The one retrieved from The Void

Abigail sighed, her expression thoughtful. "Ger, it's more than that. It's a deep bond, a shared understanding. Something you can't fully grasp unless you've been through it."

Gerald nodded slowly, considering her words. "I understand the sentiment. But they were incredibly brave, and I want to reward their courage."

Jacob and Abigail exchanged amused glances. The idea of a reward for their actions hadn't crossed their minds. Their focus had been on survival, not accolades.

A discreet knock interrupted their conversation. "Come in, Brandon," Gerald replied.

"The ladies that the young master was waiting for have arrived," Brandon announced.

"Good, then we can give them the good news," Abigail replied.

"They are currently with Miss Clara and Miss Celine in the second-floor living room," Brandon informed them.

"Good, let's go," Gerald said, rising to his feet.

As they emerged from Gerald's office, a striking figure caught their attention. Standing at the end of the corridor was a young man of otherworldly allure. His long, white hair, tipped with an ethereal green, cascaded over his shoulders like a shimmering waterfall. Unconventional yet undeniably captivating, his emerald eyes held a depth that hinted at secrets untold.

Clad in an oversized, graphic-print shirt layered over tight black jeans, he exuded a casual yet confident charm. The shirt, with its bold, abstract patterns, complemented the sleek lines of his jeans in a way that was both unexpected and intriguing. A series of silver rings adorned his slender fingers, each a unique piece of artistry. To complete the enigmatic ensemble, a half-mask of polished obsidian covered the lower half of his face, revealing only his piercing green eyes and high cheekbones. His overall look was a striking blend of rebellion and refinement, a testament to a spirit that refused to be confined.

"Vastian," Gerald began, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be down there enjoying the party."

Vastian grinned. "Can't a brother greet his sibling?"

Jacob's face softened into a warm smile. "How've you been, little bro?"

Unlike most of the family, Jacob and Gerald had always treated Vastian with unconditional love and respect. Despite not being a Bonded, Vastian had dedicated himself to rigorous training and intellectual pursuits. His determination and resilience had earned him the admiration of his elder brother and his grandfather.

"I'm doing well, thanks for asking, brother. And you?" Vastian replied.

"I'm fine. Just got back from a mission," Jacob answered.

Vastian studied Jacob's face, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Rough mission?" he asked.

Jacob was taken aback by Vastian's perceptiveness. "How'd you know?"

Vastian shrugged. "It's written all over you. Something big went down."

Jacob lowered his head, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Yeah, you could say that," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

Vastian reached out and placed a comforting hand on Jacob's shoulder. "Want to talk about it?" he asked gently.

Jacob nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of grief and determination. "Yeah, come with us. I'll fill you in on the way."

With that, the three of them left the room, their footsteps echoing in the hushed corridor. As they walked, Jacob recounted the harrowing events of the mission, his voice trembling slightly. He described the encounter with the creature, the loss of Al, and his decision to bring Tessa and Lynn to the Hek mansion for the Unveiling Ritual.

Vastian listened intently, his expression growing more somber with each word. "I see," he murmured when Jacob finished.

Jacob's eyes were filled with a mixture of grief and determination. "Seeing all that death... it hit me hard," he admitted.

Vastian nodded in understanding. "Yeah, it would. But there's something else," he said carefully. "Al's death affected you on a deeper level."

Jacob was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"We don't usually hand out compliments in this family," Vastian explained. "But Al's words of encouragement meant a lot to you. Losing him so suddenly... it's a heavy burden to bear."

As they approached the grand staircase, they could hear the lively chatter and laughter of the party guests. A sense of foreboding washed over Jacob. This was a world away from the darkness he had just escaped. Yet, he knew that confronting the challenges ahead was the only way to honor Al's memory.

"Thanks," Jacob said, a genuine note of gratitude in his voice.

"For what?" Vastian replied, a curious glint in his eyes.

"For listening to me and pointing out what I hadn't considered," Jacob explained. He had always admired Vastian's ability to see the bigger picture.

"No problem," Vastian replied with a casual shrug. "That's what brothers are for."

Jacob nodded in agreement. "Speaking of which, where have you been hiding, little bro?"

Vastian grinned. "Researching something. Nothing too exciting."

Abigail cleared her throat. "I think it's time for Vastian to join the party, and for us to meet with Clara and the others."

"Yeah, Grandma's right," Jacob agreed. "See you later, little bro. Enjoy yourself."

As Jacob and Abigail walked away, Vastian's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. In the past few years, he had dedicated himself to understanding the Forgotten, the ancient and enigmatic beings that were the focus of his mission. Despite his efforts, he had found little to no concrete evidence. Until today. He had sensed a trace of their power within these very walls.

That trace of power originated from Jacob. Intrigued, Vastian delved deeper into the energy signature. As his analysis progressed, a chilling realization dawned upon him: the creature Jacob had encountered was not merely a monstrous aberration, but a Forgotten.

He knew he had to attend the party. Trying to piece together the location of the mission on his own would be a daunting task. That would have to wait until after the festivities. For now, he had to play the part of the carefree younger sibling.

Descending to the main hall, Vastian was met with a dazzling spectacle. Guests, adorned in extravagant attire, mingled and laughed, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and color. Aleara and Beck were the center of attention, surrounded by a coterie of admirers.