am-books Chapter 144: He has changed
Chapter 144: He has changed
Gregoria observed Alden with a raised brow and remarked, "The war certainly took an unexpected turn, didn't it?"
Alden nodded, replying, "Yes, Mother, in ways we could never have seen."
Just then, Regina stepped forward and hugged Julian in a warm embrace. "You've returned safely," she whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Julian feeling the comfort of his mother's embrace, allowed himself a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of recent events.
Eva chuckled and nudged Julian playfully. "Look at you, all heroic and mysterious now," she teased with a grin.
Eleanor who was standing nearby, couldn't meet his eyes. Her cheeks were flushed pink as memories of their previous encounter ran through her mind.
Julian's gaze shifted to Eva's husband, William. The man was a son of a Count and had striking black hair and dark eyes.
"Good to see you, William," Julian said.
William bowed in respect and replied, "You too, Your Grace," but Julian waved it off with a smirk. "Forget the honorifics."
His eyes then moved to the couple's daughter, Eliot. She had inherited the best of both her parents; her father's dark hair and her mother's striking blue eyes.
Her beauty was undeniable, curvy and graceful, and Julian couldn't help but notice how she carried herself with the same elegance her mother had.
Julian flashed a playful grin at Eliot, his voice teasing as he said, "You're as pretty as ever, my niece."
Eliot rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his comment. "I'm older than you. Stop teasing me," she retorted.
Julian chuckled as he leaned closer with a hurt expression. "Is that how you talk to your uncle?" he asked, his laughter light and carefree.
The playful exchange between them only added to the light-hearted atmosphere, as Julian enjoyed pushing his niece's buttons in the best way possible.
"Uncle my ass," Eliot muttered as she crossed her arms with a defiant look.
"What happened, dear? Why are you so quiet?" she asked.
Alden sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "Our son has changed," he replied, his tone heavy with uncertainty. "And I don't know if it's for better or for worse."
Regina's heart raced as she stepped closer to Alden. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Alden's expression hardened, the weight of what he had witnessed still weighing heavily on him. "You know, Regina," he said, "he killed Marcus." He then recalled all the events to Regina.
Regina's face went pale as Alden recounted the events. "What...what happened to our son?" she whispered, her voice shaky. "He killed Marcus?" Her breath hitched in her chest as she struggled to process the weight of it all.
Alden nodded solemnly, his own heart heavy with the burden. "He wasn't just defending himself, Regina. He was... ruthless. He didn't hesitate. The way he killed Marcus, it was like he had no remorse."
He paused, "The power he wields now, it's... it's terrifying. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. I don't know where he is heading."
Regina clutched her chest, her mind racing. "But Julian... he's our son. We raised him better than this. What could have changed him so much?"
Alden sighed deeply. "I don't know, but there is something different about him now, Regina. It's like he isn't the same boy we raised anymore. He's powerful, yes, but there's something darker in him now. And I fear what it might mean for us... for the family."
Regina gently held his shoulder, "Don't worry dear, I will talk with him."
Alden turned to face her, worry etched across his features. "Are you sure, Regina? I... I don't know if he will listen"
Regina gave him a reassuring smile, though it was tinged with uncertainty. "I am his mother, Alden. I raised him. I know him better than anyone else. I will talk to him, and I'll make him understand."
Alden hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Just... be careful, Regina."
"I will," she replied softly. "But I believe that somewhere deep inside, Julian is still the son we know. I just need to remind him of that."
She squeezed his shoulder gently, then turned toward the door. "I'll talk to him now."
Alden watched her leave, his heart heavy with worry as he silently hoped that she was right.