Chapter 3 A Heart Bound In Shadow's!!!

Autho's Point Of View :

"We are here for him, Orion. Relax. We will be by his side."

Orion pulled away, his frustration exploding as he slammed his fist against the window frame.

"How can I relax, Lyra?! My Astra is broken! He’s hiding his pain, his heart is shattered. He isn't our chirpy Astra anymore. He lost his happiness, and I failed to protect him! I promised Mom I’d keep him safe. I feel pathetic."

Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Handle yourself, Orion. You can't break down. You have to be the light that leads him out of the darkness. We all have to be strong. We have to teach him how to live and how to smile all over again. We have to help him forget that dreadful event."

Orion closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He turned back to her, taking her hands in his.

"You're right. We have to help him understand he isn't the reason for that incident or for Shiloh's condition. We’ll do it together."

"Yes, we will."

Lyra vowed. She leaned in, resting her forehead against his for a moment of shared strength before giving him a quick, encouraging kiss.

"Now, come on. No more melodrama. Get ready! Our boy is coming home after six months!"

Orion finally chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

"You're right. Six months. It feels like centuries. Without him, this house was a desert. He’s the soul of this family. With him coming back, it feels like life is returning to these walls."

Lyra jumped in happiness.

"I can't wait to see him!"

Orion laughed at her excitement and began pulling his suit from the closet.

"Me too. I wanted to go to the airport myself, but you know how stubborn he is. If it were up to me, I’d have flown to Country A to fetch him months ago. But he insisted I just send a car. He said he didn't want to trouble anyone."

He shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips.

"He’s so naive, Lyra. So innocent."

"He is."

Lyra agreed, her eyes misty with love.

"He’s an angel who thinks he’s a burden, even though he’s the one

who spreads happiness wherever he goes. He would go to any extent to protect the people he loves. That’s our Astraeus. A pure-hearted soul."

"Indeed."

Orion whispered.

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The wheels of the aircraft kissed the tarmac of City D Of Country B, and for Astraeus, the air already felt heavier. After clearing security, he and Zephyr grabbed their luggage and stepped into the humid arrival hall. Standing there, leaning against a pillar with a look of pure relief, was their long-time driver, George.

As soon as George saw them, a wide smile broke across his face. He hurried over, his eyes brimming with happiness.

"Welcome Back, Young Master Astraeus, Young Master Zephyr."

George said, his voice soft with emotion.

"It’s been six whole months since I last saw you both."

He immediately began gathering their bags. Astraeus and Zephyr shared a genuine smile with the man who had been a fixture of their childhood.

"Thank you, Uncle George."

Astraeus replied gently.

"How are you?"

"I am doing well, Young Master."

George replied warmly. Zephyr chimed in with a grin.

"And how are Elara Aunt and your princess, Anya?"

"They are doing wonderful too."

George assured them, hauling the last of the suitcases toward the trunk of the car. While George was occupied, Zephyr turned to look at Astraeus. The playful atmosphere of the airport seemed to die the moment he saw his friend's expression.

Astraeus’s face was a mask of deepening gloom, his gaze fixed on nothingness. Zephyr let out a soft, heavy sigh. He didn't need to ask. He knew exactly what was haunting Astraeus’s mind and exactly where this journey was about to lead.

George returned a moment later, wiping his brow with a handkerchief.

"Come, let’s go, Young Master Astraeus, Young Master Zephyr."

He said with a respectful nod.

"You know Orion Sir, Lyra Mam, and little Artemis have been waiting impatiently since dawn. The Villa is ready for your return."

Hearing his warm words Astraeus offered a sad, fragile ghost of a smile. The kind that didn’t quite reach his hazel eyes.

"I know they’re waiting, George Uncle."

He murmured, his voice sounding like dry leaves and gave a pause of Good ten seconds before continuing.

"But... I can’t go home just yet. Before we go to the Villa, we need to go somewhere else."

Where?

The word sat on the tip of George’s tongue, but he never spoke it. Suddenly, the realization clicked. He looked at the young man. The "Angel" of the house who looked so small in his baggy hoodie and he remembered.

The Cemetery.

That was the only answer. It was the place where the late Master and Mistress Empyrean were buried side by side. It was the place Astraeus sought out whenever he was overwhelmed by happiness, crushed by sadness, or caught in the grip of a life-altering dilemma.

Without uttering a single word, George lowered his head in silent understanding and led them to the car.

They climbed into the sleek vehicle, the leather cool against their skin. Instead of taking the grand, sun-drenched highway toward the Empyrean Villa, George steered the car toward the city's outskirts. Toward a much darker, quieter destination where the shadows of the past lay waiting.

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Same Time At Empyrean Villa :

The atmosphere at the Villa was suffocating with anticipation. Everyone was dressed in their best for the homecoming. Lyra wore a simple red, knee-length dress, while Orion was formal as always in a black tuxedo. Little Artemis stood between them in a white floral frock, clutching her teddy bear, her eyes darting toward the gate.

Orion was pacing. Every ten seconds, he checked his watch, his jaw tight. Lyra watched him, giggling softly at his restlessness, but Orion only shot her a look of mock annoyance before returning to his vigil.

As the minutes turned into an hour, the giggles died away. Orion grew visibly pained.

"What’s taking them so long?"

He whispered. Lyra sighed in sadness, her intuition telling her exactly what was happening. Before she could speak, Artemis tugged on her hand.

"Dada, where is my uncle Astra? Why isn't he here? I miss him. I can't wait anymore!"

Orion looked down at his five-year-old daughter, his heart breaking for her. He glanced at Lyra, who gave him a small, supportive nod. She knelt down to Artemis's level.

"Don't worry, my love. Your Uncle Astra will be here soon."

Lyra signaled for the nanny Elara, to take Artemis upstairs. Once the child was gone, Lyra walked to Orion, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Orion..."

Lyra’s voice was a soft plea, cutting through the thick, suffocating silence that had settled over the grand foyer.

"I know, Lyra."