Capítulo 30: DAMIAN

The grandeur of the palace chamber was amplified by the arrival of the unexpected guests. The sunlight streaming through the open doors painted the room in a golden glow, casting intricate patterns on the marble floor.

A woman entered with the grace. Her figure, exquisitely formed, moved with confidence, drawing the eyes of all who beheld her. Her striking hazel brown eyes held a spark of intelligence, and her lips, painted a soft shade of pink, curved into a half-smile that hinted at a world of secrets.

Beside her, the young boy, who appeared to be Jay's age, exuded an air of precociousness. His fair complexion contrasted with his jet-black hair, and his blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. He wore a white shirt with a neatly tied ribbon at the collar and a black pair of shorts. His coat, while removed, was clutched in his small hands, a testament to his awareness of decorum.

Deryl, always the gracious host, extended his welcome. "Welcome. I see you've arrived, though not without your share of troubles."

Jasmine inclined her head gracefully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It was not without its challenges," she replied with a subtle hint of amusement.

Deryl's curiosity was piqued. "What happened during your journey?"

Jasmine's gaze shifted to her son, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Our ship from the Demon Continent was accosted by unscrupulous merchants. However, my young companion here," she nodded toward the boy, "demonstrated exceptional wit and resourcefulness in our defense."

A sense of familiarity washed over Jay as he studied the boy. "He looks my age," Jay thought, pondering the strange turn of events.

Deryl, always one to recognize talent, couldn't help but comment. "You truly are talented, young man."

The boy, his face impassive, responded confidently, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Meanwhile, Jay couldn't help but notice the absence of his father, Michael, in the conversation. "With the mention of merchants, Dad should be cracking jokes by now," Jay mused, his thoughts racing as he tried to unravel the mystery.

As the scene unfolded before him, Jay's eyes darted towards his father, who stood beside him. To his bewilderment, Michael appeared frozen, his eyes wide and filled with perspiration. "What's going through that cranium of his?" Jay wondered.

Deryl, sensing that something was amiss, turned his attention toward Michael and gestured toward the woman. "Michael, come and meet your new apprentice."

For a brief moment, Michael seemed unable to react. His voice trembled as he stammered, "J… Ja… Jasmine?"

The name hung in the air, laden with unspoken history and unresolved emotions.

The room was enveloped in an unexpected reunion, and Michael found himself standing before Jasmine, his heart racing like a storm-tossed sea. He extended a trembling hand, and their fingers intertwined in a handshake that conveyed years of history, regret, and unanswered questions.

"How long has it been?" Jasmine inquired, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions.

Michael chuckled nervously, trying to alleviate the tension that had settled upon him. "Roughly two decades, I suppose."

The sudden revelation of their connection piqued Deryl's curiosity. "Wait, you two know each other?" he interjected.

Jasmine and Michael exchanged glances, the awkwardness palpable as they shared a nervous chuckle. "It's quite a lengthy story," Michael replied.

Jay couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation, his mind racing with wild speculations. "Wouldn't be surprised if that's his ex," he thought wryly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "The guy looks like a player," he mumbled to himself.

Deryl, sensing that the situation warranted further explanation, decided to address it. "I bet you'll tell me all about it, but our guests will be welcomed and will be staying with us."

As Michael began to voice his concern, Jasmine interrupted with a knowing smile. "Deryl?... as in the Deryl?"

Deryl nodded, confirming her assumption. "Yes."

Jasmine's smile widened. "It's truly wonderful to see you again," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she casually brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Just then, the palace staff, efficient as ever, entered the room, carrying the guests' belongings. With polite gestures, they offered to assist Jasmine and her son. "This way, Miss Jasmine," one of the butlers said, leading them away.

"We'll catch up later," Jasmine called out to Deryl and Michael as she and the young boy departed.

As they watched Jasmine and her son leave, Michael seized the opportunity to confide in Deryl. He asked where Deryl had found her.

Deryl revealed that he had received a letter just the other day, requesting the young boy's help with research on the Spirecore. The mention of this disease brought a somber tone to their conversation.

Then, Michael took a trip down memory lane, prompting Deryl's recollection of a time when their guild had gotten lost and ended up at the Demon Continent's border. Deryl recalled a specific night when they had stayed at an inn run by elves, and the memories of that fateful evening made them both chuckle.

Jay, on the other hand, was bewildered by the mention of elves. He couldn't help but notice Jasmine's slightly pointed ears, which had been a subtle indication of her heritage. "Did he just say elves? No wonder her ears stood out so much," he mused to himself.

Amidst their laughter, Michael divulged a secret he had carried for years. "During that night, I met a waitress, and well, we both got drunk and ended up… intimately involved," he admitted hesitantly.

Deryl's eyes widened, absorbing the shock of the revelation. "So, you're saying the boy is most likely your son?" he asked incredulously.

Michael nodded, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I can't be certain."

Deryl couldn't believe his ears. "What do you mean you can't be sure? The boy literally has your eyes!" he exclaimed, pointing out the unmistakable resemblance.

"At this point, things won't be looking good for me at all," Michael sighed.

Just as the revelation sank in, Jasmine returned to the room, her presence commanding attention. She held the young boy, her son, close to her side, their connection undeniable.

"Oh, Michael, you didn't quite meet him properly," she remarked with a hint of mischief. "Meet your apprentice and son... Damian."

"Eeehhh?" both Deryl and Jay exclaimed in stunned disbelief.

Their collective gasp was punctuated by the unmistakable sound of shattering glass. All eyes turned toward the source of the commotion.

At the far corner of the room, Crystal and Eleanor stood in stunned silence. Eleanor clutched a flower vase filled with lilac blooms, her knuckles white from the sudden shock. On the ground lay a shattered vase, its delicate pieces scattered like a puzzle waiting to be reassembled. Crystal's mouth hung half open, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"What... what did I just hear?" Crystal stammered, her voice quivering as she looked at Michael. Her hands shook uncontrollably, mirroring the upheaval of emotions in the room.

///NEXT CHAPTER: SPLIT ///

Edited by: JJ

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I eagerly await your feedback and comments on the book's progression. Your insights and thoughts are invaluable in shaping the narrative, and your Power Stones are the beacon that keeps my creative flames burning.