Chapter 99.
Isaac arrived at Levistis Manor just as the evening sky turned dusky blue. The grand estate stood in eerie silence, its towering architecture casting elongated shadows against the moonlight. As the car came to a stop, Leclair and Augustin exited first, while Isaac carefully unbuckled the twin babies from their car seats.
Augustin held Aurelius, the tiny boy babbling as he clutched onto his uncle’s coat. Adrian stepped forward, his silver eyes softening as he reached for his son. He gently took Aurelius from Augustin’s arms and pressed a tender kiss on his forehead. The baby blinked up at him with wide, sleepy eyes before curling against his father’s chest.
Leclair, standing beside Augustin, observed Adrian closely. His usual sharp gaze flickered with curiosity before he let out a thoughtful hum.
"You seem different," Augustin remarked, crossing his arms. "Even after everything with Ethan... you’re calmer, more composed."
Adrian shifted his grip on Aurelius, rocking him slightly before handing the baby back to the waiting butler. He let out a quiet chuckle, though there was no humor in it. "I have to be," he admitted. "I need to be the strength Ethan can lean on, not another burden for him to carry."
Augustin’s expression softened as he reached out and patted Adrian’s shoulder. "Good," he said approvingly. "Ethan will need that."
Isaac, who had been silent up until now, finally stepped forward. His golden eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Adrian. "You told me something on the phone," he said. "Something about your memories."
Adrian’s smile faded slightly, his expression growing serious. He turned to the butler, nodding toward the twins. "Take them to their room," he instructed.
The butler bowed and carried Aurelius and Seraphina away, leaving Adrian alone with Isaac, Leclair, and Augustin. They made their way into the sitting room, where a warm fire crackled in the fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Adrian sat down first, his hands clasped together as he exhaled deeply.
"I remember things now," Adrian began, his voice steady but low. "Memories from before I became a Hudel. Before I was even five years old."
Isaac leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "Tell us everything."
Adrian nodded. "I remember being in a cold laboratory... sterile, metallic, filled with the hum of machines. There were people around me, scientists in white coats, performing tests." His hands clenched involuntarily. "I was experimented on."