Swallow your pride 2

Prologue

Sebastian's PoV

Sebastian looked up from his book when he heard his study door open, and his smile widened when he saw Aurelius. Sebastian felt as if he had gone back in time. Aurelius was almost seventeen years old, and the resemblance to his father was truly uncanny. He felt as if his best friend Ominis was standing in front of him, except that Aurelius' eyes were blue in color. He stood from his chair and crossed the room, extending a hand to the boy in greeting. "Aurelius," he said warmly. "I wasn't expecting you. Is everything alright?"

Aurelius stepped into the room, his expression a mixture of determination and hesitation. He took Sebastian's extended hand, shaking it firmly. "Everything's fine," he assured him, though his eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety. "Can I... talk to you for a moment?"
Sebastian caught the slight hint of unease in Aurelius' eyes and led him towards one of the chairs by the fireplace. He gestured for him to sit down, his own expression growing slightly concerned.
"Of course," he said quietly, his tone gentle. "What's on your mind, Reus?"

Aurelius sat down in the chair, his gaze flickering between Sebastian and the roaring fire in the fireplace. He took a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts before speaking. Then, he looked up at Sebastian, meeting his eyes directly. "Sebastian," he began, his voice quiet but firm. "I... I have a favor to ask of you."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow at Aurelius' serious tone, his heart clenching slightly as he anticipated what the boy was about to ask. He nodded for him to continue, leaning back in his chair and studying his face closely.
"Go on," he encouraged gently.
Aurelius fidgeted a bit in his seat, swallowing hard before continuing. He looked down at his hands as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I need your help," he said quietly. "With my sister Isadora."

Sebastian's heart squeezed in his chest at the mention of Isadora's name. He had a feeling this conversation was going to be difficult, but he masked his own emotions with a gentle smile. "Of course," he said quietly. "Anything. What do you need?"
Aurelius looked up at Sebastian, a flicker of relief in his eyes. He took a deep breath. "I'm... I'm worried about her," he said, his voice growing more urgent. "She's been having... dreams. Nightmares, actually. And they're getting worse. I think it has something to do with her ability."

Sebastian's expression became more serious as he listened to Aurelius' worries about Isadora. Dreams, nightmares...he knew all too well what those could mean. "Have you tried talking to her about them?" he asked gently. "Does she remember anything from them when she wakes up?"
Aurelius shook his head, his expression growing more troubled. "I don't know", he admitted, his voice strained. "She's been... distant lately. Shutting herself away from me. She's more withdrawn, more secretive. I think she's afraid, but she won't admit it. And... and there's something else..."
Aurelius paused, a look of unease passing over his face.

"She's had an... accident, recently," he continued, his voice softer than before. "She was studying late one night and things just... started to fly around the room. Cups, books, even some of the furniture. She couldn't control it. And even though I asked, she wouldn't tell me what caused it."

Sebastian's heart sank as he listened to Aurelius' description. His fears were starting to take shape and the signs were all too familiar. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep his voice calm and steady.
"I see..." he said quietly. He hesitated for a moment, weighing his words, but then he sighed and leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Aurelius'.
"Aurelius," he said quietly. "I think I know what's happening to her.

Sebastian took a deep breath as well, his heart heavy with the knowledge he had. He looked into Aurelius' eyes, his own expression grave.
"What you're describing...it sounds like early signs of an Ancient Magic manifesting in Isidora," he said quietly. "And based on what you've told me, it's very likely that it's the same kind of power that ran in your family for generations. The same power that led to your mother's demise."