible weight holding him back, tears blurring his vision. He felt the heat of his anguish rising, his chest heaving with suppressed sobs.

"Mother!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the emptiness. It was raw, desperate as if he could force her to acknowledge him with sheer will.

But she didn't turn. She didn't even glance his way.

Aaron's vision swam as tears streamed uncontrollably down his face. His chest burned, his throat tightening as he mustered every ounce of strength he had left.

"MOTHER!"

The cry tore through him like a blade, reverberating in the silent void. Yet, she didn't move.

Suddenly, the world around him shattered like fragile glass, fragments swirling in a storm of light and shadow. Aaron jolted awake, gasping for air.

His heart pounded against his ribs like a war drum, his breaths shallow and ragged. His body felt like it had been wrung dry, his clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging uncomfortably to his skin. He touched his face and felt the wet trails left by tears.

His black eyes burned, the whites stained crimson from the intensity of his emotions. His trembling hands clenched the damp sheets beneath him as he sat up, struggling to steady himself.

It was just a dream. Just a dream 

But the pain of it lingered, sharp and unyielding, as though his soul had been cut open and left raw.

Aaron dropped his head into his hands, his fingers tangling in his sweat drenched hair.

I'm sorry mother…