ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 2

MAY

Maturity.

Adults are supposed to be mature. The older someone is, the wiser they are. They guide those younger and less knowledgeable than them, shaping and acting as a protector.

Jace's parents and cousins are exactly that. They're big and smart, guardians that he knows he will always be safe around. All of them are adults that know everything and how the world works.

He never understood why he has to be the odd one out.

They're all so much older than him. Compared to his cousin's children, technically his nephews and nieces, he is closer to them in age. But it certainly doesn't change the fact that he's different from them.

He's the oldest yet not. In their age group yet not.

He hates this.

He shouldn't be hanging around little babies. He wants to be cool and mature like the rest of his cousins. He wants to be the one they look up to too, the one that they run to with questions and help.

It's not fair. It's not fair at all.

Jace has been trying his hardest to amend this by leading the others. He always makes sure to take charge of watching his nieces and nephews, even if he has to throw himself in an unknown situation.

That feels good. It does make him feel older. Smart. Admired.

But sometimes, there's a voice in the back of his mind, itching through his subconscious, trying to bring itself closer to say he'll never be like them.

And he has to admit that he listens to that voice often on days when he just can't seem to get the others to listen.

He wants his authority to be respected. He's older and different.

Why is that so hard?

He doesn't know what else he can do about this besides be like those he admires. For that, he has to learn all that he can.

His father often talks to him that one day, he'll become the future King of the Death Kingdom. All that is his will go onto him.

Jace has asked about the Water Kingdom too, after all, it's where he mainly lives besides the frequent trips back and forth. But his father usually defers to his mother, and mom only tells him that it'll be in good hands.

If mom says so, then it will be. His only job is to grow up so he can start his crown prince training.

He couldn't wait.

. . .

''Mommy, why can't I learn more about my magic? I want to do death stuff!'' Jace whines, staring at Aria with a pout as she begins to put away her magic instruments. They were sat in front of each other on the floor after a session of practicing the foundations of enhancement.

Aria shakes her head. ''Hasn't your father told you why?''

''He has, but..''

''Then you know why, Jace.'' She puts her hands on her knees and rises from the ground. ''Your magic isn't something you can use like everyone else. It's special.''