I Will Rule

Chapter 5: Reunions

Chapter 5: Reunions

-Two Years Later-

Lincoln Loud - 14 years old - the second step of the Iron Body Technique.

The past two years had crawled by at an excruciatingly slow pace for Lincoln. This island, a place he had come to loathe, seemed like the worst place imaginable. Yet today, Rick, who had once been his driver and now serves as his personal attendant, brought him news that left him uncertain whether to feel hopeful or apprehensive. At the very least, it meant he wouldn’t remain alone among the beasts disguised as humans for much longer.

Lincoln stood waiting at the island’s landing strip, anxiously anticipating the arrival of a private jet. He had been waiting for this day for two weeks, ever since he first received the news. His heart raced with excitement, and he could hardly contain himself.

He had arrived at the landing strip with his personal car and Rick by his side early in the morning, driven by his enthusiasm. Thanks to the Iron Body Technique, a special training regimen for children of elite families before their coming-of-age ceremony, he didn’t need to rest.

Finally, the jet appeared in the sky, descending slowly before landing smoothly on the strip. Lincoln watched with bated breath as the aircraft’s door opened and a figure emerged. This person appeared even more anxious and fearful than Lincoln had been upon his arrival on the island.

The moment this person saw Lincoln, she broke into a sprint towards him, tears streaming down her face.

“Linnnnncooooooooooln!!!!!” The figure cried out, rushing into his arms and embracing him tightly. Despite the changes in his appearance over the years, she could never forget him.

“Shelby!” Lincoln exclaimed, wrapping his arms around his cousin with equal fervor. He had missed having a true family member, someone from his real family, rather than the so-called elite family filled with bullies and torment.

Shelby clung to him, sobbing uncontrollably. “I can’t believe it’s you! I was so scared. They told me I had to come here, and I thought I’d never see anyone I knew again!”

Lincoln held her tightly, comforting her as best he could. “It’s okay, Shelby. We’re together now. We’ll get through this, I promise.”

Rick, standing by the car, watched the reunion with a mix of satisfaction and relief. It had been a long time since he had seen Lincoln this animated. The past two years had been harsh on the boy, and Rick hoped that Shelby’s arrival would bring some much-needed light into his life.

Lincoln gently pulled away from the embrace, looking into Shelby’s tear-streaked face.

Shelby managed a small smile. “I’m so glad you’re here, Lincoln. I was terrified of being alone.”

“You’re not alone,” Lincoln assured her. “We will get through this together.”

Rick approached them, clearing his throat gently. “Young master, Miss Shelby, we should head back to the residence. It’s not safe to linger out here.”

Lincoln nodded, guiding Shelby towards the car. “Rick’s right. Let’s get you settled in.”

As they drove back to the residence, Shelby couldn’t help but notice the island’s eerie beauty. The dense forests and rugged terrain seemed both enchanting and foreboding. She shivered slightly, thinking about what they told her about the coming-of-age ceremony.

They arrived at the grand mansion that served as Lincoln’s home on the island. The imposing structure loomed before them, a stark reminder of the family’s power and influence. Lincoln led Shelby inside, where Rick had already instructed the staff to prepare a room for her.