Madelyn and I had just left her grandfather's study, and as we wandered through her expansive house, I couldn't help but feel awestruck. If my mind weren't so preoccupied with the impending sense of doom, I would have been truly amazed.
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Madelyn took the time to show me around her enormous home, and I got a glimpse of countless rooms and bathrooms. We even stumbled upon a colossal hot tub room and a well-equipped training room filled with weights. Nearby, there was a room set up like a martial arts studio, perfect for combat training. As we strolled through the halls, I noticed maids and servants bustling about in various attire, each focused on their respective tasks.
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I had seen so much, and yet there was still so much left to explore. Madelyn was meticulously detailing every part of her home, but my attention kept wandering.
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"Ethan, are you okay?" Madelyn asked, breaking my wandering thoughts.
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I smiled at Madelyn, who walked beside me, and replied, "Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just a lot to take in."
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Madelyn shook her head and let out a small laugh. "No need to apologize. Anyone would be overwhelmed by all of this information."
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She placed her right hand on my left shoulder and reassured me, "But always remember, you can ask me for help in navigating all of this." Madelyn's comforting presence offered some solace amidst the chaos.
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Hearing Madelyn say those words made me feel like a superhero, and newfound strength seemed to surge through me, from my head down to my toes. My heart raced, and I couldn't help but feel a burst of joy.
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"Thanks, Madelyn," I exclaimed.
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Madelyn looked at me and grinned. "I'm the one who should be thanking you," she said with a giggle.
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"For what?" I asked, puzzled.
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"You're the first person to stand up to my grandfather on my behalf," Madelyn said softly. I couldn't help but blush, realizing that I'd unintentionally earned some brownie points for bravery.
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I couldn't be sure, but I could have sworn that her cheeks were tinged with a blush.
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"I-I didn't do much," I mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed by her gratitude.
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But Madelyn insisted, "You did. What you did meant so much to me... So thanks."
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The girl I had been daydreaming about for so long was standing right in front of me, smiling, and thanking me. It would've been the best day of my life if today hadn't been so incredibly insane.
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I looked away, my cheeks also turning a faint shade of red, and said, "You're welcome."
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As I felt a new sense of vigor and excitement, I thought, "Maybe everything was going to be alright. I mean, I did get to live with the girl of my dreams, right?" But as I contemplated all these possibilities, my thoughts eventually turned to my mother and my sister. What would they think about all of this?
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"Look, Madelyn..." I began carefully, "I have to go home and explain things to my mom."
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Madelyn stared at me with a look of pity and sadness that left me confused.
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"Ethan," she said, pity evident in her tone, "you can't go home anymore."
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"W-what are you talking about?" I asked, my voice cracking from the shock.
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"Regular pillars don't usually have to face this because they belong to one of the 72 houses. They and everyone in their families are raised as warriors," Madelyn explained with care.
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"As you know, pillars like you and me release a powerful dark aura around ourselves," she continued, her words opening a new chapter of confusion and uncertainty in my life.
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"This aura doesn't only mark us as pillars; it also makes us targets," Madelyn's tone grew more serious. "Demons have the power to sense the darkness that surrounds us, and in doing so, they put us and anyone near us in danger."
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"So you mean..." I began, struggling to grasp the gravity of what she was telling me.
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"That demon knows who you are, he knows your face, and he probably recognizes the signature of your aura," Madelyn explained.
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"Going home isn't the best choice right now," she firmly stated.
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The thought of never seeing my mom or sister again was almost too much to bear. But then, a realization struck me.
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"Wait a minute," I said, my voice filled with a sudden realization.
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Madelyn looked at me with confusion. "What is it?"
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"You said that a demon has the power to sense my aura?" I asked.
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"Yes," Madelyn replied, her eyes locked on mine.
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"Then even if I stay here, there's no guarantee that my family will be safe, right?" I asked, panic welling up inside me.
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Madelyn appeared lost in thought as she pondered my question. She eventually spoke up, "I'm afraid that's true, Ethan. Your aura is very strong, and you've been around and lived with your family for so long that..."
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"That what?" I asked, desperation in my voice.
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"That your aura could possibly linger on those you love," Madelyn answered, and the words sent chills down my spine.
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Without a moment's hesitation, I bolted toward what I hoped was the exit of the massive house. I needed to get home. I needed to ensure my family's safety.
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"Ethan, wait!" I heard Madelyn's voice, screaming from behind, but I couldn't stop. I couldn't leave my family behind, not when their lives might be at stake.
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***
Author notes: Please support my work on Patreon for early access to new chapters. https://patreon.com/DarkMatteromniverse
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