MODERN MAGICS. Tianyu (Tony) Zhu

for some reason, and yet, he was very lenient towards his own son. The fear that was shining in her eyes made it clear to Damian why she was so tense and preoccupied beforehand.

      “Can’t believe this maggot is gonna join us,” Ethan sneered.

      “I have a reason for bringing him in, Ethan,” The elder spoke calmly. His next words brought Damian to full attention, “If it weren’t for his familial lineage, he would still be rotting in the shelters.”

      “What do you mean?” Damian veered up, “What lineage?” His suddenly loud voice echoed through the hallways.

      He heard a sudden intake of air from Owen behind him and saw a visible flinch on the uncle’s face, which had been as still as a stone mask up until Damian’s outburst.

      At that moment, he knew something had gone off the rails. The room became silent, a bead of sweat rolled down the side of Damian’s face as he looked towards Sapphire and Owen, waiting to see how they would react. Ethan, for some unknown reason, had let out a strange smile, his eyes full of anticipation as he too, looked towards his father.

      A few moments later, the father let out a huge sigh, “We will pursue this issue later, now is not that time.” He stood up and walked towards Damian, brushing past his shoulder as he exited through the hallway, “Owen, help him get settled.” The echoes of his footsteps drew out as he walked further and further away.

      A second of silence later. Owen and Sapphire simultaneously let out a breath of relief, sensing that the uncle had finally walked out of hearing range. “Thank god you’re okay.” Sapphire said, “You have no idea how he could be like sometimes.”

      “Tch,” Ethan spat as he withdrew his anticipation from his face and turned it into an expression of disappointment and disdain, showing just how eager he was to see Damian fall. He quietly strode out of the room towards the direction of his father.

      “Don’t mind him, he’s always like this. He’s a real piece of work.” Owen said, “Now, let me show you your room, it’s gonna take some time to get acclimated here -- you know, after staying in the Shelter.”