CHAPTER THREE: NEW KID

Selena and Henri's argument was interrupted by a sudden gust of wind. Their attention shifted to the swirling portal taking shape before them. Henri's grip on his staff tightened, ready to defend against unknown threats.

"Sage!" Selena called out, sweat beading on her cheek.

"I know. Stay focused," Henri replied, his eyes fixed on the portal.

Seth emerged with a nonchalant wave, one hand in his pocket. "Yo!"

Selena's anxiety boiled over into anger. "Can't you just appear like everyone else? Must you always make an entrance?"

Seth chuckled. "Dramatic entrance, my dear. Since when did you become concerned about my appearances?"

Henri's bruised face caught Seth's attention. "Caught peeping again, weren't you?"

Henri smirked. "Worth the pain."

Seth's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Did you see her? What's the size of her bosom?"

Selena's face flushed. "That's a lie!"

Seth's teasing pushed her to the limit. "If you move an inch, I'll kill you!" she threatened.

Cold chills ran down Seth's spine as Henri tapped him on the shoulder, breaking the spell.

"You didn't fight him?" Selena asked.

"I did. Why?" Seth replied.

Henri intervened. "You never look good after your fights with Uncle Steve."

Seth's brow furrowed. "I've never lost to him… well, except for that one time…"

Henri clarified, "This is the first time you've returned uninjured."

Seth revealed, "Liam patched me up."

Henri's eyes widened. "You found him?"

Selena's confusion deepened. "Found who? Who's Liam?"

Seth deferred the explanation. "Later. I need to speak with the Sage alone."

Inside Henri's abode, they sat outside, surrounded by the soft glow of lanterns.

"Do you mean Shayla's son?" Henri asked, his voice low.

Seth nodded. "I found him in a cave. He's been living there."

Henri's eyes widened. "But how? The news reported his death alongside his mother."

Seth's expression turned somber. "He survived the assault."

Henri's inquiry held a hint of hope. "What about Shayla? Is she still alive?"

Seth's gaze dropped, his voice heavy with nostalgia. "She didn't make it. I believe she died protecting him."

...…✍️

Shayla, a young woman with piercing crimson red eyes and shoulder-length black hair, stepped through the shimmering portal. She cradled a newborn baby, his tiny features serene.

Seth, mid-training session with Sage Henri, beamed at the sight. "Aww, she's adorable!" He gently poked the baby's cheeks.

Shayla chuckled. "It's a he, Seth. And stop poking his cheeks."

Seth's grin broadened. "Baby boy? Awesome! I'm going to teach him all the coolest moves."

Henri smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Shayla. May I hold him?"

Shayla handed the baby to Henri, but the infant's sudden wail pierced the air. Henri rocked him gently, soothing his cries.

"There, there, little one," Henri whispered. "You're safe now."

As the baby settled into sleep, Seth asked, "Elder sis, does this mean you'll stay here now?"

Shayla's expression turned serious. "No, I'll return to the city with him. We'll visit when he's grown."

Seth's brow furrowed. "Why? Don't you want to raise him here, surrounded by family?"

Shayla's voice dropped to a whisper. "Steve. I won't risk him finding Liam."

Henri's eyes narrowed. "We'll protect you both. You know that."

Shayla shook her head. "I won't put you in danger. Besides, I have a plan to keep Liam safe."

Henri nodded. "We'll support you, Shayla. Always."

Seth asked, "What's his name?"

Shayla hesitated. "I'm thinking of Liam… but I'm unsure."

Henri's eyes sparkled. "Liam is a fine name. Strong and brave."

Sophia cooed, "Look at his cute red eyes, just like yours, Shayla."

Henri smiled. "He has your eyes, Shayla. A true inheritance."

Shayla's cheeks flushed. "Thank you."

Seth teased, "I bet he'll have your fiery temper too."

Shayla playfully rolled her eyes. "Seth, don't give him ideas."

As they shared a warm laugh, Henri looked at Shayla with concern. "You know we'll always be here for you and Liam."

Shayla's voice trembled. "Thank you, Henri. That means everything."

...… ✍️

"Seth, let me guess, you plan on bringing him here, don't you?" Henri asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Yea, he needs to be with his family. After all, that's what Shayla would want. And we don't sleep in caves, living like animals," Seth replied, conviction in his voice.

Henri's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, does he know you're his uncle?"

Seth hesitated. "I don't think so."

Henri's brow furrowed. "How do you intend to tell him?"

Seth shrugged. "I don't know. I'll think of a way when I'm standing in front of him."

With that, Seth disappeared into the shadows.

Henri muttered under his breath, "He's probably going to throw him in here, unprepared and unaware… Steve will sense his presence, and we can't protect him forever."

As Henri's concerns lingered, the darkness seemed to grow thicker, foreboding the challenges ahead.