Chapter 156. The Stars Belong to Him Now
The wind was different that morning.
It wasn’t louder, colder, or particularly unusual. But to Ethan, it sounded like something was shifting — something invisible and heavy — like the beginning of a page turning in a book he hadn’t finished reading.
In the courtyard of Levistis Manor, bags were already packed. Aron stood near them, wearing a neatly pressed coat, his little shoes polished to perfection. He was only eight years old, but he stood with the posture of someone older — more like a visitor from the stars than a child raised in laughter and lullabies.
Xilian Zephyr stood beside him, patient and quietly proud. The famed astrophysicist had arrived to take Aron back to his private observatory home — a sanctuary designed for study, safety, and focused brilliance. After three years of mentorship, Aron had asked — politely, shyly — if he could live there to learn full-time.
He wanted more time with the stars.
He wanted to be among people who understood silence.
Adrian had cried the first time the request was made.
Ethan hadn’t.
But now, standing in the courtyard watching their youngest son prepare to leave, something in Ethan felt impossibly tight.
"Are you sure?" Adrian asked again, kneeling down and cupping Aron’s face gently.
Aron nodded. "I want to learn more. There are questions I need to ask the sky."
Adrian kissed his forehead. "Then go ask them. But don’t forget to come home when you miss us."