At Ipsix, before the ambush involving Bhairin took place at the crater of Vellion City, Avalon stood alone in his office at Peacecraft Manor, staring at a stack of unfinished reports.
A heavy silence fell over the room, suffocating him. Eventually, he turned away and walked down the corridor toward the white lily garden. The air outside was calmer. The scent of lilies drifted on the breeze, slowing his steps.
Avalon smirked. "Aria… this garden has become Honest's place of reflection."
He stopped beside a cluster of lilies. A small memory surfaced without warning—Aria walking here with their two children when they were still young, Honest and Serenity, wandering freely among the flowers.
Avalon chuckled. "You were always the one who brought them here."
He continued through the garden. When he reached the edge of the white lotus pond, he let out a long breath. "This pond… you used to take them here for morning walks. Now Serenity comes here alone."
He traced the pond's railing, his fingers brushing a blooming lotus. They trembled faintly. He crossed the small bridge at the center of the pond, his steps heavy, as if memories were gripping his ankles.
Avalon's face became solemn. "On full moon nights, you would always stand here, silently watching its reflection."
The pale gazebo at the end of the bridge waited like a frozen pocket of time. Avalon entered and sat in the chair where Aria used to lean back.
"When they were babies, you nursed Honest and Serenity here. When they learned to walk, this place became your refuge whenever you were exhausted."
He exhaled slowly. "Our marriage was built on an agreement… yet you carried it out without complaint. You always looked happy with the children, even if your smile toward me… was reserved only for them."
A faint smile crossed Avalon's lips. "Pretending to be a family with you, Aria, was both the hardest and the best time of my life."
He stood up. As he stepped out of the gazebo, his expression returned to its usual blank calm. Without looking back, he returned to his office.
***
In front of Charon Manor, as the portal closed, Honest, Serenity, Ashil, Vashil, and Rhea appeared in the courtyard. A young man in a butler's uniform was already waiting.
"Welcome home, Master Nyx. Young Master Honest, Miss Serenity, and honored guests—welcome to the Manor," he said.
"That's enough, Pakis. Escort Ashil, Vashil, and Rhea to the guest rooms on the first floor," Nyx ordered curtly.
"Yes, Master." Pakis promptly guided the trio inside.
Once they were gone, Nyx turned to his two grandchildren without wasting words. "We're going straight to the graves."
Honest and Serenity nodded in unison.
Nyx led them through the lavender garden toward the Charon family cemetery. Hydrangeas bloomed around the neatly arranged gravestones. They stopped before the first grave—Floria Charon.
Nyx slowly knelt. "My love, I've come with our grandchildren."
Honest bowed his head deeply. "Let us pray for Grandmother."
Serenity stared at the headstone for a long moment, as if trying to memorize every detail. The three of them prayed briefly.
A few steps further, they stood before the grave of Asna Charon. Nyx held his breath before speaking. "My daughter… Father has come with Honest and Serenity."
Honest rubbed the back of his neck quietly. "Forgive your nephew for visiting so rarely."
Serenity spoke softly, "May you rest in peace, Aunt."
After finishing their prayer, they moved to the next grave—Aria Charon. The moment Nyx saw the name, his head hung low.
"My daughter… you sacrificed so much. Your children have grown well." Silent tears fell.
Honest clenched his jaw. Mother… I've tried to uphold my promise and my duty. But fate doesn't always open a path.
Serenity could no longer hold back her tears. "Mother…"
They prayed together. Afterward, Honest and Nyx stood up first, giving Serenity space.
"Honest," Nyx called quietly. Honest nodded. They walked away, leaving her alone.
Serenity remained kneeling before her mother's grave, tears falling freely. "Mother… I met Lian," her voice broke. "He doesn't remember anything about Ipsix… not even me."
Her sobs erupted—not childish, but like an old wound finally tearing open. "All of that suffering happened… because of me. I broke Ahkam, the Sacred Law. I acted recklessly. And he bore the consequences…"
She covered her face, her shoulders shaking. After a long while, she wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing her voice to steady.
"Mother… this time, I won't hesitate. No matter the cost, I will save Lian."
Her eyes were swollen, but her resolve was unmistakable. "I'm sorry for not being a good daughter yet. But… I'll come back again someday. With Lian."
She stood unsteadily and walked back toward the cemetery entrance where Honest and Nyx were waiting silently.
"Brother… Grandfather… were you waiting?" she asked hoarsely.
Nyx let out a short breath. "Grief is human. Just don't drown in it."
Honest said nothing; his gaze alone was enough. Serenity nodded and forced a small smile. "I'm fine."
The three of them returned to the Charon Manor.
***
Back at the manor, Pakis was already waiting.
"I've prepared rooms for Young Master Honest and Miss Serenity on the second floor."
"Master Charon, lunch for Young Master Honest and Miss Serenity is ready. I will escort you to the dining room," Pakis said warmly.
Serenity shook her head. "Sorry, I'd like to go to my room first. Could you call Rhea for me, Pakis?"
Pakis glanced at Nyx. Nyx nodded in approval.
"Very well, Miss Serenity. Please rest. I will call Rhea shortly."
Serenity looked at her grandfather and brother.
"I'm sorry, Grandfather, Brother. Please eat without me," she said.
"Yes. Get some rest and calm your mind," Nyx replied.
Honest didn't respond, but his gaze cut deep.
"Thank you," Serenity whispered.
She followed Pakis up the stairs.
***
Inside her room, Serenity looked around. "This room… I used to stay here whenever we visited, when Mother was still alive," Serenity murmured.
She sat by the window, staring at the sky. "Lian…"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Miss Serenity, it's Rhea."
"Yes, you may come in."
Rhea entered and approached her.
Serenity looked at her seriously.
"Rhea, we are not just mistress and servant. We are friends."
Rhea widened her eyes. "What are you planning to do, Miss?"
"I want you to help Lian."
Rhea reflexively covered her mouth. "B–But… how is that possible?"
"I already gave Lian my octagonal sigil."
Rhea's tears spilled. "W–Why would you give him authority over space as The Regulator of Time and Space?" her voice trembled.
Serenity took Rhea's shaking hands. "Please help Lian for me," she said gently.
"I can't… if I do that, you'll be in serious trouble," Rhea cried.
"It's fine. I'm ready."
Rhea wept into Serenity's palms as Serenity held her.
"You're the only one I can rely on."
"Miss… I can help, but you won't escape punishment from Master Avalon and the entire High Council of Ipsix."
"I know. It no longer frightens me. I've been exiled once before."
"This is different, Miss."
Serenity broke the embrace and turned away. "If I go, then you'll be in danger, Rhea," her voice cracked.
"Miss…"
"Everyone sees Lian as an anomaly, as experimental material. But you know who he really is, don't you?"
"Yes," Rhea whispered.
"Rhea, please. Just this once. For the last time."
She turned back.
"Help Lian with your power."
Rhea fell silent.
"How will you help Master Leuliang?"
"I'll use what remains of my power to send you to Lian."
"Then you can only send me… and you'll lose your authority as The Regulator?"
Serenity smiled bitterly.
Rhea closed her eyes briefly. "Young Master Honest will know immediately, won't he?"
"Yes," Serenity answered without hesitation.
Feeling Serenity's unshakable resolve, Rhea finally yielded.
"Miss, I—Rhea Edelweiss, The Connection, and your friend—accept your request."
White light began to bloom as Serenity held Rhea's hands.
"Give my regards to Lian, my friend."
"Yes, Miss. Take care of yourself."
Rhea vanished into particles of light.
"I'm sorry for placing my burden on you."
***
Inside the dining room, Honest suddenly snapped his head around. He felt the surge of energy Serenity had released when sending Rhea to Lian.
He clenched his fist.
"I warned you, but you still crossed the line."
His eyes turned cold, his aura shocking Nyx. Honest walked out of the dining room, leaving his grandfather behind.
"Serenity… this time, I'll be the one to punish you."
To be continued…