Chapter 21: Family

Beth said, "But he is dead, right?"

Sylvia didn't reply. She was silent as her mind was working at incredible speeds. She said, "It all makes sense."

Beth said, "What does?"

Sylvia replied, "Lucas. I knew that he was too much of a genius to be born on this planet."

Beth said, "I don't understand."

Sylvia replied, "Think about it. His smarts, charisma, good looks, added with the Call of the Stars…"

Beth gasped. She spoke slowly as if she was hoping what she was about to say was a lie. She said, "Lucas is a… Shelby."

Sylvia nodded and said, "He is not just a Shelby, he is Charles Shelby's son. He is the last heir of the Shelby bloodline."

Beth said, "Doesn't that mean…"

Sylvia said, "Yup, he is the key."

She slapped her desk as she yelled, "Dammit!"

Beth said, "I need a drink."

Sylvia said, "Pour one for me as well."

While they were drinking, Sienna was planning on talking to Lucas at the Zenith residence. What her mother had said had really struck her. Did Lucas really not tell her about his Call because he was afraid to hurt her? Did he really think that his father was some monster that she had to escape from?

She knocked on his door. "Lucas, it's me. Can I come in?"

His voice came from inside. "Yeah…"

Sienna opened the door and walked in. Lucas was doing push-ups. He got up and wiped his sweat.

Sienna said, "Sweetie, we need to talk."

Lucas said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I should have told you about the Call of the Stars. It's just that…"

Sienna said, "Lucas, I need you to know that you can talk to me about everything. So tell me, what happened?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mom, I am going to inherit Dad's talent as well, aren't I?"

Sienna replied, "Yes, dear. Your father also experienced the Call of the Stars. And I'm happy that you are experiencing it as well. I'm sure that he would be proud too."

Lucas sighed with relief. He said, "I just thought that you would be angry."

Sienna said, "Lucas, you need to understand something. I love your father, and he loves m—"

Lucas interrupted her, "Wait, 'loves' as in present tense? As in, he is still alive?"

Sienna replied, "Of course he is still alive. And you have no idea how proud he would be if he were here with us."

Lucas said, "But then why haven't I met him until now?"

Sienna didn't want to answer this question because it was complicated, but she had seen the consequences of dodging questions. She sighed and said, "You haven't met him because he is stuck somewhere. Some very bad men trapped him in a place. But trust me, he is trying very hard to break out of there because he wants to meet you."

Lucas said, "Is he in danger?"

Sienna laughed and said, "Lucas, there is something that you need to understand about your father. He is very strong."

Lucas asked, "Stronger than the Dean?"

Sylvia was the strongest person that he knew. Sienna laughed once again and answered, "He is much, much stronger than her."

Lucas was confused. If his father was so strong, then why were the bad men able to trap him?

He asked, "Then why didn't he just defeat the bad men?"

Sienna's eyes became icy for a split second before she replied, "It's complicated. But you don't need to worry about that. All you need to know is that your father is alive and that he loves you very much."

Lucas said, "What is his name?"

Sienna said, "I'll tell you, but you have to promise to never say his name aside from when you're with me."

Lucas said, "Promise."

Sienna said, "Your father's name is Charles Romani Shelby."

Lucas muttered, "Hmmm… Lucas Alexander Zenith Shelby… sounds tacky."

Sienna smacked him playfully on his head and said, "Stop it. There is nothing wrong with your name."

Lucas said, "So what exactly is my father's Innate Talent? Is it hereditary like yours?"

Sienna said, "Hmm, his Innate Talent is a secret, but it is related to stars. And yes, it is a hereditary Innate Talent. It has been passed down through the Shelby bloodline for a very long time."

Lucas said, "Come on, Mom! Tell me. I should know about it considering I'm about to awaken it."

Sienna shook her head and said, "No can do, mister. Don't try to convince me otherwise. It won't work. But, now that I know about it, I can start training you. Derek and Noah can also join us since they also have physical Innate Talents."

Lucas asked, "You know what Innate Talents they will awaken?"

Sienna said, "I know Derek's. As for Noah, I already told you. He is experiencing the Call of the Berserk, which usually means a physical Innate Talent."

Lucas said, "But Noah isn't a part of the Student Council."

Sienna said, "Lucas, I've raised you better than this."

Lucas asked, with confusion evident on his face, "What are you talking about? I meant that he has to return to the Academy by evening. Only the Student Council gets to spend the weekend at home."

Sienna said, "Oh… I thought, never mind. You don't have to worry about that. I'll give you a letter, and you just need to give it to Sylvia."

Lucas said, "Alright, but you need to understand that our Dean is stubborn. She is probably not gonna budge on this."

Sienna said, "We'll see."

Lucas shrugged his shoulders, and Sienna said, "Go tell Derek about the training."

Lucas nodded and went to Derek's room. Unbeknownst to him, Sienna hadn't forgotten about the little tax evasion incident his friends had told her about. She took out a napkin and wiped away imaginary tears. 

She said, "Not even twelve and already thinking about tax evasion. Sniff, his father would be so proud. My son is a true Shelby through and through."