Enigma of Darkness ✨

A test of acceptance

The car stopped at the entrance of the Yu Mansion, where a quick security check granted Lucian access. The mansion, just as grand as the Azrail residence, stood majestically. It is often featured in documentaries on media channels for its beauty. As Lucian stepped out of the car, he was greeted by Araki, who stood at the entrance with the butler and attendants by his side.

It wasn't Lucian's first visit; he had come here to play with Keon a few times before during their childhood, though those instances were rare. Today, however, felt different. The person who usually kept a distance now welcomed him with a genuine smile and open arms. Lucian couldn't help but smile back, but his attention was quickly drawn to a little goofball rolling out from inside the mansion.

Alde stood before him with outstretched arms. Lucian chuckled, kneeling to embrace Alde, and they giggled in a happy greeting. Araki watched with a huff, his chance to welcome Lucian taken by his enthusiastic little brother. The butler and attendants quickly snapped pictures of the scene, adoring their young master. Noticing Araki's glance, they tucked away their phones and bowed to Lucian, greeting him warmly as he entered the mansion alongside Araki and Alde.

Alde was eager to show Lucian around the mansion, but a quick glance from Araki stopped him in his tracks. He looked down and quietly followed the two of them. Noticing this, Lucian patted Alde's head consolingly. Leaning down, he whispered, "Don't worry, Big brother faced this a lot too when he was young." Alde's eyes sparkled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Lucian.

Araki, ready to reprimand the two, noticed his parents waiting to greet their guests. Lucian smiled and bowed respectfully to his mate's parents. Eric smiled broadly and patted him on the back, while Bella examined the bouquet of flowers and the bottle of wine that Lucian had brought. She handed them to the butler and invited Lucian to sit down.

Lucian took a seat between Araki and Alde. Bella watched them, a fleeting sadness passing through her eyes before she quickly masked it with a smile. "Your family must be very happy about your mate bond," Bella remarked, her tone laced with a hint of superiority as she looked at her son.

Eric and Araki exchanged a glance, and Eric subtly shook his head, signaling Araki not to interfere.

Lucian's smile widened at Bella's comment. He took Araki's hand in his and looked into his eyes, their gazes meeting warmly. "Yes, they are very happy that Araki has found someone like me," Lucian replied confidently. Araki patted Lucian's hand and smiled. "I am too," he affirmed.

Bella, who had been about to say something, paused, seeing the genuine connection between the two. She instructed the butler to serve Lucian a freshly brewed exotic tea that she favored.

Lucian passed a cookie to Alde and took a sip of the tea, complimenting Bella on her excellent taste. Pleased by the compliment, Bella quickly asked another question, "How did you find out that you are mates? You're really lucky to have him. He is quite in demand."

Lucian took his time to answer, savoring the tea. However, Alde couldn't wait. He wiped his face elegantly and answered on Lucian's behalf, "Mama, Lucian Big brother is also in demand at our school. My whole class is a fan of him."

Bella shot her son a glare for interrupting the adult conversation, but Eric and Araki chuckled, praising Lucian for his popularity. Lucian appreciated Alde's support and handed him a box of cupcakes along with superhero figurines he had brought as gifts. Alde's eyes twinkled like bright stars as he received the gifts from Lucian. He quickly showed them to his nanny, who smiled and admired the presents before taking Alde away to let the adults continue their conversation.