Caden’s amber eyes lingered on Aiden’s back, watching him intently even after Ramiro and Serena had left. Finally, as if making up his mind, he spoke.

  "Aiden, my youngest son, do you have time to talk with your old man?"

  Aiden turned to face him, his father’s tone pulling him from his thoughts. The warmth in Caden’s voice was familiar, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

  With a sigh, Caden pushed himself up from the lounge chair. His usual laid-back demeanor faded, replaced by something far more serious. His ever-present smile vanished.

  'I know where this conversation is headed…' Aiden thought, his own expression mirroring his father’s solemnity. "I have time, Father," he answered calmly.

  Caden nodded, adjusting the collar of his deep wine-red coat over a crisp white button-up shirt. His hands moved to his lower back, a habit of his when he was lost in thought. The hearth beside them crackled, casting flickering shadows across the wooden floors. Firelight danced against the stone walls, illuminating the lines of contemplation on Caden’s face.

  "Don’t you think it’s time to awaken your—"

  "Yes," Aiden interrupted, his voice firm. "I think now is the right time to awaken my Grace."

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  Caden’s reaction was subtle yet telling. His eyes widened—just barely—but Aiden caught it. Even without expression, his father’s mind was racing.

  He’s surprised.

  Caden closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling through his nose. 'This…'

  'He’s never wanted to awaken his Grace.'

  Memories surfaced unbidden. Years ago, Aiden had made a promise, a childish yet stubborn vow—he would only awaken his Grace when that shy little girl, Serena, daughter of that bastard Ramiro, awakened hers first.

  That was the Aiden his father knew.

  And yet, here he stood, willingly agreeing—without hesitation.

  Aiden saw the doubt in his father’s stance, the unspoken questions. He’s wondering what changed. He’s wondering why I suddenly want to do this now.

  The answer was simple.

  Aiden’s gaze steeled, pale amber eyes glowing with quiet resolve. 'In my past life—at this exact moment—I refused.'

  Back then, he had clung to that promise, believing it to be a show of solidarity, a way to stand beside Serena in her struggles. But now, that promise was nothing more than a relic of a life that ended in tragedy.

  He had seen Eden’s dark future.

  He had lived through its ruin.

  He had buried the ones he loved.

  And Serena—

  Aiden clenched his fists.

  'I won’t allow that to happen again.'

  'This second chance is too precious to waste.'