Asher's living room was immersed in a heavy atmosphere.
Alix paced back and forth, her hands trembling, her eyes red and swollen with tears. His breathing was ragged, as if each breath cost him immense effort.
— I... I should never have left her alone... she sobbed.
Alixia… my baby… where is she…?
She ran her hands over her face, her voice breaking.
— What if something had happened to him...?
What if someone had seen her... recognized her...?
Miria approached her gently and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
— Alix… breathe, okay?
Alixia is smart. She knows how to handle herself.
— That's not enough! cried Alix.
She's only twelve years old!
His voice cracked. She almost collapsed on the couch.
Kira knelt in front of her, taking her hands gently.
— Alix… breathe. Alixia is strong. She will get through this.
We'll find her, okay?
— What if she's scared?! If she feels abandoned, cried Alix, sobbing.
Eiden placed a firm but reassuring hand on her shoulder.
— She knows your love. She knows it.
Miria, standing near the window, clenched her fists, her stomach in knots. She couldn't imagine what Alix was feeling.
A heavy silence settled.
Then suddenly—
The front door opened.
Everyone froze.
- Mom !
The clear, familiar voice cut through the air.
Alix suddenly raised her head...
and lives Alixia.
Alive. Standing. Smiling.
— Alixia…?
The mother jumped up and ran across the room.
- My love !
She hugged her tightly, as if afraid she would disappear again.
- Are you doing well ?
Are you hurt?
Did someone hurt you?
"Mom, it's okay, really," replied Alixia, laughing softly.
I'm doing very well.
Bryan entered as well, closing the door behind him.
"She went through our things," he explained calmly.
She came across some kingdom files... and decided to come get me herself.
- WHAT ?! several voices exclaimed at the same time.
Eiden tensed.
—Did that cause any problems?
Bryan gave a bitter smile.
— No...
Even if I created a few of my own.
- How so ? asked Alix, pale.
—Let's say I revealed my brother's true nature.
And he, before that, had revealed my relationship with a hybrid.
Alix's face froze.
— So… he knows?
— Rest assured.
He only knows that I'm dating a hybrid.
He doesn't know your identity.
And he doesn't know anything about Alixia.
Alix let out a shaky sigh.
—Okay… that reassures me.
Asher crossed his arms, serious.
— Still, it's too risky.
From today, Alixia will stay here.
For his safety.
Alixia's eyes lit up.
— Yes… great!