Chapter 4 The Memories!!!

Author's Point Of View :

"I know, Lyra."

Orion interrupted. His voice was a ragged edge, heavy with a mixture of grief and a bone-deep longing. He didn’t need to check his phone or track the GPS. He knew his brother’s soul better than he knew his own.

"I told you. He went to meet them."

Orion whispered, his eyes fixed on the empty, winding driveway where the car should have already appeared.

"Which means... he is in pain."

"We knew it was going to be like this, didn't we?"

Lyra said softly, her voice trembling just enough to betray her calm. She stepped closer, her own heart aching behind her composed exterior. She looked just as worried as him, her fingers nervously twisting the crimson fabric of her dress.

"Remember, Orion... we need to be strong for him."

She reminded him, placing a hand on his arm.

"We just have to wait. He needs that moment with them before he can find the strength to face us."

Orion nodded tersely, his jaw set so tight it looked like it might shatter under the pressure. He couldn't trust himself to speak another word without completely breaking down. Without a backward glance, he turned and retreated upstairs to the sanctuary of his bedroom, leaving the rest of the house to sit in its restless, golden silence.

Once inside, he shut the door with a heavy bang. He crossed to a bedside drawer and pulled out a hidden photo frame. It was their last perfect family photo. In it, Orion was grinning, Artemis perched on his shoulders. He had one arm around Lyra and the other tucked protectively around Astraeus, who was laughing so hard he was clutching his stomach. To the left was Zephyr, sulking playfully, and to the right was Shiloh. Laughing like a maniac, his arm wrapped firmly and protectively around Astraeus’s waist.

Remembering those golden days, a small, pained smile touched Orion's lips. He caressed Astraeus’s face in the photo, missing that angelic smile. He felt helpless. He hugged the frame to his chest as if it were a lifeline, a single tear escaping as the flood of memories took over.

End Of Author's Point Of View :

.....

Orion’s Point Of View :

It’s been an eternity since I last held him. Today, after six months of silence, my little brother is coming back to me.

Astraeus is everything to me. He isn't just my sibling, he is my life. He is the last living piece of our parents. I still remember being nine years old, hearing that a miracle was coming. I prayed every day for a sister, but when a brother this delicate, starry-eyed boy was born, I didn't care. I was ten, and I was in love with him the moment I saw him.

I was his knight. He was a butterfly, always pranking, always chirping, always getting into trouble. And because he was so beautiful, so pure, he attracted everyone’s attention. As he grew, it became my job to shoo away any boy and girl who looked at him the wrong way. I was possessive, yes, but I wanted to keep him in my embrace, away from the dirty stares of the world.

He was so fond of me. He wouldn't eat until I came home from college. At seven, he would sit on the doorstep waiting for me to bring him his daily chocolate. I wanted to spoil him, to give him the world. But Astraeus never wanted video games or cars, he just wanted my time. Our family was perfect. Until that cruel, stone-hearted God took it all away.

I promised my mother I would be his shield. I took an oath to keep pain away from him. But standing here today, I realize how much I’ve failed.

I remember the darkness of that night. I was eighteen, and Astraeus was only eight. That was the night we became orphans. That was the night the first halo was broken.

End Of Orion's Point Of View.

......

Author’s Point Of View :

Flashback to 15 years back :

Inside the grand auditorium of City R, the air was thick with the scent of hairspray and nervous energy. In the center of the bustle sat an eight-year-old boy who looked like he had been sculpted from starlight. Astraeus was a vision in a soft, sky-blue suit that matched the clarity of his hazel eyes.

He had just finished the final rehearsal for his performance. His teacher, Miss Rosy, watched the boy with a look of pure adoration.

"Astraeus, you were breathtaking."

She complimented, her voice warm.

"Just keep that energy. You are the center of the stage today, our little star. Do your best, okay?"

Astraeus’s chubby cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and he nodded shyly. Miss Rosy couldn't resist reaching out to pinch his cheek.

"Aww, you are so sweet. I’m certain that one day, you’ll be the most brilliant actor the world has ever seen."

"Really, Miss Rosy?"

Astraeus squealed, his voice brimming with hope.

"Really, Astra.”

A deeper, familiar voice echoed from the doorway. Astraeus spun around, his eyes sparkling with instant joy. Standing there was his brother, Orion. Orion watched his younger brother with a proud, protective smile before approaching. Astraeus didn’t hesitate. He launched himself at his brother, and Orion caught him effortlessly, pulling him into a firm embrace.

"Practice over, little star?"

Orion asked, pressing a lingering kiss to the side of Astraeus’s head.

Astraeus smiled against his brother's chest, but then, a childish grumpiness took over. He pulled back, pouting.

"Brother Orion, where were you? I was so scared when I couldn't find you in the front row. I was nervous!"

Orion chuckled, his eyes softening.

"Well, I had to stop and get a gift for my little prince."

The mention of a gift acted like a magic spell. Astraeus’s mood transformed instantly, his eyes widening.

"A gift?"

"Yes, a gift."

Orion confirmed, pulling a box from behind his back. It was wrapped in Astraeus’s favorite royal blue paper and finished with a silk pink ribbon. Astraeus took the box, shaking it curiously.

"Brother, what’s inside? Tell me!"

"Open it and find out, you impatient kitten."

Orion teased. Astraeus tore through the wrapping paper with a frenzy. As the lid came off, his jaw dropped. Inside were a pair of pristine, limited-edition sports shoes.

"New shoes for me?"

Astraeus whisper-yelled, looking up at his brother in disbelief.

"Only the best for you, my little Prince"

Orion chuckled. Astraeus threw his arms around Orion’s neck in a bone-crushing hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Brother Orion! They’re so pretty!"

"Anything for you."

Orion whispered.

"But... how did you know?"

Astraeus asked, pulling back.

"How did you know I wanted these?"

Orion knelt down to his brother's level, cupping his small face with a large, gentle hand.

"Nothing is hidden from your Big Brother. I know every inch of your soul. I can read your heart as easily as I read your eyes."